THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – EVENTS IN SURREY
Looking for your fill of entertainment in Surrey this October? As the days get a little shorter and the temperature gets a little cooler, it’s time to cosy up to the warmth that a good night out brings. Whether you’re looking to make some moves on the dance floor, be gripped by drama on stage, laugh out loud to the best in stand-up comedy or be inspired by arts and crafts – we’ve got a healthy dose of the good stuff below. Seek and you shall find good times.
FACES OF FAME: G F WATTS X SIMON FREDERICK / SEPTEMBER 27 – MARCH 26 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Enjoy a balance of old and new as a selection of contemporary portrait photographer Simon Frederick’s images are placed alongside G F Watts’ paintings from his Hall of Fame. Re-examining the representation of celebrity, race, gender, class, power and empire, explore famous faces from the past and present in this unique exhibition created in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery as part of their Inspiring People project.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
KANE FM PRESENTS: FUNK & SOUL / SEPTEMBER 30 / THE KINGS HEAD, GUILDFORD
In need of a night out? Get to the Kings Head pub in Guildford for a night of non-stop funk and soul, with resident DJs from community radio station Kane FM taking to the 1s and 2s. Nod your head, shake our shoulders and get ready to dance the night away.
For more information, visit www.kanefm.com
GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL / OCTOBER 1 – 17 / MULTIPLE VENUES, GUILDFORD
The Guildford Book Festival is back to provide literary lovers with an array of readings and events from some of the country’s finest writers and personalities. Now in its 33rd year, highlights of this year’s Festival include: much-loved actor Eileen Atkins, sharing stories from her extraordinary life and career; star of Downton Abbey and Paddington Hugh Bonneville, speaking about his entertaining memoir, Playing Under the Piano, published in October; Melanie Chisholm, aka Sporty Spice, who will talk about what life was really like in The Spice Girls and more, and international bestselling author, Jeffrey Archer, who will be making his first appearance at the Festival to speak about his latest novel, Next In Line.
For more information, visit guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
THE CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE / OCTOBER 1 – 22 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
A thrilling and romantic adventure, The Caucasian Chalk Circle is a story of hope emerging in a time of chaos. Amid a bloody revolution, a young woman risks all to raise the abandoned child of the Governor and his wife. Years later, when the Governor’s wife returns seeking her son, a rogue judge turns justice on its head. Can the test of the chalk circle determine which of the two women is the boy’s true mother? A Rose Original Production, this new version by Steve Waters (Limehouse, Donmar Warehouse) stars Carrie Hope Fletcher and features original songs by Michael Henry (Barber Shop Chronicles, National Theatre).
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
BETTI + BRUCE! TRAPPED IN THE UK! / OCTOBER 2 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Betti and Bruce present an evening of musical comedy cabaret with their breakout show Trapped in The UK. Paying homage to the great lounge and nightclub acts of old, expect a mashup of tunes from the songbook of standards, current pop hits and some funny stuff for good measure. It’s going to be camp-tastic.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
THE CHALK GARDEN / OCTOBER 4 – 8 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Starring Edward Fox, Sian Phillips and Jenny Seagrove, The Chalk Garden comes to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this October. Following a string of failed candidates, Miss Madrigal is, despite her mysterious background, appointed as the new governess of Laurel, a somewhat ‘difficult’ teenage girl. Can she straighten her out? Or will drama ensue? Find out and book some tickets pronto.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SEANN WALSH: BACK FROM THE BED / OCTOBER 7 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Seann Walsh is Back From The Bed and off to Farnham Maltings for a night of comic observations on the state of things. Featuring some old jokes and new jokes, Seann says, “it will be difficult to avoid mentioning the last year in which millions of decent people tragically lost their lives to TikTok.” Catch the lion-maned maker of laughs at Farnham Maltings this October.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / OCTOBER 7 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Put a smile on your face and head for the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre for an epic comedy double-bill this month. Featuring the ultimate prankster Simon Brodkin as well as one of the most exciting young comedians on the scene, Nathon Caton. Expect laughs.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
THE BIG 90’S FESTIVAL / OCTOBER 7 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD
Need some 90s nostalgia in your life? Head back in time and dance the night away as a bunch of dance legends from back in the day enter the fray for an evening of live entertainment. Expect live acts, DJs, 90s fancy dress and much dancing all underneath the canopy of a huge festival tent. Get your tickets quick.
For more information, visit thebigninetiesfestival.co.uk
BARB JUNGR: DYLAN AND COHEN AND LOVE / OCTOBER 8 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Enjoy an evening in the company of the esteemed songstress Barb Jungr as she sings the love songs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Working with her longstanding collaborator Jenny Carr, Barb will include Forgetful Heart, What Happens To The Heart, If You Gotta Go, Go Now, I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You, and So Long Marianne, among more treasures.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
PEANESS / OCTOBER 8 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Garage-indie-pop with a touch of shoe gaze thrown in for good measure, catch the catchy-riff-laden trio Peaness play at The Boileroom in Guildford this month. Having released their debut album, ‘World of Worry’ via their own label, Totally Sick Records, the band reached the Top 40 in both the UK independent album charts and UK vinyl charts in its release week. Decent.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
MICHAEL PALIN: FROM NORTH KOREA TO IRAQ / OCTOBER 11 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Actor, comedian, presenter, historian, and globetrotter – the one and only Michael Palin arrives at Guildford’s G Live this October recounting tales from some of the far-flung places around the world. Venture vicariously to North Korea and Iraq as Palin tells all from two of the most extraordinary journeys that he’s taken.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE BIG MOON / OCTOBER 12 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
The once Mercury Nominated The Big Moon are back with their third full-length album, ‘Here Is Everything’. As is customary for many of the finest purveyors of musical ditties, they shall celebrate by performing at Kingston’s PRYZM this October. So bag a ticket quick for what will almost certainly be a sell-out night.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO & MUNTO VALDO / OCTOBER 14 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
The amazing Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Munto Valdo make an appearance at Guildford’s G Live this month. Having shot to fame on Paul Simon’s groundbreaking Graceland album, Mambazo are widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest voices. So expect a night of positive vibrations and goosebumps galore as South Africa’s finest sing some heavenly harmonies for your listening pleasure.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
JEKYLL & HYDE / OCTOBER 15 – NOVEMBER 5 / ST NICOLAS’ CHURCH, GUILDFORD
Guildford Shakespeare Company returns to the fore this autumn with a seasonal treat as they present the deliriously spooky, solo-actor adaptation of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic Jekyll & Hyde. Staged at St Nicolas’ Church in Guildford, brace yourselves for a night of gothic horror.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: BLACKBEARD’S TEA PARTY / OCTOBER 15 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
York’s funniest and finest big band return to treat you to an exhilarating and uplifting evening of entertainment. This is not for the faint of heart or those who prefer quiet and gentle Folk music. This is full-on Festival Folk Rock. So grab your stripy t-shirt, your neighbour’s Parrot and maybe a pretend Cutlass, then prepare to board the Good Ship Grayshott Folk Club, before you and your motley crew embark upon a musical raiding party.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
DAWN FRENCH IS HUGE TW*T / OCTOBER 15 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Telling some “butt-clenchingly embarrassing stories”, Dawn French is back with her brand new tour and is being a huge tw*t about it. With a sold-out show in the evening, there are still some tickets left for an afternoon performance of absurdities courtesy of one of the nation’s brightest treasures, the one they call Dawn French.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS / OCTOBER 15 – 16 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Feeling creative? Are you a lover of all things arts and crafts? Be inspired by the return of the Festival of Crafts taking place at the Farnham Maltings this October. Buy from over 70 designers and makers in a marketplace featuring homewares, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass and more.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB / OCTOBER 17 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Showcasing the very best stand-up comics currently working the circuit, join the Outside the Box Comedy Club at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston for their monthly instalment of the funny stuff. Headlining this month’s comedy night is the outstandingly funny Angela Barnes, who is joined by Matt Richardson.
For more information, visit outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
BRIX SMITH / OCTOBER 18 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Post-punk legend and former member of The Fall, Brix Smith fronts a supergroup of fabulous and ferocious femmes for her UK tour this autumn. Featuring My Bloody Valentine duo Deb Googe (bass) and Jen Macro (keys/guitar), along with Vas Antoniadou (drums) and Ros Cairney (guitar) from rising London duo deux furieuses, expect a night of up-front, in-your-face antics from this certified queen of the scene.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
LEVISON WOOD: THE ART OF EXPLORATION / OCTOBER 20 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Intrepid explorer extraordinaire Levison Wood arrives at Guildford’s G Live laden with tales from roads less travelled. From his days spent in the army on the front lines of Afghanistan to photojournalism assignments in the Congo, Levison will reveal the lessons he has learnt on the road and how we can all benefit from applying the philosophy of travel and the Art of Exploration to our regular everyday routines.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
IGNITE / OCTOBER 20 – NOVEMBER 6 / POLESDEN LACEY
For a visual spectacle to behold, head on over to the estate of historic Polesden Lacey for the essential after-dark experience that is Ignite. Follow the trail of lights and lanterns and be enchanted by fantasy and magic as you wander through flickering flames with your friends and family. Not to be missed. Book some tickets quick.
