THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT: ARTS, CRAFTS, AND CULTURE IN SURREY AND BEYOND!
Fancy some entertainment Surrey? Whether it’s outdoor theatre, outdoor cinema, medieval festivals, or comedy in the park, find out what’s on this month with your indespensable guide to what’s good in your neighborhood.

MARIE AND ROSETTA / JUNE 25 – JULY 26 / MINERVA THEATRE, CHICHESTER
Beverley Knight is Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre this June. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the roof-raising ‘godmother of rock ‘n’ roll’, influenced countless musicians from Elvis to Johnny Cash. This sparkling, intimate portrait of Rosetta and her beloved singing partner, Marie Knight, restores these forgotten musical heroines to the spotlight as one of the most remarkable and revolutionary duos in music history.
For more information, visit cft.org.uk
MATT CHORLEY: MAKING A MEAL OF IT / JULY 1 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
For two decades Matt Chorley has feasted on politics, stalking the corridors, pubs and restaurants of Westminster. Now the award-winning writer, podcaster, comedian and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter has all the ingredients to cook up a hilarious new show looking at parliament’s feuding food factions and how politicians really are what they eat. WARNING: Politics may contain nuts.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
LIVE MUSIC LATES / JULY 2,3, 9 + 10 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Throughout the summer, Painshill Park hosts their Live Music Late series. Featuring a mix of tribute bands and originals from a number of genres, watch the sunset over the lake as you listen to the sounds amplified from the stage. From mod and pop to rock and reggae, check out the lineup online and find your fave. Food and drink vendors will be on-site, or feel free to bring a picnic.
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
THE SPITFIRES / JULY 5 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Reuniting after a hiatus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of debut album ‘Response’, The Spitfires arrive at The Boileroom in Guildford this July. Expect sharp attire and even sharper social commentary from the underground favourites as they bring the album to life – plus additional treats from across their career.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
GUILFEST / JULY 5 – 6 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD
GuilFest returns to Stoke Park for a weekend of music. Featuring The Jacksons, Soul II Soul, Razorlight, KT Tunstall, Leo Sayer, Stereo MC’s Sleepers, Altered Images, Dub Pistols and more.
For more information, visit guilfest.co.uk
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND / JULY 5 – 6 / ARUNDEL CASTLE
It is 1471 and the Earl of Arundel celebrates the end of The War of the Roses with a knight’s foot tournament, and an archery contest between four nations…England, France, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire. Set on the lower lawns of Arundel Castle – explore the tented encampment, be entertained by musicians Myal and Peg, see demonstrations of a variety of historical crafts, combat, falconry, fire eater and archery. In addition, the *have a go activities for all ages include axe throwing, crossbows, craft tent and the hugely popular Kids Battles.
For more information, visit arundelcastle.org
SUMMER THEATRE – GENTLE HARRY’S FARM / JULY 6 / POLESDEN LACEY, GREAT BOOKHAM
Bursting with live music and original songs this brand-new version of The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company’s smash hit musical comedy, first performed in 2011, will be sure to raise a smile. Written by Pete Talbot with new original music by Rowan Talbot and lyrics by Pete Talbot and Rowan Talbot.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey
GUILDFORD COMEDY FESTIVAL / JULY 7 – 12 / THE BACK ROOM OF THE STAR INN, GUILDFORD
Please find below a press release announcing the debut Guildford Comedy Festival, which will take place from 7-12 July at the Back Room of the Star Inn in the heart of Guildford, as part of the 2025 Guildford Fringe Theatre Company programme. The line-up features top comedy talent including Katie Pritchard, Dana Alexander, Leroy Brito, Plastic Jeezus, Paul Sinha, Abi Carter-Simpson, Graeme Mathews, Tom Deacon, Matt Richardson, Susan Murray and Danny Buckler.
