THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! WHAT’S ON THIS AUGUST

TOP HAT / JULY 14 – SEPTEMBER 6 / FESTIVAL THEATRE, CHICHESTER

You’re invited to the musical equivalent of a 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 cft.org.uk

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

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB’S ‘MINI FESTIVAL / AUGUST 1 – 2 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL

Celebrate summer at Grayshott Folk Club’s ‘Mini Festival’ this August. Held at the Club’;s spiritual home of Grayshott Village Hall, expect titans of folk music to descend upon the leafy village over the coming nights. On Friday, Merry Hell entertain music lovers, while Steve Wickham (ex-The Waterboys) and Ray Coen return to Grayshott to play on Saturday.

For more information, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

GO YOUR OWN WAY / AUGUST 2 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

From the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End, Go Your Own Way is a Global smash hit spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac. Paying tribute to their Rumours line up of Stevie, Mick, John, Christine & Lindsey, which remains their most commercially successful to date, this show perfectly recreates the live energy and passion of Fleetwood Mac.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

SUMMER IN NASHVILLE / AUGUST 3 / STOKE PARK, GUILDFORD

Get ready for a hoedown and head for Guildford’s Stoke Park for Summer in Nashville. Enjoy a day of wild-west entertainment, food, drink, live music, and much fun.

For more information, visit summerinnashville.com

CHOIR / AUGUST 2 – 30 / MINERVA THEATRE, CHICHESTER

Morgan runs a community choir who meet weekly in a room above the local pub to sing great pop songs, chat and drink. Home truths are revealed and secrets laid bare in this feelgood comedy with music, which explores loneliness and connection while celebrating the joy and power of community art. Heartwarming, funny and packed with glorious arrangements of contemporary songs, Choir promises a thoroughly entertaining night out.

For more information, visit cft.org.uk

SUMMER COMEDY CLUB / AUGUST 2 + 23 / THE CAPITOL, HORSHAM

Fancy some funny for your sunny summer? The Capitol in Horsham are hosting not one but FOUR comedy nights this August. But be quick because two are already sold out. Get your mitts on some tickets and expect a stunning line-up of stand-up comedians on your doorstep.

For more information, visit thecapitolhorsham.com

ONE SUMMER’S DAY FESTIVAL  / AUGUST 3 / THE TAP ROOM, HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM

The GT Live Sessions are very proud to confirm, that after a seven-year break, One Summer’s Day festival is back! Taking place at The Tap Room of Hogs Back Brewery, sit back and listen to the likes of Bemis, KB Bayley, The True Deceivers, The Velveteen Orkestra, Lauren and Hardy, One Eyed Man, Rob Clamp and Nightcaps.

For more information, visit hogsback.co.uk

VIGO VENN: BRITISH COMEDIAN / AUGUST 3 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Norwegian clown Viggo Venn moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian. The rest, you already know about. After blowing away the competition in an explosion of hi-vis jackets, balloons, and joyous idiocy, Viggo became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain’s Got Talent in June 2023. Don’t miss him as he staggers bewildered into Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this August.

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT  / AUGUST 4 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

Singer? Songwriter? Aspiring performer? Head for The Ambassadors in Woking for Open Mic Night. Entry is completely free and performer on the night get drinks for £5. Open to all ages, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

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

THE LAST LAUGH  / AUGUST 5 – 9 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

One dressing room, three comedians, one thousand laughs. Dying is easy, comedy is hard! The Last Laugh is a brand new laugh-a-minute play which reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s all time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse. Filled with great gags and touching stories, The Last Laugh is nostalgic and poignant and guaranteed to be the ultimate comedy night out.

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

TEXAS / AUGUST 7 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER

Texas will take to the stage after an evening of exhilarating racing for a full headline performance on Thursday 7^thAugust. Fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, the band have sold over 40 million albums worldwide with a legacy that spans five decades. From debut single “I Don’t Want A Lover” to “Say What You Want”, “Summer Son” and “Inner Smile”, the band’s music has become a defining soundtrack for generations.

For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk

CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW – REIMAGINED / AUGUST 8 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights. This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement.

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

OUTDOOR THEATRE: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE / AUGUST 8 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Mrs Bennet contrives to find suitable husbands for her five daughters, but Lizzy finds disdainful Mr Darcy detestable! Or does she…? Can she see beyond his pride – and could he overcome her prejudice – to consider a possible future together? Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in style. Bring a picnic and enjoy her at her vibrant, forthright, bitchy best at West Horsley Place this August.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

THE HARVEST HOEDOWN / AUGUST 9 / COWDRAY’S MAIZE MAZE, EASEBOURNE

Head for Cowdray’s Maize Maze this August for a midsummer’s evening of country music and dancing. Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a night of country music, dancing, and Wild West fun! Set against the beautiful background of the estate, this lively evening is your chance to dance the night away. Beyond the dance floor, take on the rodeo bull if you’re feeling brave, or enjoy a variety of other Wild West-themed activities throughout the evening.

For more information, visit cowdray.co.uk

THE BIG FREE FRINGE WEEKEND / AUGUST 9 – 10 / HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD

Roll up, roll up for the The Big Free Fringe Weekend, a weekend of free, family-friendly events, starting with an open-air evening performance on Saturday by theatrical supergroup The Barricade Boys performing for all to enjoy from the iconic Guildhall Balcony. Then on Sunday, Guildford High Street will come alive with further free family entertainment, including a Rock Choir performing at 11am and 1pm, Guildhall balcony performances throughout the day from Charlotte Hillman, Karl Sonoy, Majella Yorston and others, Distinguished Gentleman walk-about circus workshops, bubble making from Storm in a Teacup, face painting, a crafts tent, a vintage ice cream van and delicious street food stalls.

For more information, visit guildfordfringefestival.com

OUTDOOR THEATRE: THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR / AUGUST 12 / PAINSHILL, COBHAM

Falstaff is skint. He attempts to seduce two merchants’ wives hoping to relieve them of some money. But when Mistress Page and Mistress Ford receive identical love letters, they vow to share revenge. Falstaff endures humiliation, terror and physical pain in repeated amorous attempts. So how can the merry wives teach him a lesson he’ll never forget? Sensational international-award-winning Illyria guarantee a night of laughter and hijinks under the stars at Painshill in Cobham this August.

For more information, visit painshill.co.uk

OFF THE KERB STAND-UP COMEDY CLUB / AUGUST 13 / FARNHAM MATLINGS

Farnham Maltings partner with Off the Kerb Productions to bring some much-welcome comic relief to folks in Farnham and beyond this August. Enjoy a summer’s Eve with two hours of some of the best and brightest upcoming comics on the circuit. This month’s lineup features Richard Spalding, Morgan Rees, Alexandra Haddow. Get laughing.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

SPORTS TEAM / AUGUST 14 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

The indie-pop sextet from London and Kent, Sports Team, arrive at The Boileroom in Guildford for a night of guitar music. Known for their sharp wit, chaotic live energy, and anthemic indie bangers, expect much dancing, sing-a-longs, not to mention a night to remember.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

YELLOW MOON FESTIVAL / AUGUST 16 / LANGHAM BREWERY, PETWORTH

The inaugural Yellow Moon festival sets up camp at Langham Brewery this month. Featuring Americana, Bluegrass, Folk and Old Time, expect a relaxed vibe; a fabulous atmosphere, wonderful live music, a well-stocked, award-winning bar and delicious, fresh street food. Music throughout the day and night comes from; The Vanguards, Jonas & Jane, KB Bayley, Jack Pout and more.

For more information, visit yellowmoonfestival.com

TOM GRENNAN: STRIPPED BACK SET / AUGUST 18 / KT1 VENUE, KINGSTON (TBA)

Due to huge demand, superstar Tom Grennan visits Kingston to play a stripped back set in celebration of the release of the new album ‘Everywhere I Went Led Me to Where I Didn’t Want to Be.’ out on August 15 through Insanity Records.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

CHALI 2NA / AUGUST 20 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

With a voice as deep as the Pacific and flow smoother than jazz, Chali 2na is a towering figure in underground hip-hop. Best known as the baritone anchor of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, the Chicago-born, L.A.-raised MC blends golden-era lyricism with socially conscious rhymes.  Catch a legend of the game over as he returns to The Boileroom in Guildford this August.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

ADVENTURE CINEMA  / AUGUST 21 – 24 / POLESDEN LACEY, GREAT BOOKHAM

If you’re looking for a perfect escape from the everyday, then a movie at Polesden Lacey is a must. Adventure Cinema bring you an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family films to enjoy under the sun and stars, allowing you to immerse yourself in magic of the movies and have the time of your life with your friends and loved one. Expect magic movie nights in the company of Notting Hill, The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long, Wicked Sing-a-Long, and The Goonies.

For more information, visit adventurecinema.co.uk

QUEEN BY CANDLELIGHT  / AUGUST 22 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Direct from Carnegie Hall, New York and following a run of sell-out shows across the UK and Australia, enjoy an incredible night of Queen Anthems, performed at the beautiful G Live Guildford, by candlelight. Featuring a spectacular cast of West End Singers accompanied by an epic live rock band, experience Queen as you have never heard them before.

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

FESTIVAL OF HISTORY / AUGUST 23 – 25 / ARUNDEL CASTLE

Embark on a 12,000-year journey from the Stone Age to the 20th century at Arundel Castle’s Festival of History…From the Stone Age to the 20th century this three-day event on the lower lawns of Arundel Castle follows the development of costume, weapons, armour and battle tactics, portraying 12,000 years of local and castle history.

For more information, visit arundelcastle.org

SCRIPTWRITING COURSE / AUGUST 24 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Want to learn about scriptwriting? As a participant on this course, you will learn the core elements of the scriptwriting craft and develop a short Final Project piece to be showcased on the final day. You will explore how to craft engaging characters, use story structure effectively, and how to write exciting scenes and dialogue.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

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

THE SUGAR HILL GANG, WITH FURIOUS FIVE / AUGUST 27 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

OG’s and founding fathers of Hip Hop and Rap as we know it, The Sugar Hill Gang and the Furious Five arrive in at The Boileroom in Guildford for a night of no-nonsense, nod your head, shake your shoulder vibes. Expect a night of Rappers Delight.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING & MACBETH / AUGUST 28 / FARNHAM MATLINGS

Join Four Forty Theatre for a raucous retelling of Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth. Both performed in one night by only four actors in forty(ish!) minutes each! Experience the hilarity of not only one of the Bard’s best comedies but also a side-splitting (literally!) Macbeth! In a mere 40 minutes each, they distil the essence of Shakespeare’s masterpieces into uproarious performances. Prepare for an unforgettable night of laughter delivered in a way only Four Forty can!

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

OUTDOOR THEATRE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM / AUGUST 31 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never did run smooth. Bring your own cushions, and camping-chairs and come prepared for the weather – the performance will continue come rain come shine!

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

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