WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK?
It’s safe to say that Surrey has got. it. going. on this week! Whether it’s a night out with friends, or a day out with family, the choice of treats in store this week makes going out, like going to the sweet shop. Check out what’s what, with your ever dependable guide to what’s on this week!
SIX / MAY 17 – 29 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Featuring a killer soundtrack, the multi-award-winning, international smash hit musical SIX comes to Kingston’s Rose Theatre this May. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. These Queens may have green sleeves, but their lipstick is rebellious red.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
THE ROCKY HORRORSHOW / MAY 23 – 28 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Damn it, Janet! The world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical is back, by popular demand, to thrill you once again for a night of all things naughty and raunchy. Playing the squeaky clean roles of Brad is Strictly Come Dancing Champion and former Newsround presenter Ore Oduba. Following over 40 years of worldwide productions, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is a non-stop party! So put on your glad-rags and get ready to sing and dance the night away at Richmond Theatre.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com
PRIVATE PEACEFUL / MAY 23 – 28 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Michael Morpurgo’s story of two peaceful brothers set against the backdrop of the Great War is brought to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this month. Telling a story of courage, devotion, family and friendship, experience this page to stage adaptation and book yourself some tickets today.
For more information, visit Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
ADVENTURES OF AN UGLY DUCKLING / MAY 25 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, Adventures of an Ugly Duckling is a brand new adaptation written and told by Hannah Summers. Filled with interactive and sensory role-play, toddlers and their parents should make their way to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Mill Studio this month for an adventure with the ugly duck Tully whose thirst for adventure leads her to discover who she is and where she truly belongs.
For more information, visit Yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
HARD AS SNAILS / MAY 25 / PILGRIMS WAY, GUILDFORD
Are you hard as snails? Think you can rise to the challenge of this excellent midweek trail run? Then, as you run into the sunset, take part in this epic course that takes in the Pilgrims’ Way over the North Downs and into central Surrey. Setting off at 5.30 pm, weave through woodlands and rolling hills by choosing from a 10k or 5k and enjoy a well earned Aperol Spritz at the Horsebox Gin Bar post-race.
For more information, visit aat-events.com
GIN TASTING WITH DISTILLERS OF SURREY / MAY 26 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
Head for Woking’s cultural beacon that is The Lightbox Museum & Gallery and the Distillers of Surrey for an evening’s Gin Tasting. Get a brief history of their award-winning company, followed by a tutored tasting of the Solstice, Aromatic, and Nautical edition gins and finishing with a G&T of your choosing.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
LIGHTBOX LATES / MAY 26 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
On the last Thursday of the month, the Lightbox in Woking keeps its doors open for a bit longer for their popular Lightbox Lates. Enjoy free entry to all galleries from 5 pm – 8.30 pm, as well as joining in with monthly meets for like-minded folk to assemble, choose from The Lightbox Book Group (6 pm), The Paint Club (7 pm) and Poetry Open Mic Night (8 pm).
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
WEBER GRILL ACADEMY: SMOKE HOUSE BARBECUE / MAY 27 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL, DORKING
Barbecue enthusiasts take note: as the season for eating flame-grilled foodstuffs draws ever nearer, why not add some real flavour to your al fresco dining options this summer and sign up for this Smoke House Barbecue course at Abinger Cookery School. Discover a range of smoking techniques for all barbecues and enjoy a unique hands-on experience that’ll leave you feeling like a pro. Great for smoking foods any time of the year, a barbecue is for life, not just for the summer.
For more information, visit weber.com
SCOTT BENNETT: GREAT SCOTT / MAY 27 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Blazing a trail on the comedy circuit for more than a decade. Having written for high profile comedy acts such as Chris Ramsey and Jason Manford, Scott recently recorded his debut on BBC One’s Live at the Apollo and looks set to break through into the big time with his latest show Great Scott.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
CHAI ON THE PATIO / MANDIRA’S KITCHEN, SILENT POOL, ALBURY
Take some time out for yourself this May and head for Mandira’s Kitchen. Found in the tranquil setting of Silent Pool in Albury, experience the authentic taste of Indian Street Food and while away an afternoon sipping on a cup of Chai. Open seven days a week, walk-ins are welcome, but booking is advisable, especially for busy times and weekends. Food is also available to take away, so if you require some sustenance for your jaunt in the Surrey Hills, then this is the perfect pit-stop to serve your needs.
For more information, visit mandiraskitchen.com
THE GUNPOWDER PLOT / MAY 28 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Enjoy a ‘banging day out with the family this May and head for West Horsley Place as theatre company Three Inch Fools come to entertain one and all with The Gunpowder Plot – whose most notorious ‘plotter’, Guy Fawkes, was a footman at West Horsley Place. The performance promises fun for all the family and will be staged outside in Home Paddock (pre-booking is essential, and tickets are on sale now).
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org.uk
KEMPTON PARK RUNNING FESTIVAL / MAY 28 + 29 / KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE, SHEPPERTON
Offering a 10k, Half and Full Marathon, sign up to the Kempton Park Running Festival this month for a fiesta of fun as you run. Organised by Quicksilver Running and Runfest Events, expect an electric atmosphere on a course designed to deliver fast times for runners.
For more information, visit quicksilver-running.co.uk
SLAY DUGGEE / MAY 29 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Love your music like you love your oversized toddler – heavy metal fans can put their hands up and celebrate as Slay Duggee comes to The Boileroom in Guildford. Like the day raves you may have come across, Slay Duggee plays all your favourite rock anthems. Cool fact: The composer of the theme tune to CBeebies hit series Hey Duggee went to George Abbot School in Guildford.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
ALL ABOARD CLUB / MAY 29 / THE LIGHTBOX, WOKING
All Aboard Club provide inclusive play sessions for autistic, ADHD and special needs children. Held at The Lightbox, children can build and play with colossal train sets in a safe, understanding and supportive environment. At these sessions, the children are in charge. They can run the trains, build the track, and sort out any problems. It builds their confidence, reduces their anxiety, and allows them to play for hours while developing their social and communication skills.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
LET’S ALL DANCE: THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA / MAY 29 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Enjoy a fairytale performance filled with music and dancing as this charming production of The Princess and The Pea arrives on stage at the Electric Theatre. When a young prince fails to find a princess he likes, his dearest Mother, the Queen, steps in. Setting a variety of tests for a mysterious woman who comes to the palace, will true love prevail? A great lesson in never judging a book by its cover, the show is ideal for ages 2 – 11, including with those with special needs.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
FRIENDS! THE MUSICAL PARODY / MAY 29 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
The hilarious parody musical inspired by the hit TV show Friends arrives at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking for an evening of nostalgic nonsense. Follow Ross, Rachel and co. as they navigate life, love – and Richard’s moustache.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
BOWLING FOR SOUP ACOUSTIC SING-A-LONG / MAY 29 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Pop-punk legends Bowling For Soup pass through Guildford this May for an acoustic sing-a-long to remember. Postponed from December, fans can join Jaret and Rob at The Boileroom – get ready to sing loud, proud and punk.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SUNSET STEAM EXPRESS – SURREY HILLS / now until AUGUST 23 / LONDON VICTORIA
All aboard! The Sunset Steam Express season is upon us. Departing from London Victoria, steam train enthusiasts and those looking for a unique and nostalgic experience in the Surrey Hills countryside. Treat yourself to a sumptuous three-course meal on board, or bring along your own picnic to enjoy whilst drinking in the gorgeous views bathed in the golden glow of sunset.
For more information, visit sunsetsteamexpress.co.uk
DONATE UNWANTED FOOD TO A COMMUNITY FRIDGE / DORKING, KNAPHILL, FARNHAM, GUILDFORD, GODALMING, MERSTHAM, REIGATE
If you find a surplus stock of foodstuffs in your home why not donate those unwanted items to a community fridge? As the cost of living rises, if you tend to overcook or overbuy, then share your unwanted items with those who not only want but need vital services like the Community Fridge.
For more information, visit surreyep.org.uk
SILENT SPACE / EVERY MONDAY AFTERNOON / POLESDEN LACEY
Some of us need more space than others, and some of us can’t seem to find a place that provides the calm we need for our minds to get away for a while. So find space to breathe this month and head for Polesden Lacey’s Silent Space every Monday afternoon. A dedicated space for peace and quiet amongst the raging storm that life can sometimes bring.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
WELLBEING WALK / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
Walking is excellent for improving mental health, but walking among the beautiful environs of RHS Garden, Wisley will work wonders when it comes to unravelling frazzled minds. Simply pick up a Wellbeing Walk Trail at the entrance before commencing on your journey of peace and calm.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
SURREY HILLS BABY CLOTHES LIBRARY
If you’re feeling the pinch in your pocket and can’t quite muster the cash to buy your baby clothes that they will inevitably grow out of in 6 weeks, then the Surrey hills Baby Clothes Library may just be able to help. Simply let them know what you’re after, and they’ll pick and pack a bag for your babe. Then, once they’ve grown out of them, simply return the clothes and carry on the cycle.
For more information, visit facebook.com/surreyhillsbabyclotheslibrary