THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Looking for something to do this December? From the expected seasonally-inspired events that beckon, to the not so seasonal nights of comedy, theatre and live music – find some dates for your diary and discover a plethora of nights out in Surrey courtesy of our monthly guide to entertainment…
SINDERS THE ADULT PANTO / NOVEMBER 27 – JANUARY 11 / THE BACK ROOM, THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Sweeping us in the basement from the rear, the oh-so naughty Guildford Fringe once again presents its adult panto for discerning audience members. Coming to the fore this festive season, take a peek as Sindersgets a taste of the action. Will the handsome prince slide into Sinders’ DMs, or will the ugly stepsisters get in the way of true love’s course?
For more information, visit www.guildfordfringe.com
CRAFT IN FOCUS: CONTEMPORARY CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR / NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 1 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
For those keen on creative curiosities, meet with craftspeople and stallholders gathered from around the country at the Christmas Contemporary Craft and Design Fair this month. Get set for some festive shopping in the beautiful grounds of West Horsley Place, and be inspired by some brilliant arts and crafts.
For more information, visit www.craftinfocus.com
LIGHT OUR SKY LANTERN PARADE / NOVEMBER 30 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Take part in the Light Our Sky Parade this November, and light up the night sky with a carnival of woodland animals. With the parade leaving from the Electric Theatre at 4.30 pm, join in with the festivities and make your way through the town, accompanied by the sound of live music from bands performing in the procession.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
CHRISTMAS FAIR / NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 1 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING]
Visit The Lightbox in Woking for this festive Arts and Crafts Fair, and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. It features a variety of hand made crafts, including jewellery, paintings, glasswork and ceramics. Enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and live music, while browsing the original pieces on sale.
For more information, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk
GODALMING CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL / NOVEMBER 30 / HIGH STREET, GODALMING
Enjoy Godalming’s annual Christmas Festival and lights switch-on with this all-day fiesta of all things festive. Browse the stalls in search of Christmas gifts, or simply soak up the Yuletide atmosphere.
For more information, visit www.godalming-tc.gov.uk
SURREY PRIDE: WINTER PRIDE 2019 / DECEMBER 1 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
After the success of Surrey’s first Pride event in August, Winter Pride arrives at the Electric Theatre in Guildford this December. Taking place on World AIDS Day, this all-day celebration will feature three shows of amazing live music, comedy, drag acts, and entertainment for everyone. Get involved, and snap up a ticket quick.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 1 / DORKING HALLS
For a spot of Christmas shopping, HandPICKED returns with its popular Christmas Market, held at Dorking Halls. Enjoy free entry, before browsing and buying your gifts, all the while listening to local choirs carolling and setting the scene for the festive season ahead.
For more information, visit www.handpickedfordorking.life
CHRISTMAS MOVIES AT EVERYMAN CINEMA / 1 – 17 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER
Love Christmas movies? Me too. Get your fix of festive classics, showing on selected dates throughout December at the excellent Everyman Cinema in Esher. Get in the mood, and choose from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone, Gremlins, The Muppet Christmas Caroland Elf, before sitting back on the oh-so-comfy sofas and tucking into a tasty menu that’ll be brought to your seats ready for the screening.
For more information, visit www.everymancinema.com
LADY BIRD / DECEMBER 2 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Let loose and head to The Boileroom for a night of no-nonsense punk, courtesy of Lady Bird. The first band signed to Slaves’ Girl Fight Records label, expect heavy rock riffs a-plenty, accompanied by a sprinkling of the southern charm typically associated with Ian Drury, Blur and The Streets.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
LUXURY CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 3 / CHANGING PERCEPTIONS, GODALMING
Be the envy of your neighboursby creating a beautiful festive decoration to hang on the door of your homestead. Enjoy a full demonstration on how to create the perfect wreath, and then take the plunge yourself. Prosecco and festive treats will be served throughout.
For more information, visit www.meath.org.uk
NIGHT TERRORS / DECEMBER 5 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
For a spooky Friday night, join Gerrard Logan for an evening of spine-tingling tales of the supernatural, courtesy of E F Benson’s brilliantly terrifying Night Terrorsstories.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
WHO SLEIGHED SANTA? / DECEMBER 5 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
In need of a last-minute Christmas party? For aspiring detectives, or for those with a penchant for plotting, get your kicks at this seasonal murder mystery party night, as you seek for the scallywag that sleighed Santa.
For more information, visit www.denbies.co.uk
FESTIVE MONOPRINTING WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 6 / THE SALT BOX, PRIORY FARM ESTATE
Get arty and crafty, and head to The Salt Box HQ on Priory Farm Estate near Reigate for an afternoon of festive mono-printing. Led by Ellie Green, founder of Surrey Art School, learn how to carve your very own lino-stamp before using natural objects to print and truly personalizing your gift tags and cards this year. Following the workshop, sit down and share a seasonal-style lunch, lovingly made by the Salt Box team.
For more information, visit www.wearethesaltbox.co.uk
THE ANDY JOHNSON MOVIE POSTER COLLECTION AUCTION / DECEMBER 6 / EWBANK’S AUCTION HOUSE, WOKING
If you’re looking for something special for your home, or simply looking for something to give to your movie-mad Uncle Mark, then head for this awesome movie poster auction at Ewbank’s. From James Bond to Bride of Frankenstein, discover hundreds of vintage posters and pick yourself up a unique piece of history.
For more information, visit www.ewbanksauctions.co.uk
VEGAN & ECO LIVING CHRISTMAS FAYRE / DECEMBER 8 / BOROUGH HALL, GODALMING
If you’re keen on cutting down on the potential carbon boot- print that lies in wait this Christmas, head for the Vegan & Eco-Living Christmas Fayre in Godalming and discover a sustainable way to give gifts. Featuring ethical gifts, zero-waste stalls and vegan food, as well as various drop-in workshops throughout the day, shop consciously and take extra-special care of Mother Earth this month (and always).
For more information, visit www.surreyhills.org
WALTON FOLK – LUCY WARD: WINTER SOLSTICE / DECEMBER 8 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Fancy a Sunday afternoon of festive folk music? Sit back and relax with BBC award-winning songwriter Lucy Ward, as she performs a collection of festive song from age-old traditions, as well as original material.
For more information, visit www.riverhousebarn.co.uk
FESTIVE BEESWAX WRAPS WORKSHOP / DECEMBER 8 / THE SALT BOX, PRIORY FARM
Looking to give a gift that keeps on giving? Learn how to make the perfect eco-gift, and head for this Beeswax Wrap Workshop at The Salt Box. A great alternative for keeping mince pies and other foodstuffs fresh, reduce your single-use plastic in the kitchen, and encourage friends and family to do the same.
For more information, visit www.wearethesaltbox.co.uk
ADAM ANT / DECEMBER 9 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Stand and Deliver before making your way to Guildford’s G Live, as the legendary highwayman and much loved new-romantic Adam Ant arrives with his troupe of bandits and vagabonds for a night of classic 80s music.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
BEANS ON TOAST / DECEMBER 10 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Cult singer-songwriter and voice of the people, Beans On Toast, comes to the Boileroom in Guildford this December. Singing folk songs in search of hope and change, catch songs from his latest album ‘The Inevitable Train Wreck’ as well as plenty of ditties from his back catalogue.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
FIVE STAR SWING AT CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 11 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Swing ‘n’ sing along into Christmas with a special Swing Time Christmas show at Cranleigh Arts Centre. Listen to your favourite festive big-band hits synonymous with the season, and get set to swing your heart out.
For more information, visit www.cranleighartscentre.org
ROSE CHRISTMAS SNOWBALL / DECEMBER 11 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
There’s nothing quite like the sound of angelic choirs singing Christmas carols. In what is sure to be one of London’s finest carol concerts this side of the Thames, the hotly-anticipated return of the Rose Christmas Snowball features local choirs and music groups singing modern arrangements and traditional songs, led by choir director Mary Bourne.
For more information, visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org
WARM-UP FOR CHRISTMAS WITH ACADEMIX / DECEMBER 12 / THE BACK ROOM, THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Warm your cockles, and set the festive tone with a cappellagroup Academix. Perfect for fans of The Swingle Singers or the movie Pitch Perfect, catch the group perform a range of festive ditties to inspire the soul and get you in the mood in the run-up to Christmas.
For more information, visit www.guildfordfringe.com
MITCH BENN: 10 SONGS TO SAVE THE WORLD / DECEMBER 13 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The super-funny, award-winning musical satirist Mitch Benn arrives on stage at the Electric Theatre this month, with 10 songs to fix our broken world. With a sackful of silly rhymes and songs to make you stop and think, sit back and enjoy a night of musical comedy this December.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
CARA DILLON: UPON A WINTER’S NIGHT / DECEMBER 13 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Irish songstress and celebrated folk musician Cara Dillon performs a collection of magical and memorable songs at The Maltings this month. A festive experience, filled with ancient and modern songs that conjure the sounds of mid-winter, this is an evening of music not to be missed.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL / DECEMBER 13 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Celebrate the season, and make your way to Grayshott Folk Club’s annual Christmas Special. Featuring live performances from duo Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, support on the night comes from traditional folk trio Rosewood.
For more information, visit www.grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH / DECEMBER 14 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Looking to create a Christmas wreath? These fun and festive workshops will help you fashion your very own decorative offering to hang upon your own front door, or to give as a gift.
For more information, visit www.cranleighartscentre.org
COPPER EMBOSSED CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS / DECEMBER 14 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Want to create some unique Christmas decorations to hang on your tree? Head for this festive Copper Embossed workshop at the Farnham Maltings. Choose from half-day or full-day workshops, and learn how to create copper squares to be placed on cards, wire and wood. Booking in advance is advised.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION / DECEMBER 14 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Feeling the inevitable stress that the festive season so capably creates? Escape the drama, and take part in a mindfulness meditation session at The Boileroom. Calm your mind, and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
CHRISTMAS ART & CRAFT FAIR / DECEMBER 14 / SHERE VILLAGE HALL
Discover Surrey’s vibrant arts and crafts scene and head for this Christmas Fair, held from 11 am – 3 pm in the oh-so scenic village of Shere. Find unique handmade crafts to give to your loved ones, and tick off your Christmas list with locally sourced gifts.
For more information, visit www.surreyvillagesartandcraft.co.uk
INDOOR FESTIVE MARKET / DECEMBER 15 / CELLAR MAGNEVAL, WOKING
The delightful Français-inspired hideaway of Cellar Magneval in Woking will transform itself into an indoor Christmas market for one day only. It’s perfect for purchasing your Christmas party food, mulled wine, cheese, nibbles and gifts for Christmas. How you spoil us, Cellar Magneval!
For more information, visit www.cellarmagneval.com
SCRIPTEASE: THE BISHOP’S WIFE / DECEMBER 17 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
For an altogether different kind of night at the theatre, LynchPin presents its popular ScripTease night at the Electric Theatre this month. Adapted from the best Christmas movie you’ve never seen, sit back and listen to a rehearsed reading of the LUX radio version of The Bishop’s Wife, the 1947 film which was nominated for five Oscars.
For more information, visit www.electric.theatre
ADAM KAY: ‘TWAS THE NIGHTSHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 18 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Get ready for the festive season with a healthy dose of funny, as Adam Kay reveals his hilarious observations from Christmas times behind hospital lines. A love letter to all those who get baubles and fairy lights stuck in all sorts of bodily places they shouldn’t, listen to Adam’s stories from his time working in hospitals, and thank your lucky Christmas stars they’re not about you.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
A WREATH OF FESTIVE FRIGHTS / DECEMBER 18 / MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD
For a night of seasonal stories that’ll scare you silly, join ‘resting’ actor Alfred St John Merrimoon as he tells some unsettling tales that’ll spook and terrify your soul.
For more information, visit www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
MILTON JONES: MILTON IMPOSSIBLE / DECEMBER 19 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
One man. One mission. Is it possible? No, not really. Join the ever-ambitious Milton Jones, as he reveals the truth about being an international spy before he’s given a disappointing new identity which forces him to appear on shows such as Mock the Weekand Live at the Apollo. Nonsense by the sackful and deftly daft comedy awaits you.
For more information, visit www.farnhammaltings.com
HAPPY MONDAYS / DECEMBER 20 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Twist Your Melon and make your way to G Live in Guildford as Mancunian legends Happy Mondays arrive in town. Playing hits from the catalogue of Indie dance-anthems that was the soundtrack to the 90s, join Shaun, Bez, Rowetta and the gang for a night of nostalgia and non-stop dancing.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
THE LOCK-IN CABARET / DECEMBER 20 / THE BACK ROOM, THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Award-winning magicians Griffin and Jones are back at The Back Room of the Star for an ultimate night of variety entertainment. Expect plenty of cabaret, comedy and curiosity in a show that is not to be missed.
For more information, visit www.guildfordfringe.com
TOTALLY 80S PROM NIGHT / DECEMBER 31 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Don your favourite salmon-coloured tux and your poofiest pink dress, and head for this 80s Prom Night New Year’s Eve party at The Boileroom. Pull your finest moves on the dance floor, listen to some of the coolest sounds from the decade, and see in the New Year in serious style. Dress to impress.
For more information, visit www.theboileroom.net
THE NEW YEARS’ PARTY OF THE DECADE / DECEMBER 31 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Looking for a New Years Eve party that pulls out all the stops? Get your posh frocks on and prepare to pop the champagne corks with the return of G Live’s New Years Eve Gala. Enjoy live performances, an outstanding three-course dinner, plenty of bubbles and more, as you get set to party into 2020.
For more information, visit www.glive.co.uk
NYE ROLLER DISCO /DECEMBER 31 / GUILDFORD SPECTRUM
Spin into 2020 at this retro roller disco night. Enjoy some good clean fun by strapping on your skates for some cyclical entertainment, as you move to the grooves provided by your DJ.
For more information, visit www.guildfordspectrum.co.uk