THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – EVENTS IN SURREY THIS MAY
Need to find out what’s on in Surrey this May? From electric live music and laugh your socks off nights of silly comedy, to opera, karaoke, craft workshops, art markets and much more. What are you waiting for? Find some fun!
JAKE BUGG / MAY 1 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
It’s almost 10 years since a two-fingered Bugg burst onto the scene with his eponymous debut, one that topped the UK album charts and saw the then 18-year-old from Nottingham fêted as the next Bob Dylan. With his latest album Saturday Night, Sunday Morning hitting new heights, catch some classics alongside Bugg’s latest records and get set for an ace night of live music at Guildford’s G Live.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/
PARTY GAMES! / MAY 2 – 11 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
This hilariously acerbic new comedy-drama by political insider Michael McManus (Maggie & Ted), puts leadership on the ledge and goes inside the chaos of government to see whether advisers do advise and if ministers can decide. Can one man, his punchy deputy, a Svengali spin doctor and some dodgy data unite the country? And what can his wife, the King and a large spider do to keep the lights on? Catch this Yvonne Arnaud Original Production early this May and book your tickets quick.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR / MAY 2 – 6 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley from May 2 – 6 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
THE ORIELLES + OUR GIRL + VAN HOUTEN / MAY 3 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Fancy a night of alternative live music? Taking place at The Boileroom in Guildford this May, expect progressive strato-pop symphonies from The Orielles, visceral lyricism from Our Girl as well as a splash of lo-fi rock and cavernous Shoegaze from Van Houten.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
BUMPER BLYTON / MAY 3 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
A riotous improvised parody chock full of puns and innuendo in the style of the Nation’s favourite author, Enid Blyton. Come and delight in lashings of ginger beer, grab a cheeky tongue sandwich, or wrap your lips around a nice spotted dick! Cast yourself back to your childhood in a show that’s spontaneous and utterly unique every time, with this satirical take on childhood favourite books like The Famous Five and Mallory Towers.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
JOHN LYDON: I COULD BE RIGHT, I COULD BE WRONG / MAY 4 / DORKING HALLS
He might be wrong, he might be right, but what we do know is that one of the original punks, the enigmatic and iconic Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – takes to the stage of Dorking Halls for a night of observations on life’s latest offerings. Coinciding with the publication of his most recent book by the same name, expect an insightful night that may or may not put a smile on your face.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
SIMON REEVE – TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH / MAY 4 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Simon is an author and TV presenter, and one of the world’s most adventurous travellers. On his new UK tour Simon will offer stories, surprises, thrills, deeper thoughts and hearty laughs. He wants to nudge and encourage audiences to get out of their comfort zone, take a few gentle risks in life, and embrace the great outdoors and the wider world.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
SUMAC – THE ZINGY BOTANICAL ART MARKET / MAY 5 / NEW HOUSE ART SPACE, GUILDFORD
Bored of the faceless and tactless nature of online shopping? For an alternative shopping experience this May, head for New House Art Space in Guildford for The Zingy Botanical Art Market curated by BRUT Magazine. An alternative take on Botanical art, inject some hip into your home and pick up a unique piece of artwork.
For more information, visit newhouse.art
SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / MAY 7 – 18 / VARIOUS VENUES
Celebrating world-class music performed in the Surrey Hills, the International Music Festival returns to various venues in Surrey this May. Featuring Sitkovetsky Trio with Sharon Kam & Friends, Chamber Music at Wisley, Guided Walk & Menuhin Students Concert, a Piano Extravaganza and more – expect walks, talks and some fantastic classical concerts this Spring.
For more information, visit shimf.co.uk
COSTUMED LIFE DRAWING / MAY 9 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Inspired by the Japanese woodblock prints in the Edo Pop: Japanese Prints 1825 – 1895 exhibition, this evening’s model will be styled in a beautiful traditional Kimono.This special evening will provide you with an opportunity to create sketches in Watts’ atmospheric Historic Galleries, while getting tips and tutelage from resident artists Mags Orson and Charlie Betts.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
RACHEL CHINOURIRI / MAY 9 / PRYZM, KINGSTON UPON THAMES
The velvet tones of Rachel Chinouriri can be heard at Pryzm inn Kingston this month as Banquet Records help celebrate the release of her long-awaited new album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
GUILDBURY’S THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT: COMEDY SHOWCASE / MAY 9 + 10 / ST CATHERINE’S VILLAGE HALL, NR. GUILDFORD
the highly acclaimed troupe of local actors and performers known as Guildbury’s Theatre present a comedy double-bill this May. A smaller do than their usual affairs, catch ‘A Slight Misunderstanding’ – a short play by Adrian Dale as well as an excerpt from ‘Sheila’s Island’ by Tim Firth.
For more information, visit guildburys.com
ROSIE HOLT: THAT’S POLITAINMENT / MAY 10 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Hope is not totally lost for British politics as Rosie Holt takes this brand-new show on the road, to tightrope the thin line between politics and entertainment. Matt Hancock may have slaughtered millions but now he’s making a killing. So, can Rosie Holt’s viral hit MP character follow in the footsteps of ‘politainers’ Dorries, Farage and Rees-Mogg and leap from the pages of Hansard to Heat? You will have to come along to Rosie’s political rally to find out.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
MASSAOKE – SING THE MUSICALS / MAY 10 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Bring the sing to the greatest musicals of all time! This show is a dream come true for fans of the Musicals, as we raise the curtain on all your favourite hits from stage and screen. The entire crowd is the real star of this show, singing together guided by lyrics on the giant screen, accompanied by a live band of talent and energy the West End can only dream of.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
IN-STORE SET: EMILY BARKER / MAY 11 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON UPON THAMES
Looking for a special way to spend your Sunday evening? head for Banquet Records in Kingston and catch this up-close and personal set from Emily Barker. Celebrating the release of her new album, ‘Fragile As Humans’, get set for some easy listening and good vibrations courtesy of Emily’s gorgeous voice.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
SIX CHICK FLICKS / MAY 11/ ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
From the deck of the Titanic to the glittery pink halls of Harvard Law, watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks, and pop culture hilarity. If you love chick flicks, you’ll love this show. If you hate chick flicks…you’ll love this show! Two actors. Six beloved films. One hilarious parody!
For more information, visit electric.theatre
HEAT PRESS PRINTING WORKSHOP / MAY 11 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Explore the exciting process of heat transfer with inspiration from Grayson Perry with printmaker Helen Locke. Combine painted marks and vibrant sublimation papers, to experiment with bold and expressive design on fabric. Create a range of swatches to make a unique greetings card to give or frame. All materials provided.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
MICK DORAN: AN A TO Z OF ORCHESTRAL TRIANGLE PLAYING / MAY 12 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Ting-a-ling! Drawn from over 30 years’ experience working with the world’s greatest orchestras, conductors and soloists both on the concert platform and in the studio, this irreverent, humorous and moving account will have you glued to your seat and helpless with laughter. This show is aimed at an adult audience and contains occasional strong language.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
KEVIN QUANTUM: MOMENTUM / MAY 14 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Explore the exotic space where science and magic meet with the magician-scientist-adventurer, trained by US magic legends Penn & Teller. With over a decade of Edinburgh Fringe sell-outs, performances around Europe and tours of Australia, Kevin embarks on his first ever UK tour with an entrancing collection of unique magic inventions, stunning sleight-of-hand and beautiful (yet deadly) stunts in a show – inspired by science but targeted at humans.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
THOMPSON TWINS’ TOM BAILEY / MAY 15 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Doctor Doctor! Tom Bailey of the Thomspon Twins is playing Guildford’s G Live! Widely regarded as one of the most iconic bands of the 1980’s, relive the soundtrack to the 80s with this special tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the seminal album ‘Into The Gap’. Cop some tickets quick!
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG / MAY 15 – 19 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
The most fantasmagorical musical of all time flies into New Victoria Theatre, Woking for one week only! Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, expect a truly scrumptious trip to the theatre this month.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
GRIFF RHYS JONES: THE CAT’S PYJAMAS / MAY 16 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Griff Rhys Jones is back on the road with his much-anticipated brand new stand-up tour for 2024. Join Griff as he shares more funny observations and comic stories. The show always varies as Griff rambles on the developing national permacrisis. Age. Family. Fraud. Nostalgia. The Tik Tok generation. Crocodile smuggling and noodling in Australia. Travel, dogs, hotels, drink and midnight trains. He takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
BEAT: NEAL ANGILLEY TRIO / MAY 17 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Guildford Jazz’s live series of events from The Boileroom welcomes the Neal Angilley Trio this month. This live show is spellbinding, incorporating instrumental virtuosity and 3 part vocal harmony which adds a unique dimension to the sound, creating an uplifting take on infectious rhythms from Brazil and Cuba to the audience. As an original member of Grammy Nominated band – Down To The Bone, Neil has co-written and played on many of their no1 albums, most recently ‘The Sweetness’ which charted at no1 in the USA Billboard Charts for Jazz/Funk. Get some tickets quick.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
THE POTTER’S WHEEL: THROWING FOR BEGINNERS / MAY 18 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
This creative workshop offers a fun taster session for those wanting to learn to throw pots on the potters wheel. Guidance will be given every step of the way from learning to centre the clay to making simple cylinders and bowls. Suitable for beginners.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
GUILDFORD OPERA COMPANY PRESENT: AIDA / MAY 22, 24 + 25 / HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD
Guildford Opera’s production of Verdi’s most well-known opera, Aida, is sung in English and accompanied by a chamber orchestra. Using evocative lighting , Guildford’s Holy Trinity Church is transformed into the centre of the Lotus Cult, where the tragic love story between Aida and Radames unfolds.
For more information, visit guildfordopera.com
JACOB & DRINKWATER / MAY 23 / MILL STUDIO, GUILDFORD
UK alt-folk duo Jacob & Drinkwater have been called “stand out new folk” by BBC6 Music and “inventive and thrilling” by R2 Magazine. Featured numerous times on BBC Radio 2, BBC6 Music and lauded by their musical peers as one of the most accomplished acts touring the circuit today. Catch them live at Guildford’s Mill Studio this May.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY / MAY 24 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE
For your fill of the silly stuff this month, make your way to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre and get ready for a giggle or two at the monthly Mock Tudor Comedy Club. Enjoy sets from Tom Deacon, Daisy Earl and more to be announced.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
MYSTERY JETS / MAY 24 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
An eclectic English indie group that blends conventional pop with kaleidoscopic folk, indie rock, and post-punk, Mystery Jets emerged in the early 2000s. Catch some classics as they play an intimate gig at The Boileroom in Guildford.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
COMEDY LADDER / MAY 24 / CRANLEIGH ARTS
Welcome to Cranleigh’s newest and funniest spot – a brand new comedy club that will leave you in stitches! If you’re looking for a night of laughter and good times, look no further. This month, catch Esther Manito, Harriet Kemsley and Abandoman.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
FANNY GALORE’S BIGGEST BINGO BASH! / MAY 25 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Ready for Fanny’s Biggest Bingo Party Ever! An evening that will be sure to blow your mind – Fanny is bringing all her shows together for an explosive event. Joined by her very cheeky butlers DICK and RODGER, her sassy dancers and her glamorous assistant, Fanny will be filling the night with music, singing, dancing, show games, and of course, BINGO!
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford/
DROP THE DEAD DONKEY / MAY 28 – JUNE 1 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
BREAKING NEWS: 30 years since the launch of the trailblazing, smash-hit TV series, the Globelink News team are back and now live on stage for the very first time. the iconic BAFTA and EMMY award-winning comedy is reimagined in this brand-new topical commentary on the cutthroat world of 24 hours news. Find out what’s on the agenda in Woking later this month.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
NOVA QUIZ: HARRY POTTER / MAY 30 / NOVA CINEMA, WOKING
Know the difference between Quidditch and Alchemy? Think you know your Obliviate from your Expecto Patronum? If you’re looking for a spelling experience with likeminded lovers of the one they call ‘Potter’, then sign up and head for this very special quiz night at Working’s Nova Cinema this month.
For more information, visit novacinema.com
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB PRESENTS: MERRY HELL / MAY 31 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Merry Hell have already played for Grayshott Folk Club three times and each time, they sell Grayshott Village Hall out and each time they end their shows to rapturous applause and loud cries of “encore!”. Don’t say you haven’t been told…… The Wigan Wanderers return to Grayshott to indulge us all in Folk/Rock anthems and uplifting music. You’ll go home with a skip in your step and joy in your heart. Merry Hell are currently cresting a wave of success and selling out shows all across the UK so please don’t leave it too long to get your tickets from the usual places.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
SHYNEFEST / MAY 31 – JUNE 1 / MERRIST WOOD COLLEGE, WORPLESDON
Fancy a music festival? Of course, you do. Make your way to Merrist Wood and experience two days of live music, celebration, fun and games. With oodles of live music including 90s feel-good guys, Dodgy headlining the Saturday night. Expect an awesome kids arena, a feast of food and drink, entertainment, camping and much more.
For more information, visit shynefest.uk