THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
It’s safe to say that entertainment in Surrey is back with a certified bang. Featuring events to make you laugh, make you cry, and to make you wonder why; whatever you fancy doing this month, take a look at our ‘long forecast’ for things to do this September and expect good times galore…
HAMLET / UNTIL SEPTEMBER 25 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR
As we enter the last few week’s of Hamlet’s extended run at Theatre Royal in Windsor, get ready for a new era of theatre as acclaimed director Sean Mathias leads an all-star cast in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet. Government guidelines permitting, hopeful audience members will be able to choose on-stage seats, presenting them with the opportunity to experience some genuinely world-class theatre up-close. Led by Mathias, catch one of the stages best-loved plays performed by a cast that features none other than Jenny Seagrove and Sir Ian McKellen.
For more information, visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
STATEMENTS AFTER AN ARREST UNDER THE IMMORALITY ACT / AUGUST 28 – OCTOBER 2 / ORANGE TREE THEATRE, RICHMOND
Directed by Diane Paige, Athol Fugard’s seminal classic lets us into Frieda and Errol’s clandestine love story that can only ever be inevitably interrupted by the white supremacist law of apartheid South Africa. Sharing their hopes and fears for the future, expect some powerful theatre at the Orange Tree in Richmond this month.
For more information, visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk
LEOPARDS / SEPTEMBER 2 – 25 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Sex, power and consent – can we ever atone for the sins of our distant past? When Niala arranges to meet celebrated charity leader Ben in the bar of a London hotel for career advice, their evening unfolds into something far less professional. As the weather closes in and secrets start to surface, the consequences of their choices leave them nowhere to hide. Leopards is a new play about the image we construct of ourselves and explores what it truly means to be good.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
SPACE / SEPTEMBER 3 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Be transported back to the 90s with a night of music from Liverpudlian legends Space. Following their debut album Spiders, released in 1996, the sounds of Space became synonymous with a time when indie rock n roll reigned supreme. With a new album on the way, expect to catch some classics old and new at The Boileroom in Guildford this month.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
ROB BECKETT – WALLOP / SEPTEMBER 3 – 4 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Well endowed with white teeth that shine like the icy north-pole Santa calls home, catch the hilarious ‘mouth of the south’, Rob Beckett, as he brings his brand of non-stop laughs to the New Victoria Theatre this month with not one but two dates! So get tickets quick before it sells out.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
WENDY JAMES / SEPTEMBER 4 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Transmission Vamp vocalist, 80s icon and pin-up, the actual, real-life Wendy James arrives in Guildford for a night of psychedelic blues, rock and punk from her latest album Queen High Straight. So get set for a night to remember.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
RURAL LIFE VINTAGE REVIVAL / SEPTEMBER 4 – 5 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM
Taking place on Friday and Saturday at the Rural Life Centre, enjoy a plethora of entertainments to fill your weekend. Live music, vintage stalls, dance lessons, retro cinema, makeovers -and much more.
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
GREASE / SEPTEMBER 7 – 11 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Whip out your leather jackets and pink-bombers and join Rydell High’s finest, as Danny and Sandy are unexpectedly reunited after some summer lovin’. Will they be able to rekindle the flame, or will ego and grease get in the way? Enjoy songs from one of the finest soundtracks to belong to the stage and screen and get your Grease Lightning on as you go on an electrifying journey in Woking this September. Grease IS the word. The word that you heard.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
RHS GARDEN WISLEY FLOWER SHOW / SEPTEMBER 7 – 12 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
If you, like many, have developed some green fingers in the past year or so, then you might be looking for some inspiration in order to freshen things up in your garden. One of RHS Garden, Wisley’s flagship events, enjoy a range of floral displays, expert talks and much more. Tickets must be booked in advance.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
CRACK COMEDY / SEPTEMBER 8 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Following a successful summer season of comedy within the Walled Garden of Painshill Park, Crack Comedy are back to bring you a monthly comedy night in Cobham. Taking place on the second Wednesday of every month, expect some funny folk from the telly and some up and coming comic’s currently working the circuit.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
CRIMES IN EGYPT / SEPTEMBER 8 – 9 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Fancy a classic who-dun-it kind of night at the theatre this September? Join a versatile cast of just four as they bring to life the lives of lascivious lawyers, crocked captains, fastidious physicians, ardently amorous authors, feuding femme Fatales, plodding paramours, friendly first mates and attractive Americans in this romp up the Nile inspired by Christie, Coward and Wodehouse.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SWEATER WEATHER / SEPTEMBER 10 – 11 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
‘Tis the season to awaken our woolly friends from their summertime hibernation and welcome the humble sweater back to our wardrobes. Whether your persuasion lies with a pullover or you like to have a jolly jape in your jumper, celebrate Sweater Weather at Farnham Maltings this month. Enjoy two days of talks, workshops, stalls and more. Booking in advance is a must.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
WALTON FOLK FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 11 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Fancy some folk music this month? Featuring a fantastic line-up of established bands alongside up and coming artists, catch the likes of The Trials of Cato, Jacob and Drinkwater, Kim Lowings and the Greenwood, Odette Michell and many more. Space is limited, which means you must book a ticket quick to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.com
Surrey Hills Wood Fair / September 11 – 12 / Fish Pond Copse, Cranleigh
For lovers of lumber, gorgeous grains and wonderfully whittled wood, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair takes place at scenic Fish Pond Copse in Cranleigh Showground. Packed with all the traditional charm of a rural day out in the Surrey Hills, visitors can expect a fun day for the family, with workshops and demonstrations taking place throughout the weekend. Discover a world of wood, with stalls to browse and buy from and refreshments from local food and drink producers to keep you sustained and suitably refreshed.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
JOHN LYDON – I COULD BE WRONG, I COULD BE RIGHT / SEPTEMBER 12 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
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 the Rose Theatre in Kingston 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 rosetheatre.org
THE ART PARLOUR / SEPTEMBER 13 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
This September, Hundred Watt Club returns to The Boileroom for a risqué rendezvous with you and your sketch pads. Typically purveyors of some pretty awesome burlesque and vaudeville events get a slice of the action and capture the form of one of Hundred Watt Clubs performers as they strike a pose or two for you in this intimate life-drawing session. Always a sell-out, book a ticket and get drawing.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
ADVENTURES OF A YORKSHIRE SHEPHERDESS / SEPTEMBER 14 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Originally appearing on Ben Fogle’s epic adventure show New Lives in the Wild, the Yorkshire Shepherdess will take us on her journey from an early career in modelling to the challenges and beauty of shepherding her herds of sheep (and children) in the Yorkshire Dales. Funny, charming and heartwarming, ‘Adventures of a Yorkshire Shepherdess’ is perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamt of starting a new life in the country.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
TONY LAW / SEPTEMBER 15 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Tony Law identifies as a Hominid. Homo Sapiens, Neanderthal, Indo-European horse tribesman, an Englishman, a Canadian, a norn iron man and a Trinidadian and a Tobagonian. A dog, a dog owner, owned by a dog, a surrealist, an absurdist and an artist who is comedy of person. A parent, a thrower, a catcher, a reader and a farmer. Expect the absurd, expect your face to hurt, enjoy the comic genius of the one they call Tony Law.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
INVESTEC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 16 – 25 / SURREY HILLS
Celebrating world-class music performed in the Surrey Hills, the Investec International Music Festival returns this September after an extended hiatus. Featuring an array of classical talent performing at intimate and atmospheric venues throughout Surrey featured performers include; Paula Chateauneuf, Jess Gillam, Wu Qian & Juho Pohjonen, Alexander Sitkovetsky and The Tallis Scholars.
For more information, visit iimf.co.uk
TEZ ILYAS: THE VICKED TOUR / SEPTEMBER 17 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD
We’re all in need of a laugh, right? Join Tez as he uses his trademark silly, smart and subversive humour to celebrate all we still have. Expect mega laughs, happy groans and cheeky provocations, as Tez guarantees a vicked time at the Bellerby Studio at G Live in Guildford this month.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE BUDAPEST CAFE ORCHESTRA / SEPTEMBER 17 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Get set for a cacophony of colourful sounds as The Budapest Café Orchestra unleashes a blistering barrage of traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music, as well as their own creative imaginings of some of the biggest tunes. Expect big sounds from an orchestra of just four.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
ED BYRNE: IF I’M HONEST / SEPTEMBER 18 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
A regular on shows such as Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Top Gear and QI, stand-up comedian Ed Byrne is back on the road with his brand new show. Taking a long hard look at himself, Ed will try to unravel whether any of his character traits are worth passing on to his kids. Live the legacy, and join Ed at the Farnham Maltings this month.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CAMBERLEY COMEDY FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 18 / LONDON ROAD REC, CAMBERLEY
Get out for a giggle and head for London Road Rec in Camberley and be greeted by a magical marquee containing no less than four cracking comedians for the second annual Camberley Comedy Festival. Featuring funny folk Lou Sanders, Lucy Pearman, Kae Kurd and Tom Deacon.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
GUILDFORD GAG HOUSE COMEDY CLUB / SEPTEMBER 18 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Guildford Gag House is officially back, bringing you your monthly instalment of comedy. Regularly providing smile-seekers with a night that will be sure to make you burst into your very best cackle, be entertained by a line-up that includes Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, Andrew Ryan, Paul Kerensa and Don Biswas!
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
TRINITY FOLK FESTIVAL PRESENTS: MERRY HELL / SEPTEMBER 25 / ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GUILDFORD
With no official Trinity Folk Festival to speak on this year, the fine folk behind the scenes have worked hard to bring you a regular taster of some of the finest folk musicians currently plying their trade. This month, head for the truly atmospheric environs of St. Mary’s Church and enjoy the musical musings of Merry Hell. A festival favourite that’ll certainly be raising the roof get yourself a ticket or two for a night of quality folk music.
For more information, visit trinityfolkfestival.co.uk
GROAN UPS / SEPTEMBER 20 – 25 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The award-winning Mischief Theatre are back at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud this month with their brand new comedy about the trials and tribulations of growing up. Do we choose who we become? Is the story of our lives already written? Do we ever really grow up? Follow an unruly classroom of six-year-olds on their journey through anarchic high school teenagers to the challenges of adulthood.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
OLGA KOCH: HOMECOMING / SEPTEMBER 23 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Star of Mock the Week and QI, comedian Olga Koch takes her latest show on the road arriving at G Live’s Bellerby Studio along the way. Armed with a new passport, join Olga as she tries to work out who the hell she is as an immigrant and certified teen drama queen.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
SCRUMMY MUMMIES / SEPTEMBER 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Grab your Gin in a tin, put your control pants on, and pop in a pantyliner – the Scummy Mummies are BACK! And after the year they’ve had, Helen and Ellie are going OUT OUT! So join the duo for an evening of comedy, songs, filth and laughs. Everyone’s welcome, from mums and dads to carers, grandparents, and people who want to be reminded they’re really glad they don’t have kids.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CONTEMPORARY ART FAIRS / SEPTEMBER 24 – 26 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
This September, the Contemporary Arts Fair comes to Sandown Park in Esher for a weekend of exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations. Peruse and purchase unique works of art, as well as meeting the artists themselves. From £40 to £4,000, find something that meets your budget and be inspired by contemporary art.
For more information, visit contemporaryartfairs.co.uk
PRIDE IN SURREY / SEPTEMBER 25 / GODALMING TOWN
Celebrate love, inclusion and diversity as Pride in Surrey arrives in Godalming this September. Take part in the celebrations with a parade through the town centre before venturing onto Godalming Park for further festivities. A free event (but a donation of, say, £1 would be great), where all are welcome – enjoy live music, food and drink and much merriment in celebration of everything Pride.
For more information, visit prideinsurrey.org
SIOBHAN MILLER & BAND / SEPTEMBER 25 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Winner of the BBC Radio Young Folk award, Siobhan Miller, arrives at Grayshott Folk Club with her band to play her unique interpretations of classic and contemporary folk songs. One to watch, enjoy some outstanding live music in the intimate environs of Grayshott Village Hall and revel in the return of live culture.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
DAVID BADDIEL – TROLLS: NOT THE DOLLS / SEPTEMBER 26 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Comedian, writer and football anthem-maker David Baddiel is back in town with his brand new tour Trolls Not The Dolls. Following his five-star, Olivier Award-nominated hit one-man show My Family: Not The Sitcom, and the return to number 1 of his seminal football anthem Three Lions (a record-breaking fourth time at the top of the UK Official Charts), Baddiel returns to the stage, tackling the 21st-century troll – or rather the digital heckler of the internet age – is the only way a comedian knows how; by wittily taking them down.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
VINTAGE POSTERS AUCTION / SEPTEMBER 26 / EWBANK’S AUCTION ROOMS, WOKING
There’s something special about vintage movie posters. Unique pieces of history, each with their own endearing illustrative charm, why not scour the auction room for your new favourite piece of artwork to hang on your wall? From Kenneth Williams in Carry On Screaming to Leatherface of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, find an array of cult-classic posters to bid and win on at this auction located at Ewbank’s on the outskirts of Woking.
For more information, visit ewbanksauctions.co.uk
WILLIE J HEALEY / SEPTEMBER 27 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Part of the Music Venue Trust and The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tours, get a dose of dreamy indie-pop from the wonderful Willie J Healey, who makes a welcome return to The Boileroom after a re-scheduled tour or two. Playing tracks from his 666 Kill EP and his 2020 album Twin Heavy, expect a night of exceptional indie music in Guildford. As part of the Revive Live Tour, if you play the National Lottery, you can book a ticket and get a free one for your BFF at the same time. Score. #ComeTogether to #ReviveLive music!
For more information, visit theboileroom.net