WHATS ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY
Back once again, like the ever dependable what’s on guide that you’ve come to love and, ahem, depend on… it is of course that time of the week where we drop our proverbial mic’s and proffer to you, dear reader, a complete guide to what’s on this week in Surrey and beyond. Take note, press some buttons, make some enquiries, and just like that, you’ve got yourself some good times in the bag to look forward to… Oh, and don’t forget to tell them GuideTo sent you!
GSC PRESENT: TALES FROM HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN / OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 6 / ST NICOLAS’ CHURCH, GUILDFORD
This autumn, the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company invite you to join them on a musical journey of discovery full of light and laughter and some of the best-loved tales of all time. GSC brings seven of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories to life in a brand-new stage adaptation with original music and lyrics, staged in the Victorian St Nicolas’ Church, in central Guildford. Inspired by the story of The Little Match-Girl and set in the present day, GSC Associate Playwright Ant Stones (Grimms’ Fairy Tales, Alice in Wonderland) weaves together four other favourite tales (The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea, Thumbelina) with two rarer stories of The Darning Needle and The Puppet Showman.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
IGNITE / OCTOBER 22 – NOVEMBER 7 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
For a visual spectacle to behold, head on over to the estate of historic Polesden Lacey for the essential after-dark experience that is Ignite. Follow the trail of lights and lanterns and be enchanted by the fantasy and magic as you wander through flickering flames with your friends and family. Not to be missed. Book some tickets quick.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
PYO PUMPKIN WEEK / OCTOBER 23 – 30 / SECRETTS FARM, MILFORD
Possibly our favourite pastime when it comes to Halloween is the picking, carving, and painting of pumpkins. Nothing quite says ‘Halloween’ like a giant pumpkin, lit incandescently to reveal a frightening face. So head to Secrett’s Farm in Milford from the 23rd to October 30 and enjoy the adventure of seeking out your very own pumpkin to take home and transform into a terrifying jack’ o’ lantern.
For more information, visit secretts.co.uk
OCTOBER HALF TERM GHOST TRAIL / OCTOBER 23 – 31 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Where better suited to a ghost trail than the historic environs of Hampton Court Palace? The walls of Henry VIII’s old stomping ground have witnessed their fair share of frightening events in their time, and this half term, you can go on a special ghost trail to discover the ghostly stories that have given the Hampton Court Palace its spooky reputation.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
FAIRY DOORS AT PAINSHILL / OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 14 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Little wooden fairy doors will be hidden around the landscape garden for families to find this autumn. Seek and you shall find a magical adventure for the little one’s in your life. Price included in general admission tickets.
For more information, visit painshillpark.co.uk
AUTUMN HALF-TERM / UNTIL 31 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Wander into The Enchanted Woodland of Watts Gallery Artists’ Village on the outskirts of Guildford this half term and take part in autumnal activities and some creepy crafts with clay. Suitable for ages 5+, daily sessions take place at 10.30 – 11.30 am, 1 – 2 pm and 3 – 4 pm at the cost of £3 per child.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
AUTUMN CARNIVAL / OCTOBER 26 – 31 / RHS GARDEN WISLEY
Find out how the autumn season is celebrated around the world this half-term as RHS Garden, Wisley celebrates with a range of activities and trails. Then, the weekend before half term (23 + 24), the autumn circus will arrive with thrilling performances taking place in the big top marquee.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
THE SMEDS AND SMOOS / OCTOBER 27 – 31 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
A stellar new show based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? Enjoy music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone aged three and up this half term.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
WOODLAND FEAST OVER FIRE / OCTOBER 28 + 29 / THE SALTBOX, PRIORY FARM ESTATE, REDHILL
For an alternative to dining out in the town’s latest eateries, head for the woods of Priory Farm and join wild food specialists The Salt Box for a woodland feast cooked over the fire in the great outdoors. Meet fellow intrepid foodies whilst sampling the very best in local and seasonal produce.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
COBHAM PLAYERS PRESENT: BARBECUE + UNDER MILKWOOD / OCTOBER 28 – 30 / COBHAM VILLAGE HALL
After more than 18 months away, Cobham’s finest amateur dramatic society, the Cobham Players, return to the stage this autumn with a double-bill of two fantastic plays. Enjoy two one-act plays in the form of Stephen Scheurer’s Barbecue and Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood (abridged).
For more information, visit cobhamplayers.org.uk
LIGHTBOX LATES / OCTOBER 28 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
On the last Thursday of the month, the Lightbox in Woking keeps their doors open for a bit longer as the Lightbox Late sessions return. Featuring a range of monthly meets for like-minded folk to assemble, choose from The Lightbox Book Group (6 pm) and Poetry Open Mic Night (8 pm). And especially for October, enjoy a Halloween Special as paranormal expert Marq English tells some Woking Ghost Stories.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
HALLOWEEN FRANKENSTEIN BROWNIES / OCTOBER 29 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Suitable for little horrors aged 5 – 10, follow the fiendish path to Farnham Maltings this Halloween and make some devilishly delicious Frankenstein Brownies. Add bolts, bandages, spiders and stitches to your brownies to take home and serve to your ghoulish gang. Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
HUNDRED WATT CLUB / OCTOBER 29 / THE SHED @ WHITEHILL & BORDON
Join the acclaimed Hundred Watt Club at The Shed in Whitehill & Bordon for a bold and brash night of burlesque. Get set for a naughty night as a cast of curious folk take to the stage for Halloween themed burlesque and vaudeville show. Hosted by the lewd and crude Aunty Mae, expect a spine-tingling striptease from showgirl Velvet Jones, dizzying circus stunts from world-record holder Chi Chi Revolver, spooky showgirl Serafina Heart strutting her stuff, and madcap duo Griffin and Jones give you a glimpse into their topsy turvy world. Sounds fun, right? Book some tickets quick.
For more information, visit theshedwb.com
JAVIER JARQUIN: CARD NINJA / OCTOBER 30 / THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM
Prepare for a Shogun showdown in the dojo with the Card Ninja. Wowing you with his ninja skills, together with deadly and risky card flicking tricks, catch this crazy show at The Exchange in Twickenham this half term holiday.
For more information, visit exchangetwickenham.co.uk
HALLOWEEN STORYTELLING / OCTOBER 30 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM, TILFORD
The Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford will host a special spooky storytelling session this Halloween. Join award-winning storyteller Jason Buck for a terrifying tale or two with a session for little ones aged 7+ and a second session for slightly older beasts aged 12+. An outdoor event, dress suitably for the season. Pre-booked tickets are essential.
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
THE JUKEBOX & RETRO FAIR / OCTOBER 30 – 31 / CHESSINGTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Before the days of Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, if you were out and about at your local café and pub, you, the customer and consumer may have feasibly selected the tunes that you and your fellow patrons would listen to via the Jukebox. This magical music machine might contain hundreds of records to trawl through for you to be DJ for the evening. So get back to those retro days and head for The Jukebox & Retro Fair in Chessington for a day of non-stop nostalgia.
For more information, visit jukeboxfair.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: INDIA ELECTRIC CO. / OCTOBER 30 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Grayshott Folk Club invites emerging indie-pop folk duo India Electric Co. to the stage this month for a night of blissful tunes. Local music fans are advised to watch them in a small local venue while they still can.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FAMILY RACEDAY / OCTOBER 30 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
One of the regions largest firework displays, Ascot Racecourse will be holding their famed Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday again this year. Taking place on the spooky date of October 30, expect your fair share of halloween themed tricks or treats. Enrol in Magician School or try the Slippery Slime Workshop before watching the display at 6.30pm
For more information, visit ascot.co.uk
THE ALLERGIES / OCTOBER 31 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
This October, the Bristol-based hip-hop, funk and soul duo The Allergies bring the flavours to The Boileroom in Guildford. Usually found mixing it up on the turntables, The Allergies bring with them the full live band experience promising a night of much partying to the people, expect them to be dropping plenty of tunes from their latest album, Promised Land.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
MALTINGS YOUNG CRAFTERS: 10 – 15 YEARS / NOVEMBER 1 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Taking place weekly at 4 pm, young creatives should make their way to Farnham Maltings for the Young Crafters workshop. Explore and develop your artistic skills in a fun environment led by professional tutors and artists.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
BRICK OR TREAT / NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 31 / LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT
Back for 2021, take part in the Brick or Treat trail to find Monster Rocker’s hidden Halloween surprises. Download the LEGOLAND App and solve the clues before heading to the Creepy Crypt to receive a goody bag from Lord Vampyre’s Butler. Each goody bag includes a mini LEGO® pumpkin which guests can take home and build.
For more information, visit legoland.co.uk
WILLY MASON / NOVEMBER 2 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
The quite wonderful Willy Mason comes to The Boileroom in Guildford for an evening of heartfelt and thought-provoking lyricism delivered in the humble and husky tones that could New York state born Mason is known for. Catch him playing tracks from his latest album, Already Dead.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS / NOVEMBER 3 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
They’re so lovely; merchants of pop-rock, Scouting For Girls come to Guildford’s G Live this month, playing tracks from their ridiculously catchy back catalogue as well as some new ones from their latest release, Easy Covers.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE UNREMARKABLE DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE / NOVEMBER 4 – 5 / MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD
Monroe, as we’ve never seen her before, alone in her bedroom, in dressing gown and slippers. No glitz, no glamour, no masks. Overdosed on pills, the woman behind the icon unravels her remarkable life and bares all, revealing a biting intelligence, a frustrated talent and an imperfect body. A stark confessional, offering a radical interpretation of the Hollywood icon’s life until the moment of her untimely death.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
THE SEVEN POMEGRANATE SEEDS / NOVEMBER 4 – 20 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
The Seven Pomegranate Seeds takes seven contemporary stories grounded in prominent, mythical origins, directed by Melly Still and starring Niamh Cusack and Shannon Hayes. Persephone, Hypsipyle, Medea, Alcestis, Phaedra, Creusa and Demeter, the women of Euripides’ plays, are reimagined as people of today in an unexpected fusion of celebrity, inappropriate desires, historical police investigations and missing children. A severed maternal bond threads each story, charting a journey through rage and redemption towards a compelling conclusion.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
LUISA OMIELAN: GOD IS A WOMAN / NOVEMBER 4 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
With shows such as What Would Beyonce Do, Am I Right Ladies and Politics For Bitches, Luisa Omeilan is the bringer of brilliantly funny beacons bursting with guidance and inspiration to her fellow human beings. Bringing her latest show, God is a Woman, to Camberley Theatre this November, bag yourself a ticket quick and get ready to laugh your socks off.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
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BEARDYMAN / NOVEMBER 5 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Beatboxer-extraordinaire, the one and only Beardyman, arrives at The Boileroom in Guildford this November, bringing with him beats and sounds to astound one and all. Winner of the UK Beatbox Championships in 2006, festival favourite Beardyman has gone on to win countless awards and accolades. So snap up a ticket quick and prepare to party.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
THIS IS THE KIT / NOVEMBER 5 / GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Makers of melodic folk music that’ll leave you enchanted for days on end, This Is The Kit are finally heading out on tour to celebrate the release of the latest, highly acclaimed album Off Off On. Playing Guildford Cathedral this November, get set for an atmospheric night of dreamy folk in the unique setting of the Cathedral.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
THE PERFECT ROAST – ONE DAY COOKERY COURSE / NOVEMBER 5 / THE ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL, DORKING
Learn how to make the most delicious roast dinner from those in the know at this one-day cookery course in Abinger. Get a step by step guide to cooking all those tasty trimmings and wow your friends and family with your newfound skills on a chilly weekend this November.
For more information, visit abingercookeryschool.com
THAMES MEANDER HALF MARATHON & MARATHON / NOVEMBER 6 / YMCA HAWKER CENTRE, KINGSTON
Legs at the ready as the Thames Meander Half Marathon and Marathon returns this November. A fast, flat and scenic race, start and finish at the YMCA Hawker Centre HQ while taking in the sights of London from the Thames Path in between.
For more information, visit www.hermesrunning.com
SPONTANEOUS POTTER + SPONTANEOUS POTTER KIDZ / NOVEMBER 6 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
For kids and big kids alike, fans of Harry Potter need to attend this Spontaneous Potter Kidz show at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. Receiving rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe and now touring the world with their improvised comedy show, you, the audience, throw your story suggestions to the stage and wait for the magic to unfold. Expect much laughing, much music, and a mighty fine afternoon of funny theatre. Kids not as keen on Potter as you are? Check out the adult show on the evening of the same date.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
THE WHISKEY AFFAIR / NOVEMBER 6 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
An ode to this discerning drink of choice, celebrate whiskey with a day of celebration, education, and perhaps some kind of inebriation. Discover a plethora of producers from far and wide, all vying for the attention of your taste buds. Then, enjoy masterclasses, tasters, live music and more at G Live in Guildford.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
TANNAHILL WEAVERS / NOVEMBER 6 / GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB, GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Enjoy a right ol’ knees up at the Grayshott Folk Club this month as Scotland’s finest, Tannahill Weavers, travel south of the border to perform. A traditional folk/pipe band, expect to be ceilidh dancing the night away.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
YOUSEF / NOVEMBER 6 / THIRTY3HZ, GUILDFORD
Guildford’s boutique nightclub Thirty3Hz are no strangers to welcoming some of the finest selectors on the planet to their humble home. This month, one of Britain’s most respected DJs, Yousef, arrives to provide the beats to make your feet freak on the dance floor.
For more information, visit thirty3hz.com
A TASTE OF DENBIES GAME EVENING / NOVEMBER 6 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
Discover a world of game with this special menu at Denbies this month. The evening’s food will be paired with the estate’s award-winning wines, featuring Denbies’ IWC Gold Award-winning sparkling Greenfields and their trophy-winning Noble Harvest dessert wine.
For more information, visit denbies.co.uk
DORKING TOWN ARTISAN MARKET / NOVEMBER 7 / ST. MARTIN’S WALK CAR PARK, DORKING
The monthly Dorking Artisan Market celebrates the very best local products made by small businesses and artisanal producers. With the next market being held in St Martin’s Walk Car Park from 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday, November 7, browse a huge variety of stalls including junktiques, arts and crafts, artisan food and drink and vintage brocante and meet the fascinating local traders behind the businesses. With free Sunday parking and entry to the market also free, Dorking Artisan Market provides the perfect excuse for a day out in Dorking and a stroll to discover the town’s independent shops, cafes and businesses.
For more information, visit dorkingtownpartnership.co.uk
COUNTRYSIDE DAY / NOVEMBER 7 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
Jump back to Sandown Park on Countryside Day – Sunday, November 7. Marking the return of Jump racing for the 2021/22 season with a heart-pounding, mud splattering afternoon of on-track action coupled with entertainment for all the family. So bring the little ones along and enjoy a petting farm, autumn crafting and face painting – a brilliant day for all the family to enjoy!
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk
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