For more information, visit guildfordcomedyfestival.com
JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY / JULY 10 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy Carr is going back on tour with his brand-new show Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny. Jimmy tells jokes, and jokes are like magnets. Jokes attract people, but they can also repel. Some people are repelled by Jimmy’s dark brand of comedy. This show is not for them. But if it’s the kind of thing you like, then this is the kind of thing you’ll like.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN ALL THE WORLD BY STAN’S CAFE / JULY 11 – 15 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Of All the People in All the World – the internationally acclaimed performance installation by leading theatre company Stan’s Cafe – is coming to Farnham Maltings this summer. Significantly, it will be the first opportunity to experience this fascinating work in Surrey, following its worldwide tour from Birmingham to Buenos Aires, Leeds to Los Angeles, Truro to Tokyo and more. Of All the People in All the World imagines human population statistics in extraordinary landscapes of rice. With one person represented by one grain of rice – and with performers continually developing the installation – the statistics realised in labelled piles of rice can include populations of towns and cities, the number of doctors, the number of people born each day and more.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
AUNT FANNY’S DINER / JULY 11 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Fanny is back and she’s at it again! This time she means business and has opened her own disco-diner…. What can possibly go wrong?! The outrageous Fanny Galore and her troop of wacky waiters have been let loose and are sure to cause mayhem at our rock-tastic disco-diner. Delicious, original 50’s diner themed menu, served to you by the calamitous, damn-right cheeky Fanny and her gang is sure to be hilarious and full of jaw-dropping mishaps.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
ADVENTURE CINEMA / JULY 11 – 13 / STANDSTED PARK, CHICHESTER
Pack a picnic and get ready for an experience like no other, as Adventure Cinema comes to Stansted Park. Featuring The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long, the Queen Outdoor Cinema Spectacular, The Gruffalo, Stickman, Andrea Bocelli’s 30: The Celebration, and Notting Hill.
For more information, visit standstedpark.co.uk
BARRY CAN’T SWIM / JULY 12 / PRYZM, KINGSTON
To celebrate the release of the new album ‘Loner’, Barry Can’t Swim visits Kingston to play a DJ set at Pryzm. Barry Can’t Swim’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Following the success of his debut album When Will We Land? Barry has continued to solidify himself as one of the most exciting names in electronic music today. Barry Can’t Swim returns this summer with his hotly anticipated sophomore album Loner on Friday 11th July 2025.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
BEARDYMAN / JULY 12 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD
Beatboxer-extraordinaire, the one and only Beardyman, arrives at The Boileroom in Guildford this July, bringing with him beats and sounds to astound one and all. Winner of the UK Beatbox Championships in 2006, festival favourite Beardyman has gone on to win countless awards and accolades. So snap up a ticket quick and prepare to party.
For more information, visit theboileroom.net
GEOFF NORCOTT – WORK IN PROGRESS / JULY 12 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD
You’d struggle not to find a comedy show or panel that Geoff Norcott has not appeared on, so much so is the stand-up comedians stock for saying silly things, and not so silly things that make people laugh. Seriously though, he’s coming to G Live’s Bellerby Studio this July to try out some new stuff. Pop along and have a giggle.
For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford
CARRY ON CRAFTING / JULY 12 – 13 / SOUTH OF ENGLAND EVENT CENTRE, ARDINGLY
Love crafting? Join thousands of likeminded lovers at this year’s Carry On Crafting Festival. Expect more crafts, more craft classes, more craft demos, more raw materials to buy, a fabulous craft market, fabulous food, shopping and of course you don’t have to leave as you can camp, and this year you get to stay for THREE nights! (11th, 12th and 13th)
For more information, visit southofenglandeventcentre.co.uk
SARA PASCOE: IAM A STRANGE GLOOP / JULY 13 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is that thought. In that it doesn’t make much sense and is a bit weird on reflection. Enjoy the wonderful wit of Sara Pascoe at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this July.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
CLAREMONT LIVE: TWELFTH NIGHT / JULY 13 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDENS, ESHER
“If music be the food of love play on!” Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer for Shakespeare’s greatest romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. They present this joyous play as he first saw it – in the open air, with an all male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden
GUILDBURYS PICNIC THEATRE: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE / JULY 16 – 19 / MERRIST WOOD, WORPLESDON
Picnic theatre that is AUSTENTATIOUSLY different ! If you think you know Jane Austen, think again. Pride and Prejudice is A Romantic Romp way ahead of its time. Why not dress in Regency finery? Bonnets are optional. Pack the rug, prepare the picnic basket and join Guildburys Theatre Company at Merrist Wood, just 3 miles from Guildford – the perfect setting for our celebratory Regency extravaganza.
For more information, visit guildburys.com
PETWORTH SUMMER FESTIVAL / JULY 17 – AUGUST 2 / VARIOUS VENUES, PETWORTH
A world class arts festival set in the South Downs, Petworth Summer Festival returns this July. Expect classical concerts, jazz, comedy, family theatre, talks, walks, and visual arts.
For more information, visit petworthfestival.org.uk
SECOND SUMMER OF LOVE / JULY 17 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Original raver Louise wonders how she went from ecstasy-taking, anti-establishment idealist to respectable, disillusioned, Surrey mummy. A story of rave remembrance and recovery; first love, teenage kicks, raising palms to skies in a field and coming to terms with mid-life. An authentic, first-hand, nostalgic flashback to the early 90s – get some tickets for a night of nostalgia at the Farnham Maltings this month.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
WANDERWILD / JULY 17 – 19 / WAKEHURST, ARDINGLY
Embark on a performance journey through wild landscape at Wanderwild – Wakehurst’s botanical garden event of live music, acrobatic performers, and international street food, set against the summer evening glow. Satisfy your wanderlust whilst marvelling at award-winning talent from the West End, experience gravity-defying acrobatics on water, the untamed elegance of silk aerialists spiralling from trees, and stilt performers rising from the elements – all set to atmospheric international music
For more information, visit kew.org/wakehurst
WE ARE SCIENTISTS / JULY 18 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON
To celebrate the release of the new album Qualifying Miles, We Are Scientists return to Kingston to play at The Fighting Cocks. In an industry where bands routinely burst onto the scene with meteoric intensity only to fade just as quickly, We Are Scientists have quietly crafted one of alternative rock’s most remarkable sustained careers. Now, with their ninth studio album, Qualifying Miles, arriving July 18th, the band continues to defy expectations, this time by looking back even as they push forward.
For more information, visit banquetrecords.com
MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / JULY 18 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON
For your fill of the silly stuff this month, make your way to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre and get ready for a giggle or two at the monthly Mock Tudor Comedy Club. Sit back and enjoy jokes and japes from Hal Cruttenden, Jon Long, and Jack Campbell.
For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk
STANSTED SUMMER FESTIVAL / JULY 19 – 20 / STANDSTED PARK, CHICHESTER
Head for Standsted Park near Chichester this summer for an eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment and a little bit of the eccentric all within the setting of a quintessential Country Estate. Expect; Napoleonic living history camp and re-enactments, live music, performances, archery, heritage crafts, childrens entertainment, vintage cars, motorbikes, garden games, mini golf, tractor and trailer rides, stalls, and food and drink.
For more information, visit standstedpark.co.uk
ANDY WARHOL / JULY 19 – NOVEMBER 2 / THE LIGHTBOX GALLERY, WOKING
This summer, Lightbox Gallery presents an exhibition featuring major works by Pop Art icon Andy Warhol, in partnership with Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Significantly, it will be the first time that many of these works have been shown in Surrey. This solo exhibition, showcasing around 100 works by the internationally renowned American artist, spans two floors and features some of Warhol’s most significant artworks.
For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk
PLAYS IN THE PARK / JULY 20 / MEADOWBANK PARK, DORKING
Dorking Halls take their big stage to Dorking’s Meadowbank Park this July with something for all the family! All you need to bring is something to sit on. There will be an area at the front for blankets and behind this for your chairs. There will be plenty of food and drink on offer from local vendors, plus toilets! The show will go on despite rain, so if showers are forecast, make sure you bring an umbrella! Featuring Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage On Wheels by Scoot Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Twelfth Night by 440 Theatre and The Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club in the evening.
