WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK IN SURREY?
Golly gosh we’ve got a decent guide to going out this week. Theatre, music, art, crime, family events, spring shows, and lots of lambs are in store, so read on and find out more. Quick. Get to it.
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION / APRIL 17 – 22 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Based on the 1982 novella Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption, catch this riveting play made famous by the 1994 movie starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins as you get set for an evening of drama, desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum-security facility.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/woking
MEN’S FIRE CIRCLE / APRIL 17 / BUCKLAND PARK LAGOON
A supportive space for men to come together, connect and explore ideas that might help each other mentally, sign up and head for this Mens Fire Circle taking place at the scenic environs of Buckland Park Lagoon.
For more information, visit theshac.co.uk
THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO / APRIL 17 – 22 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
A new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens. Simultaneously tender and laugh-out loud funny, this heartfelt story will appeal to anyone who understands how it feels to be a fan: of ABBA or of anyone. Grab a ticket and catch it at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud this April.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
LORD OF THE FLIES / APRIL 18 – 22 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
In the midst of a raging war, a group of British school children are left stranded after surviving a devastating plane crash. Ralph is voted the leader over outcast Piggy and rule-breaking Jack. As tensions rise and the hunger for power grows, the group divide and become wildly out of control. Left to fend for themselves, the children are tested to their limits as they struggle for survival in their new and mysterious surroundings.
For more information, visit rosetheatre.org
THE ART PARLOUR / APRIL 19 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Hundred Watt Club return to The Boileroom in Guildford this month for their unique multi-sensory life drawing class. Enjoy an ‘enchanted garden’ themed soiree as ethereal model Naomi Wood strikes a pose and you, the artiste, put pen / pencil / chalk / crayon to paper to create your very own masterpiece. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and sketch, before Naomi takes to the stage for an exquisite burlesque performance.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
SILENT POOL ARTISANS TASTING DAY / APRIL 19 / SILENT POOL, ALBURY
Dine on the delights of Silent Pool’s artisan makers as you experience this very special tasting day. Meet the makers of Norbury Park Cheese, who’ll also provide lunch, and tour both the Albury Organic Vineyard and the Silent Pool Distillery. All in all, it’s a fascinating and flavour-filled day out!
For more information, visit silentpooldistillers.com
PICKLING AND FERMENTING / APRIL 19 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL
Fermentation is the magical process of transforming a food product into something tastier, longer lasting and better for our health. It’s no coincidence that many of our favourite foods are made using fermentation techniques. Wine, cheese, beer and bread all contain complex flavour profiles which stimulate our palates and leave us wanting more. Want to find out how it’s done so that you, too, can maximise the longevity of your foodstuffs? Head for the Abinger Cookery School this month and find out more.
For more information, visit abingercookeryschool.com
SIGN MAKING WORKSHOP / APRIL 19 + 20 / SOLAR SISTERS, GUILDFORD
Join Guildford’s Solar Sisters for an afternoon spent sign-making. The shop will provide materials, inspiration and good company for a sign-making workshop in preparation for Extinction Rebellion’s The Big One gathering outside of the Houses of Parliament on April 21. So say how you feel and let the people know what’s-what.
For more information, visit solarsisters.uk
PEOPLE, PLANET, PINT: SUSTAINABILITY MEETUP / APRIL 19 / THE CASTLE, FARNHAM
For those keen on cutting down on their carbon footprint in both a professional and personal capacity, get together and chat over nibbles and some of the wet stuff at this soon-to-be regular addition to the sustainability scene’s events calendar. Started in Glasgow after COP26, this is an informal meet-up for like-minded folk with a passion for the planet to network and share ideas and practices.
For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk
FARNHAM BEEREX / APRIL 20 – 22 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
This celebration of all things barley, hop and malt sees various sessions taking place over the weekend as the Farnham Beerex makes a welcome return to the Maltings. Featuring an abundance of ales, beers and ciders from near and far, enjoy live music to tempt potentially tipsy toes to tap onto the dance floor and sup on something special.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
SECOND SUMMER OF LOVE / APRIL 20 – 21 / MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
One woman’s first-hand flashback to the euphoric early 90’s UK rave scene from the confines of mid-life Surrey. Original raver, Louise, wonders how she went from ecstasy-taking idealist to respectable, disillusioned, home counties mum. An uplifting, high-energy, physical-theatre story about coming of age and mid-life recovery.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
WHOLE LOTTA COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 20 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Whole Lotta Comedy presents a rip-roaring evening of laughs, featuring a smorgasbord of stand-up from some of the best comedians the UK circuit has to offer. Each month’s show will see a different line-up, with a variety of comedy ranging from traditional stand-up to musical acts, observational, and the dark and daft. Headline acts include Dane Baptiste, Nick Helm, Nathan Caton, Jonny Awsum and others from TV shows including Live At The Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Mock the Week.
For more information, visit electric.theatre
SPY TALKS / APRIL 20 / THE GUILDFORD INSTITUTE
Join popular published authors and experts in the field of espionage for these fascinating talks. Brimming with spies and lies, these exciting tales from real events and literary works invite you on a journey of exploration into the murky waters of espionage. In aid of Godalming’s Meath Epilepsy Charity, support the cause and find out more about the intriguing world of espionage.
For more information, visit meath.org.uk
CHARLIE BAKER: 24 HOUR PASTY PEOPLE / APRIL 21 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
Wasson? Award-winning comedian, tap dancer and Talksport radio host Charlie Baker brings an hour of ‘genuinely funny ★★★★’ (The Herald) stand-up drenched in manure, cider and clotted cream to your village/town/cattle market. Comedy with a countryside accent. Imagine Jethro and Jack Black had a son. Job’s a good’un. Proper job.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
LOSELEY SPRING SHOW / APRIL 21 / LOSELEY PARK
Enjoy this unique opportunity to see the luscious Loseley Gardens as they spring into life at the Loseley Spring Show. Featuring over 40 garden and artisan food stalls and set in the wonderful Walled Gardens celebrate the season and book a ticket now.
For more information, visit loseleypark.co.uk
ETHICAL VEGAN EVENTS / APRIL 22 / WOKING
Ethical Vegan Events will once again be popping up throughout Surrey with their excellent markets. Free to attend, expect to find a host of vegan foodie treats and eats as well as a range of vegan products for you and the home that has been ethically and sustainably produced. Catch them in Woking this week.
For more information, visit ethicalveganevents.com
FLEECY FROLICS / APRIL 22 + 23 / MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
For the ultimate family springtime treat, Merrist Wood’s annual celebration of lambing and countryside crafts is hard to beat. Over the weekend, witness teeny tiny baby lambs being born, as well as a number of other activities such as animal feeding, woodland crafts, and demonstrations.
For more information, visit merristwoodevents.co.uk
GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB PRESENTS: THE OCELOTS / APRIL 22 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL
For anybody who caught this duo at the Grayshott Folk Club last August, you know you’re in for a treat, but for those of you who don’t know. Originally from Ireland but now living in Leipzig, Germany, 24 year-old twin brothers Brandon and Ashley Watson are Ireland’s latest musical export. Expect a forceful blend of rich harmonies and bare, acoustic Folk as The Ocelots return to Grayshott Folk Club this April.
For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk
THE GIN AFFAIR / APRIL 22 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
An ode to this discerning drink of choice, celebrate all things Gin with a day of celebration, education, and potentially some kind of inebriation. Discover a plethora of producers from far and wide, all vying for the attention of your taste buds, and enjoy masterclasses, tasters, live music and more. Choose from an afternoon or evening session – and drink responsibly!
For more information, visit glive.co.uk
TRUST 10K RUN / APRIL 23 / POLESDEN LACEY, DORKING
Are you a regular runner looking for a challenge? The National Trust’s monthly 10K trail runs held at Polesden Lacey are a great way to keep fit or train for upcoming challenges. Consisting of various terrains, runners enjoy the exceptional surroundings of Poleden Lacey before heading out onto Ranmore Common. Taking place on the fourth Sunday of every month, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned competitor, all are welcome.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
SURREY SCORCHERS VS MANCHESTER GIANTS / APRIL 23 / SURREY SPORTS PARK, GUILDFORD
The last fixture of the Surrey Scorchers season is at the end of the month against the mighty Manchester Giants. Can Scorchers save some face from a gruelling season? Tip-off’s at 2 pm – be there.
For more information, visit surreyscorchers.co.uk
SUSIE DENT – THE SECRET LIVES OF WORDS / APRIL 23 / RICHMOND THEATRE
Take a journey into the curious, unexpected, and downright surreal origins of the words we use every day. Susie will retell the adventures that lie hidden within such words as lasagne (involving a chamber pot) and bugbear (a terrorising monster), and explain such oddities as the silent h in ghost and the mysterious disappearance of kempt, gormful, and ruly (and yes, you really can be gruntled)
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond
JAMES KETCHELL: IT’S ALL MENTAL / APRIL 23 / ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD
‘It’s All Mental’ is record-breaking aviator, adventurer and author James Ketchell’s second UK tour. The only person on the planet to have climbed Everest, cycled around the world, and rowed an ocean will be sharing his mindset and the mentality needed to achieve difficult and sometimes unattainable goals.
For more information, visit electric.theatre