WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
Eek. last week of November. How time flies when you’re having fun eh? Need some more fun in your life? We’ve got you. Christmas stuff. Not so Christmas stuff. The lot. Find out what’s on in the leafy county of Surrey this week with this darling of a guide.
PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL / NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 2 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Big night out. Big. HUGE. Pretty Woman: The Musical is finally embarking on a UK and Ireland tour – so make a date to see Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage, when this smash-hit musical visits New Victoria Theatre, Woking this month.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
BOEING, BOEING, GONE! / NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 16 / DUNSFOLD AERODROME, CRANLEIGH
In a theatrical first, this winter site-responsive theatre specialists GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, will be taking audiences onboard a REAL British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft at Dunsfold Aerodrome for a truly unique interactive theatre show. ‘Passengers’ will visit different parts the aircraft as scenes are played out and interrogate the suspects to uncover whodunit. Get your tickets quick for a night of murder mystery.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
SOUND BATH & SKETCH / NOVEMBER 28 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Immerse yourself in a meditative sound landscape followed by mindful sketching in the atmospheric setting of the historic gallery. Bring a blanket, settle in and relax for a journey into the soothing sounds of gongs and traditional Himalayan singing bowls. As the sound frequencies wash over you, feel the pace slowing and achieve a state of deep relaxation. Following this restorative practice, you will be invited to respond to the colours and rhythms you notice within the surrounding artwork through mindful sketching or writing. A selection of fruit and herbal teas will be available. Book now for bliss.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
HAPPY NOW / NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 2 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Kitty’s life is positively overflowing. There’s her demanding job, and her kids. There’s June – her self absorbed mother, and then there’s Johnny, her timid and dependent husband. There’s Carl, her gay best friend and confidant who seems to have it all, and Miles and Bea – the friends with a troubled marriage; and then there’s Michael – Kitty’s work colleague. He’s got an agenda and Kitty’s right at the top of it! With salty language it is both provocative and thought provoking – an irreverent look at real life.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
CHRISTMAS WILLOW & WINE / NOVEMBER 29 / ALBURY VINEYARD, ALBURY
Join local willow-weaver Lorraine for a fun, festive, mindful and relaxing workshop. Learn how to make traditional Swedish stars, willow hearts and angels, and hanging tree decorations made from natural materials to decorate your home over Christmas or outside all year round. Each workshop includes a glass of delicious Albury Estate sparkling wine. All materials to make your crafts will be provided on the day, and you can take your finished work home!
For more information, visit alburyvineyard.com
WOODLAND WONDER: SURREY HILLS SYMPOSIUM 2023 / NOVEMBER 29 / UNIVERSITY OF SURREY, GUILDFORD
Be inspired by Woodland Wonder in the Surrey Hills National Landscape and beyond at this year’s Symposium hosted by the University of Surrey. You’ll also get to experience a Woodland Wonder marketplace by local businesses providing nature based experiences, artists inspired by woodlands, forestry advisory services, partners and much more. Enjoy some light refreshments in the marketplace which will be followed by the Symposium in the lecture theatre.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
PEOPLE, PLANET, PINT: SUSTAINABILITY MEETUP / NOVEMBER 29 / THE CASTLE, FARNHAM
For those keen on cutting down on their carbon footprint in both a professional and personal capacity, get together and chat over nibbles and some of the wet stuff at this soon-to-be regular addition to the sustainability scene’s events calendar. Started in Glasgow after COP26, this is an informal meet-up for like-minded folk with a passion for the planet to network and share ideas and as.
For more information, visit small99.co.uk
CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / NOVEMBER 30 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Spend the morning designing and creating your very own Christmas Wreath while learning some excellent new skills and potentially making a new crafty friend or two.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
CHRISTMAS POTTERY WORKSHOP / NOVEMBER 30 + DECEMBER 7 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Get into the festive spirit at West Horsley Place! Create your own unique gingerbread house tealights and Christmas decorations ready for the festivities. Tea, coffee will be provided. Plus a mince pie!
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
GREEN TALK WITH DR DANIELLE DOVE / NOVEMBER 30 / SOLAR SISTERS, GUILDFORD
The re-wearing, re-purposing, and recycling old clothes might seem like contemporary activities, but for the Victorians, these processes were central to how they managed and dealt with cast-off clothing. Danielle will explore the Victorian second-hand clothes market and uncover the various ways in which our own current ecological concerns about the impact of ‘fast fashion’ might find reflection, or potential solutions, in the historic treatment of second-hand garments. A clothes swap will follow Danielle’s talk – bring your unwanted clothes and swap them with someone else’s!
