THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – EVENTS IN SURREY
Fancy some fun? Live music, weird theatre, craft workshops, DogFest? We’ve sourced some of the best days and night out taking place across in Surrey this month so that you don’t have to.
ADWAITH / APRIL 1 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
With regular plays on BBC1 and BBC6 as well as numerous headline tours and festival appearances, Adwaith are Gwenllian, Hollie and Heledd, a post- punk band from Carmarthen, South West Wales. Singing in Welsh, Adwaith, are more than a post-punk band from Wales; expect emotional soundscapes that’ll transport you a million miles away. Catch them at The Boileroom in Guildford this month.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
DIVERSITY / APRIL 2 – 4 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Supernova follows Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour earlier this year, which combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless, and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK. Catch the crew for not one, to two, but three nights at Guildford’s G Live this month.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL / APRIL 2 – 6 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Gossip never goes out of fashion… Sir Peter Teazle (Joseph Marcell) believes his young wife is sleeping with someone else. She isn’t. But she’s starting to think if her husband believes it, she may as well give it a go. After all, if you’re going to cause a scandal, you might as well enjoy it…catch one of the greatest comedies ever written for a night of quick wit and riotous laughter.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
CRANLEIGH ARTS LITERARY FESTIVAL / APRIL 2 – 6 / CRANLEIGH ARTS
Internationally renowned authors Sarah Gristwood and Adele Parks will be amongst an eclectic line up of writers, poets and other contributors taking part in Cranleigh Arts Literary Festival, returning this spring after a five-year break. Expect a wide variety of talks, workshops, storytelling for children, poetry readings and much more.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
FANS OPEN DAYS / APRIL 2, 4, 9 + 11 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Did you know that West Horsley Place is used as location for a variety of TV shows? This April, expect a huge celebration of the things that have been filmed at West Horsley Place, including BBC Ghosts. Find your Ghosts community at the real ‘Button House’. Come along in cosplay, meet other fans, watch TV together and discuss the show!
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
THE LAUREN BUSH QUARTET / APRIL 4 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Renowned for her enchanting lyrical delivery and impeccable sense of timing, Lauren Bush stands as a contemporary Canadian jazz vocalist based in London, UK. Praised by All About Jazz as “the freshest and most exciting” presence on the scene, and hailed by Downbeat Magazine for her exceptional phrasing, diction, and scatting prowess, Lauren is a true standout. Catch Bush and her Quartet at Guildford’s Electric Theatre this April.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
BOB VYLAN / APRIL 5 / PRYZM, KINGSTON UPON THAMES
To celebrate the release of the new album ‘Humble As The Sun’, Bob Vylan visit Kingston to play at Pryzm. With a sold-out show taking place at The Fighting Cocks later that night, get in early doors to Pryzm for a raucous start to your Friday night.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
GAG HOUSE COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 5* + 20* / GUILDFORD*, GODALMING + CAMBERLEY
Fancy some funny? Of course you do. It’s good for you don’t you know? Catch the latest names in stand-up comedy as monthly giggles return to Godalming, Camberley and Guildford courtesy of the Gag House Comedy Clubs.
For more information, visit gaghousecomedy.com
FREE SHARING: BINARY OPPOSITION BY RECKLESS SLEEPERS / APRIL 5 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Fancy something different this month? For almost 30 years Reckless Sleepers have been devising theatre projects. Binary Opposition, the company’s latest project, creates new versions in each location it visits. A large wooden frame will be constructed in the Maltings’ Great Hall. Reckless Sleepers will use their visit to Farnham to continue exploring the many ways this versatile set can be used to express ideas, evolving the project with new scenarios and scenes.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
SURREY HILLS SPRING FAIR / APRIL 6 – 7 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM, TILFORD
This Spring Fair is a unique opportunity to celebrate spring in the beautiful setting of the Rural Life Living Museum, where visitors can experience a wide range of fun and exciting activities that celebrate spring and showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Fair-goers of all ages can expect a wide range of activities, including traditional country crafts, live music, art demonstrations, local food vendors, and outdoor woodland activities.
For more information, visit surreyhills.org
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR – FREEWHEELING / APRIL 7 / THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Buckle up…You’re in for a hell of a ride! The quickest wits in comedy are here to take you on a totally improvised tour around YOUR weirdest and wildest ideas.The Noise Next Door are going hell for leather in this brand new show as they race through a priceless parade of off-the-cuff gags, scenes and songs, all based on your suggestions.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP / APRIL 8 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Join Poet in Residence Nia Broomhall to use the beautiful surroundings of Painshill as inspiration for your own poems that explore your relationship with the natural world and the seasons.No previous writing experience necessary. Bring writing materials if you wish, but some will be provided. Parts of the workshop take place outside in the landscape, so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB / EVERY MONDAY / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Head for The Fighting Cocks in Kingston every Monday for the Outside The Box Comedy Club and have a proper laugh. This month catch sets from the likes of Maff Brown, Mark Thomas, Dinesh Nathan and Sophie Duker.
For more information, visit outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
2:22 A GHOST STORY / APRIL 9 – 13 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
The new stage phenomenon that has taken the West End by storm now comes to New Victoria Theatre, Woking. It’s a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear… What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
THE NEVERENDING STORY / APRIL 9 / NOVA CINEMA, WOKING
Head for Woking’s Nova Cinema this month and catch a classic with this screening of The Neverending Story. Join Atreyu on his quest to find a cure for the mysterious darkness sweeping across Fantastica, the all-consuming, “The Nothing”. Duh, duh, duh. Meet likeminded fans or simply escape to another realm this April.
For more information, visit novacinema.com
THE SYNDICATE / APRIL 11 – 13 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Based on her hit BBC TV show that entertained millions of viewers over four series, The Syndicate is a new comedy drama by the legendary Kay Mellor. Starring Emmerdale’s Samantha Giles, Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent and TV favourite, Gaynor Faye, who also directs, The Syndicate follows five supermarket employees whose lottery syndicate numbers come in, just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre
WILL’S BIRTHDAY BASH / APRIL 12, 13 + 21 / GUILDFORD + CRANLEIGH
This year, William Shakespeare will be turning 460 years old, and once again the award-winning Guildford Shakespeare Company will be celebrating with more exceptional theatre in extraordinary places. Since 2011, the theatre company have been marking Shakespeare’s Birthday (23 April 1564) with a series of one-off events including their hugely popular Shakespeare Walks and their Young Company’s annual production.
For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
MAD DOG MCREA / APRIL 13 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog Mcrea never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ART FUND BRAINWAVE TOUR / APRIL 14 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
For the first time ever, audiences across the UK will have the opportunity to see the impact of art on their brainwaves. The project highlights how people’s brains are stimulated when they experience art in museums and galleries, and aims to help answer the question of the fundamental value of art and the impact it has on us.Visitors of all ages are invited to take part by viewing art or artefacts while wearing a headset that is connected to an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor. The outputs of their brainwaves as they react to the art are then visualised on-screen in 3D and real-time. Keen to try the headset yourself? Visit us in the Historic Galleries on Sunday 14 April!
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
JAH WOBBLE / APRIL 14 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Get into the groove as the legendary Jah Wobble arrives at The Boileroom in Guildford. One of the genuine musical polymaths to emerge from the post-punk era as a virtuoso bassist, composer, producer, journalist, poet, and author. Musically, his dub-heavy style weds reggae, jazz, funk, punk, and numerous global folk traditions (including Celtic and Asian music), and he has influenced an entire generation of players. Expect a unique night of live music and artistry.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
ELIZA CARTHY / APRIL 14 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
If there is one musician who embodies the dynamism and vitality of the current English folk revival, it’s Eliza Carthy MBE. Supported by Jenn Redi, enjoy a first-class night of folk music in Walton this month.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
TULIP FESTIVAL / APRIL 15 – MAY 6 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
See spring bloom this April with this stunning display at Hampton Court Palace. Be astonished as over 100,000 tulip bulbs erupt in colour in one of the UK’s biggest displays of planted tulips. Relax in 60 acres of colourful royal gardens as you immerse yourself in Henry VIII’s famous grounds with friends and family.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
JIMMY CARR: WORK IN PROGRESS / APRIL 15 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Jimmy drops in to G Live to try out some brand-new jokes for his upcoming tour. They might be good, they might not. Just bear with and give Jimmy a clue to what he should do with his new bits.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
MARK WATSON PRESENTS: FRESH FROM THE FRINGE / APRIL 17 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Mark Watson’s production company Impatient proudly presents two of his favourite, and most criticially-acclaimed, shows from the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe. Featuring Pete Heat – sharp, charmingly surreal and joyously unhinged, his hilarious modern magic show will break your brain into cute little pieces. Meanwhile, failed child actor and now successful comedian, Lulu Popplewell, explores the links between Love Actually (which she appeared in), smoking crack, Mr Bean, and sunburn. Is love actually all around? Get ready to feel the funny.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
THE GLASS MENAGERIE / APRIL 17 – MAY 4 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Atri Banerjee’s acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams’ semi-autobiographical masterpiece, first seen at the Royal Exchange Theatre, returns to Kingston’s Rose Theatre. Starring Geraldine Somerville (Gosford Park) as Amanda, The Glass Menagerie is a poetic portrayal of a family on the brink of change. This intimate and intense memory play explores the complex web of love and loyalty that binds families together.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
LOSELEY PARK SPRING SHOW / APRIL 19 – 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
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / APRIL 19 / 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. So 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
GUILDFORD CAMERATA AND LONDON MOZART PLAYERS: MOZART REQUIEM / APRIL 20 / HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD
Guildford Camerata and London Mozart Players perform Mozart’s masterpieces at the beautiful setting of Holy Trinity Church on Guildford’s High Street. Expect to hear the musical marvel’s, Symphony no.29 in A, and his Requiem in D minor, performed by the The London Mozart Players and The Guildford Camerata.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
MICROWAVE + THE DIRTY NIL / APRIL 20 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Heading across the pond from the US to the UK, come post-punk bands Microwave and Dirty Nil. Arriving at The Boileroom in Guildford as part of a UK tour, expect melodic, anthemic and sing-alongs to that’ll mealie your head sway with joy.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
INTRODUCTION TO STAINED GLASS / APRIL 22 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Learn how to design, cut and construct your own contemporary stained glass panels using traditional methods that have hardly changed for 500 years. Stained glass artist Jessica Stroud will guide you through each stage of the process and you will leave with your own beautiful, brightly coloured leaded light panel.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: THE LEISURE SOCIETY / APRIL 22 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
The Leisure Society arrive at Grayshott Folk Club this month. Having collaborated and toured with artists including; Ray Davies (The Kinks), Brian Eno, Laura Marling, Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), Richard Thompson, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, expect some new songs as well as some of their absolute classics.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
NASTY / APRIL 26 – 27 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Witness real-life theatre about what it felt like for two chubby girls who grew up in the thigh-gap worshipping, fart denying, skinny tea-peddling dumpster fire that was the 2010s. Through the use of monologues, duologues, movement and music, NASTY examines a range of different thoughts and fears about real-life experiences as women with regards to body image and bad habits.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
DOG FEST / APRIL 27 – 28 / LOSELEY PARK
Attention fellow dogs, terriers, hounds, and all other canine friends! Get ready to go wild and wag your tail as DogFest returns to Loseley Park this May. Featuring a fun dog show, have-a-go activities, dog displays, expert advice, shopping, food and drink, live music and more – get your humans to book some tickets online, and see you in the park for a furry festival to remember! Woof! Woof!
For more information, visit dogfest.co.uk
STRANGER SINGS / APRIL 27 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Tune in, children of the 80s! Enter the upside-down for this award-winning, smash hit new parody musical; Stranger Sings! Take a trip with your favourite gang on a night of indulgent pop culture references, heavy synth, poor parenting, dancing demogorgons and maybe – just maybe – you might find justice for Barb along the way. Book your tickets now.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
GUILDFORD POTTERY CLUB / APRIL 28 / NEW HOUSE ART SPACE, GUILDFORD
Welcome to the Guildford Pottery Club! Held at new House Art Space, get ready to unleash your creativity and get your hands dirty with clay. During this 2.5 hour session, you and three others will have the chance to be taught hands on by pottery experts on the art of making pottery using the wheel.
For more information, visit linktr.ee/NewHouseArtSpace
WATCH OUT FOR: GUILDFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL 2024 / JUNE 29 – JULY 20 / VARIOUS VENUES, GUILDFORD
Guildford Fringe Festival, Guildford’s largest independent multi-arts festival will return from June 29- July 20. This open-access celebration featuring theatre, comedy, poetry, music, visual arts, family-friendly shows, talks and free events, promises a packed programme of more than 100 events. Get set for a feast of Fringe fun on the streets of Guildford this summer.
For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com