THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON
Let’s face it, when it comes to finding out what’s on during a pandemic, one, at first, may suspect some slim pickings when it comes to events. But, hey, when life gives you lemons, folk across Surrey and Berkshire seem to be awfully good at making some tasty lemonade. Check out this guide to what’s on in the next few weeks, put some dates in the diary and always, always check with the venue in question to make sure the event is still going ahead – what with global pandemics etc.
THE LUNA DRIVE-IN CINEMA PRESENTS HALLOWEEN / UNTIL NOVEMBER 1 / THORPE PARK
For your fix of Halloween horror, why not snap up some of the last remaining tickets for The Luna Drive-In Cinema at Thorpe Park. With a whole host of classic fright film’s to choose from throughout October, pick from paranormal pics like The Exorcist, The Shining and Alien, or get involved with the ghoulish yet family-friendly features such as Casper, The Addams Family and Hocus Pocus. Get your freak on and get boo-king those tickets.
For more information, visit lunadriveincinema.com
WE THINK THE WORLD OF YOU: PEOPLE AND DOGS DRAWN TOGETHER BY DAVID REMFRY / OCTOBER 10 – JANUARY 3 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
David Remfry (MBE RA) has long been fascinated by the relationships that develop between dogs and their owners. This exhibition reveals the mutual understanding and sympathy of these partnerships. The series started 15 years ago in New York when Remfry, a resident of the infamous Chelsea Hotel, began to explore the relationships between friends and their dogs through evocative pencil and watercolour portraits. Among the sitters are well-known faces including Alan Cumming, Susan Sarandon and Ethan Hawke.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
ART IN THE GARDEN / UNTIL NOVEMBER 3 / THE SAVILLE GARDEN, WINDSOR GREAT PARK
Enjoy the great outdoors and wander over to Windsor Great Park’s Saville Garden to witness this captivating and colourful sculpture exhibition curated by Surrey Sculpture Society. Featuring 66 sculptures of varying styles, take pleasure in your scenic surrounds and maybe even purchase a piece for your very own garden sanctuary.
For more information, visit windsorgreatpark.co.uk
HARVEST VINEYARD TRAIL AND LUNCH HAMPER / OCTOBER 23, 24, 30 + 31 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
‘ Tis the season to harvest! Taking place on Friday’s and Saturday’s throughout October, get a glimpse into the world of wine and witness first-hand, the art of harvesting the laden grapevines that populate Denbies Wine Estate. Enjoy a 90-minute walking tour while learning about the harvesting process and the geological makeup that makes this corner of the Surrey Hills so special for growing really great grapes. Following your tour, enjoy a lunch hamper on the lawn that features a vineyard style ploughman’s.
For more information, visit denbies.co.uk
EDUCATING RITA / OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 14 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Written by Willy Russell, one of Britain’s best comedies, Educating Rita, comes to the Rose Theatre in Kingston. Previously adapted into the award-winning film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine, see Stephen Tompkinson reprise the role of Frank and get set for a night of hilarious and heartwarming storytelling.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
VINTAGE POSTERS AUCTION / OCTOBER 30 / EWBANK’S AUCTION ROOMS
There are a variety of factors that contribute to making a house a home, but one sure-fire way to achieve the desired feeling is by displaying artwork that really denotes your character. More specifically, artworks in the form of a vintage poster. From vintage railway posters to vintage movie posters, discover some rare finds at this excellent auction held at Ewbanks Auction Rooms near Woking.
For more information, visit ewbanksauctions.co.uk
THEATRICAL DIGS / OCTOBER 31 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE
Starring Penelope Keith, Michael Cochrane, Rosalie Craig and Esh Alladi, Theatrical Digs returns by popular-demand, to the stage of Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this October. An evening of entertainment detailing the highs and lows of life on the stager. Be it scary auditions, demanding divas or theatrical digs, catch a swathe of comic writing from the likes of Noël Coward, Victoria Wood, Willy Russel and even a spot of William Shakespeare for good measure. Booking in advance is essential.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnuad.co.uk
POTTERY THROWING COURSE / OCTOBER 31 / GRAYSHOTT POTTERY
Play with clay and book yourself space on this fabulous one day pottery-throwing course, taking place in Grayshott’s eponymous pottery. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel and learn how to throw bowls and upright pots, before creating your very own masterpiece to be glazed, fired, and taken home with you as a lasting keepsake of the day’s achievements.
For more information, visit grayshottpottery.com
AFTERNOON TEA / PAINSHILL PARK, COBHAM
For those seeking an afternoon of sophistication among the scenic environs of Painshill Park, why not book a table and enjoy the quintessentially English treat that is Afternoon Tea this month. After taking an enforced hiatus due to the ongoing global pandemic, revel in the return of fresh scones, finger sandwiches and foodie fineries as the team at Painshill Park prepare to welcome one and all to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. Served on Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Sunday’s at 1 pm and 3 pm, please book at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR – BACK IN BUSINESS / NOVEMBER 1 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Not to be confused with your neighbours exceeding the limit of six individuals in their home at any one time, the U.K’s premier improv comedy troupe, The Noise Next Door return to Farnham Maltings. Back in Business, albeit in a socially distanced kind of way, of course, The Noise Next Door takes the suggestions of the audience and transform them into some wonderfully witty skits and songs. Get your fix of some real-life performance and book some tickets pronto.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
TWO BY JIM CARTWRIGHT / NOVEMBER 2 – 7 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Fancy some proper fringe theatre? Guildford Fringe Theatre Company present Jim Cartwright’s Two this November, promises a night of gritty storytelling set in the local pub. In this case, the play actually is in a pub, The Back Room of The Star Inn in Guildford to be more precise. Watch a noble cast of two actors perform multiple roles of regulars passing through the pub’s doors. Need more Fringe theatre in your life? Fear not, for Guildford Fringe are on it and have two more shows for those seeking some live theatre this month. Check out the one-man play Banana Crabtree Simon (Nov 12 – 14) and MCUsical: the Unofficial Parody Marvel Musical (November 19).
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
CRANLEIGH ARTS ONLINE / NOVEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 20 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE + ONLINE
It’s no secret that the arts community and subsequently, those who engage with the arts have been somewhat missing their regular cultural experiences this year. Thankfully the folk at Cranleigh Arts Centre have been busy behind the scenes curating a season of events to be enjoyed both online, and, fingers crossed, by a limited number of attendees. Expect to enjoy several musical recitals and family theatre events coming your way in the next couple of months.
For more information, visit cranleighartscentre.org
DRAWING FOR ADULTS / NOVEMBER 6 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
If you, like many, have re-engaged your love of art during lockdown, then why not further explore your talents with a visit to The Lightbox in Woking at their regular Drawing for Adults event. Be inspired by the range of artworks currently exhibited at the gallery and set about making your own masterpiece. Simply reflect, relax and let your imagination do the rest. Aimed at adults of all abilities, basic materials are provided. This a free draw session though a donation is always welcome and advanced booking is required to ensure a socially distanced space for all.
For more information, visit lightbox.org.uk
A THOUSAND CLOWNS / NOVEMBER 10 – 14 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR
Starring the Olivier-award nominated, multi-platinum singer Will Young, catch Herb Gardner’s comedy-drama A Thousand Clowns at Theatre Royal Windsor this November. Presented in the style of a vintage radio play, be transported to New York 1962 and join uncle Murray Burns as he attempts to raise this precious nephew amongst the mayhem and turbulence of inner-city living. Laugh out loud to this first-class production and relax in your seats safely in the knowledge that social distancing measures are in place around the theatre.
For more information, visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
JEREMY VINE – WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! / NOVEMBER 13 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Broadcaster and presenter Jeremy Vine is back on the road asking audiences near and far, just ‘What the Hell is Going On?!’. Taking to the stage at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, listen to Jeremy wax lyrical about the latest happenings occurring on this peculiar place we call Planet Earth.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnuad.co.uk
WOKE / NOVEMBER 16 – 18 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Written by Apphia Campbell and Meredith Yarbrough, this award-winning production is a new story about the 20th Century African American experience. The play follows two women’s fight for civil rights. One is notorious Black Panther Assata Shakur; the other, a present-day university student enrolling as the Ferguson riots begin. Set against a powerful soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live, the two women challenge the American justice system, become criminalised through political activism, and ultimately are faced with the same choice: stay and fight, or flee?
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
ANNABEL ALLUM / NOVEMBER 26 / SUBURBS @ THE HOLROYD, GUILDFORD
Wait. What’s that? Could it be the sweet sound of live music being played in the not too distant future? Annabel Allum has been featured a tonne of times on BBC Radio 1, as well as performing live sessions at the iconic Maida Vale Studios and even taking to the stage not once, but twice at Austin’s famed SXSW festival. This month, enjoy a socially distanced, good-to-go gig this November and revel in some indie rock n roll a la Allum.
For more information, visit jasta11gigs.co.uk