THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT! WHAT’S ON IN SURREY THIS SEPTEMBER

PHILIP COLBERT: THE LOST GARDENS OF LOBSTEROPOLIS / JULY 25 – NOVEMBER 1 / THE LIGHTBOX GALLERY, WOKING

The Lost Gardens of Lobsteropolis welcomes visitors into Philip Colbert’s bold and exuberant visual universe. Best known for his iconic lobster character, the exhibition presents large-scale paintings and immersive environments that combine art history, popular culture, and the imagery of contemporary digital life. Colbert’s work is energetic, humorous, and visually saturated, offering a playful but sharply observed reflection on how images circulate and accumulate meaning today.

For more information, visit thelightbox.org.uk

THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: COMEDY, IMPROVISED / SEPTEMBER 3 / RIVERHOUSE BARN, WALTON-ON-THAMES

Funny stuff, made up on the spot. No gimmicks, no tricks – just the quickest, wittiest improvisers in the UK putting on a show to make you laugh like nobody’s business. The formula is simple – 1) You suggest ANYTHING. 2) The Noise Next Door turn your suggestion into a miniature comedy masterpiece. 3) Laughter. 4) Repeat.

For more information, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

GUILDFORD JAZZ AND SOUL FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 3 – OCTOBER 2 / VARIOUS VENUES

The Guildford Jazz and Soul Festival returns this month, bringing the joy of live music to new listeners and supporting local venues across town. From Miles Davis to Joni Mitchell, Salsa to Afrobeat, and Guildford Castle to Guildford Pavilion, and with performances in cafés, bars, and heritage sites, the Festival offers a vibrant celebration of community and culture.

For more information, visit guildfordjazz.org.uk

BBC2 RADIO 2 DANCE SOUNDS OF THE 90s WITH VERNON KAY / SEPTEMBER 4 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Vernon Kay is hitting the road with a record box time machine, taking us back to the heady, hedonistic days of house phones, Sega Megadrives and Sony Discmans… and raves in fields everywhere. With the internet barely invented, the 90s brought us some of the greatest tunes of all time, from the Shamen to The Prodigy, Snap! To Underworld, JX to Ultra Nate and on and on and on – you’ll find them all and much more at Dance Sounds of the 90s: The Live Tour with Vernon Kay.

For more information, visit glive.co.uk

JAGUAR SKILLS / SEPTEMBER 4 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

With crates full of breaks and bass, Jaguar Skills brings his turntable wizardry to the ones and twos of The Boileroom in Guildford. Expect ninja-like speed as he chops beats for your feet to dance all night long. Get tickets quick.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

LIVE AT THE ROSE WITH LOU SANDERS / SEPTEMBER 5 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

Live at the Rose is back with a brand-new line-up of top-tier comedy! Headlining the night is internationally acclaimed stand-up star Lou Sanders (Last One Laughing UK, Taskmaster, Would I Lie to You?). She’s joined by an outstanding supporting cast: Eshaan Akbar (Spitting Image, Sex Education, Mock the Week), Jeff Innocent (British Comedian of the Year; Best Live Club Comedian, UK Comedy Awards 2021), and Eli Hart (Winner of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2025

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY / SEPTEMBER 7 – 12 / RICHMOND THEATRE

The chart-topping Paranormal Activity podcast is launching its first LIVE podcast recording – join the newest member of the Paranormal Activity family, TV’s Gail Porter, as she explores the infamously haunted Richmond Theatre to dig deeper into the stories of what goes on after dark.

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

KASABIAN / SEPTEMBER 8 / CIRCUIT, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

To celebrate the release of the new album, Kasabian visits Kingston to play at Circuit (the venue formerly known as Pryzm). Kasabian announce the hotly anticipated 9th studio album, Act III. Releasing 17th July via Columbia Records. Draped in Serge’s instantly recognisable hazy vocals, the album is 10 tracks of guitar-driven, psyche-infused pop and 3 interludes. Packed to the brim with hooks and a strong dose of swagger, the album cements Kasabian as one of the UK’s most essential bands of the 21st century. 4 performances in one day. 3 sold out. Get a ticket.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

THE MAKINGS OF A MURDERER / SEPTEMBER 8 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

Join Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard’s undercover unit and former star of Channel 4’s Hunted, as he lifts the lid on the most dangerous and hidden aspects of murder investigations. From the gritty realities of infiltrating criminal gangs to his own terrifying experience of becoming the target of a murder plot, Peter shares the untold stories of the most high-stakes cases.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

DOM JOLY: TRIGGER HAPPY TV ANNIVERSARY TOUR / SEPTEMBER 10 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

Hello! It’s been 25 years since Trigger Happy TV burst on to our screens, transforming the hidden camera format with its surreal universe of characters and unforgettable pranks. To celebrate a quarter-century of chaos, Dom is bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to the stage. Fans will experience beloved moments from the show, including The Giant Snail, The Traffic Warden, The Morris Dancer, The Scout, A Gang of Squirrels, and THAT Big Mobile Phone.

For more information, visit cranleigharts.org

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS / SEPTEMBER 11 – 20 / ACROSS THE COUNTY

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 11-12 / Farnham Maltings

Farnham Maltings’ celebrated yarn festival returns this autumn, offering a vibrant showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Whether you’re an experienced maker or just beginning your yarn journey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – from buying from independent makers to getting hands-on in workshops to listening to inspiring talks from industry experts.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

ROCKEOKE / SEPTEMBER 11 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON

Like the idea of Karaoke but are just too darn punk rock to belt out some Kelly Clarkson? Well, even if you are a punk rocker who loves to belt out some Kelly Clarkson, get a fix of the heavy stuff with Rockeoke over at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston this month.

For more information, visit the-fighting-cocks.co.uk

GOLDIE / SEPTEMBER 11 / THIRTY3HZ, GUILDFORD

The legend, the one and only Goldie, is back at Thirty3Hz. Witness one of the most influential names in Drum & Bass in Guildford’s super-intimate underground venue. Expect maximum vibes.

For more information, visit thirty3hz.com

SURREY HILLS WOOD FAIR / SEPTEMBER 12 – 13 / FISH POND COPSE, CRANLEIGH

For lovers of lumber, gorgeous grains and wonderfully whittled wood, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair occurs at scenic Fish Pond Copse in the Cranleigh Showground. Packed with all the traditional charm of a rural day out in the Surrey Hills, visitors can expect a fun day for the family, with workshops and demonstrations taking place throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit surreyhills.org

MIDNIGHT MANOR / SEPTEMBER 12 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Step inside West Horsley Place after hours for a one-of-a-kind overnight experience. As the house falls quiet and the doors close to the public, you’ll have exclusive access to explore this iconic filming setting in a whole new light. Enjoy a relaxed evening of themed activities, including atmospheric after-dark filming tours of the house, where stories, spaces and familiar corners take on a different life by night. Later, enjoy a silent disco in historic surroundings—because even the ghostly residents of the manor know how to have a good time.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

JOHN CLEESE AND THE HOLY GRAIL / SEPTEMBER 12 / WOKING THEATRE

Enjoy an unforgettable evening as we celebrate Monty Python and the Holy Grail with the one and only John Cleese! This once-in-a-lifetime event features a special screening of the beloved cult classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, followed by an uproarious conversation and audience Q&A with Cleese himself, where he’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, wit, and wisdom – assuming he remembers any of it.

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

AN EVENING WITH MIKE JOYCE: MY LIFE IN THE SMITHS / SEPTEMBER 13 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

As a band, The Smiths need no introduction. Formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1987, all five of their studio albums reached the top five in the UK charts. They are widely lauded as one of the most influential bands of all time. To celebrate the publication of his memoir detailing these years, drummer Mike Joyce will be heading out this November for a series of special events to share an open-hearted story of what it was like to play the drums in The Smiths.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

POTTERY COURSE: HAND BUILDING AND THROWING / SEPTEMBER 17 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON

Join Watts, Potter Michelle Shields, for this 10-day pottery course, designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to hand-building, wheel throwing, surface decoration, and glazing. Suitable for both beginners and returning students, the course offers the opportunity to build confidence, refine techniques, and develop your own creative style.

For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk

THE WEDDING PRESENT / DAVID LEWIS GEDGE Q&A / SEPTEMBER 17 / KINGSTON COLLEGE, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

To celebrate the release of the new book ‘What Have I Sai Now? Tales From The Wedding Present Vol 3’, David Lewis Gedge visits Kingston to play a short, seated acoustic set with an interview and Q&A at Kingston College.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

THREE MEN IN A BOAT / SEPTEMBER 18 – OCTOBER 10 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

Jerome, George and Harris are lifelong pals. Whenever one is in a spot of bother the others will always jump in to help him out. So what could possibly go wrong as they set out on a carefree boat trip up the Thames – from leafy Kingston to Oxford’s dreaming spires? A celebration of abiding friendship and calamitous adventure, this is Jeeves and Wooster meets Apocalypse Now.

For more information, visit rosetheatre.org

Moscow Drug Club / September 18 / Farnham Maltings

Selling out venues for over a decade, Moscow Drug Club are a heady and waggish mix of jazz, French musette, Latin grooves and New Orleans swing, combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

NORMAN JAY MBE / SEPTEMBER 18 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Tap into a rare groove as the UK dance scene pioneer and Notting Hill Carnival legend comes to the venue this Christmas and plays tracks that shaped UK music. One of the most respected DJs in the world today, Jay is a hallowed name in the UK dance music scene. As the co-founder of dance music station KISS FM and the iconic Good Times sound system and the driving force behind the rare groove scene of the 1990s, Jay’s four-decade career has seen him continuously pushing the boundaries of the UK’s club culture.