For more information, visit igniteatpolesdenlacey.seetickets.com/
THE BEAT: CAMILLA GEORGE / OCTOBER 21 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
A brand new collaboration and series of concerts, The Beat, presented by Guildford Jazz and The Boileroom, will celebrate the plethora of brand-new jazz, funk, afro sound and blues fusion artists in the UK right now. First up is visionary saxophonist Camilla George’s up-tempo feast of afrobeat hip hop and jazz. Exciting.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SUZI RUFFELL: SNAPPY / OCTOBER 21 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Suzi Ruffell likes things snappy: her stand-up, her decisions and her suits. Suzi’s brand new show is all about settling down (but not settling), becoming a mother (without becoming mumsy) and still worrying about everything – of course, she is – have you seen the news? Celebrate and commiserate life’s wonders with the super funny, multi-award-winning stand-up comedian Suzi Ruffell at the Farnham Maltings this month.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
MARK WATSON: THIS CAN’T BE IT / OCTOBER 21 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
What with a global pandemic etc., it’s safe to say we’ve all had a moment or two (or a million) of reflection, begging existential questions on life’s fragility. One man that assuredly has it covered is Welsh funnyman Mark Watson. Catch the man himself cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / OCTOBER 21 / THE LIGHTBOX, 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
JASON BYRNE: UNBLOCKED / OCTOBER 23 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Jason Byrne is UNBLOCKED and ready to go, his heart is UNBLOCKED, venues are colonically irrigated, he has a new lease of life, which can mean only one thing… Pure and utter UNBLOCKED joy and laughter. I’m sure you get the picture by now; expect a mind dump of funny stuff at Camberley Theatre this October.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
ART AND CRAFT MARKET / OCTOBER 23 / WEST STREET, FARNHAM
Celebrate all things arts and crafts with this dedicated open-air market that’ll see Farnham’s West Street filled with artisanal fineries, old and new. Pick up a gift for me, a gift for you or simply browse stalls upon stalls selling their wares this weekend.
For more information, visit acvrevents.co.uk
BAT OUT OF HELL / OCTOBER 25 – NOVEMBER 5 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
It’s electrified audiences in London, New York, Toronto and Germany and won the audience-voted Evening Standard Award for Best New Musical. Now, Jim Steinman’s spectacular musical Bat Out Of Hell hits the highway on a UK tour in 2022. Paying homage to the enigmatic rock’ n’ roller, head for Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this October and get ready to go wild.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
BOYZLIFE / OCTOBER 26 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Two of Ireland’s favourite boy bands join forces for an evening of unbridled noughties nostalgia. We say, two boy bands – it is, in fact, one member from each faction, as you’re treated to an evening with Westlife’s Brian McFadden and Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, who will take you on a pop-tastic tour of the bands’ greatest hits.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
CURTAIN UP ON MURDER / OCTOBER 27 – 29 / COBHAM VILLAGE HALL
The Cobham Players are back at their spiritual home of Cobham Village Hall for their latest instalment of amateur dramatics. Written by Bettine Manktelow and Directed by Mike Dawes, get set for a murder mystery with a difference. What’s the difference? We hear you cry; well, you’ll just have to go and find out for yourselves.
For more information, visit cobhamplayers.org.uk
MOTSI MABUSE: FINDING MY OWN RHYTHM / OCTOBER 28 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Spend a dazzling evening with Motsi Mabuse, beloved Strictly Come Dancing judge and renowned professional dance champion, as she leads us into the rhinestone-studded world of dance to celebrate the publication of her new book, Finding My Own Rhythm.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
WEAVE A LANDSCAPE / OCTOBER 29 / CASS ART, KINGSTON
Whether you’re inspired by nature’s wonder, why not spend the morning learning how to weave a wondrous landscape? Taking place at the excellent Cass Art in Kingston, sign up online and meet like-minded, heart-felt lovers of a good weave.
For more information, visit cassart.co.uk
CABARET DRAG NIGHT WITH ZELDA STONE / OCTOBER 29 / FALLEN ANGEL, GUILDFORD
Spend the evening in the intimate and atmospheric environs of Guildford’s newest cabaret club, the Fallen Angels and enjoy a cabaret drag night with performer Zelda Stone. Sip on a cocktail or two, and while away, an evening in style.
For more information, visit fallenangelbar.com
THE JUKEBOX & RETRO FAIR / OCTOBER 29 – 30 / CHESSINGTON SCHOOL, CHESSINGTON
Before the days of Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, if you were out and about at your local café and pub, you, the customer and the consumer may have feasibly selected the tunes that you and your fellow patrons would listen to via the Jukebox. This magical music machine might contain hundreds of records to trawl through for you to be DJ for the evening. So get back to those retro days and head for The Jukebox & Retro Fair in Chessington for a day of non-stop nostalgia.
For more information, visit jukeboxfair.co.uk
HEATHLAND ARTWORKS / UNTIL OCTOBER 30 / RSPB FARNHAM HEATH
Discover a landscape of imaginative installations at RSPB Farnham Heath this month. As the autumnal colours transform the Heath, make sure you visit this annual exhibition before it finishes at the end of the month.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org