THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Looking for some springtime fun in Surrey this April? Whether you want to laugh, cry or learn how to decoupage (may involve both emotions). What are you waiting for? Get cracking, find out what’s on and make some plans with your pals.
EASTER WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP / APRIL 4 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Make a seasonal Spring Treat for your homestead, by joining this Easter Wreath Workshop at Polesden Lacey. Whether giving as a gift to give or keeping for your home, get all the tips and techniques you need to make something beautiful this month.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
THE LOCK-IN CABARET / APRIL 5 / FALLEN ANGEL, GUILDFORD
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 fallenangelbar.com
DARREN HAYES / APRIL 7 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
If you were truly madly deeply in love with the sounds of Savage Garden in the late 90s, then you my friend are in for a treat. Darren Hayes, the multi-award-winning songwriter, iconic performer and one half of the globally revered Savage Garden, is hitting the road and arriving at Guildford’s G Live this month. The tour will celebrate 25 years of Savage Garden, his well-established solo career and more.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE MOUSETRAP / APRIL 10 – 15 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Spend an evening in agonising suspense, as Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery The Mousetrap arrives at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. With a potential plot twist at every turn, this is a tale of nerve-shredding moments, murder and motive.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS / APRIL 11 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
For those who have longed for some artistic sense but have struggled to find where to start, head along to the atmospheric environs of West Horsley Place this month for this Drawing for Beginners Class. A friendly and relaxed introduction to the basics of drawing led by artist Jane Allison. Drawing is a language and everyone can learn to draw! This workshop will introduce students to the fundamental skills needed to translate what you see into a two dimensional image.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
GORDON BUCHANAN: 30 YEARS IN THE WILD / APRIL 12 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
After a sell-out tour last year, Gordon Buchanan is going back on tour. One of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, Gordon’s journey is a remarkable story to tell. Looking back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera. This will be a rare opportunity to discover what has driven his career and what are his most favourite wildlife encounters.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
MAGICAL BONES: SOULFUL MAGIC / APRIL 13 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
He’s back! Following sell out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brand-new show full of the most awe-inspiring and high energy magic you’ll see this year. Catch the magic unfold at Farnham Maltings this month.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
METALLICA: 72 SEASONS – GLOBAL PREMIERE / APRIL 13 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER
Love a good head bang? Be the first to hear Metallica’s new album 72 Seasons, the day before its release – on the big screen of Esher’s Everyman Cinema with pummeling surround sound.
For more information, visit everymancinema.com
BEN GREGORY / APRIL 13 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON
Lead singer of the once Liphook based band Blaenavon, Ben Gregory comes to Kingston’s finest Banquet Records to play an in-store set celebrating the release of his new album, ‘episode’. Get a ticket quick!
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
ESHAAN AKBAR: THE PRETENDER / APRIL 14 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Whether it’s you, the person you go on a date with, your boss, or the opinion-makers on TV, we’re all pretending we know what we’re doing. We don’t. And it’s about time we all had a proper laugh about it. After supporting some of the biggest acts in the UK, be sure to snap up some tickets and enjoy the quick wit of Eshaan Akbar – The Pretender.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
GATE STREET SPRING FAYRE / APRIL 14 / GATE STREET BARN, BRAMLEY
Celebrate the season of Spring and head for the charming setting of Gate Street for this Spring Fayre. Roam the bluebell paths and woodland walks while enjoying an array of local purveyors selling their artisan wares. From arts and crafts to food and drink, celebrate Spring and book a ticket right now.
