THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!

CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR  / MAY 1 – 5 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY

Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley this month to stage its Spring Contemporary Craft and Design Fair. This has become the most popular contemporary craft event in the UK and is an event not to be missed! The event at Wisley showcases some of the finest contemporary craft makers, all of whom have been selected to exhibit at this event. Visitors will be able to see and purchase fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture and garden furniture.

For more information, visit craftinfocus.com

EMF / MAY 1 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

 “The Sex Pistols of indie dance crossover”, the Unbelievable, seminal 90s group EMF arrive at The Boileroom in Guildford to bring the noise. Expect a night of no-nonsense nostalgia.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

….EARNEST?  / MAY 2 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

The Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit …Earnest? arrives at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre following rave reviews ahead of an eagerly awaited West End run. When a traditional production of Oscar Wilde’s classic play gets underway, everything seems to be going perfectly to plan… that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show. Guaranteed to have you laughing whether you’re sitting in the audience… or performing onstage.

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

GAG HOUSE COMEDY CLUB / MAY 2 + 17 / GODALMING, 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 The Back Room of The Star Inn in Guildford, not once, but twice this month courtesy of the Gag House Comedy Clubs. Not in Guildford? No worries – get your giggle on with the Gag House in Godalming and Camberley too.

For more information, visit gaghousecomedy.com

MARIE AND ROSETTA / MAY 2 – 24 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Beverley Knight is Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Kingston’s Rose Theatre this May. 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 rosetheatre.org

CAMPERVAN CAMPOUT FESTIVAL / MAY 2 / SOUTH OF ENGLAND EVENT CENTRE, ARDINGLEY

Love your camper? The ultimate family-friendly festival designed for vanlife enthusiasts and festival-goers alike arrives in  Ardingley this month. With music all day, every day, the festival features an exciting DJ set from Radio 2’s Sara Cox, alongside a vibrant line-up of live acts.

For more information, visit outandaboutlive.co.uk

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: HONEY & THE BEAR / MAY 3 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL

British Folk and Roots duo Honey & the Bear combine delicately interweaving vocal harmonies with emotive and evocative song writing. With a diverse range of sounds, textures and rhythms that flow from the fast and furious to gentle ballads, their live performances are spirited and dynamic.  Catch them live, courtesy of Grayshott Folk Club.

For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY / MAY 5 – JUNE 14  / MINERVA THEATRE, CHICHESTER

Funny, profound, deeply moving and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie musician, Passenger (Let Her Go). A must see, must listen.

For more information, visit cft.org.uk

BAT OUT OF HELL / MAY 5 – 10 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as Bat Out Of Hell. roars back to Woking’s New Victoria Theatre! The iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf will once again shake the stage, delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before. This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre.

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

HANDBAGGED / MAY 6 – 10 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Over the course of a decade did the Monarch and the Iron Lady ever find a common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme? Moira Buffini’s clever and fiercely funny comedy is a fly-on-the-wall look at what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher came face-to-face in the privacy of the palace. Get tickets quick for a night of drama at the theatre.

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

SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / MAY 6 – 17 / VARIOUS VENUES, SURREY HILLS

Surrey Hills International Music Festival (SHIMF) returns this May – the 16^th edition of the much-loved classical music festival that, each Spring, brings world-class musicians to perform in beautiful venues across the Surrey Hills. With a night featuring Grammy-nominated VOCES8 already sold-out, expect first class classical music on your doorstep this month. Get some tickets, quick!

For more information, visit shimf.co.uk

EDUCATING RITA / MAY 8 – 10 / BELLERBY STUDIO, G LIVE, GUILDFORD

When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course to expand her horizons, little does she realise where the journey will take her. This hilarious and heart-warming comedy won the Olivier award when it was produced in London’s West End by the RSC and was adapted into the multi award winning film which starred Julie Walters and Michael Caine. Guildburys Theatre Company is bringing this iconic play to the Bellerby Studio at GLive – theatre that’s up close and personal!

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

RICH HALL: CHIN MUSIC / MAY 10 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

“Chin Music” has two meanings. One is idle talk. The other is a brushback throw in baseball or cricket to intimidate the batter. Both describe Rich Hall’s comedy. Idle but intimidating. Sharp, quick, splenetic, and sublimely improvisational. If you’ve never seen him, you need to grab a seat because he never disappoints. Ever.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

SILKSCREEN PRINTING ON PAPER / MAY 10 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Get to grips with the art technique made famous by the likes of Andy Warhol, John Piper, Eduardo Paolozzi and Roy Lichtenstein. During the session, you will taken step by step through how to make your own multi-layered prints, how to use optical colour mixing, create positive and negative paper stencils, learn about layering translucent inks, and get a handle on using a squeegee. Dress for mess and please bring an A3 portfolio/envelope to take your art work home.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

MR SHAKESPEARE / MAY 10 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ART CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES

Starring Ciaron Davies (Game of Thrones, Manson Family Massacre), this one-actor play explores Shakespeare outside of his identity as a writer – as a man, a father, an actor and entrepreneur. This man is ambitious, troubled, funny, loving, and trying to make sense of the chaos all around him.

For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

MANDALA DRAWING DAY WORKSHOP / MAY 11 / BRICKS CAFE, SMITHBROOK KILNS

Would you like to create your own, unique mandala artwork? Have you ever wondered just how to start? Learn the basics of how to get started with mandala drawing and then be guided towards creating something that is totally individual to you, with plenty of tips to inspire and encourage you on your way.

For more information, visit rosalindparker.co.uk

EXPLORE MIXED MEDIA / MAY 12 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Feeling creative? Working with artist Diana Burch you will spend the day exploring and having fun trying a range of different media. Using a range of playful methods the aim of the day is to try new things and find new methods and materials that you really enjoy. Surprise yourself, let go of any worry about ‘being good at art’ and have a day of fun-filled creativity. Media you will try includes pen, wire, chalk, charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylic, plasticine and collage!

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

DRAG BINGO / MAY 14 / THE FALLEN ANGEL BAR, GUILDFORD

Head for Guildford’s naughty but oh-so nice The Fallen Angel Bar for an electrifying show that combines the classic game of bingo with the glittering world of drag! Join Fallen Angel’s fabulous Queen, as she takes you on a wild ride filled with laughter, music, and of course, bingo balls. Book some tickets quick!

For more information, visit fallenangelbar.com

CFT LATES: HOLLIE MCNISH  / MAY 16 / CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

After a run of sold out shows up and down the UK, Hollie McNish is back with the paperback tour of Lobster: and other things I’m learning to love. A Sunday Times bestselling book, expect strong language and adult content, gift-wrapped in gorgeously crafted poetry as she reads from this collection plus a selection of firm favourites from Slug and Nobody Told Me.

For more information, visit cft.org.uk

NICK MOHAMMED IS MR SWALLOW: SHOW PONY / MAY 16 – 17 / RICHMOND THEATRE

Taskmaster loser Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow with a brand new show. Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “payback for everyone who didn’t come to the last tour” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). As per – expect magic, music and a whole load of brand new mistakes.

For more information, visit atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre

NIGEL HAVERS: TALKING B*LLO*CKS / MAY 16 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Well, here it is – Nigel Havers’ first ever solo show. Just him, a stage, and a lifetime of gloriously ridiculous stories to share. You’ll get the full Havers experience: charm, wit, and absolutely no running in slow motion.Of course, there’ll be behind-the-scenes gossip, tales of triumph (and disaster), moments of sheer madness, and a fair bit of talking b*ll*cks too.

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

PAWS IN THE PARK / MAY 17 / SOUTH OF ENGLAND EVENT CENTRE, ARDINGLEY

Spring is in the air, so it’s time to get out and have fun with your dog! Head for the Paws in the Park Spring show for a feast of fun with your furry friend, including have a go activities, arena displays, lots of competitions – and lots of great shopping!

For more information, visit pawsinthepark.net

GOODWOOF / MAY 17 – 18 / THE KENNELS, GOODWOOD

Spend the day with your canine companion and celebrate all things pup-tastic at Goodwoof. Held within the iconic setting of Goodwood, wag your tail and take part in a whole host of fun activities for your fine four-legged friend.

For more information, visit goodwood.com

BRAMLEY VILLAGE FETE / MAY 17 / GOSDEN COMMON, BRAMLEY

Bowl over to Bramley this May and enjoy this traditional celebration off village life. A fantastic day out for all ages, featuring: activities for children, live music, food & drink stalls, a grand raffle, a famous tug-of-war competition, children’s entertainment, and a wide variety of local stalls. It’s a great way to bring people together while raising funds for local charities. Win, win. See you there.