For more information, visit theboileroom.net

SECRET GARDEN SESSIONS / SEPTEMBER 18 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Bring a picnic and settle in for a relaxed summer evening within West Horsley Place’s beautiful walled gardens, as live music drifts through the air. Enjoy live music from the Sarah Jane Eveleigh Quartet performing expressive interpretations of American Songbook standards and beyond.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

ERIC IDLE: IDLE IN PROVENANCE / SEPTEMBER 19 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Join legendary comedian, writer, and Monty Python icon Eric Idle for a special live event marking the release of his wonderfully funny and deeply personal new book, Idle in Provence. At this exclusive event, Eric Idle will share stories from his life on and off stage, reflect on his extraordinary career, and bring to life the unforgettable characters and moments behind his Provençal escape. Expect sharp wit, candid reflections, and plenty of laughs along the way.

For more information, visit glive.co.uk

5 MISTAKES THAT CHANGED HISTORY / SEPTEMBER 20 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

We all make mistakes, but rarely do they change the course of history. 5 Mistakes That Changed History is a hilarious historical storytelling show performed by historian and comedian Paul Coulter about five people and how their mistakes (big and small!) changed the world. Blending history, storytelling and comedy, the show has been a smash-hit, sell-out success on the comedy festival circuit.

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

SCREEN PRINTING / SEPTEMBER 21 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Discover the creative possibilities of silkscreen printing in this fun, hands-on workshop designed for complete beginners and curious creatives alike. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little inky. Expect a relaxed and inspiring day of experimentation, creativity, and discovery.

For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org

A SMALL AND QUIET LIGHT / SEPTEMBER 21 – OCTOBER 24 / ORANGE TREE THEATRE, RICHMOND

a small and quiet light is based on the life of Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan (1914-1944), an extraordinarily courageous woman who paid the ultimate price for her heroic fight against fascism. As one of the secret agents of Britain’s Special Operations Executive – and the first female radio operator to be sent undercover into France – she has evaded capture far longer than most. But now she has been betrayed.

For more information, visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk

THE CHOIR OF MAN / SEPTEMBER 22 – 26 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated, worldwide smash hit is now on its first ever UK tour. Welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world… Come ready to drink in the excitement! Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a show like no other

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

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME / SEPTEMBER 22 – 26 / WOKING THEATRE

The internationally celebrated novel that captivated 10 million readers is coming in a brand-new staging, more thrilling than ever. Inventive, gripping, and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical event.

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

LI JIN HAO: FALLING FROM THE MOON / SEPTEMBER 23 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

“I wanna go back in time. Not too far, not Pangea. The present feels too heavy, the past feels like the moon – with less gravity, I was lighter. Meet me on the moon.” Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Li Jin Hao is bringing his latest show ‘Falling From A Moon’ on his first ever UK tour. As seen on Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping (Channel 4), DMs Are Open (BBC Radio 4), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2) – catch him at Guildford’s G Live this month.

For more information, visit glive.co.uk

TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (40TH ANNIVERSARY) / SEPTEMBER 23 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER

In 1986, THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE rolled into theatres and changed the franchise forever. Unicron arrives as a planet-sized threat to the universe, heroes rise, legends are forged and an entire generation of kids were changed forever by THAT moment, which still hits like a truck. Now, forty years later, it returns to theatres in 4K for a special anniversary celebration of the battle, the music and the legacy. Stay through the credits…because as this journey ends, a new one begins.

For more information, visit everymancinema.com

Lucy Porter – Let Yourself Go! / September 24 / Farnham Maltings

Lucy returns with a brand new show about the power of letting yourself go – in every sense. Whether that means embracing your wrinkles and love handles whilst living in a slanket or having a couple of babychams and dancing like nobody’s watching. “A treat from start to finish” – The Herald.

For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com

BRIAN BILSTON: HOW TO LAY AN EGG WITH A HORSE INSIDE / SEPTEMBER 27 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

With over 500,000 followers on social media and a host of sell-out shows across the country, Brian Bilston is one of the UK’s most popular poets. Get ready for an evening of comedy and laughter, as he takes us through the hows, whys and whats of reading, writing and enjoying poetry every day.

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

WEY RIVER FESTIVAL / SEPTEMBER 27 / DAPDUNE WHARF, GUILDFORD

September sees the celebration of World River Day, aiming to raise awareness of these waterways’ importance in our lives. So support your local river and head to Dapdune Wharf in Guildford for the Wey River Festival. Enjoy a fun day for the family beside the banks of the River Wey. The day will run from 11 am until 10 pm with plenty of activities planned for the day, as well as food and drink and, of course, a bounty of riverboats.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk

MASTER PEACE / SEPTEMBER 30 / THE FIGHTING COCKS, KINGSTON UPON THAMES

To celebrate the release of the new album, Master Peace visits Kingston to play at The Fighting Cocks. Master Peace returns with a highly anticipated second album out in October, led by singles “love hate” and “sucker punch !”. Winner of the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award, his critically acclaimed debut ‘How to build a Master Peace’ was backed by BBC Radio 1, Franz Ferdinand, The Streets and Zane Lowe. Support tours with Franz Ferdinand and The Streets followed along with shows with Bastille, Good Neighbours and 5 Seconds Of Summer, plus sold-out headline Scala and Electric Ballroom shows. Catch him in Kingston this month.

For more information, visit banquetrecords.com

 

Discover more events and experiences in south west london, Surrey hills & south downs