THE GUIDE TO YOUR WEEK
In a hurry? Check out this handy guide to what’s on this week in Surrey and Berkshire? Whether you want to get to a gig, or fancy foraging some food and drink workshops, find the best family days out, or take part in a ruddy good run in the countryside – we’ve got it all!
BANG BANG! / UNTIL MARCH 7 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The one and only John Cleese has only gone and written his first stage play, hasn’t he? TheMonty Pythondon-mega and Fawlty Towersfarce-master extraordinaire, Cleese’s adaptation of Monsieur Chasseby Georges Feydeau hits the road this spring, starring Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel from Only Fools and Horses)and Tony Gardner (My Parents are Aliens). Expect comic calamities a-plenty.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WATTS TOTS: PRINT / MARCH 6 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Fancy an arts and crafty kind of morning? For creative kids under 5, visit Watts Gallery on the outskirts of Guildford from 10 – 11 am to explore materials, textures and patterns through playful printing.
For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk
LIVE AT THE MALTINGS / MARCH 6 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
A brand new stand up comedy night arrives at the Farnham Maltings this March, bringing much of the funny stuff in tow. Featuring an outlandish line-up of multiple award-winning comics catch the quick wit and quips of John Robins, Kiri Pritchard-Mclean, Ivo Graham and Olga Koch.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
THUMPER / MARCH 6 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Dublin-based band Thumper heads out on tour this spring, bringing their brand of high-energy garage punk rock to The Boileroom. Featuring no less than four guitars stage front and two drummers, sing-along, sway that hair like you just don’t care, and get ready for a sweaty night of unadulterated dancing.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
HUNDRED WATT CLUB: AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE & VAUDEVILLE / MARCH 6 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The devilishly delicious delights of Hundred Watt Club return for a vaudevillian invasion of Guildford this March. Put a double date in your diaries and try your hand at an alternative life drawing session at The Boileroom before taking a pew at The Electric Theatre the following night for an evening of burlesque entertainments to tantalise the mind.
For more information, visit www.hundredwattclub.com
BOOT RECORDS PRESENTS: MICALL PARKNSUN, THE SCRIBES & OPEN MIC / MARCH 6 / SUBURBS, GUILDFORD
Nod your head, shake your shoulders and make your way to The Suburbs for night of Hip Hop featuring heavyweights in the game, Micall Parknsun, Jazz T, The Scribes and DJs Miracle & Chud (The Steel Devils). Got some rhymes? Take part in an open mic session with hosts Squeaky Da Rixter and Mr Fame.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BootRecords
UNDERCOVER 8: THE FINAL UNDERCOVER FESTIVAL / MARCH 6 – 7 / THE FIERY BIRD, WOKING
Ready for some punk and Oi? Undercover Festival returns to Woking’s Fierybird for two days of non-stop knees-up. In what will be a final hurrah for the festival, catch the likes of Johnny Moped, Subhumans, Roddy Radiation and The Skabilly Rebels, 999, Chelsea, Menace and much, much more.
For more information, visit www.fierybirdvenue.org.uk
KAREN & GORKA: FIREDANCE / MARCH 7 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer are set to send temperatures soaring with their brand new Latin spectacular FIREDANCE, arriving at G Live this March. Expect sequins and feather boas to make way for hot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passionate performances. Backed by an incredible live band featuring Latin musicians, and supported by a dynamic dance ensemble, they will be performing Argentine Tango, Flamenco, Contemporary, Paso Doble, Samba and Salsa.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
DUDE FOOD COOKERY COURSE / MARCH 7 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL, DORKING
Are you a dude? Fed up of not knowing how to cook? Fear not, for the educationally-minded folk of Abinger Cookery School have the perfect antidote to your woes. Sign up to this one-day course and learn how to make a range of delicious dishes to wow your friends and family.
For more information, visit www.abingercookeryschool.com
SCIENCE WEEK / MARCH 7 – 15 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Celebrating science in all its glory, make your way to RHS Garden, Wisley, and find out about the wealth of research being undertaken by their team of scientists. Listen to talks, and join in with a range of workshops and hands-on activities being held throughout the week.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk
WINTER NUTS / MARCH 7 / DORKING
Get wet, wild and downright dirty as the obstacle course of all obstacle courses – Nuts Challenge – returns to the wilds of the Surrey Hills. Choose from 7, 14, 21 or 28k races for a ridiculously fun-fuelled day of fitness.
For more information, visitwww.thenutschallenge.co.uk
SURREY SCORCHERS VS LONDON LIONS / MARCH 7 / SURREY SPORTS PARK, GUILDFORD
Ever been to a basketball game? Enjoy four quarters of end-to-end action as the Surrey Scorchers take on the London Lions in the BBL Championship this March. The Scorchers will be hoping to dent the Lions’ ambition to be crowned league champions, as well as adding some valuable points to their ever-improving tally.
For more information, visit www.surreyscorchers.co.uk
LONDON’S CHILDREN’S BOOK SWAP 2020 / MARCH 7 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Coinciding with the weekend of World Book Day, be inspired by books and head for this book swap at Rose Theatre, Kingston. Running since 2012, London Children’s Book Swap is a free event taking place at arts and cultural venues across the city. Bring a book, grab a book, and replenish your personal library.
For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org
THE RICHMOND BEAR ADVENTURES / MARCH 7 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Get ready for an adventure, and join Frank the Richmond Bear for an informal and informative storytelling session that’ll serve as the perfect introduction to Richmond Theatre. Celebrate the start of Spring as Frank’s storytelling tour tracks the feline friends and curious creatures of Richmond Theatre.
For more information, visit www.atgtickets.com
ROYAL STORYTIME: WORLD BOOK DAY EVENTS / MARCH 7 / WINDSOR CASTLE
Celebrate World Book Day and wander over to Windsor Castle for a royal storytime. Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong in the majestic environs of the Waterloo Chamber, and listen to a story that’ll weave together some of the most treasured children’s books of our time. Storytelling sessions take place at 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm.
For more information, visit www.rct.uk
WORLD BOOK DAY / MARCH 7 – 8 / MORDEN HALL PARK
For a literary feast, find your way to Morden Hall Park and celebrate World Book Day. Taking place across the weekend, kids aged 3+ can join swap books and enjoy storytelling sessions, while slightly older kids aged 6+ can write and illustrate their very own stories.
For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
MERCER SURREY HALF MARATHON / MARCH 8 / WOKING – GUILDFORD
Regarded as one of the UK’s best half marathon road races, sign up, set goals and beat PBs – all whilst raising money for a multitude of charities. Or, if you’re just planning to watch, be sure to check out the route so that you know where to go to support all the racers.
For more information, visit www.aat-events.com
CHLOE FOY / MARCH 8 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Celebrating International Women’s Day, The Boileroom hosts a trio of exceptional female music-makers this March. Capturing the attention of listeners both in the UK and across the pond in the US, headliner Chloe Foy brings her breathtakingly beautiful songs to the fore this month, with support coming from the awesome Martha St Arthur and Claudia Kate.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
JACK DEE: OFF THE TELLY / MARCH 8 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Returning to the stage with his brand new stand-up show, the dulcet tones of that man ‘Off The Telly’, Jack Dee, can be heard at the Rose Theatre this March. Listen to Mr Dee wax lyrical about the laborious nature of his life on stage and screen for an evening of hilarious entertainment.
For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org
STORY CAFÉ – THE KISS THAT MISSED / MARCH 8 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Bring a cushion and a cuddly toy, and settle down for a creative storytelling session in Walton this March. Enjoy David Melling’s The Kiss That Missed,and discover if the brave and fearless knight will complete his mission to recover the goodnight kiss that has gone missing.
For more information, visit www.riverhousebarn.co.uk.
CHOCOLATE FAIR / MARCH 8 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
For connoisseurs of cocoa and general chocolate enthusiasts alike, enjoy a mouthwatering day spent at this delectable Chocolate Fair held at Denbies Wine Estate in March. Meet an array of artisan chocolatiers vying for your taste-buds’ attention before trying, buying – and attempting not to eat everything in sight.
For more information, visit www.denbies.co.uk
EDUCATING RITA / MARCH 9 – 14 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD + MARCH 24 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Written by Willy Russell, one of Britain’s best comedies, Educating Rita, is on tour this March. Previously adapted for the award-winning film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, see Stephen Tompkinson reprise the role of Frank, and get set for a night of hilarious and heartwarming storytelling.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
FORAGING WITH RACHEL DE THAMPLE / MARCH 10 / PETERSHAM NURSERIES, RICHMOND
Fancy learning about the art of foraging? Join chef and forager Rachel de Thample for a day celebrating wild food, and discover which green-leaved foodstuffs you can forage for yourself this spring. After an introduction, set out on a foraging walk around Kew before returning to the classroom to taste and learn about 12 seasonal wild foods. Finish the day by learning how to make dandelion kimchi to take home and store in your kitchen larder.
For more information, visit www.petershamnurseries.com
BREWERY TOUR / MARCH 11 / TWICKENHAM FINE ALES
A certified institution in the local food and drink landscape, hop on board a brewery tour this March and discover more about Twickenham Fine Ales. Learn how they brew their beer, sample some tasty ale, and meet like-minded lovers of the wet stuff.
For more information, visit www.twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk
TOKEN MAN COMEDY / MARCH 11 / THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM
A regular fixture on the events calendar of The Exchange in Twickenham, the Token Man Comedy Club returns for a night of the good stuff. With regular line-ups that seek to feature some of the best female comedians on the stand-up comedy circuit – along with a ‘Token Man’ included for good measure – get your giggle on to the quick wits of Suzi Ruffell, Kate Lucas, Carrieanne and Darren Altman.
For more information, visit www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk
CONSERVATION OPEN STUDIO / MARCH 12 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Enjoy a rare insight into the art of conservation at Watts Gallery Artists’ Village. See the conservation studio in action, speak to the resident De Laszlo Conservation Fellow Sally Marriott, and find out about the ongoing conservation work being done at Watts Gallery.
For more information, visit www.wattsgallery.org.uk
LUCY PORTER: BE PREPARED / MARCH 12 – 13 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Heading out around the country with her brand new show Be Prepared, stand-up comedian and TV favourite Lucy Porter returns with a laugh-out-loud look at how to ready oneself for some of life’s more unique challenges. Catch her chat about being in the Brownies, and dancing around with Wotsits up her nose.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
WINDSOR FESTIVAL SPRING LEAP: ZIMBE! / MARCH 12 / ST GEORGE’S CHAPEL, WINDSOR CASTLE
Windsor Festival returns to our cultural calendar with its Spring installment of performances and creative workshops taking place across the borough. Featuring performances from the choirs of St George’s School, joined by The Queen’s Six, Jazz Quintet and the St George’s School Community Choir, expect an evening of vibrant African songs, set in the splendour of St George’s Chapel.
For more information, visit www.windsorfestival.com
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: IN CHARGE! / MARCH 13 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Aficionados of improvised comedy, comic quartet The Noise Next Door are back on tour with their brand new show In Charge! Expect hilarious scenes; mind-blowing songs and finely-tuned anarchy.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / MARCH 13 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Whether you’re a regular scribbler, doodler or a fine art aficionado – or perhaps just looking to start something new – then why not pop along to The Lightbox in Woking and join fellow aspiring artists for some inspirational drawing around the museum and gallery space. Tools are provided, and booking is essential.
