THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Summer in Surrey is here and by-wowzers has it brought the fun. If you’re seeking an adventure in entertainment then you’ve come to the right place. Because this whats on isn’t just a whats on – it’s your guide to everything arts, crafts and culture happening within the borders of this fine county you call home. Delve in. Do some stuff.
DUMB BLOW THE NAUGHTY ELEPHANT – THE SUMMER ADULT PANTO / JUNE 24 – JULY 15 / THE FALLEN ANGEL BAR, GUILDFORD
A brand new script by the creative team behind Sinders (2019), D!CK (2020), Pinocchio (2020) and Aladdin One Rub Too Many (2021), Throbbin’ Hood & his Little John (2022). If you are a fan of naughty, smutty and damn right silly humour then the Guildford Fringe Adult Panto is for you!
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
SING WHEN YOU’RE WALIKING (FREE) / JULY 1 / THE GUILDHALL, GUILDFORD
It is a well-established fact that both singing and walking are great ways to improve mental and physical wellbeing. So how about a combination of both! Join this stroll around the beautiful centre of Guildford with the occasional stop for a quick burst of song and a few surprises. It’s free to join and suitable for all ages and abilities.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
MALTINGS MONTHLY MARKET / JULY 1 / 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. With social distancing and safety measures in place, shop with peace of mind and find something special that you didn’t realise you needed until now.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CLAREMONT LIVE! OUTDOOR THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC & DANCE / JULY 2 – AUGUST 13 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDENS
Whether it’s outdoor theatre, outdoor cinema, live music or inspiring dance – Claremont Landscape Gardens have it all this summer when it comes to culture. Head online and find a multitude of quite amazing events all within the glorious environs of the landscaped gardens.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
SIMON BRODKIN / JULY 4 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
After a sold-out, critically-acclaimed 120-date international tour, Britain’s most-viewed comedian on TikTok, Lee Nelson creator and world-famous prankster who showered Sepp Blatter with dollar bills and handed Theresa May a P45 is back with an outrageous new stand-up show about God, guns, Matt Hancock, Ayatollah Khamenei and a man called Xavier.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
THE VERDICT / JULY 4 – 8 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The powerful bestselling courtroom thriller that inspired a multi Academy Award-Nominated film starring Paul Newman, The Verdict comes to Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this month. Join washed up lawyer Frank Galvin as he gets one last shot at redemption. Let the drama ensue.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL / JULY 4 – 9 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Discover a wonderful world of gardening splendour set in the grounds of this historic palace. From gorgeous cut flowers and vibrant fruit and veg, to thought-provoking gardens exploring topical themes, this is an unmissable event for gardeners and growers.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
GUILDFORD ARTS SUMMER EXHIBITION / JULY 5 – 20 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The annual Guildford Arts Summer Exhibition returns to the historic and peaceful riverside setting of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Mill Studio, in the heart of the town. 23 local and national artists have been invited to show their creativity and expertise in glass, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, drawings, textiles, prints and photography. The Exhibition will be opened at the Private View by the actress Bronagh Waugh, a supporter of the Exhibition. All the artworks on display are for sale.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MEN: ROMEO & JULIET / JULY 5, 15, 16 + 30 / CHISWICK, HOOK, ESHER + GUILDFORD
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them this summer for the timeless and classic love story, Romeo and Juliet. With a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself they present this great play as he first saw it, in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
For more information, visit tlcm.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC LATES / JULY 6, 12 + 13 / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
Painshill park’s summer series of Live Music Lates returns this July. Listen to live bands in the beautiful surroundings of Painshill’s tree lined Amphitheatre. Catch Rick Parfitt Jr Band, Dirty DC, Trembling Wilburys, Elite Elton and One Step Behind throughout the month.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
DORKING HALLS PLAYS IN THE PARK / JULY 7 + 8 / MEADOWBANK PARK, DORKING
Dorking Halls are bringing the stage to the park this summer with two days of excellent entertainment. Get your laugh on at The Comedy Club on Friday Night, David Walliams’ Bad Dad is one for the families on Saturday afternoon, before Shakespeare takes centre stage in the evening with performances of Macbeth and Romeo & Juliet.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
THE DRIFTERS / JULY 7 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
60s soul legends The Drifters arrive at Guildford’s G Live 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 glive.co.uk
CAMBERLEY COMEDY FESTIVAL / JULY 8 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE
‘ 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 fourth instalment of this festival of funny; step inside the marquee and get treated to some side-splitting stand-up comedy from the hilarious Heidi Regan, the downright silly Sophie Duker and the flippin’ funny Phil Wang.
For more information, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk
CSI CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION / JULY 8 / THE GUILDHALL, GUILDFORD
No one knows who the killer is, not even the cast! Delve into a world of comedy and crime and put these improvisers through their paces. CSI creates a 100% brand-new whodunnit every show to solve an outlandish murder invented by the audience. Someone’s kicked the bucket. But who, what and how? The choice is yours, the problem is theirs.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com
THE GUILDFORD BARBERSHOP HARMONY CLUB / JULY 9 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Guildford Sings! Make your way to Guildford’s Electric Theatre and catch some sweet harmonies this month A joyous celebration of harmony singing, featuring the Surrey Fringe Chorus, plus guest artists from around Guildford. (A donation will be made from the proceeds to The Matrix Trust)
For more information, visit electric.theatre
STEVE-O: THE BUCKET LIST TOUR / JULY 10 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Every idea on Steve-O’s Bucket List was so ill-advised, he never expected to go through with any of them. Until it was time to prepare for this tour. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already know Steve-O for, he did them all, and made a highly XXX-rated, multimedia comedy show out of them. Not for kids, or for the faint of heart.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
TITANIC THE MUSICAL / JULY 10 – 15 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
DRINK & DRAW / JULY 11 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Scribblers, scrawlers and drawers can rejoice and commune with like-minded folk of Guildford’s creative community at Drink & Draw. Bring your sketchbooks, pens, pencils, and some of your favourite equipment to share if you’re feeling generous. Materials will be available on the night.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS / JULY 11 – 15 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Based on the novel by Jules Verne and adapted and directed by Juliet Forster, this brand-new, fun and colourful family production tells the story of Around The World In Eighty Days as you’ve never seen it before.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY / JULY 13 + 20 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience; sign up for this Introduction to Pottery Workshop at West Horsley Place this July. Learn, discover and explore the wonderful world of pottery as you make bowls, learn decorative techniques, as well as glazing and dipping. Sign up online and find your new favourite hobby.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
EDINBURGH PREVIEW: YURIKO KOTAJI & JJ WHITEHEAD / JULY 14 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Catch some future stars of funny at this Edinburgh Preview night at Farnham Maltings. Taking to the stage this July before the long haul up north, UK-based Japanese comedian Yuriko Kotaji and the eclectic wit of JJ Whitehead. Nab some tickets for a night of comic relief.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ROCKEOKE / JULY 14 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Like the idea of Karaoke but are just too darn punk rock to belt out some Kelly Clarkson? Well even if you are a punk rocker who loves to belt out some Kelly Clarkson, get a fix of the heavy stuff with Rockeoke over at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston.
For more information, visit the-fighting-cocks.co.uk
THE CANTERBURY TALES / JULY 14 – 29 / GSC HQ, STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD
Surrey’s Premier Open-Air Theatre continues in July with a “riotous, irreverent, joyous” adaptation of THE CANTERBURY TALES. The award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company are revisiting their acclaimed 2014 production, revised and reworked for the open-air. Staged in Stoke Park Guildford, the show features live music, puppetry, captivating storytelling, Shakespeare and buckets of audience participation.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
OUTDOOR THEATRE: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE + THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR / JULY 15 + JULY 29 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Fancy some outdoor theatre at the oh-so scenic site of Painshill? Pull up a pew (and a picnic) and enjoy the delights of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Shakespeare’s comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW / JULY 17 – 22 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Arriving at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this July, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years with this special anniversary production. The longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world, The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by 30 million people and continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour. Damn it, Janet – get a ticket quick.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
SLAPSTICK PICNIC: PETER PAN / JULY 18 / CHURCH FIELD, WITLEY
This summer, join Slapstick Picnic for a theatrical treat like no other as they whip up a three-hander version of J M Barrie’s classic play: Peter Pan. Let your imagination soar as they dish out this timeless tale of hapless pirates, feral children and a particularly punctual reptile. This show isn’t just for kids; their brilliant buffoonery will have picnickers of all ages cackling into their coleslaw. This is one flight of fancy you don’t want to miss! Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!
For more information, visit slapstickpicnic.com
GUILDBURY’S PICNIC THEATRE: CYRANO DE BERGERAC / JULY 19 – 22 / MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
From July 19-22 bring a picnic, uncork the wine and enjoy the spectacle as love and hope soar in this deliciously entertaining romance. With a ton of swash for your buckle, be sure to follow your nose to Guildburys open air summer extravaganza this July.Cyrano de Bergerac is staged on the lawn in front of the Manor House at Merrist Wood – the perfect setting in which to enjoy a picnic with friends whilst being royally entertained!
For more information, visit guildburys.com
WILLY MASON / JULY 19 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
The quite wonderful Willy Mason comes to The Boileroom in Guildford for an evening of heartfelt and thought-provoking lyricism delivered in the humble and husky tones that could New York state born Mason is known for. Catch him playing tracks from his catalogue of modern classics.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST / JULY 25 / THE RECTORY GARDEN, CRANLEIGH
Love is familiar. Love is a devil. The King and three friends take an oath dedicating themselves to a life of study, avoiding the company of women for three years. No sooner have they made their vow the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, presenting the men with a severe test of their high-minded resolve. Widely believed to be the prequel to Much Ado about Nothing, this early Shakespeare promises luscious costumes and a few surprises. Taking place in the Rectory Garden, deck chairs and picnics are actively encouraged!
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
THE JOCKEY CLUB LIVE: TOM JONES / JULY 26 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER
Music nights at Sandown Park Racecourse are back for 2023! Marking his return to the historic course after his outstanding 2017 performance, international icon TOM JONES will perform a full headline set after racing later this month. Snap up a ticket quick!
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/live
WHOLE LOTTA COMEDY CLUB / JULY 27 / THE 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. Up this month to give you a laugh and a half; Jordan Brookes, Gareth Neale, Matt Stellingwerf and Hal Cruttenden.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
GEORGIA / JULY 27 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
Electro pop comes to Pryzm in Kingston this month as Georgia celebrates the release of her latest album Euphoric. Make like a crocodile and snap up some tickets quick for a night of new bangers.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS / JULY 28 / FARNHAM CRICKET CLUB
Cartoonish capers in Shakespeare’s funniest farce! Two sets of shipwrecked twins – who lost their doubles years ago – unknowingly end up in the same place at the same time. Chaos ensues; but will the searching siblings find each other in the end? Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own inimitable spin on this classic comedy.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE PROCLAIMERS / JULY 29 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Having walked well over 500 miles, iconic twin brothers Craig and Charlie Read, AKA Scotland’s finest The Proclaimers arrive at G Live later this month. Haing recorded their 12th studio album in 2022, the duo first emerged over 35 years ago and continue to perform to sell out crowds. Catch some classics and book a ticket quick.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
ROW BOAT HIRE / NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDENS
Row, row, row your boat, gently around the idyllic lake of Claremont Landscape Gardens this summer. A wonderful way to while away the day, enjoy some outdoor living this summer.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk