WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK? A GUIDE TO GOING OUT IN SURREY
Quick question. What have Frankie Boyle, a Festival of Flavours, Forest Bathing and a Chocolate Fair all got in common? They all feature in this week’s guide to what’s on in Surrey. Get set for adventure.
A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER / OCTOBER 10 – 14 / RICHMOND THEATRE
BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee Rupert Everett will star in John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play A Voyage Round My Father. Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, a man whose tea-time conversation could take in music hall, adultery, evolution, the ridiculous inconvenience of sex, Shakespeare, and the importance of avoiding anything heroic in wartime, the son continually yearns for his father’s love and respect. Catch this funny caper at Richmond Theatre this October.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
FESTIVAL OF FLAVOURS / OCTOBER 11 – 15 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
This October, prepare for a five-day food spectacular at RHS Garden, Wisley. Whether you’re tasting your way around the world, browsing and buying from over 35 foodies stalls, taking tours of edible gardens, or even getting handy tips from celebrity chefs, venture safe knowing that your appetite may be whetted somewhat.
For more information, visit rhs.org.uk
FRANKIE BOYLE: LAP OF SHAME / OCTOBER 11 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Frankie Boyle’s on tour. Buy a ticket, because by the time he arrives, the currency will be worthless and you and your neighbours part of a struggling militia that could probably use a few laughs.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
COOPS / OCTOBER 11 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Not many rappers can boast that their first ever live performance was at London’s O2 Arena, supporting hip hop legend, Nas.Influenced by the greats, Coops is as real as they come with his feet planted firmly on the ground and a very bright future! Bob your head and get down to the Boileroom for some serious British Hip Hop.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
TAI CHI / OCTOBER 13 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
Give your mental and physical health a boost by joining Tai Chi sessions at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. This ancient Chinese Martial Art gently uses sweeping and flowing movements that incorporate standing meditations. Sign up online.
For more information, visit kew.org
LADIES MOON CIRCLE / OCTOBER 13 + 27 / THE SHAC, BUCKLAND PARK LAGOON
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
NIGHT SWIM / OCTOBER 13 + 31 / THE SHAC, BUCKLAND PARK LAGOON
Get nocturnal and head to Buckland Park for a night swim with the Surrey Hills Adventure Company. Open to confident swimmers, get a fresh perspective and enjoy the delights of swimming in the dark. With sessions taking place throughout September and October, make sure you bring a head torch and book your space online.
For more information, visit theshac.co.uk
GAG HOUSE COMEDY CLUBS / OCTOBER 13 + 21* / ONSLOW VILLAGE, GUILDFORD* + 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
REIGATE SUSTAINABILITY MARKET / OCTOBER 14 / REIGATE HIGH STREET
This month, the Reigate Sustainability Market arrives at Reigate Methodist Church on Reigate High Street. Bringing together local organisations, artisans, food & drink producers and businesses that share a passion for sustainability. Spend the day learning how to make your life choices more sustainable and be inspired to change your ways to live in a cleaner and altogether greener environment.
For more information, visit nature-reclaimed.shop
REAL ALE TRAIN / OCTOBER 14 + 28 / WATERCRESS LINE, ALRESFORD
All aboard the Real Ale Train! If you’re looking for a different kind of day out, look no further than the Real Ale Train boarding on the Watercress Line this October. Starting and finishing at Alton Station, hop on board and get a serving or real ale from the restored bar carriage before tucking into a tasty plate of food in the name of sustenance.
For more information, visit watercressline.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: JAMES YORKSTON WITH NINA PERSSON / OCTOBER 14 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
Two legends. One night. songs from their recently-released collaborative album, called “The Great White Sea Eagle”, folk musician James Yorkston joins forces with The Cardigans singer, Pearson for a night of truly special live music.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
TERRARIUM WORKSHOP / OCTOBER 14 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Join Renée AKA The Girl who Gardens to make a Kilner Jar Terrarium and bring some botanical charm to your home or someone else’s home. At the workshop, Renée will show you how to add all the ingredients and plants to create a mini garden to bring some of nature’s Vitamin G to your front room. Book tickets online today.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF CRAFTS / OCTOBER 14 – 15 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Feeling creative? Are you a lover of all things arts and crafts? Be inspired by the return of the Festival of Crafts taking place at the Farnham Maltings this October. Buy from over 70 designers and makers in a marketplace featuring homewares, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass and more.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
FOREST BATHING / OCTOBER 15 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Join Forest Bathing experts HINOKI at the beautiful West Horsley Place for an inspirational morning. HINOKI Forest Bathing is more than a walk in the woods. It’s a mindful sensory journey that opens us up to nature’s offerings, providing restoration for our wellbeing. Sign up online to experience the wonder of the woods.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org.uk
DENBIES CHOCOLATE FAIR / OCTOBER 15 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
For connoisseurs of cocoa and general chocolate enthusiasts alike, enjoy a mouthwatering day spent at this delectable Chocolate Fair held at Denbies Wine Estate. Meet an array of artisan chocolatiers vying for your taste buds’ attention before trying, buying – and attempting not to eat everything in sight.
For more information, visit denbies.co.uk
GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL / NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 18 / VARIOUS LOCATIONS, GUILDFORD
The Guildford Book Festival is back to provide literary lovers with an array of readings and events from some of the country’s finest writers and personalities. Now in its 34th year, this year’s Festival highlights include History Day at West Horsley Place featuring Alison Weir, Tracy Borman, Simon Heffer and Martin Willams. Festival favourite and Sunday Times number one bestselling Kate Mosse will discuss her new novel, The Ghost Ship, an epic tale of courageous women struggling to survive in a man’s world, and New York Times bestselling Dan Jones returns to the Festival with his Essex Dogs sequel, Wolves of Winter. And there will also be an opportunity to hear from Judy Murray, former Scottish international tennis player and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who comes to the Festival with her debut novel, The Wild Card.
For more information, visit guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
SHOOTING HEDDER GABLER / NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 21 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
A Rose Original Production in association with The Norwegian Ibsen Company, Shooting Hedda Gabler is a radical and affectionate adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, written by Nina Segal and directed by Jeff James (Persuasion), about doing whatever is necessary to get the shot. Expect a suspense-filled night in Kingston this month.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
QUEER NATURE / NOW UNTIL OCTOBER 29 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
This October, celebrate the diversity and beauty of plants and fungi with an inspiring new festival at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew – Queer Nature. From the fascinating science behind plants and fungi to the connections between plants and LGBTQ+ communities, enjoy this celebratory programme of events that include talks, live music, comedy and more.
For more information, visit kew.org