For more information, visit gatestreet.co.uk
GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY PRESENT: WILL’S BIRTHDAY BASH / APRIL 14, 15, 19, 22 + 23 / VARIOUS VENUES, GUILDFORD
As well as being St George’s Day, April 23 is widely recognised as the day on which William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. And since 2011, Guildford’s award-winning Shakespeare company have been marking the occasion with a series of sell-out special events. This year, join the popular Sonnet Walk Weekend (April 22 + 23); GSC Young Company will be performing their new play, Rosen Stern & Guilden Crantz Are…Lost (April 14 + 15) and you can also catch First Folio @ 400 (April 19), which celebrates the 400th anniversary since Shakespeare’s plays were printed as a collected work.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
MARTIN HARLEY / APRIL 15 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
The UK’s very own Blues Brother, virtuoso guitarist Martin Harley comes to the Farnham Maltings this month. Martin’s solo shows are known for mixing excellent musicianship and songwriting with a down-to-earth sense of humour and tales of 3 decades of world travel.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 15 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
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 headliner Danny Buckler, the laugh-out-loud Luke Toulson and your MC for the night, Michael May.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
INTRODUCTION TO DECOUPAGE / APRIL 15 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Fancy getting crafty? Head to Farnham Maltings for this Introduction to Decoupage workshop. Learn about decoupage used on furniture and decorative objects. During the course you’ll also practise traditional decoupage, which involves colouring and cutting out paper designs to apply to a small painted box. Book your spot now!
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
JAPANESE GANSAI BOTANICAL PAINTING WORKSHOP / APRIL 16 / CASS ART, KINGSTON
In this workshop, participants will learn about Japanese painting and its techniques, and create their own A5 artwork inspired by Iwasaki Tsunemasa’s Honzo Zufu (本草図譜), a vast chronicle of botany from 18th and 19th century Japan.
For more information, visit cassart.co.uk
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION / APRIL 17 – 22 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, catch this riveting play made famous by the 1994 movie starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins as you get set for an evening of drama, desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO / APRIL 17 – 22 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens. Simultaneously tender and laugh-out loud funny, this heartfelt story will appeal to anyone who understands how it feels to be a fan: of ABBA or of anyone. Grab a ticket and catch it at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud this April.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
LORD OF THE FLIES / APRIL 18 – 22 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
In the midst of a raging war, a group of British school children are left stranded after surviving a devastating plane crash. Ralph is voted the leader over outcast Piggy and rule-breaking Jack. As tensions rise and the hunger for power grows, the group divide and become wildly out of control. Left to fend for themselves, the children are tested to their limits as they struggle for survival in their new and mysterious surroundings.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
THE ART PARLOUR / APRIL 19 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Hundred Watt Club return to The Boileroom in Guildford this month for their unique multi-sensory life drawing class. Enjoy an ‘enchanted garden’ themed soiree as ethereal model Naomi Wood strikes a pose and you, the artiste, put pen / pencil / chalk / crayon to paper to create your very own masterpiece. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and sketch, before Naomi takes to the stage for an exquisite burlesque performance.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SECOND SUMMER OF LOVE / APRIL 20 – 21 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
One woman’s first-hand flashback to the euphoric early 90’s UK rave scene from the confines of mid-life Surrey. Original raver, Louise, wonders how she went from ecstasy-taking idealist to respectable, disillusioned, home counties mum. An uplifting, high-energy, physical-theatre story about coming of age and mid-life recovery.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WHOLE LOTTA COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 20 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Whole Lotta Comedy presents a rip-roaring evening of laughs, featuring a smorgasbord of stand-up from some of the best comedians the UK circuit has to offer. Each month’s show will see a different line-up, with a variety of comedy ranging from traditional stand-up to musical acts, observational, and the dark and daft. Headline acts include Dane Baptiste, Nick Helm, Nathan Caton, Jonny Awsum and others from TV shows including Live At The Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Mock the Week.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
SPY TALKS / APRIL 20 / THE GUILDFORD INSTITUTE
Join popular published authors and experts in the field of espionage for these fascinating talks. Brimming with spies and lies, these exciting tales from real events and literary works invite you on a journey of exploration into the murky waters of espionage. In aid of Godalming’s Meath Epilepsy Charity, support the cause and find out more about the intriguing world of espionage.
For more information, visit meath.org.uk
CHARLIE BAKER: 24 HOUR PASTY PEOPLE / APRIL 21 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Wasson? Award-winning comedian, tap dancer and Talksport radio host Charlie Baker brings an hour of ‘genuinely funny ★★★★’ (The Herald) stand-up drenched in manure, cider and clotted cream to your village/town/cattle market. Comedy with a countryside accent. Imagine Jethro and Jack Black had a son. Job’s a good’un. Proper job.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
LOSELEY SPRING SHOW / APRIL 21 / LOSELEY PARK
Enjoy this unique opportunity to see the luscious Loseley Gardens as they spring into life at the Loseley Spring Show. Featuring over 40 garden and artisan food stalls and set in the wonderful Walled Gardens celebrate the season and book a ticket now.
For more information, visit loseleypark.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB PRESENTS: THE OCELOTS / APRIL 22 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
For anybody who caught this duo at the Grayshott Folk Club last August, you know you’re in for a treat, but for those of you who don’t know. Originally from Ireland but now living in Leipzig, Germany, 24 year-old twin brothers Brandon and Ashley Watson are Ireland’s latest musical export. Expect a forceful blend of rich harmonies and bare, acoustic Folk as The Ocelots return to Grayshott Folk Club this April.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
SUSIE DENT – THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS / APRIL 23 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster), and explain such oddities as the silent h in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly (and yes, you really can be gruntled)
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS / APRIL 25 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Stick ‘em up punk – Fun Lovin’ Criminals are coming to The Boileroom in Guildford for a night of scooby snacks and slick tunes. Grab a ticket quick and witness some legends on stage.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL / APRIL 25 – 29 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Get ready for the journey of a lifetime as the UK Premiere of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel comes to Richmond Theatre’s stage this September. Based on the Sunday Times bestseller, which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. Starring the icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Academy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-Award winner, Hayley Mills, household favourite and screen and stage star Paul Nicholas and Rula Lenska.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
RICHARD III / APRIL 26 – MAY 13 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
What happens when a person who has been punched down upon all their life, finally punches back? Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh shifts the lens on Shakespeare’s most iconic villain Richard III, questioning what we think we know of him, in this blistering new production. With an original score inspired by traditional folk music from Yeofi Andoh, this rejuvenated staging sets kingdoms and castles amongst May Day parades and Morris dancing in a rural Cotswold setting.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
SOLVE-ALONG-A MURDER SHE WROTE / APRIL 27 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote comes to Camberley this April, with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode “Sing a Song of Murder”. Jessica Fletcher heads to London but soon gets caught up in a murder mystery only she (or you!) can solve!
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
SPRING CRAFT AND DESIGN FAIR / APRIL 27 – MAY 1 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley from April 27 – May 1 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 rhs.org.uk
MET OPERA: CHAMPION / APRIL 29 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Catch the Met Opera’s production of six-time Grammy Award–winning composer Terence Blanchard’s latest work, Champion. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green is the young boxer Emile Griffith, who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and bass-baritone Eric Owens portrays Griffith’s older self, haunted by the ghosts of his past. Soprano Latonia Moore is Emelda Griffith, the boxer’s estranged mother, and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe is the bar owner Kathy Hagan.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
PATRICK MONAHAN / APRIL 29 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
In a world of groups, hierarchies and class systems, everyone’s trying so hard to fit in. What’s wrong with being a misfit? Be you, be proud! From the caravan to the middle class neighbourhood, it’s taken Monahan 4 decades to realise this . Enjoy Monahan’s stand up observations on living his contemporary life alongside stories of his upbringing.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
NOWER WOOD BLUEBELL OPEN DAY / APRIL 29 / NOWER WOOD EDUCATIONAL RESERVE, LEATHERHEAD
As bluebells bloom around the country, get a glimpse of this wonderful wood and head for Surrey Wildlife Trust’s educational centre found at Nower Wood near Leatherhead. A site usually closed to the public, enjoy this open day with the whole family and enjoy a range of free activities, including the adventure trail, mini beast hunting, pond dipping, marshmallow toasting, woodland play and more.
For more information, visit surreywildlifetrust.org
A YEAR OF BIRDSONG & BIRD SONGS / APRIL 30 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
One singer and one ornithologist, sharing a passion for the theatre found within bird song and the natural world. An entertaining evening of listening, learning and larking around. Warbling from classical to opera, folk to pop, choral to show tunes.Tap your feet as you marvel at nature’s wonderful stories, and maybe even have a warble yourself at the Electric Theatre in Guildford.
For more information, visit electric.theatre