THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! WHAT’S ON IN SURREY

GUILDFORD JAZZ & SOUL FESTIVAL / AUGUST 23 – OCTOBER 1 / VARIOUS VENUES, GUILDFORD

Guildford Jazz is once again teaming up with local music venues, bars, cafes and restaurants across Guildford to present its 2nd Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival! The Festival is a celebration of the best in UK and local jazz and soul, and will run from late August to early October. In addition to ticketed events with leading UK jazz and soul artists, the festival will include lots of free events with talented local musicians performing in pop-up venues all across town.

For more information, visit guildfordjazz.org.uk

SIX / AUGUST 26 – SEPTEMBER 6 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

The crowning glory of Broadway, the West End and beyond, the international smash hit musical SIX, makes its royal return to Guildford in 2025 following its previous sell out success! 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 yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

SABINE McCALLA  / SEPTEMBER 1 / BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

While Sabine McCalla is living and creating during modern days, this nuanced artist’s songwriting takes the listener back several decades to pre/post-war eras brimming with the sounds of the Folk Music Revival. Combining elements of gospel, folk, soul, blues, and Americana, Sabine spins stories of heartbreak and hope through intimate arrangements and honest inflections. Incredibly lush stuff, expect Sabine to swoon your socks off at The Boileroom in Guildford this month.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

NOVA LAUGHS / SEPTEMBER 4 / NOVA CINEMA, WOKING

Nova Cinema and Noisy Badger present Nova Laughs, your monthly LOL fix! Head to Woking on the first Thursday of every month for a laugh-out-loud lineup packed with the UK’s finest comedy talent and hottest up-and-comers. This month our incredible acts are Finlay Christie, Stephen Grant and Esther Manito.

For more information, visit novacinema.com

PRIDE IN SURREY / SEPTEMBER 6 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD

Celebrate love, inclusion and diversity as Pride in Surrey returns to Guildford this September. Take part in the celebrations with a parade through the town centre before venturing onto Stoke Park for further festivities. A free event where all are welcome – enjoy live music, food and drink, and a youth zone for the kids. ‘pay what you can’ (minimum £1) and book your tickets online.

For more information, visit prideinsurrey.org

HAMLET / SEPTEMBER 6 – OCTOBER 4 / MINERVA THEATRE, CHICHESTER

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. The death of his father, the king, turns Hamlet’s world upside down. Stunned by the horrifying secrets revealed, he loses all trust in the people closest to him. Amidst a maelstrom of grief, suspicion and doubt, he embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery in which the betrayal of friends and family – and the decay at the heart of the state – are laid bare. Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of CFT, directs Chichester’s first ever production of Shakespeare’s supreme tragedy. Expect drama.

For more information, visit cft.org.uk

SIR TONY ROBINSON: FROM BLACK ADDER TO ALFRED THE GREAT / SEPTEMBER 7 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Sir Tony Robinson is one of Britain’s best-loved faces on screen, a master storyteller and an award-winning writer, known for creating the iconic Baldrick in Blackadder and presenting 20 seasons of Channel 4’s Time Team. Now, Tony celebrates a life on stage and screen sharing stories from his remarkable career, his passion for history, and his thrilling fiction debut The House of Wolf, an epic tale of Alfred the Great and the bloody birth of England.

For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

LIVE AT THE ROSE WITH JEN BRISTER / SEPTEMBER 7 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Join Kingston’s Rose Theatre this September for a brilliant night of live comedy at the Rose, packed with big laughs and top-class TV talent. Headlining the night is Kingston born Jen Brister, with support from the pitch-perfect-punchliner Nabil Abdulrashid, the biting wit Esther Manito, and the always excellent Marcus Brigstock.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

TIM PEAKE ASTRONAUTS: THE QUEST TO EXPLORE SPACE / SEPTEMBER 9 – 10 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

With fewer than 650 people having reached Earth’s orbit, nobody is more qualified than Tim to celebrate the historic achievements and human endeavours of space exploration. Up until now, Tim has brought his own incredible journey to life through unparalleled storytelling and extraordinary archive footage. In this new show, Tim will share the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and explore the spectacular evolution of space travel.

For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford

TALES OF ESPIONAGE AND ADVENTURE / SEPTEMBER 11 + 25 / THE GUILDFORD INSTITUTE

The Meath Epilepsy Charity presents not one, but two fascinating evening’s of espionage and adventure in Guildford this month. Featuring talks from acclaimed spy writers Dr Tony Insall, Tim Willsasey-Wilsey, Gordon Correra, and Bill Bennett, discover some of the Secret Intelligent Service’s not so secret secrets.

For more information, visit meath.org.uk/events

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS / SEPTEMBER 12 – 21 / EVERYWHERE

Throughout the country, sites of historical significance will open their doors to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme. From Painshill Park and West Horsley Place to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and Watts gallery Artists’ Village, discover Surrey’s hidden history and heritage while discovering hidden gems on your doorstep this September.

For more information, visit heritageopendays.org.uk

UNRAVEL… AUTUMN / SEPTEMBER 12 – 13 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

‘Tis the season for crafty, sew and sews and knitting enthusiasts to unite and descend upon Farnham Maltings for the knitting fiesta, Unravel Autumn. Featuring a programme of bookable workshops, talks and demonstrations led by UK and International experts and a marketplace of over 70 quality exhibitors selling yarn and fibre accessories. So roll up and meet like-minded lovers of darn good yarn.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

DRAGGED TO THE MUSICALS / SEPTEMBER 13 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Starring Divina De Campo from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, get ready for a Night at the Musicals like you’ve never seen before! It’s all the eleganza-extravaganza of the West End combined with the fierce and fabulous world of Drag. A night of sassy showstoppers, where the divas are anything but dull! If you can’t handle the ‘T’ then sashay away cos the dolls are really gonna slay.  With 100% live vocals, there’s absolutely no lip sync battles on this stage. Just unbelievable vocal talent, sprinkled with sass.

For more information, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 14 – OCTOBER 23 / VARIOUS VENUES, GUILDFORD

Now in its 36^th year, highlights of this year’s programme include: legendary chef Raymond Blanc sharing insight into the garden-to-table ethos he has pioneered at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; acclaimed Royal biographer Robert Hardman shining a light on Charles III, the monarch and the man; much-loved Reverend Richard Coles with the latest novel in his Sunday Times bestselling series and TV personality Stephen Mulhern with top tips for young magicians.

For more information, visit guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

JANET STREET-PORTER IS OFF THE LEASH / SEPTEMBER 16 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

From a bolshy child with a Welsh-speaking budgie to National Treasure, Janet Street-Porter’s life (and language) has always been colourful. As a broadcaster, television executive and newspaper editor she was at the forefront of some of Britain’s most enduring cultural moments. Now she finds herself with a senior railcard and 4 ex-husbands. The nation’s favourite pissed-off pensioner brings comedy, tragedy and gossip in equal measure, a tour de force rant against growing old gracefully.

For more information, visit cranleigharts.org

SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR / SEPTEMBER 16 / KT1, KINGSTON

To celebrate the release of the new album ‘Perimenopop‘, Sophie Ellis-Bextor visit Kingston for a stripped back set and Q&A. Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s much anticipated 8th studio album ‘Perimenopop’ is a playful celebration of where Sophie is at in her life, knowing exactly who she is and embracing the joy and empowerment that brings. Featuring previously released tracks ‘Freedom of the Night’, ‘Relentless Love’ and ‘Vertigo’, it is the record Sophie was meant to make 7 studio albums into her 25-year career, seeing her confidently return to her iconic dance-pop sound.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

EMMA / SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 11 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

This irresistible new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic rom-com swaps drawing room duets for dance floor-fillers, taking audiences on a ride of matchmaking and mischief that ignites laughter and warms the heart. Emma Woodhouse thinks she has it all figured out. Fresh from Oxford University and back in her hometown for the summer, Emma is ready to do what she does best: sort out everyone else’s lives, whether they like it or not. Join Kingston’s Rose Theatre and celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth with this timeless story of romance, friendship, and the tricky business of figuring out what truly makes us happy.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

UKULELE BEGINNERS / SEPTEMBER 18 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Go from absolute beginner to playing your favourite songs in a matter of weeks. Simply learn by playing songs in a friendly, fun environment. The ukulele is easy to learn, very popular and you don’t need any prior musical knowledge to play. You will need your own ukulele though!

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

VITAMIN STRING QUARTET / SEPTEMBER 18 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Long before Bridgerton broke the Netflix algorithm, Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) had helped establish classical crossover as a genuine force in contemporary music. On their latest tour, VSQ have created fresh arrangements of the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift, performing spellbinding and innovative renditions of Swift’s music, alongside familiar hits from Billie Eilish, BTS, Bridgerton, The Weeknd to Daft Punk.

For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford

TOP HAT / SEPTEMBER 18 – 20 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

You’re invited to the musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne. Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.

For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

MILTON JONES: HA!MILTON / SEPTEMBER 19 / THE CAPITOL, HORSHAM

This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. He has more important things to discuss. Like giraffes…and there’s a bit about tomatoes. You might know him from Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo or Radio 4. Or that time he stood for the Scottish National Party, fought a hard campaign, but in the end had to respect the wishes of the people of Cardiff. A whole new show of daftness. You know it makes sense.

For more information, visit thecapitolhorsham.com

KERRY GODLIMAN: BANDWIDTH / SEPTEMBER 19 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

While parenting teenagers, bogged down with knicker admin and considering dealing HRT on the black market, Kerry’s lost her mum bag but can’t remember what was in it as she’s outsourced her memory to her phone. The life of a middle aged woman who hasn’t got the bandwidth for any of this.

For more information, visit trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford

THE DARK KNIGHT MARATHON / SEPTEMBER 20 / NOVA CINEMA, WOKING

Love Batman? The Dark Knight’s story plays out in full this month, as Woking’s Nova Cinema play’s host to this epic screening of Christopher Nolan’s iconic The Dark Knight Trilogy. The whole 456 minutes. Playing back-to-back, get comfy, get the snacks (lots of them, possibly a picnic), sit back and enjoy.

For more information, visit novacinema.com

BAGA CHIPZ: CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK / SEPTEMBER 20 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

After the success of the Material Girl and Much Betta! tours, Baga Chipz is back! Bigger, louder and MUCH BETTA than ever! Expect an evening of live vocals; belting out big band ballads, disco classics and songs you’d sing down the pub with the nation’s number one tart. Plus, a special segment dedicated to her dear friend The Vivienne. EXCLAIMER – LEAVE YOUR BLOODY KIDS AT HOME!!! This is an adult show. No little sh*ts allowed!

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: BOB FOX /  SEPTEMBER 20 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL

Grayshott Folk Club welcomes folk legend Bob Fox, to the stage this September. A veteran of the folk scene, Bob played the part of “The SongMan” in The National Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse”, performing to sell-out audiences every night for two years as well as reprising the role for the productions 10th-anniversary tour. Catch him, his guitar and occasionally an accordion for accompaniment. next creative project.

For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

BUSHBABY / SEPTEMBER 20 / THIRTY3HZ, GUILDFORD

Bushbaby brings the EVERY TIME tour straight to our doors on Thirty3Hz on September 20! Hailing from Brighton’s underground bass scene, catch some serious beats at Guildford’s boutique night club this month and expect a party of epic proportions.

For more information, visit thirty3hz.com

MATTHEW BOURNE’S SWAN LAKE / SEPTEMBER 23 – 27 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

Thrilling, bold, witty and emotive, this genre-defining event is still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered convention, turning tradition on its head. Matthew Bourne’s audacious, rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago – catch a modern classic at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this month.

For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

KOJEY RADICAL / SEPTEMBER 24 / KT1, KINGSTON COLLEGE

To celebrate the release of the new album Don’t Look Down, Kojey Radical returns to perform in Kingston. Sonically, the album provides the most experimental and eclectic music of his career, with influences ranging from golden age Hip Hop to disco, grime to Indie, Jazz to Ska. Expect vibes and get some tickets quick.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

ESTHER MANITO: SLAGBOMB / SEPTEMBER 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

After a sold-out, rave-reviewed tour last year, Esther is back—this time embracing the sheer joy of having absolutely no dignity. She’s tried elegance. She’s aimed for sophistication. But somehow, chaos always wins. Because really — how do you keep your poise when you’re juggling kids, aging parents, and the crushing weight of unmet expectations? From failed attempts at being sexy, sudden hearing loss, and awkward encounters with dodgy drug dealers, to the brutal realities of a waxing session gone sideways — nothing’s off limits.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

GUILDFORD FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS / SEPTEMBER 25 – 28 / VARIOUS VENUES, GUILDFORD

A four-day celebration of the visual arts, designed to showcase the talent of local artists and engage the community in creative experiences. Taking place in Guildford Town Centre, the event aims to revitalise the local art scene by utilising independent shops, arts venues, and creative spaces. Expect workshops, trails, exhibitions, and more.

For more information, visit  https://www.guildfordfestivalofthearts.co.uk/

INTRODUCTION TO POTTERY / SEPTEMBER 25 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

A workshop suitable for those new to pottery or with some experience. In the setting of West Horsley Places’s stunning Tudor kitchen and Led by expert Potter Shelley Bock, learn how to make decorative bowls with a step-by-step demonstration explaining the ceramic technique known as slab building. Explore decorative techniques such as carving, sgraffito and impress printing with found textures such leaves, lace, buttons or woodblocks to make a bowl unique to you.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

THE BOILEROOM’S 19TH BIRTHDAY PARTY: TAZ MODI / SEPTEMBER 25 / BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Guildford’s landmark grassroots venue, The Boileroom turn 19 this year. 19! Celebrate in style with the symphonic sounds of Taz Modi. Best known as a member of both Portico Quartet and Submotion Orchestra, as well as being Matthew Halsall’s pianist for many years and a sideman/collaborator with figures such as DJ Shadow, Mr. Scruff, Fred Wesley and Dennis Coffey, Taz Modi’s solo project combines atmospheric piano, lush strings and subtle ambient electronica to create hypnotic and evocative soundscapes.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

HUNDRED WATT CLUB: AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE AND CABARET  / SEPTEMBER 27 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

Gorgeously ravishing, deliciously risqué and just a little bit ridiculous, travelling vaudeville show Hundred Watt Club bring a glittering, line-up of vintage inspired burlesque showgirls, comedy, circus and cabaret acts to Cranleigh! The Lowdown: Not for the fainthearted, this show employs and embraces adult themes, strong language and partial nudity with gusto. No refunds if it’s simply ‘not to your taste’!

For more information, visit cranleigharts.org

JAMES MAY – EXPLORERS – TH AGE OF DISCOVERY TOUR / SEPTEMBER 30 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

James May will premiere a landmark live theatre show in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore & the United Kingdom, bringing to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, sailed into the unknown. The live show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre this month./

For more information, visit atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

THE GHOST TOUR OF GUILDFORD / FRIDAY NIGHTS / TOWN CENTRE, GUILDFORD

Fancy an evening of spooky tales? A veritable institution of cultural experiences in Guildford, join in with the acclaimed Ghost Tour of Guildford and discover what once was, and what may still be lurking in the shadows.

For more information, visit ghosttourofguildford.co.uk

SHAKE IT LIKE SHAKESPEARE / SEPTEMBER 24 -– OCTOBER 22 / GREEN ARK, GUILDFORD

Join Guildford Shakespeare Company this autumn and Shake It! A fun and informal class, exploring Shakespearean stories through dance, movement and scenework. Utilising a range of dance styles and performance techniques, each session will focus on a different element of the term’s chosen play, As You Like It. Classes are friendly and collaborative – all abilities welcome!

For more information, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk

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