WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
With Christmas but a week away, if you’ve not yet felt some festive spirit, then we do hope some surfaces over the next seven days. Might we tempt you with the chosen events found within this guide to going out in Surrey?
BOBBY DAVRO: UNLEASHED / DECEMBER 18 / ESHER THEATRE
One of the biggest television comedy names of the 1980s and 1990s makes his Esher Theatre debut. Expect lots of jokes and brilliant impressions from a master of his craft with the energy of a young thoroughbred! Davro has had many of his own series for ITV and BBC as well as acting in EastEnders and on the West End stage. His shows are electric and for one night only you can see why he is regarded as one of the greatest performers this country has produced. Not for the easily offended.
For more information, visit eshertheatre.com
ED GAMBLE, FERN BRADY, JEN BRISTER, IVO GRAHAM AND KYRAH GRAY / DECEMBER 18 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
The country’s best comedians are coming to Guildford for a spectacular all-star festive show! Headlined by scampish charmer Ed Gamble. Host of the mega-hit podcast Off Menu and star of Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and many more. Joining Ed is an astounding bill with Scotland’s comedy queen and breakout Taskmaster star Fern Brady, bumbling wordsmith Ivo Graham, fast-rising newcomer Kyrah Gray and the phenomenal Jen Brister as host.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
ROSE CHRISTMAS SNOWBALL / DECEMBER 18 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
An evening of harmony, Christmas cheer, festive favourites and music to warm the winteriest of nights. The Rose Christmas Snowball, showcasing 7 of Kingston borough’s best amateur music making groups, who will each bring their own unique sound of the season, all produced by Choir Director, Mary Bourne.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
CHRISTMAS FARMERS’ MARKET / DECEMBER 19 / HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD
Find festive spirit aplenty as Guildford’s Christmas Farmers’ Market returns to provide shoppers with a range of unique gifts to give to your loved ones this holiday season. So whether you need some locally produced food and drink, or require some inspiration from local arts and craft makers, enjoy the day browsing the stalls found on Guildford’s iconic High Street and get ready to feel Christmassy.
For more information, visit guildford.gov.uk
SHORT STORIES, TALL TALES: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 19 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A wonderfully high-spirited spin on an old favourite that will inspire even the most ‘bah humbug’ curmudgeons. You and your little one will love this. Head for Yvonne Arnaud’s Mill Studio for Hannah Summer’s adaptation of the 19th Century tale by Clement Clarke Moore.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WEBER GRILL ACADEMY: FESTIVE BARBECUE / DECEMBER 20 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL, ABINGER HAMMER
Do you love your barbecue? So much so that you’d like to cook yourself and your family a Christmas dinner using one? Thought so. Get in the know and learn how to cook a festive feast utilising the power of the barbecue at this excellent workshop by Weber Grill Academy at Abinger Cookery School.
For more information, visit abingercookeryschool.com
FREE FAMILY DROP-IN SNOWMEN DECORATIONS / DECEMBER 20 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Pop along to The Lightbox this Christmas to reuse and recycle paper, decorations and soup lids to create these snowmen decorations. Drop in anytime from 1.30 pm – 4.00 pm.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
JOHNNY COPPIN: ALL ON A WINTER’S NIGHT / DECEMBER 20 / GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB
Grayshott Folk Club’s Annual ‘Christmas Special’ is back. Featuring folk favourite Johnny Coppin’s ‘Upon A Winter’s Night’, expect an uplifting, joyous and seasonal show to remember.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
TWO TURTLE DOVES / DECEMBER 20 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Musical and cabaret legends Dillie Keane and Barb Jungr join forces to present a special festive show at Kingston’s Rose Theatre. Featuring Jenny Carr on piano, expect a night of riotous entertainment from two international stars on the stage. An evening not to be mistletoed.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL / DECEMBER 20 – 22 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Draw near for an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, and Cratchit et al to discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. The award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
LADIES MOON CIRCLE / DECEMBER 21 + 27 / THE SHAC, BUCKLAND PARK, BETCHWORTH
A supportive space for women to come together, connect and explore ideas that might help each other mentally. Sign up online and head for this Ladies Moon Circle at the scenic environs of Buckland Park Lagoon this month. Limited spaces are available.
For more information, visit theshac.co.uk
ARIANDE’S THREAD / NOW UNTIL – DECEMBER 21 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
An ongoing participatory installation which anyone is invited to join. The project is a large-scale cross stitch embroidery reproduction of a painting by the celebrated Ukrainian folk artist Maria Prymachenko. The activity is not just for experienced needleworkers but for willing participants and those who may benefit from uplifting and stimulating interaction. Open to all.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
HOWDEN CHRISTMAS RACING WEEKEND / DECEMBER 22 – 23 / ASCOT RACECOURSE
Expect a seasonal spectacular at Ascot Racecourse this December as the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend takes place. As well as a top-quality card of races that feature the Grade 1 Howden Long Walk Hurdle, one of Britain’s most prestigious long-distance hurdle races; off the track, there’s an abundance of seasonal fun for all with a range of festive entertainment set to delight racegoers of all ages. Expect fairground rides, candle-lit carol singing, as well as Father Christmas and his reindeer.
For more information, visit ascot.com
GUILDFORD FLAMES VS COVENTRY BLAZE / DECEMBER 23 / SPECTRUM LEISURE COMPLEX, GUILDFORD
It’s unfamiliar territory for Flames fans at the mo. Propping up the league table, rather than topping it, can Paul Dixon’s players start getting some points on the board? Cheer on the team and head for Spectrum Leisure Complex in Guildford as Coventry Blaze come to town.
For more information, visit guildfordflames.com
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS WISH / DECEMBER 24 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Join a fun, festive, musical adventure to give Santa the very best Christmas, then meet him at his home in the North Pole! There, every child will receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular greet and treat after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever! A festive, song-filled, interactive family show particularly suitable for 2-8-year-olds.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE / CROCKFORD BRIDGE FARM, WEYBRIDGE
Spruce almighty! Harvest your very own Christmas tree to take home for the festive season by heading to Crockford Bridge Farm near Weybridge. Find the perfect pine and get ready to decorate.
For more information, visit crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
ALICE IN WONDERLAND TRAIL / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 7 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Help the white rabbit find Alice at Painshill’s Alice in Wonderland Trail this winter. Follow the trail around the landscape and meet some familiar characters along the way.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
STEAM ILLUMINATIONS / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 6 / WATERCRESS LINE, ALRESFORD
Head out on a magical steam-powered adventure this winter as the Watercress Line welcomes the return of their seasonal spectacular. So, step aboard the illuminated train and set off along the track, catching glimpses of illuminated installations along the way.
For more information, visit watercressline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 2 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Enjoy a magical Christmas Carousel Ride set amongst a backdrop of the beautiful Polesden Lacey mansion. A fabulous festive experience, pre-booked tickets guarantee you one ride during your half-hour slot, lasting approximately 3-4 minutes. Under 3 years old must be accompanied on a galloper by an adult.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
RHS GLOW / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 2 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Lighting up our lives once again, the magical Christmas Glow returns to RHS Gardens Wisley this month. The festive event at RHS Garden Wisley will once again put on a captivating light show and musical accompaniment designed by an in-house team to highlight some of the garden’s best-loved sights. Twinkling lights draw visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, with spectacular moments en route and vibrant displays to be found inside and outside the Glasshouse.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SLEEPING BEAUTY FELT A LITTLE PRICK / NOW UNTIL – DECEMBER 31 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Naughty but very nice, depending on one’s disposition, the wonderful folk of Guildford Fringe Festival return to the festive fore with their Adult Panto. Not for the faint-hearted, expect unending innuendos and much much merriment. Be quick and book your tickets right now.
For more information, visit guildfordfringe.com
HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK / NOW UNTIL – JANUARY 7 (EXCLUDING CHRISTMAS DAY) / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Get set to skate at Hampton Court Palace this month as their ice rink returns for the festive season. First, enjoy spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor palace in what is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor rinks in the country. Then, take part in either daytime or evening skating sessions and relax with a mug of something hot in the Café Bar.
For more information, visit hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
CHRISTMAS AT KEW / NOW UNTIL JANUARY 7 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
As one of the highlights of the UK’s festive calendar, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year. It’s a botanical world brimming with seasonal cheer as twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. There’s limited capacity with timed entry, so book your tickets quickly for a sensational seasonal spectacle.
For more information, visit kew.org
SWINGBRIDGE SANTA SPECIAL / DECEMBER 2 – 21 / MILLMEAD LOCK, GUILDFORD
Departing from Millmead Island behind the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, take a cruise along the River Wey with the big, jolly man they call Santa. Then, lasting 45 minutes, sail away in a broadbeam boat for a magical yuletide trip to remember this December.
For more information, visit swingbridgeboats.co.uk/
CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSEUM / DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 + 17 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM TILFORD
Head to the Rural Live Living Museum in Tilford for Christmas a la yesteryear. Expect Christmas crafts to make and take away with you and meet Santa in his Grotto. Get tickets quickly!
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
SANTA CRUISE / DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 + 21 / WEY & ARUN CANAL, LOXWOOD
All aboard! Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer gang have had to go for some last-minute training, so Santa’s decided to take a little cruise. So kids can meet the big guy and receive an early Christmas present while grown-ups sit back with a mulled wine and a mince pie.
For more information, visit weyarun.org.uk