For more information, visit Instagram or Facebook @bramleyvillagefete

SPORTS TEAM / MAY 21 / PRYZM, KINGSTON

Hand-break off, SPORTS TEAM are back. With musical pedals to the metal and saxophones at full throttle, the Mercury-nominated six-piece bring us their third studio album, Boys These Days. Catch them at Pryzm in Kingston, courtesy of the esteemed emporium of wonder, Banquet Records.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

GOD ALONE / MAY 22 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Get set for something interesting at The Boileroom this month. The genre-bending God Alone traverses through mathrock, dance, avant-garde, post-punk and more on its way to its final destination. Citing the Talking Heads as a big influence, GOD ALONE embrace absurdism at every turn – in particular the absurdity of nothingness; the art of existing without meaning or context. Sounds perfect.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

THE NASH SESSIONS: RONNIE SCOTT’S ALL STARS / MAY 22 / KEW GARDENS

Enjoy an upbeat evening of world-class jazz at Kew Gardens this May – a magical setting for a summer soirée with family and friends. Join the club’s sensational house band Ronnie Scott’s All Stars as they take you on a journey through the last 60 years of jazz music.

For more information, visit kew.org

OMID DJALILI – NAMASTE  / MAY 23 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show NAMASTE where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet. No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them. You have been warned.

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

K.O.G / MAY 23 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen. Expect vibes at The Boileroom in Guildford this May.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

SPY MOVIE: THE PLAY! / MAY 24 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Get ready for The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and… a lack of funding. A hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre suitable for the whole family.

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

SOPHIE MCCARTNEY – ONE FOOT IN THE RAVE / MAY 25 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Recently kicked out of club 18-30, a new decade now beckons and she DOES NOT BELIEVE IT. Tackling her perimenopausal panic with denial, delirium, and a shot of tequila – what does life look like when you’re too old to be young, but too young to be old? Desperate for a mad night out (as long as she’s home by 9pm), this mum of three, and optimistic raver, is by no means down and out – she’s up and in… watching Netflix. Grab your glow sticks and join Sophie as she embarks on life’s next big chapter with sequins, snorty laughs, and a pair of killer orthopaedic heels.

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

LEVISON WOOD: WALKING THE WORLD / MAY 25 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

This May, join Levison Wood, the world-renowned explorer, best-selling author and TV presenter, as he embarks on his fifth UK theatre tour, Walking the World: A Life of Exploration and Adventure. Taking inn Kingston’s Rose Theatre, this brand-new show will celebrate the human spirit and the transformative power of travel, with captivating stories from Levison’s remarkable adventures over the past 20 years, from the icy landscapes of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of Arabia. Get set for an adventure.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

ATIC STAND UP COMEDY  / MAY 30 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

ATIC Stand Up Comedy at Cranleigh Arts features some of the best comedians in the UK, including some you’ll recognise off the telly! The line-up includes Paul Tonkinson (former Big Brother presenter, TimeOut and Jongleurs comedy award winner and Jason Patterson. Expect the funny stuff.

For more information, visit cranleigharts.org

SHYNEFEST / MAY 30 – 31 / MERRIST WOOD, GUILDFORD

Shynefest is back this May celebrating 10 years of good times and good will to charitable causes. Featuring surf-rock titans Reef headlining on Saturday night, expect fun for the whole family all weekend.

For more information, visit shynefest.uk

ORDINARY PEOPLE / MAY 31 – JUNE 1 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Love Farnham? You’ll love this. Ordinary People – a new musical about Farnham by multi award-winning composer and lyricist Darren Clark (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Wicker Husband) – comes to Farnham Maltings this summer promising to show there is nothing ordinary about ordinary people! Based on stories shared by local people that Darren has collected over the past two years, the production – produced by Farnham Maltings – features a cast of professional actor musicians and community performers who, together, capture the essence of life in Farnham through music and storytelling.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

THE 24 HOUR MUSICAL / MAY 31 / HASLEMERE HALL

Haslemere Players invite you to join them for the ultimate fundraiser, The 24 Hour Musical! Cast and crew meet, ready to embrace the challenge of putting on a musical in just one day. What musical? Well, that’s the challenge! It’s TOP SECRET and nobody knows until the show is announced just 24 hours before curtain up. The only clue we can give you is….if you like a feel-good, fun musical this is the show for you! Parts need to be learnt, dances choreographed, props sourced, costumes sewn, the set built, lights plotted…..and coffee drunk! What could possibly go wrong? Can it be done? There’s only one way to find out, buy a ticket and see the (incredible) results for yourself.

For more information, visit haslemerefestival.org.uk

 

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