For more information, visit solarsisters.uk
EPSOM SUPPER CLUB / NOVEMBER 30 / EPSOM SUPPER CLUB
For your fix of the ‘foodie experience’ this month, why not pop along to the oh-so-popular Epsom Supper Club hosted by chef supremo Laura Scott? Take your seat with like-minded lovers of a seasonal and sumptuous plate of food. But be quick – book your spot pronto – it’s often a sell-out!
For more information, visit howtocookgoodfood.co.uk
LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOPS / TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS / CASS ART, KINGSTON
Enjoy these monthly creative workshops, which have been running at Cass Art for over 10 years and are suitable for all levels. You’ll have the opportunity to use a good range of media, explore traditional and contemporary approaches to life drawing and gain valuable feedback on your work. What are you waiting for? Get creative and sign up online.
For more information, visit cassart.co.uk
IN-STORE GIG: SPARKY DEATHCAP / DECEMBER 1 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON
To celebrate the release reissue of the much loved Sparky Deathcap ‘Tear Jerky EP’, the Los Campesinos! multi-instrumentalist R N Taylor visits Kingston for an in-store set. Expect much fun an intimate in-store setting.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
BADGER AND NAPES / DECEMBER 1 / THIRTY3HZ, GUILDFORD
Enjoy the DNB vibes this December as legends of the game Badger and Napes arrive at boutiques nightclub Thirty3Hz in Guildford. get tickets quick for a night of non-stop dancing this month.
For more information, visit thirty3hz.com
FROM THE JAM: ALL MOD CONS / DECEMBER 1 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Fancy some live music? From the Jam were formed in 2006 when Russell Hastings and Rick Buckler (ex-The Jam drummer), who were touring as The Gift, joined forces with Bruce Foxton (ex-The Jam bassist and songwriter), to form From The Jam. Russell Hastings has been the only frontman to work with both Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton since Paul Weller. From The Jam will be performing the whole All Mod Cons album in full along with more hits and fan favourites of The Jam.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
NARNIA AT HATCHLANDS / DECEMBER 1 – 31 / HATCHLANDS PARK, GUILDFORD
Step into Narnia at Hatchlands, inspired by C. S. Lewis’s beloved story The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Take a family adventure trail through the parkland to explore the story of Narnia. Discover life-size wardrobes framing iconic scenes and enjoy Narnia-themed activities along the way.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 1 – 3 + 8 – 10 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get that festive feeling and head for historic Hampton Court Palace to eat, drink and be merry in a socially distanced fashion this December. A must for any fervent foodie, explore the palace’s courtyards and East front gardens as they’re transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Expect delicious street food, warming drinks and a selection of stalls selling unique gifts to give to your loved ones.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
ETHICAL + VEGAN MARKETS / DECEMBER 2, 3 + 9 / COBHAM, GUILDFORD + EGHAM
Are you looking for a Vegan Market? You’re in luck! Back to soothe the minds of carbon-conscious consumers, Ethical Vegan Markets are all over Surrey this September. Free to attend, expect to find a host of vegan foodie treats and eats and a range of vegan products for you and the home that have been ethically and sustainably produced. Find them in Cobham, Guildford and Egham this month.
For more information, visit ethicalveganevents.com
KELLY’S SANTA FUN RUN / DECEMBER 2 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD
The Kelly’s Santa Run is back! Every penny donated will go straight to Challengers, a fantastic local charity that provides genuinely inclusive, fun and safe places where all disabled children and young people can spend time with their friends. Runners can choose between the 2.5k (fully accessible) or 5k route around the park, with optional chip timing available. Each entrant gets a Santa hat to wear for the run. Remember, 100% of donations go to Challengers!
For more information, visit charity.kellystorage.co.uk
WOKING VS GATESHEAD / DECEMBER 2 / LAITHWAITE COMMUNITY STADIUM, WOKING
Slipping to a midseason slump, can Woking kick start their campaign against fellow mid-table side Gateshead? With the Tynesiders making a long-haul trip down South, can the Cards pick up a vital 3 points at home? Find out at the Laithwaite Community Stadium this December.
For more information, visit wokingfc.co.uk
MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 2 – 18 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Father Christmas has filled his sleigh with presents, fed all the reindeer, made a list and checked it twice. He will land at West Horsley Place on selected Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays in December. Come along with all your family to meet him. Your festive experience will, of course, include meeting the big man himself, but so much more besides! The house will be decked out with festive decorations, and there will be lots to see and do before and after your visit with Father Christmas.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
MALTINGS MONTHLY MARKET / DECEMBER 2 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Offering a treasure trove of curiosities, vintage gems, and craft 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. Shop with peace of mind and find something special that you didn’t realise you needed until now.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FESTIVE ANIMAL FUN DAY / DECEMBER 2 / MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
Looking for a festive fun day out with lots of animals and activities? Then look no further and buy your tickets for Merrist Wood’s popular annual Festive Animal Fun Day. Meet festive animals, enjoy storytime with Santa, and take part in festive crafts, face paiting while browsing many a festive stall.
For more information, visit merristwoodevents.co.uk
SWINGBRIDGE SANTA SPECIAL / DECEMBER 2 – 21 / MILLMEAD LOCK, GUILDFORD
Departing from Millmead Island behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, take a cruise along the River Wey with the big, jolly man they call Santa. Then, lasting 45 minutes, sail away in a broadbeam boat for a magical yuletide trip to remember this December.
For more information, visit swingbridgeboats.co.uk/
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM / DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 + 17 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM TILFORD
Head to the Rural Live Living Museum in Tilford for Christmas a la yesteryear. Expect Christmas crafts to make and take away with you and meet Santa in his Grotto. Get tickets quickly!
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
SANTA CRUISE / DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 + 21 / WEY & ARUN CANAL, LOXWOOD
All aboard! Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer gang have had to go for some last-minute training, so Santa’s decided to take a little cruise. So kids can meet the big guy and receive an early Christmas present while grown-ups sit back with a mulled wine and a mince pie.
For more information, visit weyarun.org.uk
BRUT WEIRDOMESS / DECEMBER 2 / NEW HOUSE, GUILDFORD
Like Christmas? Like it weird? Welcome to ‘Weirdomess’ – a carefully curated marketplace of curiosities crafted by the very weirdest creatives this side of the North Pole. Congrefated together at Guildford’s New House Art Space, head down this December for a marketplace of unique handmade gifts to give to your fellow weirdos.
For more information, visit newhouse.art
FESTIVE FAMILY DAYS / DECEMBER 3 – 20 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Head to Watts Gallery Artists’ Village for a magical and memorable Festive Family Day. Featuring creative, drop-in workshops, cosy storytelling, and, of course, meeting Victorian Father Christmas!
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
HOGS BACK CAROL SERVICE / DECEMBER 3 / HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM
Fancy an afternoon filled with song and ale? After a hugely successful carol concert last year, the Friary Brass Band will once again be playing a selection of Christmas carols in the at Hogs BAck Brewery this December. Bringing their own unique blend of Christmas cheer, there will be lots of familiar tunes and carol sheets so you can sing along to some of the carols too! The perfect occasion for all the family.
For more information, visit hogback.co.uk
IAN SHAW: SHAW SHIMMERS INTO XMAS / DECEMBER 3 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
In his inimitable one-man powerhouse show, Ian explores the joys, tears and sheer horror of the festive season. This mischievous artist brings you a cracker of a show, after yet another right old figgy pud of a year. Expect razor-sharp comedy and a flurry of Xmassy offerings alongside songs from his current album,
For more information, visit electric.theatre
CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 3 / HASLEMERE TOWN CENTRE
Get your Christmas kicks with a trip to Haslemere High Street, and immerse yourself in the festive furore enveloping the town. Browse from over 100 stalls and indoor venues, and find everything you need for Christmas in one day. As well as a spot of shopping, enjoy fun entertainments for the family, including a live nativity, a funfair – and of course Father Christmas himself.
For more information, visit haslemere.com
ALICE IN WONDERLAND TRAIL / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 7 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Help the white rabbit find Alice at Painshill’s Alice in Wonderland Trail this winter. Follow the trail around the landscape and meet some familiar characters along the way.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
STEAM ILLUMINATIONS / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 6 / WATERCRESS LINE, ALRESFORD
Head out on a magical steam-powered adventure this winter as the Watercress Line welcomes the return of their seasonal spectacular. So, step aboard the illuminated train and set off along the track, catching glimpses of illuminated installations along the way.
For more information, visit watercressline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 2 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Enjoy a magical Christmas Carousel Ride set amongst a backdrop of the beautiful Polesden Lacey mansion. A fabulous festive experience, pre-booked tickets guarantee you one ride during your half-hour slot, lasting approximately 3-4 minutes. Under 3 years old must be accompanied on a galloper by an adult.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
RHS GLOW / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 2 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Lighting up our lives once again, the magical Christmas Glow returns to RHS Gardens Wisley this month. The festive event at RHS Garden Wisley will once again put on a captivating light show and musical accompaniment designed by an in-house team to highlight some of the garden’s best-loved sights. Twinkling lights draw visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, with spectacular moments en route and vibrant displays to be found inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SLEEPING BEAUTY FELT A LITTLE PRICK / NOW UNTIL – DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Naughty but very nice, depending on one’s disposition, the wonderful folk of Guildford Fringe Festival return to the festive fore with their Adult Panto. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendos and much much merriment. Be quick and book your tickets right now.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 7 (EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY) / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. First, enjoy spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Then, take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT KEW / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 7 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
As one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. There’s limited capacity with timed entry, so book your tickets quickly for a sensational seasonal spectacle.
For more information, visit kew.org