THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Put on your party hats and prepare for a summer of much, much fun. Featuring festivals, outdoor theatre, live music, rooftop cinemas and more – check out what’s in store with our guide to entertainment events taking place in Surrey this July.
HEAD SET BY VICTORIA MELODY / JULY 1 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Victoria Melody invites you on an exploration of that curious creature, the mind, in her latest comic offering, Head Set. Seeking to become a better comic, get ready for a hilarious, insightful and surreal odyssey that tells a story about trying to control your own brain, neurodivergency, and the chaos and hilarity of life.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
HASLEMERE FRINGE FESTIVAL / JULY 1 – 3 / LION GREEN, HASLEMERE
The Haslemere Fringe Festival returns! Hurrah! Enjoy music, comedy, poetry, theatre and dance at this family-friendly festival in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Headliners across the weekend include; 90s Brit-Pop royalty Sleeper on Friday night, sing-a-long anthem makers, The Feeling on Saturday and kitchen-disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor closing the festival on Sunday night. Get your tickets quick!
For more information, visit haslemerefringe.co.uk
ALFOLD ROCK & BLUES FESTIVAL / JULY 1 – 3 / SPRINGBOK ESTATE, ALFOLD
Ready for some Rock and Blues? The inaugural Alfold Rock and Blues Festival promises an incredible weekend celebrating the very best in rock and blues. So whether you’re popping along for the day, or fancy camping it out over the weekend, experience a feast of live music, food, and drink.
For more information, visit alfoldrockblues.com
ICONS FESTIVAL / JULY 2 / IMBER COURT, ESHER
Six of Europe’s top tribute acts come together for the first time at this one-day festival held at Esher’s Imber Court. Saluting some of rock’s greatest icons of all time, expect to dance the day and night away to bands paying tribute to The Who (Who Are You), Bruce Springsteen (The Sound of Springsteen), Oasis (Oas-is), AC/DC (Live/Wire), Santana (Oye Santana) and The Eagles (The Illegal Eagles.
For more information, visit icons festival.co.uk
RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN DELUXE / JULY 2 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
Combining comedy and music, jovial genius Rich Hall invites you to his Hoedown Deluxe. Like his Hoedown before, but a more evolved and honed version, expect the typical quick wit and lyricism that Hall brings to sold-out crowds across the country regularly over at the Cranleigh Arts Centre this month.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY EDINBURGH PREVIEWS / JULY 3 + 17 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
The famed Edinburgh Fringe Festival kicks off this August, and, as such, comedians the length and breadth of the country are scribbling their set lists and adding the final touches to their shows. July 3 sees Sara Barron and Pierre Novellie take to the stage, before Carl Donnely, and Steve Bujega bring the funny on July 17.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
AS YOU LIKE IT / JULY 3, 16, 17 + 31 / HAM HOUSE & GARDEN, MORDEN HALL PARK, CLAREMONT FAN SCHOOL + HATCHLANDS PARK
This summer, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, with a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself, present the sparkling comedy, As You Like It. Performing in the gardens and grounds of some of the UK’s most significant, historically important and visually stunning venues, for this unique theatrical experience, audiences are encouraged to bring a chair, a picnic and a glass of something chilled as the show promises to be another authentic, excellent and magical treat.
For more information, visit tlcm.co.uk
THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE / JULY 4 – 9 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Hamish has written a play, an epic set in the French Revolution called ‘A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple. Sean, on the other hand, wants to continue with their double act. He believes that if they perform a tribute to Morecambe and Wise, Hamish’s confidence will be restored, and the double-act will go on. But first, Sean needs to persuade a guest star to appear in the play what Hamish wrote… Expect a loving celebration of comic genius with a mystery guest star at every performance.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
ABIGAIL’S PARTY / JULY 5, 7, 8 + 10 / THE BARN THEATRE CLUB, WEST MOLESEY
Take a trip to 1970s suburbia as Mike Leigh’s highly acclaimed comedy is performed at The Barn Theatre Club in West Molesey. Join Lawrence, Beverley and a bevvy of neighbours as cocktails flow, disco tunes play, and social drama unfolds.
For more information, visit thebarntheatremolesey.co.uk
OTI MABUSE – I AM HERE / JULY 6 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Strictly Come Dancing and The Greatest Dancer reigning champion Oti Mabuse is creating a show like no other in 2022. Prepare for a night of electrifying choreography as Oti is joined by some of the world’s greatest dancers and the West End’s finest singers and musicians. So get your tickets quick for a night of electric entertainment at Guildford’s G Live.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
GUILDFORD ARTS SUMMER EXHIBITION / JULY 6 – 21 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Light, layers, colour, form and energy flow throughout this exuberant Exhibition which returns to Guildford’s historic riverside setting. Over 20 local and national artists display their ingenuity and creativity in glass, ceramics, wood, paper, prints, paintings, drawings and photography. In addition, there are two Meet the Artist Saturdays, and younger visitors have their own Art Quiz, with art materials and prizes supplied.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
IN-STORE PERFORMANCE: KATY J PEARSON / JULY 7 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON
Bristolian singer-songwriter Katy J Pearson celebrates the release of the new album ‘Sound of the Morning’ with an intimate in-store performance at Banquet Records in Kingston. Book a ticket and pre-order a copy of the album today.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
HELLFIRE COMEDY CLUB / JULY 8 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE
Get hot under the collar for a night of red-hot comedy at the Hell Fire Comedy Club held at G Live. Tuck into some fiery curry before belly-laughing the night away to jokes told by some of the hottest comics on the scene.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
EDINBURGH PREVIEWS / JULY 8, 15 + 29 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
As Edinburgh Fringe Festival approaches, get a sneak peek of some of stand-up comedy’s finest funny people. Catch some ridiculously raucous double-bills that include; Isabelle Farah and Mark Simmons (July 8), Aaron Simmonds and John Robertson (July 15), and Simon Brodkin and Sophie Duker. Get some tickets for a tickle or two.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
DUB BY THE RIVER / JULY 9 / THE ROWBARGE, GUILDFORD
It’s all things roots, reggae and dub as we join community radio station Kane FM’s DJs at The Rowbarge Pub in Guildford. Complete with Caribbean BBQ, catch regular Kane FM radio reggae dons Boom & Bass, Da Vinci Sound System and more as everything is irie down by the river.
For more information, visit kanefm.com
CAMBERLEY COMEDY FESTIVAL / JULY 9 / LONDON ROAD RECREATION GROUND, CAMBERLEY
‘ Tis the season to unashamedly laugh your socks off! Head for Camberley this July and enjoy the return of the Camberley Comedy Festival on the London Road Recreation Ground. The third instalment of this festival of funny; step inside the marquee and get treated to some side-splitting stand-up comedy from MC Laura Lexx, Andrew Ryan, Luisa Omielan and Phil Wang.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
THE DRIFTERS / JULY 10 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
60s soul legends The Drifters arrive at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this July to perform classic hits from the last six decades. Following the phenomenal success of their 65th-anniversary tour in 2018 and their sell-out tour in 2019, the boys are back to bring down the house once again. Featuring hits such as; Saturday Night At Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come on Over to My Place, Up On The Roof, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ in the Back Row, Save the Last Dance for Me, Down on the Beach, Hello Happiness and many many more.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
ROUNDABOUT / JULY 11 – 24 / MEMORIAL GARDENS, KINGSTON
Paines Plough’s award-winning pop-up theatre arrives in Kingston town centre for the first time, promising a summer season of entertainment events. Featuring performances of three new plays (The Ultimate Pickle, Half-Empty Glasses and A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain), as well as comedy nights, community events and more – head for the Memorial Gardens and keep an eye out for further details to be announced soon.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
MIRIAM MARGOYLES / JULY 13 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
One of Britain’s most loved (and naughtiest) personalities, the marvellous Miriam Margoyles, comes to Guildford’s G Live to recount tales from her remarkable life. BAFTA-winning actor, the voice of everything from Monkey to the Cadbury’s Caramel Rabbit, creator of a myriad of unforgettable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, and creator of hit solo show Dickens’ Women, Miriam is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. Get an insight into Miriam’s life and expect an abundance of anecdotes and uncanny impersonations.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC LATES: RICK PARFITT JR BAND / JULY 13 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Painshill park’s summer series of Live Music Lates events continues this July, with the Rick Parfitt Jr Band taking to the stage on July 13. Son of the late great Rick Parfitt of Status Quo fame, expect rock n roll tunes a plenty.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
GUILDBURY’S PICNIC THEATRE: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS / JULY 13 – 16 / MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
Join Guildburys Theatre Company at their Picnic Theatre in Merrist Wood for the ride of your life in this sparkling adaptation by Laura Eason of Jules Verne’s classic adventure, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. With 40 characters played by nine actors, this will be a feast of fun best accompanied by a picnic. July 13 – 16 at 7.45 pm. Saturday matinee at 2 pm. Grounds open for picnics 90 minutes before curtain-up.
For more information, visit guildburys.com
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB PRESENTS: BOB FOX / JULY 15 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL, HINDHEAD
Grayshott Folk Club welcomes folk legend Bob Fox, to the stage this July. A veteran of the folk scene, Bob played the part of “The SongMan” in The National Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse”, performing to sell-out audiences every night for two years as well as reprising the role for the productions 10th-anniversary tour. Catch him, his guitar and occasionally an accordion for accompaniment.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
THE TEMPEST / JULY 15 – 30 / ASTOLAT PAVILION, STOKE PARK
In July, the company will move to Guildford’s largest and most popular award-winning green space, Stoke Park, for an Edwardian-set promenade production of Shakespeare’s final solo play, THE TEMPEST. On a remote island, a mother and daughter watch as a ship is wrecked on the shore; but this is no accident, and this is no ordinary island. As the survivors come to discover, magic does exist, and those we think are lost forever are just waiting to be found. The company’s headquarters in the park will be the focus for much of the action, with the office building itself being transformed into the shipwrecked remains of Prospero’s original boat. The Tempest will be GSC’s 50th production since its inception in 2006 and the 6th since restrictions were lifted last summer following the pandemic.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST / JULY 15 – 23 / GUILDFORD CASTLE GROUNDS
For a gloriously maniacal adventure of mistaken identities, pull up a pew and let the Pranksters Theatre inform you about ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. A community theatre group who have been performing in the town since 1977 enjoy this adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy set in the stylish 1920s.
For more information, visit pranksterstheatre.org.uk
THE LOCK-IN CABARET / JULY 16 / THE FALLEN ANGEL, ANGEL GATE HOTEL, GUILDFORD
Part of the Guildford Fringe Festival, The Lock-In-Cabaret is back for another night of veritable variety, providing you with entertainments plucked and handpicked for your pleasure by hosts Griffin and Jones. Expect chaos, decadence and mischief a plenty at Guildford’s newest cabaret bar, The Fallen Angel.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
RAKU POTTERY / JULY 16 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Get creative this July and sign up for this Raku Pottery workshop at Farnham Maltings. Choose from a morning or afternoon session and discover the fantastic Japanese art of Raku. It involves glazing a piece of pottery removed from the kiln at red hot temperatures before placing it into combustible materials that ebonises the bare clay and creates a cracked glaze. All materials are provided; just bring along your creative self! Limited spaces, and advance booking, is required.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE RIFLES (ACOUSTIC) / JULY 16 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Head for the intimate environs of The Boileroom in Guildford to catch indie rock band The Rifles perform a stripped-back acoustic set to play tracks from their acclaimed The Rifles Unplugged Album. Get a ticket quick for a night of indie hits.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
GARY DELANEY: GARY IN PUNDERLAND / JULY 16 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Get ready to dive into a rabbit hole of the best jokes in the world – star of Live at the Apollo and sell-out sensation Gary Delaney is back! One of the most sought-after joke writers in the country and longstanding Mock the Week special guest, Gary has been through the laughing glass, and he’s ready to bring you a brand-new show with hit after hit of the kind of one-liners only a master could craft. If you’re hunting for snark, Gary’s got it covered!
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
GUILFEST / JULY 16 – 17 / HURTWOOD PARK POLO CLUB, EWHURST
Guilfest is back! After an eight year hiatus, the team are bringing the party to Hurtwood Park Polo Club this July. Featuring Sister Sledge, Bjorn Again, Baccara (Yes Sir I can Boogie), the Jone Gang, Space Peter Hook & The Light, Dodgy, Bez, The Wurzels, Republica and more – get set for a weekend to remember. Need a helping hand getting there? Safeguard buses are running shuttles to and from the festival over the weekend – problem solved. As well as the music, there will, of course, be a massive beer tent, street food, comedy and theatre stage, disco tent, arts and crafts area and a wellness and yoga area. Get some tickets – they’re selling like hot cakes!
For more information, visit guilfest.co.uk
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (IN SIXTY MINUTES) / JULY 16, 28 + 29 / MEADOWBANK PARK DORKING, FARNHAM CRICKET CLUB + WALTON CRICKET CLUB
Scoot Theatre are back on tour this summer, promising to lighten the mood with some excellent al fresco theatre. Performing in Dorking, Farnham and Walton this July, catch a band of six actor-musicians as they whisk you through Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream in all of sixty minutes!
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
JOCKEY CLUB LIVE: PALOMA FAITH, NILE RODGERS & CHIC + SIMPLY RED / JULY 20, 27 + AUGUST 4 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
The Jockey Club Live returns to Esher’s Sandown Park racecourse this summer, promising an exhilarating day and night of horse racing and live music. Following the adrenaline of an action-packed day of horse racing, let loose and dance the night away to some of music’s finest entertainers, including Paloma Faith, Nile Rodgers & Chic and Simply Red. So get some tickets and experience a summer of sound.
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk
NT LIVE: PRIMA FACIE / JULY 21, 22, 25 + 27 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER
Jodie Comer makes her West End debut as she stars in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning Prima Facie this July. Directed by Justin Martin, take your seats in Esher’s Everyman Cinema and await an evening of emotionally charged drama to be beamed straight to your seats courtesy of the National Theatre.
For more information, visit everymancinema.com
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / JULY 22 / 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. 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
ROOFTOP FILM FESTIVAL / JULY 22 – 24 / MAIN SQUARE CAR PARK 1, CAMBERLEY
Camberley’s Rooftop Film Festival is back! Found on Level 5 of the town’s Main Square Car Park, get set for a weekend’s worth of top-notch films that include James Bond: No Time To Die (Friday), Moana, Encanto and The Greatest Showman – Singalong (Saturday), and Sing 2 and Grease Singalong (Sunday). Deckchairs will be provided for all attendees, and food and drink offerings available to purchase on the night.
For more information, visit collectivelycamberley.co.uk
CRANLEIGH COMEDY CLUB / JULY 23 / 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
OUTDOOR THEATRE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING / JULY 30 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
As part of Painshill Park’s summer series of events in their beautiful walled garden, catch Folksy Theatre perform Shakespeare’s witty wonder Much Ado About Nothing this July. Join young lovers Claudio and Hero as you pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy an evening of outdoor theatre in the magnificent surroundings of Painshill Park.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
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