For more information, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk
THE URBAN FOLK QUARTET / MARCH 13 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
From folk-rock to folk-pop, there’s a lot of folking noise around. So what might one expect from a night with The Urban Folk Quartet? Mashing together an eclectic palette of sonic soundscapes, expect this fiddle-led troupe to fuse folk with dub, funk, Afrobeat and north-Indian rhythms that come together seamlessly, with folk featuring at the core of it all. This is folk – but not as you know it!
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB: HARRY HILL’S CAVEMAN – A WORK PLAY IN PROGRESS / MARCH 13, 16 + 17 / CORNERHOUSE THEATRE, SURBITON
The voice of You’ve Been Framedand star of TV comedy shows galore, the one and only Harry Hill will be providing audiences with a glimpse of his latest playwork in progress, Caveman,at the Cornerhouse Theatre in Surbiton this month. Choose from the multiple dates on offer, and get a ticket quick before it sells out.
For more information, visit www.outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
MARCH FOR VETERANS / MARCH 14 / WINDSOR GREAT PARK
Raising money for Blind Veterans UK, march the ten-mile route through historic Windsor Great Park this month and get fit at the same time. Starting and finishing at the Saville Building, enjoy a picturesque setting – and keep an eye out for glimpses of the resident herd of deer.
For more information, visit www.blindveterans.org.uk
WORLD’S FIRST DUPLO ROLLERCOASTER / MARCH 14 / LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT
The colourful toddler wonderland of DUPLO Valley will welcome a new show and play area alongside the world’s first DUPLO rollercoaster this March. A favourite with little ones, outdoor play area Brickville will become DUPLO® Playtown, complete with a brand new rocket play structure. Budding astronauts can enjoy the interactive play panels, rope climbs and slides, and for those who reach the top there’s a button with a ‘3, 2, 1 blast off!’ countdown. Families can also take to the skies at the new look DUPLO Valley Airport, with three new coloured helicopters for little pilots to choose from.
For more information, visit www.legoland.co.uk
REAL ALE TRAIN / MARCH 14 + 28 / ALTON STATION
All aboard the Real Ale Train! If you’re looking for a different kind of day out, look no further than the Real Ale Train boarding on the Watercress Line in March. Starting and finishing at Alton Station, hop on board and get a serving or real ale from the restored bar carriage before tucking into a tasty plate of food in the name of sustenance.
For more information, visit www.watercressline.co.uk
VINTAGE FASHION FAIR / MARCH 14 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Vintage joie de vivre!Spend a leisurely Saturday browsing and buying from the many stalls of beautiful vintage clothing, shoes, handbags, hats, jewelleryand textiles. All authentically vintage, and dating from the 1900s– 1980s, this fabulous fair offers wearable vintage at affordable prices, and a selection of vintage designer labels. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR / MARCH 14 – 15 / SANDOWN PARK, ESHER
The Contemporary Arts Fair comes to Sandown Park in Esher this March for a weekend of exhibitions, workshops anddemonstrations. Peruse and purchase unique works of art, as well as meeting the artists themselves. From £40 to £4,000, find something that meets your budget, and be inspired by contemporary art.
For more information, visit www.contemporaryartfairs.co.uk
THE QUEEN’S SIX / MARCH 14 / WINDSOR GUILDHALL
Forming part of Her Majesty’s own choir at St George’s Chapel Windsor, experience the beautiful harmonies created by The Queen’s Six within the atmospheric environs of Windsor’s Guildhall. Book tickets quick, before an expected sell-out performance.
For more information, visit www.windsor.gov.uk
STUART LAWS IS ALL IN / MARCH 14 / THE OLD COURT, WINDSOR
Enjoy a Saturday night of stand-up comedy and head for The Old Court to be entertained by the gilet-wearing stand-up, viral Twitter superstar Stuart Laws. Asking life’s biggest questions, like whether he is a winner or a loser, his latest show is all about making difficult decisions, choosing different paths and ‘gettin’ jiggy wit’ it’.
For more information, visit www.oldcourt.org
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