THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Looking for something fun to do? Maximise on your YOU time and make plans to get out and about this month. With comedy, music, arts, crafts and a political rock opera all vying for your attention – get stuck in, find your fun and enjoy some entertainment in Surrey this May.
HANNAH PESCHAR SCULPTURE GARDEN / OPEN NOW
Featuring over 200 sculptures, take a trip to the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden found near Ockley and be transported to a magical world resplendent in shape, colour and creativity. Pre-book a time slot online and prepare for a walk brimming with calm and tranquillity.
For more information, visit hannahpescharsculpture.com
RICHARD III / APRIL 26 – MAY 13 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
What happens when a person who has been punched down 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
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 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 can see and purchase fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture and garden furniture.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SUB: VERSION / SURGE / MAY 2 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Fancy something a bit different on stage this month? Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre host the Tom Dale Company, who present a double bill of SUB:VERSION, a powerful combination of dance and electronic music, and SURGE, a stunning solo performance in an immersive audio-visual environment. Expect hypnotic electronic and dance music in tandem with bodies moving to the warps and wefts of the music.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / MAY 2 – 13 / VARIOUS VENUES
Celebrating world-class music performed in the Surrey Hills, the International Music Festival returns to various venues in Surrey this May. Featuring Tenebrae, the Julian Bliss Quintet, Gary Hoffman & Wu Qian and the Sitkovetsky Trio – expect walks, talks and some fantastic classical concerts this Spring.
For more information, visit shimf.co.uk
STEWART LEE: BASIC LEE / MAY 4 – 6 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
For not one, not two, but THREE nights – the quite wonderfully witty Stewart Lee performs in his most basic and blunt form at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford this May. After a decade of ground-breaking high concept shows involving overarched interlinked narratives, massive sets and enormous comedy props, Lee enters the post-pandemic era in streamlined solo stand-up mode. One man, one microphone, and one microphone in the wings in case the one on stage breaks. Pure. Simple. Classic. Basic Lee.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY / MAY 4 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Folks’ finest family duo, Martin and Eliza Carthy, come to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this month, treating ears to an eclectic range of songs and tunes from their vast repertoire. Expect an evening of traditional and contemporary folk music from arguably two of the most excellent English folk musicians.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
REVEREND AND THE MAKERS / MAY 5 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
To celebrate the release of their new album titled ‘Heatwave In The Cold North’, Reverend And The Makers visit Kingston to play at Pryzm. Reverend And The Makers are back with their 7th studio album ‘Heatwave In The Cold North’, out April 28 2023, on Distiller Records.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
HAL CRUTTENDEN: IT’S BEST YOU HEAR IT FROM ME / MAY 5 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
After 21 years and 224 days, Hal’s back to being single. But it’s all going to be fine. Instead of getting the therapy he clearly needs, he’s made a cracking show about it. He’s lost enough weight to almost get his wedding ring off and, while he may be flying solo, he’s far from alone; he’s got his grown-up daughters, his dogs and his divorce lawyer. The fickle finger of fate has turned Hal’s life upside down, but he’s sticking a finger right back at it. Catch some funny with a side of family trauma at the Farnham Maltings this May.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR – HOMETOWN HEROES / MAY 5 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
The quickest wits in comedy come to town with a side-splitting evening of hilarious off-the-cuff songs, scenes and characters. The stars of ‘Tonight at the Palladium’ (ITV1) will spin comedy gold out of everything YOU, the live audience, think are the best, worst and downright weirdest things about your hometown. Maybe a bit of local laughter really can save the day!
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
ELLEN KENT’S AIDA + MADAMA BUTTERFLY / MAY 5 + 6 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Opera returns to Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this May with this two of Ellen Kent’s classics; Aida and Madama Butterfly. Enjoy this Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv production, with international soloists, a highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
PAUL YOUNG – BEHIND THE LENS / MAY 7 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home). Now, on the 40th anniversary of No Parlez, he’s releasing a remarkable new record and publishing his extraordinary memoir; both called Behind The Lens. He’s touring the UK, too, where he’ll meet fans, sing hits and tell stories about his incredible career. So it’s time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them as Paul steps out from Behind The Lens.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
DO NOTHING / MAY 10 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Roxy-esque art rock and Ze/Celluloid records no wave-inspired Do Nothing arrive at Guildford’s The Boileroom this May as part of their forthcoming tour. So get tickets quickly for an art rock kind of night.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
BARRIOKE / MAY 12 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
He is the one and only Barry from EastEnders, AKA actor Shaun Williamson arrives at The Boileroom for a spot of Barrioke. You guessed it; it’s Karaoke, but with Barry from EastEnders. Hosted by the man himself, sing your favourite tunes with some accompaniment from Shaun as he swoons and supports you in your moment on stage and under the spotlight.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SAM SWEENEY / MAY 13 / ST MARY’S CHURCH, GUILDFORD
For those who love folk music, fiddler Sam Sweeney will play an intimate and atmospheric set at Guildford’s St Mary’s Church this May. Love to play the fiddle? Sam will be holding a special Fiddle Players Workshop earlier in the day, providing you with some extra skills to your fiddle playing toolkit.
For more information, visit folkinspiration.org
DAN WHITEHOUSE – REFLECTIONS ON THE GLASS AGE / MAY 13 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Enjoy a night of live music at the Electric Theatre this month. A father’s ode to smiley emojis, midnight WhatsApps and accidentally being on mute. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Dan Whitehouse explores the thin and fragile layer between digital and emotional life with insightful songs reflecting on how much of our human experience and expression is now mediated through the looking glass of virtual communication.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
OUTSIDE THE BOX COMEDY CLUB / MAY 15 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
Laugh out loud this month as the outstanding Outside The Box Comedy Club returns to its regular digs downstairs at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston. Expect familiar faces as the quite wonderful wit of stand-up comics; Nick Helm, Eleanor Tiernan, Maff Brown and Jack Skipper share their funny with you.
For more information, visit outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
SHAKERS / MAY 15 – 25 / THE FALLEN ANGEL, GUILDFORD
Guildford Fringe Theatre Company presents John Godber and Jane Thornton’s comedy drama, Shakers, at The Fallen Angel in Guildford this May. Shakers gives a wickedly funny glimpse of this world as seen through the eyes of the four long-suffering waitresses, offering a fascinating view of the reality that lurks behind the plastic palms and the Pina Coladas. Get some tickets quickly!
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
STEVE VAI: ALIEN GUITAR SECRETS / MAY 16 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Guildford’s G Live host Steve Vai’s only UK date in 2023! Having sold over 15 million albums and won three Grammys, among other successes, the Master is willing to reveal his secrets in an exclusive and unique Masterclass with stalwarts of the local music scene, Andertons Music Co. Alien Guitar Secrets is the Masterclass where Steve Vai will share details about his technique, perform, and answer questions from the audience. So whether you play the guitar professionally or are just a beginner, you cannot miss the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest guitar players ever. Book your ticket quickly!
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE ZOMBIES / MAY 16 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
To celebrate the release of their new album titled ‘Different Game’, Colin and Ron from The Zombies visit Kingston to play a stripped back set and Q&A at Pryzm.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
KATIE MELUA / MAY 18 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
The enchanting Katie Melua comes to G Live in Guildford this May for a night of beautiful melodies. In support of her brand new album Love & Money, set to be released in Spring 2023, Katie will perform her classic hits, including Nine Million Bicycles and The Closest Thing To Crazy, plus songs from the new album.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
AS YOU LIKE IT / MAY 19 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
The Three Inch Fools are back and rushed off their feet performing one of Shakespeare’s most chaotic comedies, As You Like It, at West Horsley Place this May. With musical instruments in hand, our hapless troupe of actors hit the road with a production of endless costume changes and confusion.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
GODOT IS A WOMAN / MAY 19 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
In 1953 a man wrote a play about waiting. In 1988 he sued five women for trying to perform it. In 2001 Madonna released “What It Feels Like for a Girl”. It’s 2023, and we’re still waiting… Since Samuel Beckett wrote Waiting for Godot, he and his estate have notoriously challenged – often legally – non-male companies that wish to perform it. A whip-smart interrogation of gender, authorial copyright and the cultural significance of Madonna’s album Like a Prayer (1989), Silent Faces return with their trademark style of playful, political, physical theatre at the Farnham Maltings this May.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
JAZZ IN THE VINEYARD / MAY 20 / HIGH CLANDON ESTATE
Join Cherry Trees charity at High Clandon for Jazz in the Vineyard this May for a sparkling celebration of Duke Ellington. So swing along, rustle up a delicious picnic, and dig into a tasty treat from the BBQ, complete with a complimentary glass of Elizabethan sparkling vintage cuvée, before sitting back to enjoy the music. Perfect.
For more information, visit highclandon.co.uk
BEGINNERS CROCHET – MAKE YOUR OWN LITTLE BEE / MAY 21 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Fancy spending the day learning to crochet? This workshop will help you to develop the skills of Amigurumi Crochet and Hexagon Granny Squares, where you will learn to work in the round, change colours and try different stitches and techniques.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
EOS: TOKYO STORIES / MAY 23 / NOVA CINEMA, WOKING
Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets. This film tells the stories of the artists and people who have made Tokyo famous for its boundless drive for the new and innovative.
For more information, visit novacinema.com
WUTHERING HEIGHTS / MAY 23 – 27 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
With characteristic humour, passion and pathos, Inspector Sands offer a fresh take on the infamous love story of doomed heroes Catherine and Heathcliff, with its devastating impact across several generations. Channelling Emily Brontë’s piercing wit and intense emotion, the classic novel is thrown into sharp contemporary Focus, exploring how violence generates violence and the relationship between social alienation and radical behaviour. Wuthering Heights will contain violence, peril, social awkwardness, exhilarating music, high winds and mud.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
PERSONAL TRAINER / MAY 25 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Amsterdam-based collective Personal Trainer are on the road and arrive at Guildford’s Boileroom for a night of anthem, energy fuelled sing-a-longs. So get tickets and prepare to party.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
TONY! [THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA] / MAY 25 – JUNE 3 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The story of how one man went from a peace-loving, long-haired hippy and would-be pop star to warmongering multimillionaire in just a couple of decades. Throw in a stellar cast of larger-than-life characters – Cherie Blair, Princess Diana, John Prescott, Peter Mandelson, Alastair Campbell, Osama bin Laden, George W Bush, Saddam Hussein and Gordon Brown – it’s Yes, Minister meets The Rocky Horror Show! and a musical like no other. A hilarious tragedy of political intrigue, religion, power and romance, this hilarious new show by Harry Hill and Steve Brown received critical acclaim following a sold-out run in London.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
PHIL WANG: WANG IN THERE, BABY! / MAY 25 / DORKING HALLS
Love the Wang? Get your fill of the funny stuff over in Dorking as the hilarious stand-up comedian Phil Wang arrives in town for a night of nonsense. Get a ticket and get ready to ‘Wang in there, baby!’.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
WHOLE LOTTA COMEDY CLUB / MAY 25 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Whole Lotta Comedy Club returns to the Electric Theatre in Guildford this May promising a right proper laugh. Featuring MC Gareth Neale, Matt Price and Maisie Adams – enjoy this much-needed comical tonic to escape all that serious life stuff.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB PRESENTS: JOHN BLECK / MAY 26 / ST ALBAN’S CHURCH, HINDHEAD
Hailing from Cork in Ireland, gentle giant John Blek returns to Grayshott Folk Club this January for an evening of thought provoking and heartfelt music. Armed with his guitar, Blek plays some truly beautiful music that is a must for anyone that loves live music. Taking place within the atmospheric environs of St Alban’s Church in Hindhead; book your tickets now and get set to sit back and swoon all night long.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
VARDY V ROONEY: THE WAGATHA CHRISTIE TRIAL / MAY 26 – 27 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Don’t miss this tell-all play about the dramatic events from the week-long court hearings surrounding Coleen Rooney’s iconic sting operation on fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy. While the country was captivated, only a handful of people witnessed what happened behind closed doors. Now it’s time for you to witness The Scousetrap for yourself and make your verdict at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this May.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
BABATUNDE ALESHE: BABAHOOD / MAY 27 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Join the multi award winning star of Celebrity Gogglebox as he talks family and fatherhood in this highly anticipated debut tour. As seen on Jonathan Ross Comedy Club (ITV1), Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains (Comedy Central) and Mo Gilligan’s Black British & Funny (Channel 4), expect laughs by the lorry load.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
RICHARD E GRANT / MAY 30 – 31 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Since his breakout role in cult classic film Withnail and I in 1987, Richard E Grant has become a much-loved fixture on our screens, starring in everything from Doctor Who to Downton Abbey via Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Spice World and Oscar-nominated for his 2018 role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Join him at Richmond Theatre this May as he tells stories from his life, entwining tales from his extraordinary time in showbiz with uplifting reflections on love and loss, to celebrate the publication of his new book, A Pocketful of Happiness.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
GUILDFORD OPERA COMPANY PRESENT: ROSSINI’S CINDERELLA (LA CENERENTOLA) / MAY 31 – JUNE 3 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
There’s a hint of panto in Rossini’s comic opera, La Cenerentola, based on the well-known fairy story. Poor Cinderella is kind as well as beautiful but how will the Prince meet her? He arranges a ball (of course) but the rest of the family must come too. Sung in English and accompanied by a chamber orchestra, this much -loved opera features dazzling music, big dresses and all the wit and verve for which Rossini is renowned.
For more information, visit electric.theatre