For more information, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk
TUDOR HISTORIANS DAY / JULY 20 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
West Horsley Place has 1000 years of history, but perhaps it’s most fascinating stories are from the Tudor period, it is a forgotten Tudor palace after all. To delve into this turbulent, dramatic and resonant period of its history, four renowned authors will reveal all. Featuring Alison Weir, Sarah Gristwood, Nicola Tallis, and Melita Thomas.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
OUTDOOR THEATRE / JULY 24 + 27 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM
Outdoor theatre arrives at the scenic setting of Painshill in Cobham this summer. Catch a Shakespearian double-bill of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth (24) and HMS Pinafore by Gilbert on Sullivan (27).
For more information, visit painshill.co.uk
SCULPTURE AND SOUL FESTIVAL / JULY 26 – 27 / BIRTLEY WOODLAND ART SPACE, BRAMLEY
This two-day festival offers a vibrant mix of hands-on craft workshops, wellness activities, and thrilling outdoor experiences, all designed for adults and teenagers. Activities include willow craft and natural material sculpture workshops, green woodworking, forest bathing taster sessions, qigong, sound baths, and the art of manifesting. Challenge yourself at the Vikings Arena with archery, crossbows, and tomahawk throwing.
For more information, visit hedgesandhurdles.com
CHICAGO / JULY 28 – AUGUST 2 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. CHICAGO, the “sexiest musical ever” (Metro) comes to Woking in August for one week only starring Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancer and TV Star Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart, international recording artist and pop star Sinitta as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and West End and TV star Darren Day as Billy Flynn.
For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT / JULY 29 – AUGUST 2 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD
The late Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her discretion. She never said anything in public that could ruffle the lightest of feathers. But she had one way of expressing what she really thought – through her wardrobe. By Royal Appointment is a funny, poignant and celebratory new play about the kind of power that only a Queen can wield – she charms the world through coats and admonishes her family through a carefully chosen hat.
For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
TOM JONES / JULY 30 / SANDOWN PARK, ESHER
Tom Jones will make his triumphant return to Sandown Park Racecourse this summer, for a full headline set after racing on Wednesday 30th July. Expect to hear all his biggest hits including “It’s Not Unusual”, “What’s New Pussycat?”, “Delilah” and many more. Get some tickets quick for an epic evening of live music in Surrey.
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk
THE MOST PERILOUS COMEDIE OF ELIZABETH I / JULY 31 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Did you know… Elizabeth I stayed at West Horsley Place five times across her long reign. On one visit she even had a temporary theatre built in the garden and may well have taken part in the performance herself! Which leads us nicely onto the news that The Three Inch Fools return to WHP this month to present a largely historical, totally hysterical, brand new Tudor comedie. Elizabethan theatre is flourishing. But will a brand-new Tudor musical romp, in which Good Queen Bess takes to the stage herself, be the making of this heroine or spell the beginning of her downfall? Bring your own cushions, camping-chairs, and prepared for the weather – come rain or shine, the show must go on!
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
OPERA IN THE VINEYARD / JULY 31 / ALBURY VINEYARD, ALBURY
Vineyard regulars Frances Gregory (mezzo-soprano) and Emily Wenman (soprano) return for a night at the opera – Albury Vineyard-style. Featuring classics from The Magic Flute to La Boheme, set against the stunning backdrop of Albury’s vines, this promises to be a sublime evening of musical magic. Guests are invited to sit among the vines, sip on a glass of award-winning Albury bubbly, and enjoy the beauty of the vineyard in full summer.
For more information, visit alburyvineyard.com
WEEKEND CROQUET / WEEKENDS / POLESDEN LACEY, GREAT BOOKHAM
Play at Polesden Lacey this summer with a spot of Croquet. Polesden Lacey has always been a place for recreation and the tradition continues to this day. Fancy a game? Four neatly manicured croquet lawn pitches are available for public hire at weekends and on Bank Holidays until the end of September. Pitches must be booked in advance
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey