THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
In need of a much needed night out? Fancy finding something to do in Surrey? From live music and nights out at the theatre to stand-up comedy and crafternoons in the countryside, discover something for everyone with out monthly chronicle of all things arts, crafts and culture – that’s entertainment!
CRAFT IN FOCUS / APRIL 28 – MAY 2 / RHS GARDENS WISLEY
Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley from April 28 – May 2 to stage its Spring Contemporary Craft and Design Fair. This has become the most popular contemporary craft event in the UK and is an event not to be missed! The event at Wisley showcases some of the finest contemporary craft makers in various disciplines, all of whom have been selected to exhibit at this event. Visitors will be able to see and purchase fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture and garden furniture.
For more information, visit craftinfocus.com
ALICE ARMSTRONG AND MATT LONG / MAY 1 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Get a serious case of the Blues and head for Guildford’s Electric Theatre to witness two of the UK’s foremost talents. Recently joining forces to write together, Blues Award nominee and vocalist Alice Armstrong (Crossfire, Stevie Watts Organ Trio) joins UK Blues Award-winning guitarist Matt Long (Catfish) for an evening of original material, as well as covers of some of their favourite tracks from multiple genres.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
WALTON FOLK FESTIVAL / MAY 1 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Fancy some folk music this May Bank Holiday? Found at the Riverhouse Barm Arts Centre’s outdoor festival stage on the River Thames, catch a fantastic line-up of established bands alongside up-and-coming artists playing for your pleasure. Catch headliners Wildwood Kin and a bevvy of some of the best folk artists, including Polly Paulusma, Angeline Morrison, The Outside Track, Ellie Gowers and Jack Cookson.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
CHICAGO / MAY 2 – 7 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Described as the “sexiest musical ever” (Metro), the hit production of CHICAGO arrives at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre for one week, with an all-star cast coming to town for some stellar entertainment. With one of the world’s greatest classical singers, Russell Watson, as Billy Flynn, Coronation Street’s Faye Brookes (Dancing On Ice, Grease, Legally Blonde) as Roxie Hart, Three Degrees legend Sheila Ferguson (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Soul Train, Oh! What A Night) as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and West End star Djalenga Scott (Annie, Chicago, West Side Story) as Velma Kelly.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
BEGINNER’S CROCHET / MAY 3 – JUNE 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Yet to try out that Crochet kit that you got for Christmas? Spend a creative day learning the basics with this excellent one-day workshop at Farnham Maltings. Led by craft tutor Sophie Hale, get the guidance you need and move at your own pace as you learn how to hold the hook and yarn and work on some basic stitches that’ll allow you to undertake your own crochet projects in the not too distant future.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
INVESTEC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / MAY 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 / MULTIPLE VENUES
Celebrating world-class music performed in the Surrey Hills, the Investec International Music Festival returns to various venues in Surrey this May. Featuring The Sitkovetsky Trio, The Modigliani Quartet, Pilgrims’ Guided Walk & Young Artist Concert, The Lyrical Cello, as well as the Festival Finale taking place at RHS Hilltop, book your tickets and get lost in music this May.
For more information, visit iimf.co.uk
FORAGED BASKET WEAVING / MAY 6 / THE SALT BOX, PRIORY FARM ESTATE, REDHILL
Get creative and spend the day in nature with this workshop, whereby you’ll make a coiled basket using the technique typically known as the ‘foragers style’. An ancient and versatile technique, you’ll use materials found as you forage through woodland before getting expert tuition on how to weave your own basket. Following a mindful morning’s creation, be treated to a two-course seasonal picnic inspired by nature’s larder.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
AL MURRAY – GIG FOR VICTORY / MAY 6 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
In search of answers to your great existential questions? If you’re seeking some common sense in order to make sense of this thing we call life, then a trip to G Live is on the cards this month. Make way as, the man of the people, the Pub Landlord, Al Murray, arrives in Guildford with his latest offering, Gig For Victory.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
STEAMPUNK CABARET / MAY 6 / ESHER THEATRE
The Alchemy Beat Collective will come to Esher Theatre this May for a night of quirky curiosities, Steam Punk style. Featuring live music, a DJ and cabaret performers, experience a musical night that’ll last in the memory for the foreseeable future. A great night out for all – get your tickets quick.
For more information, visit eshertheatre.com
CRAFTING LIVE / MAY 6 – 8 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
Crafting Live is returning to Sandown Park and bringing a whole host of crafty celebrities. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or you’ve only just started, there are projects that you can either follow step by step or add your own personal touch to. Learn lots of new techniques and make new friends.
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown
LUKE UNA / MAY 7 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON
Turntablist, selector and cultural philosopher Luke Una arrives at Kingston’s Banquet Records for a special in-store performance. Celebrating the release of his new ‘E Soul Cultura’ compilation, expect vibes galore as a mix of soul, Latin, disco, house and more gets spun for your fun on the 1’s and 2’s.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
CRANLEIGH COMEDY CLUB / MAY 7 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Enjoy a cracking night out in Cranleigh with this new comedy club in association with comedy specialists Chuckl. Head for the Arts Centre found at the end of the High Street and be treated to jokes and japes from some of the biggest names on the comedy scene and some of the country’s comedy stars of tomorrow.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
DOGFEST / MAY 7 – 8 / LOSELEY PARK
Attention fellow dogs, terriers, hounds, and all other canine friends! Get ready to go wild and wag your tail as DogFest returns to Loseley Park this May. Featuring a fun dog show, have-a-go activities, dog displays, expert advice, shopping, food and drink, live music and more – get your humans to book some tickets online, and see you in the park for a furry festival to remember! Woof! Woof!
For more information, visit loseleypark.co.uk
SUNSET STEAM EXPRESS – SURREY HILLS / MAY 10 – AUGUST 23 / LONDON VICTORIA
All aboard! The Sunset Steam Express season is upon us. Departing from London Victoria, steam train enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and nostalgic experience in the Surrey Hills countryside. Treat yourself to a sumptuous three-course meal on board, or bring along your own picnic to enjoy whilst drinking in the gorgeous views bathed in the golden glow of sunset.
For more information, visit sunsetsteamexpress.co.uk
BLKDOG / MAY 10 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Botis Seva’s Olivie Award-winning BLKDOG arrives at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre for one night only this May. A beautifully brutal commentary on how the youth of today are coping in a world not built for them, experience this emotionally charged Hip Hop dance performance and discover how self-discovery can lead to self-destruction. So how do we fight through our vices to find a sense of peace? Book yourself some tickets and find out later this month.
For more information, visit Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
TOM ROBINSON / MAY 10 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Songwriter and BBC6 Music broadcaster Tom Robinson comes to The Boileroom in Guildford for a night of nostalgic anthems. Known for his roaming road trip song, ‘2-4-6-8 Motorway’, catch some classics this month and snap up some tickets quick.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
DIVERSITY – CONNECTED / MAY 11 – 13 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Get connected and get yourself to Guildford’s G Live this month as the renowned contemporary dance group Diversity arrives to make some body-popping shapes. After nine sell-out UK tours and countless television performances, the Britain’s Got Talent winners have continued to wow audiences with their innovative performances.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
CHAINSKA BRASSIKA / MAY 11 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
This mischievous rabble from Lewisham has been causing mayhem since meeting at school, spreading their contagious, horn-driven ska anthems across the UK, mainland Europe and beyond. Winners of the ‘World Reggae Contest’, garnering support from David Rodigan, Madness and more, as well as playing at a host of festivals, including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Outlook, Ostroda Reggae, Notting Hill Carnival, Secret Garden Party and Shambala – Chainska hit the road for a national tour promoting their new album ‘Tales of a Londoner’. Next stop; The Boileroom in Guildford – get ready for a proper knees-up.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
PATRICIA GETS READY / MAY 12 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Patricia has spent a year crafting a kick-ass speech while recovering from an abusive relationship. But when she bumps into her ex on the street and accidentally agrees to dinner with him that night, she’s got some big decisions to make; what to wear? What to say? And whether or not to go? Join Patricia as she gets ready for the date; tells stories of her past, how it has affected her present and looks honestly at her future.
For more information, visit Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: HONEY & THE BEAR / MAY 14 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
This month, the British folk and roots duo Honey & the Bear comes to Grayshott Folk Club. Combining delicately interweaving vocal harmonies with emotive and evocative songwriting, enjoy a diverse range of sounds, textures and rhythms that flow from the fast and furious to gentle ballads. Their live performances are spirited and dynamic.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
WEST HORSLEY PLACE OPEN DAY / MAY 15 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
West Horsley Place reopens to visitors this spring with a programme of special events, guided tours and open days. Fancy getting a sneak peek inside? Visitors will be able to walk through the main rooms of the house, with volunteer stewards in each room to provide information and answer questions. Visitors can also enjoy the walled gardens, where there will be a pop-up café to buy refreshments (pre-booking is essential, and tickets are on sale now).
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org.uk
SIMON AMSTELL – SPIRIT HOLE / MAY 16 / RICHMOND THEATRE
With his first stand up tour since the release of the internationally acclaimed feature film – ‘Benjamin’ and Netflix Special ‘Set Free’, Simon Amstell brings ‘Spirit Hole’ to Richmond Theatre for one night only this May. ‘Spirit Hole‘ is a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. So if you yearn for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter, book now and avoid regret.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
IMPROV COMEDY: LET’S DO THE SHOW RIGHT HERE / MAY 17 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Think you’re funny? In possession of some witty one-liners that you’re simply gagging for someone to hear? Taught over six 2-hour sessions, sign up for this improvised comedy course at Farnham Maltings and learn how to craft the art of making things up on the spot. Culminating in a show to dazzle your nearest and dearest, funny folk should reserve a spot on the course right now!
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
SIX / MAY 17 – 29 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Featuring a killer soundtrack, the multi-award-winning, international smash hit musical SIX comes to Kingston’s Rose Theatre this May. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
THE ART PARLOUR / MAY 19 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Fancy a life-drawing class with a difference? Brought to the Boileroom by the deliciously devilish Hundred Watt Club, enjoy a multi-sensory experience as a burlesque beauty strikes a pose for you to capture on your pad of paper. Expect vintage visuals in a curious and kooky atmosphere for budding and established artists.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
JASON MANFORD: LIKE ME / MAY 19 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Pleading for your approval this month, stand-up comedian Mr Jason Manford takes to the stage at Guildford’s G Live, inviting one and all to spare a couple of hours to come out and work those chuckle muscles. So go on, have a laugh.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB / MAY 19 / ESHER THEATRE
Showcasing the very best stand-up comics currently working the circuit, join the Outside the Box Comedy Club at their new home for Esher Theatre’s monthly instalment of the funny stuff. With a full line-up announced closer to the time, expect a heady mix of comedy superstars alongside some of the best up and coming talent on the stand-up comedy circuit. So what are you waiting for? Get some tickets and indulge in a much-needed belly laugh.
For more information, visit eshertheatre.com
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / MAY 20 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
With arms wide open, The Lightbox welcome one and all back to their cultural space in Woking. Meet like-minded aspiring artists and head for their regular Drawing for Adults event. Be inspired by the range of artwork exhibited at the gallery and set about making your own masterpiece. So reflect, relax and let your imagination do the rest. Aimed at adults of all abilities, all materials are provided. This is a free draw session though a donation is always welcome and advanced booking is required.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
SURREY HILLS ARTISAN FESTIVAL / MAY 21 + 22 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
Showcasing the very best of Surrey’s food, drink, arts and crafts, head in the direction of Denbies Wine Estate this May and meet some of the area’s master artisans. Participate in arts and crafts activities, sample some delicious food and drink, and watch artists in action at this great day out for the whole family.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
THE ROCKY HORRORSHOW / MAY 23 – 28 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Damn it, Janet! The world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical is back, by popular demand, to thrill you once again for a night of all things naughty and raunchy. Playing the squeaky clean roles of Brad is Strictly Come Dancing Champion and former Newsround presenter Ore Oduba. Following over 40 years of worldwide productions, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a non-stop party! So put on your glad-rags and get ready to sing and dance the night away at Richmond Theatre.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
PRIVATE PEACEFUL / MAY 23 – 28 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Michael Morpurgo’s story of two peaceful brothers set against the backdrop of the Great War is brought to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this month. Telling a story of courage, devotion, family and friendship, experience this page to stage adaptation and book yourself some tickets today.
For more information, visit Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
LIGHTBOX LATES / MAY 26 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
On the last Thursday of the month, the Lightbox in Woking keeps its doors open for a bit longer for their popular Lightbox Lates. Enjoy free entry to all galleries from 5 pm – 8.30 pm, as well as joining in with monthly meets for like-minded folk to assemble, choose from The Lightbox Book Group (6 pm), The Paint Club (7 pm) and Poetry Open Mic Night (8 pm).
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
BOWLING FOR SOUP ACOUSTIC SING-A-LONG / MAY 29 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Pop-punk legends Bowling For Soup pass through Guildford this May for an acoustic sing-a-long to remember. Postponed from December, fans can join Jaret and Rob at The Boileroom – get ready to sing loud, proud and punk.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SCOTT BENNETT: GREAT SCOTT / MAY 27 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Blazing a trail on the comedy circuit for more than a decade. Having written for high profile comedy acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, Scott recently recorded his debut on BBC One’s Live at the Apollo and looks set to break through into the big time with his latest show Great Scott.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY / MAY 29 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
The hilarious parody musical inspired by the hit TV show Friends arrives at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking for an evening of nostalgic nonsense. Follow Ross, Rachel and co. as they navigate life, love – and Richard’s moustache.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
STAND-UP COMEDY IN THE WALLED GARDEN / MAY 31 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Stand-up comedy returns to the Walled Garden of Painshill Park in Cobham this May. Part of a summer series of monthly comedy nights, have a good giggle to the comic talents of Dane Baptiste, Angela Barnes, Ian Stone and Erich McElroy performing for your pleasure.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk