THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Want to know what’s on in Surrey? If you are experiencing the quintessentially British summer accompanied by your indispensable umbrella, then we trust that August’s edition of ‘That’s Entertainment’ may brighten your spirits! Whether you’re planning a staycation or coming for vacation in Surrey then you’re in for a treat, as we’ve got something to do for everyday of the month. Music festivals, outdoor cinema, creative workshops, theatre, stand-up comedy and more. So if you’re looking for something to do then check out our guide and make some plans pronto!
JAZZ, GIN & BLUES / JULY 30 / THE ENCHANTED WOODLAND, LOXWOOD MEADOW
Soak up some sunshine, and head for the hazy scene of the Enchanted Wood found at Loxwood Meadow for a day of Jazz, Gin and Blues. Featuring local artisan producers of brilliant botanical infusions, sup on some thirst-quenching gin cocktails and listen to live music courtesy of a stellar lineup of jazz and blues artists in a sheltered woodland setting.
For more information, visit jazzginblues.co.uk
THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN PRESENT: ROMEO & JULIET / JULY 30 / HATCHLANDS PARK, GUILDFORD
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them for the timeless and classic love story Romeo and Juliet this summer. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, they present this great play as he first saw it, in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
For more information, visit tlcm.co.uk
CRAZY GOLF / AUGUST 1 – 26 / VICTORIA PLACE, WOKING
Fancy some crazy golf in the centre of Woking? Join Bertie the Bee and the gang to play free woodland-themed Crazy golf daily from 1st – 26th August, 11 am-4 pm. Head to Jubilee Square and pick up your golf clubs and balls from the team on hand there, and you’ll be set to go! No booking is required.
For more information, visit vpwoking.co.uk
DEXY’S / AUGUST 3 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
Dexys are back! 11 years after the release of their last album of original music, the acclaimed One Day I’m Going to Soar, the band returned with a stunning new record, The Feminine Divine, out July 28 on 100% Records. Kevin Rowland and Mike Timothy visit Kingston to perform stripped-back tracks from the new Dexys album, The Feminine Divine, plus a couple of old favourites.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
THE LUNA CINEMA / AUGUST 3 – SEPTEMBER 3 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE, ASCOT RACECOURSE, GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL, KEW GARDENS
Enjoy moonlit nights at the movies as the Luna Cinema arrives with its giant outdoor cinema screen at Hampton Court Palace, Ascot Racecourse, Guildford Cathedral and Kew Gardens this August. Catch old-school and modern classic films such as Elvis, Moulin Rouge, Top Gun: Maverick, Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone, Mama Mia!, Dirty Dancing, Romeo & Juliet, Frozen, Avatar: The Way of Water and Moana, all the while kicking back in the grounds of some of the countries most iconic venues.
For more information, visit thelunacinema.com
OPEN-AIR CINEMA / AUGUST 3, 4, 24 + 25 / GODALMING, STOUGHTON + YATELEY GREEN
Fancy a night of outdoor theatre? Of course, you do! Showing at locations across Surrey and Hampshire this summer, catch a classic and enjoy an evening of film as you lay on your favourite picnic blanket with your favourite people.
For more information, visit showplanr.com
STAYCATION LIVE / AUGUST 4 – 6 / PHILIPS MEMORIAL PARK, GODALMING
A summer attraction in itself, enjoy a summer staycation in Godalming and head to the annual freemium event, the Staycation Live Festival, held in the Philips Memorial Park in Godalming, as well as other venues across the town. Enjoy three days of free entertainment for the family, with performances from some of the best up-and-coming artists in the area and much more. Catch live music from Sam Redmore and the Tropical Soundclash, Dr Meaker, Hippo Soundsytem, Frank the Cat, and much more.
For more information, visit staycationlivefestival.co.uk
OUTDOOR THEATRE: MACBETH AND ROMEO & JULIET / AUGUST 4 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Macbeth in 40 minutes? Romeo & Juliet in 40 minutes? Only four actors performed both shows in one evening! 440 Theatre is back with their ‘Double Bill’ for 2023. Two of Shakespeare’s Greatest Tragedies transformed into outrageous, fall-on-the-floor comedies. Not to be missed! Pull up a picnic blanket, get comfy and let the drama unfold.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
SURREY HILLS ARTISAN MARKET / AUGUST 5 / CRANLEIGH HIGH STREET
Showcasing the vast array of handmade and locally-produced gifts, food, drink, art and crafts from independent businesses made in the Surrey Hills, make your way to Cranleigh High Street from 10 am to 4 pm for this family-friendly event. Featuring local artisans and their Surrey Hills-made produce treats to browse and buy from, including handmade chocolates and brownies, artisan drinks, handcrafted leather goods, natural skincare, beautiful jewellery, original artworks, giftware, home and leisure pieces, and more.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
MALTINGS MONTHLY MARKET / AUGUST 5 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Offering a treasure trove of curiosities, vintage gems, and crafts created by local makers and designers, make your way to the Maltings Monthly Market to browse and buy from a variety of well-stocked stalls. Find something special that you didn’t realise you needed until now.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
DRINK COFFEE, DRAW PICTURES / AUGUST 5 / NEW HOUSE, GUILDFORD
Meet like-minded enthusiasts of a good scribble at this new event taking place at New House in Guildford. Grab a cuppa of your favoured brew and put pen to paper as you explore the craft and technique of drawing pictures. Creativity + Caffeine = Cool Fun.
For more information, visit newhouse.art
JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY 2.0 / AUGUST 5 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Fancy something terribly funny? Jimmy’s show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Strap in and get ready for Terribly Funny 2.0. It’s like a sequel, but a terrible sequel.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
MERRY HELL / AUGUST 5 / GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB, GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Merry Hell return to Grayshott Folk Club’s spiritual home of Grayshott Village Hall for a rip-roaring night of folk music this August. With a set packed full of anthem sing-alongs, get set for a night of feel-good Folk.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
LOXWOOD JOUST / AUGUST 5 – 6 + 12 – 13 / LOXWOOD MEADOW
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The annual and ever-legendary Loxwood Joust returns to the meadows of the Surrey and Sussex borders this August. So be transported as you drink mead, make merry and indulge in the sights, sounds and senses of a time when things were treacherous, tough, tenacious and terrifically wicked.
For more information, visit loxwoodjoust.co.uk
THE BIGMOUTH CHILL PICNIC / AUGUST 6 / GUILDFORD CASTLE GROUNDS
If you’ve had a big weekend, then the chance is you may need to ‘chill’. Take a break and head for the Castle Grounds for The Big Mouth Big Chill Picnic. Listen to some blissed-out beats and soak up the good vibes.
For more information, visit bigmouthguildford.com
AFTERNOON JAZZ ON THE MEADOW / AUGUST 6,13, 20, 27 + 28 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Head for the scenic environs of Painshill Park in Cobham for an afternoon of Jazz on The Meadow. Listen to live jazz from The Sarah Jane Eveleigh Jazz Quartet performed under the marquee on the meadow. Expect an array of jazz and Latin standards as well as reworkings of some contemporary classics.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
OUTDOOR POTTERY EXPERIENCE / AUGUST 7 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Be inspired by your surroundings with this awesome outdoor pottery experience at West Horsley Place. Explore clay making and decorating using earthenware clays found in the Sussex Landscape and learn different decorating techniques. During the session, you’ll also use a contained campfire to explore simple firing techniques that can be used in a forest school site.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
OFF THE KERB STAND-UP COMEDY CLUB / AUGUST 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Farnham Maltings partner with Off the Kerb Productions to bring some much-welcome comic relief to folks in Farnham and beyond this August. Enjoy a summer’s Eve with two hours of some of the best and brightest upcoming comics on the circuit. This month’s lineup features Joe Foster, Funmbi Omotayo and Kate McGann. Get laughing.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CROCHET GRANNY SQUARE ACCESSORIES / AUGUST 12 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Find your new favourite hobby, and head for The Packhouse on the outskirts of Farnham to discover how to create crochet granny squares. Relax, unwind and get hooked on a versatile skill that’ll see you producing blankets, throws, and whatever your woolly ideas desire in no time.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
AIG WOMEN’S OPEN: ELLIE GOULDING / AUGUST 12 / WALTON HEATH GOLF CLUB
Global superstar Ellie Goulding is set to thrill fans as the headline music act in a concert performance being staged during the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath. For the very first time, live music will feature as part of a new, enhanced fan experience that aims to attract new and diverse audiences to the championship to enjoy women’s golf at the very highest level. BRIT Award winner Goulding will entertain fans on Saturday, August 12, following the close of play.
For more information, visit aigwomensopen.com
FLEETWOOD MAC BY CANDLELIGHT / AUGUST 12 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band, join us for a ‘landslide’ concert, jam-packed with Fleetwood Mac hits as you have never heard them before! This incredible show will feature best-loved songs, including ‘Little Lies‘, ‘The Chain‘, ‘Rhiannon‘, ‘Don’t Stop‘, and many more, performed at the beautiful New Victoria Theatre Woking by Candlelight. Snap up some tickets quickly for a night of sing-a-longs.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
THE ALLERGIES / AUGUST 12 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Fancy some funk? The Allergies have made it their mission to reshape funky vintage sounds for the modern dancefloor. Both skilled turntablists in their own right and known for their 45-only vinyl sets, the duo of DJ Moneyshot and Rackabeat first bonded over their love of classic hip-hop and beats, then decided to pool their knowledge and skills into making their own music. Get down to the funky sound and head for Guildford’s The Boileroom for a night of moving and grooving.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
NIGHTINGALE / AUGUST 13 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Nightingale is a brand-new ballet based on the life and work of Florence Nightingale. Florence’s legendary life was marked by monumental achievements and extraordinary events. In a society bound by convention, Florence changed history. Narrated extracts from Florence’s personal diaries bring her story to life through her own words. Alongside a brand-new score, original choreography, beautiful set and costumes and performed by an accomplished cast of dancers and musicians. This high-quality, original ballet is guaranteed to be an inspiring and informative experience for adults and children alike.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
TOM SPEIGHT / AUGUST 16 / ST JOHN’S CHURCH, KINGSTON
For a night of atmospheric music, make your way to Kingston for an evening with the delightful Tom Speight. Celebrating his new album titled ‘Love & Light’, Tom Speight visits Kingston to play at St John’s Church.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
MUSIC AT THE TAPROOM / AUGUST 17 / HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM
Music? Beer? If the answer is yes to both of those suggestions, then may we advise that you make your way to the Hogs Back Brewery for a night of Americana, Blues and Boogie with Jim Hammond. Book now for a sweet night.
For more information, visit hogsback.co.uk
WEYFEST / AUGUST 17 – 20 / THE RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, TILFORD
Weyfest returns to the Rural Life Centre in Tilford for a mammoth weekend of music and entertainment. Held at the Rural Life Centre near Farnham, this year’s acts include the likes of the Boomtown Rats, Scouting For Girls, Ocean Colour Scene, Echobelly, Jools Holland, Ward Thomas and much more.
For more information, visit weyfest.co.uk
ETRAN DE L’AIR / AUGUST 17 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Get set for a night to remember. Etran de L’Aïr (or “stars of the Aïr region”) welcomes you to Agadez, the capital city of Saharan rock. Playing for over 25 years, Etran has emerged as stars of the local wedding circuit, beloved for their dynamic repertoire of hypnotic solos and sun schlazed melodies. Their music is rooted in celebration and invokes the exuberance of an Agadez wedding, with an overwhelming abundance of guitars, as simultaneous solos playfully pass over one another with a restrained precision, forceful yet never overindulgent.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
JOE KELLINO’S MIRACLE MEDICINE SHOW / AUGUST 18 / BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Welcome to you all! Stand up, hold on, and prepare yourselves for Joe Kellino’s Miracle Medicine Show! Purveyor of some brilliant funk pop from the former Birdsworth three-piece – bring your dancing shoes for a night of mega fun and cool vibes.
For more information, visit jasta11gigs.co.uk
METALLICA M72 WORLD TOUR LIVE FROM TX #2 / AUGUST 21 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER
The second of two nights broadcast live from Arlington, Texas, of Metallica’s M72 World Tour burst onto our screens, more specifically, the Everyman Cinema screen in Esher. This unprecedented global theatrical event sees the band playing two nights with two completely different setlists, with songs from across the group’s 40+ year career, ranging from 1983’s classic Kill’ Em All to 2023’s new release 72 Seasons.
For more information, visit everymancinema.com
THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE / AUGUST 22 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
So, fancy some silly songs? For an evening of weird and wonderful, head for Farnham Maltings and join The Spooky Men’s Chorale. As thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks, the Spooky Men’s Chorale are the gift that keeps on giving. Always renowned for a combination of Visigoth bravado, absurdist humour and eye-moistening tenderness, the Spookies in the Middle Ages, fortified with a new generation of wunderkids, are more masters of their territory than ever before.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
MANIA – THE ABBA TRIBUTE / AUGUST 25 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Mama Mia! MANIA – The Abba Tribute brings ABBA fans old and new a night not to be missed. So if you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or be entertained by the best music ever, then MANIA – The Abba Tribute is for you!
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
HUEY MORGAN (DJ) / AUGUST 26 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
DJ, raconteur, author, producer, broadcaster and Fun Lovin’ Criminal Huey Morgan – a modern-day rock’n’roll Renaissance man – is many things to many people. And tonight, he’ll be a DJ, spinning some sweet tunes for revellers to dance the night away to at The Boileroom in Guildford.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
VANYA / AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 2 / RICHMOND THEATRE
This Autumn, Andrew Scott features in Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece. Director Sam Yates and Designer Rosanna Vize bring this classic tale of love, art, sex, and attempted murder to life, with performances at Richmond Theatre from August 28 – September 2, followed by a highly anticipated run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from September 15 – October 21 2023.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
SIP AND SKETCH / AUGUST 30 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Join artist Mags Orson for a relaxing evening of sketching in the sculpture gallery. Working through observation, explore and enjoy the incredible sculptural forms created by Watts, including monumental gesso pieces, bronzes and casts created to inform his paintings. An opportunity to unwind and take in the atmospheric sculpture gallery after hours, over a glass of wine or sparkling elderflower (first drink included with ticket price).
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
LIGHTBOX LATES / AUGUST 31 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
On the last Thursday of the month, the Lightbox in Woking keeps its doors open for a bit longer. Featuring a range of monthly meets for like-minded Folk to assemble, choose from The Lightbox Book Group (6 pm), The Paint Club (7 pm), and Write Out Loud (8 pm)
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
THE SCULPTURE PARK / CHURT, FARNHAM
Featuring over 650 modern and contemporary sculptures displayed over ten acres of arboretum and water gardens. The Sculpture Park in Churt is one of those awe-inspiring places that you thought couldn’t surely exist right on your doorstep. So get away from it all and get lost in these gorgeous gardens.
For more information, visit thesculpturepark.com