WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK? A GUIDE TO GOING OUT IN SURREY
Whether you’re looking for something to do in half term or a night out hanging out with mates, our weekly guide to going out in Surrey is packed with things to do this week.
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL / OCTOBER 20 – 29 / CROCKFORD BRIDGE FARM, WEYBRIDGE
It’s a fact (probably). Crockford Bridge Farm near Weybridge is one of the best spots to pick a pumpkin. This patch is positively bursting with the rotund and robust autumnal orange fruits. Perfect for carving the most ghoulish of faces, the farm will be opening its pumpkin fields on weekends during October for you to seek and find your very own pumpkins fit for you and your home. Additionally, the Farm will host their famous Pumpkin Festival this half term, packed with activities, theatrics and much more. Book tickets online.
For more information, visit crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
FAIRY DOOR TRAIL / OCTOBER 21 – NOVEMBER 12 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Little wooden fairy doors will be hidden around the landscape of Painshill this month. Scattered across the park, seek, and you shall find a magical adventure for the little ones in your life. Price included in general admission tickets.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
WE’RE ALL GOING ON A BEAR HUNT / OCTOBER 21 – 29 / ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KEW
“We’re going on a bear hunt. What a beautiful day! We’re not scared!” Splish, splash, splosh your way to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew for this wondrous trail inspired by Michael Rosen’s classic.
For more information, visit kew.org
THE KING OF NOTHING / OCTOBER 21 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
This puppet musical is an anarchic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Emperor’s New Clothes, in which the characters (and the audience) discover that people can be made to believe ANYTHING. With songs, puppetry, slapstick and more, the two Swindlers (or should we call them “actors”?) will weave their cunning magic on children and adults alike. Get some tickets quickly for a day at the theatre this half term.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
HALLOWEEN – HENRY VIII’S HAUNTED PALACE / OCTOBER 21 – 29 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Explore Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace for Halloween 2023, the spookiest time of the year at Hampton Court. This October half-term, lose yourself in atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects as the palace is transformed by magical spells. Book tickets online and get set for a spine-tingling time at the palace.
For more information, visit hrp.org.uk
PASSION FOR THE PLANET / OCTOBER 21 – 28 / SOUTH STREET, DORKING
An inspiring play aimed at families and anyone interested in that big ol’ beautiful planet we call home. Expect a laugh-out-loud show tackling the vital issues of ecology, climate change, sustainability and care for the Earth through a fun-filled mixture of drama, song, dance, puppetry, story-telling, clowning, installations, and (optional!) audience participation.
For more information, visit damncheek.co.uk
PUMPKIN WEEK / OCTOBER 21 – 29 / SECRETTS, MILFORD
Possibly, our favourite pastime when it comes to Halloween is the picking, carving, and painting of pumpkins. Nothing quite says ‘Halloween’ like a giant pumpkin lit incandescently to reveal a frightening face. So head to Secrett’s Farm in Milford this half term and enjoy the adventure of seeking out your very own pumpkin to take home and transform into a terrifying jack’ o’ lantern. Expect spooky activities, a fancy dress competition, glitter tattoos, and more. Book your tickets online.
For more information, visit secretts.co.uk
HALLOWEEN HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES / OCTOBER 23 – 29 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM, TILFORD
Spend a spooky day making creepy crafts at the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford this half term. Take a ride on the ghost train and get in on the ghoulish action throughout the week.
For more information, visit rural-life.org.uk
SCARY SKYWALK / OCTOBER 23 – 29 / SKYWALK ADVENTURE, ESHER
Trick or Treat? Do you dare take to the trees for a spooktacularly scary skywalk this October? Taking place throughout the half-term, Skywalk Adventure in Sandown will play host to a Halloween-themed skywalk, complete with terrifying treats for visitors.
For more information, visit skywalkadventure.co.uk
THE BODYGUARD: THE MUSICAL / OCTOBER 23 – 28 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. Expect drama. Expect big songs. Get your tickets now.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD / OCTOBER 24 – 29 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep, dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures – but the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
HALLOWEEN PANTOMIME / OCTOBER 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
The perfect spooky treat for young creatives aged 8 – 12. All your favourite Halloween characters will be brought to life in this creative drama workshop. Choose your role, and Patches the Clown will direct you in a short show to perform for the grown-ups at the end of the session. Please bring water and a snack (please, no nuts!) and feel free to dress as your favourite Halloween character.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
ALBERT LEE / OCTOBER 25 / EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
One of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history, the Grammy Award-winning Albert Lee has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Everly Brothers, The Crickets and Emmylou Harris over an illustrious career spanning 60 years. Catch him live at Epsom Playhouse later this October.
For more information, visit epsomplayhouse.co.uk
STEVE BACKSHALL / OCTOBER 26 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about what we need to do to save our seas. From Great whites to Great whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep: this is a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
THE NATIONAL HONEY SHOW / OCTOBER 26 – 28 / SANDOWN PARK, ESHER
Who loves honey? Indulge in nature’s sweet nectar this October as the National Honey Show comes to Sandown Park in Esher. Promoting the highest quality honey and wax products with a competition involving international classes, lectures, workshops and a beekeeping equipment trade show, providing you with all you need to keep your honey bees happy.
For more information, visit honeyshow.co.uk
PAUL YOUNG – BEHIND THE LENS / OCTOBER 26 / CAMBERLEY 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 camberleytheatre.co.uk
FAMILY FUN DAY / OCTOBER 28 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Fancy some freemium entertainment this month? G Live are bringing the goods with their Feel Good Family Fun Day. Expect face painting, crafts, participatory workshops, games, and much more – and yes, it’s all free! No need to book; just pop along anytime between 10 am and 2 pm for fun times with the fam. Also, throughout the half term, G Live will host bookable Creative Workshops for kids, as well as the arrival of a certain Mr. Fireman Sam earlier in the week.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
DORKING WANDERERS VS ALDERSHOT TOWN / OCTOBER 28 / MEADOWBANK FOOTBALL GROUND, DORKING
It’s a local derby of sorts… seasoned veterans of the National League Aldershot Town arrive at Dorking Wanderer’s Meadowbank Football Ground this October. With both teams squabbling it out in the bottom half of the table, can one of the two get a nice win to build momentum and point on the board?
For more information, visit dorkingwanderers.com
TRUTH OR LIE IMPROV SHOW / OCTOBER 28 / COBHAM VILLAGE HALL
Pit your wits against our panel of talented actors who are happy to improvise their way out of telling the truth! Can you spot whose story is true in each round? Join am-dram here’s Cobham Players for a night of nonsense this October. A prize to the table with the highest score!
For more information, visit cobhamplayers.org.uk
GRAYSON PERRY: A SHOW ALL ABOUT YOU / OCTOBER 28 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
What makes you, you? Grayson Perry, white, male, heterosexual, able bodied, English, southerner, baby boomer and member of the establishment takes a mischievous look at the nature of identity in his new show that will make you laugh, shudder, and reassess who you really are.
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
RIVER THAMES HALF MARATHON / OCTOBER 29 / WALTON ON THAMES
The River Thames Half Marathon returns this October. A fast, flat and scenic race, the route follows the River Thames towpath and roads to Hampton Court Bridge. It is a great one for those looking for a new PB or those looking to simply enjoy a wondrous and potentially competitive riverside run.
For more information, visit riverthamesrunning.co.uk
AN EVENING WITH PHILIPPA PERRY: THE SHOW YOU WANT EVERYONE YOU LOVE TO GO TO / OCTOBER 29 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
How do you find and keep love? What does it mean to you to be content? Are other people just annoying, or are you the problem? Live on stage, Philippa will offer her trademark sane and sage advice, exploring how to best navigate a whole spectrum of relationships. From family and partners to friends and colleagues, and even your relationship with yourself, Philippa will illuminate how we can functionalise these vital connections so that when life throws us its inevitable hurdles, we might be better equipped to overcome them.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
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