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

BOOK FEST / APRIL 28 – MAY 16 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

Love books? The things with words on paper? Excellent news. Book Fest returns to Cranleigh Arts this spring featuring a raft of talent who express themselves through the written word. Featuring the likes of Larry Lamb, Lee Dixon, and Chris Jackson expect conversations, workshops, and more.

For more, visit cranleigharts.org

CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR / APRIL 30 – MAY 4 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY

Craft In Focus returns 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, visit craftinfocus.com

MURDER MYSTERY: DEATH REHEARSAL / MAY 1 / MINERVA BAR, CHICHESTER

Meet the cast for Saddle Up Sweetheart: A New Musical in their final rehearsal. A murder occurs and it’s up to you to investigate. Expect songs, silliness and immersive sleuthing. Will your team spot the clues, ask the right questions, and resist the charm of these pesky performers to solve the case… before the final curtain falls?

For more, visit cft.org.uk

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: EABHAL / MAY 2 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL

Eabhal have made a significant impact on the Scottish music scene with their vibrant and energetic Folk music. With their third album currently in progress and a fresh line up, the band is ready to continue its journey and elevate traditional music to new heights. Catch them at Grayshott Folk Club this month.

For more, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

BOYBAND IN THE BUFF / MAY 3 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

For those who enjoy both V-Cuts with their vocal harmonies – get ready to scream like it’s 1999! Boyband in the Buff is the ultimate throwback concert – starring pop heartthrob Gareth Gates and a cast of ripped and ridiculously talented performers. With nothing but harmonies, dance moves, and a whole lot of skin, the boys belt out the biggest hits of the ‘90s and ‘00s—from Backstreet Boys to NSYNC, Blue to Take That—in a show that’s as nostalgic as it is naughty. It’s a celebration of pop, passion, and pecs, where the clothes come off and the heat turns up. This is the ultimate night out for anyone who’s ever swooned over a boyband.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: JOHN & YOKO LIVE IN NYC / MAY 5 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER

Filmed across two massive sold-out live shows at Madison Square Garden in 1972, the 2026 multiscreen concert film is newly re-edited, restored and remixed by the Lennons’ five-times GRAMMY®-Award winning team. The two concerts were John Lennon’s ONLY full-length concerts after leaving The Beatles and the last two full-length concerts that John & Yoko ever performed together. Get ready for some classic audio-visual courtesy of Everyman Cinema in Esher.

For more, visit everymancinema.com

SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL / MAY 5 – 16 / VARIOUS VENUES, SURREY HILLS

Celebrating world-class music performed in the Surrey Hills, the International Music Festival returns to various venues in Surrey this May. Featuring La Dolce Vita: Walk, Concert & Talk, Julian Bliss’, Pioneers of Jazz, Tenebrae, A Fairy Tale in Paris and more.

For more, visit shimf.co.uk

KANE BROWN – CROWD WORK KING / MAY 8 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Coming off the back of his SOLD OUT Don’t Listen To Me UK tour, Kane brings you his brand-new show Crowd Work King. One hour of purely unscripted, unplanned comedy; all based around audience participation. Everything is made up on the spot so you can witness the comedy unfold in real time. A new exciting dynamic to a comedy show when nobody knows what’s coming next (not even the comedian!) Each show will be uniquely different, so you can come along time and time again.

For more, visit rosetheatre.org

SECRET GARDEN SESSIONS – A JAZZ PICNIC / MAY 8 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Enjoy your own picnic in within the beautiful walled gardens of West Horsely Place while the sounds of a live jazz quartet float through the early summer evening. Enjoy live music from Sarah Jane Everleigh Quartet as she’s joined by a stellar line-up of musicians, including her husband, acclaimed drummer and educator Andrew Eveleigh, promising an evening of beautifully crafted songs, swinging rhythms, and irresistible Latin grooves.

For more, visit westhorsleyplace.org

POP-UP CHOIR: KISS FROM A ROSE / MAY 9 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Head for Farnham Maltings this May for a special one-off singing workshop where you’ll learn and sing the iconic 90s classic – “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal. In this relaxed and welcoming session, you’ll be guided through the harmonies, step by step, learning a specially arranged version of this powerful and nostalgic song. Whether you already sing in a choir or simply love singing with others, this workshop is designed to be enjoyable, accessible, and uplifting.

For more, visit farnhammaltings.com

DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE  / MAY 10 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

The the ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry’, Mr John Cooper Clarke arrives at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud this month. Best known for his iconic poem I Wanna Be Yours which became a global hit through Arctic Monkeys and passed a billion streams, John continues to inspire generations with his sharp wit and unique voice. His early shows featured future legends like Joy Division and Duran Duran and he toured with the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash. His album Snap Crackle and Bop produced by Martin Hannett cemented his status and was followed by his best-selling collection Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

AN EVENING WITH DAVE ROWNTREE / MAY 10 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Blur drummer Dave Rowntree invites you to an evening spent with him and the stories of his time in Blur. In particular around the early years in which he took a camera with him and documented those travels. They have recently been released as a book and Dave wants to tell you all about it. Enjoy some exclusive BTS content from a Brit-Pop legend.

For more, visit theboileroom.net

KILLER COUPLES WITH EMMA KENNY / MAY 10 / RICHMOND THEATRE

Emma Kenny returns with an enthralling new show that plunges into the depths of love twisted into terror. After her triumphant The Serial Killer Next Door tour, Emma captivates yet again, solidifying her status as one of the UK’s foremost crime presenters. This time, she invites you to delve into the dark world of Killer Couples. This show offers a chilling glimpse into the lives of duos who embarked on deadly paths, from the infamous Brady and Hindley to the modern-day equivalents whose stories shock and bewilder.

For more, visit atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre

WALTON FOLK: SAM CARTER / MAY 10 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES

The BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his lyrical storytelling, arrives at Walton’s Riverhouse Barn this month. For over 15 years, he has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, from major festivals to intimate clubs. Carter’s expressive fingerpicking led Jon Boden of Bellowhead to call him “the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation,” while Ivor Novello-winner Nitin Sawhney has praised his “killer voice.” With his live performances nothing short of captivating, shows are filled with the raw honesty, humour, and skilled musicianship that underscore his standing as one of contemporary folk’s brightest talents.

For more, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL / MAY 11 – 16 / NEW VICTORIA THEATRE, WOKING

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, based on the Oscar-winning groundbreaking film, is back with a dazzling, brand new 30th anniversary tour production. Following three friends on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip across the Australian Outback to stage the show of a lifetime, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a joyous celebration of unity, love, and being unapologetically yourself.

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

SOPHIE GARRAD: POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL / MAY 12 + 14 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Poor Little Rich Girl is a tongue and cheek love letter to Sophie’s chaotic childhood. Think nannies, ski slopes, outrageous diary entries, even more outrageous pets, oh – and the day she was driven to private school in a police car. This high-energy, razor-sharp stand-up hour sees Sophie satirize her own experiences of class, identity, privilege and the prison system.

For more, visit glive.co.uk

COBHAM PLAYERS PRESENTS: BLITHE SPIRIT / MAY 13 – 16 / ESHER THEATRE

Cobham Players’ debut at Esher Theatre will be with the delightful comedy, Blithe Spirit. Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” unfolds around the life of Charles Condomine, a novelist who finds himself struggling for inspiration after the tragic loss of his first wife, Elvira. Having remarried, Charles seeks fresh material for his upcoming book. In pursuit of this, he invites the eccentric and supposedly mystical Madame Arcati into his home to conduct a séance. Expect a mystical caper to unfold.

For more, visit cobhamplayers.org.uk

MARK SIMMONS: JEST TO IMPRESS / MAY 14 / CAMBERLEY THEATRE

Winner of Dave’s Funniest Joke of the Fringe 2024, the King of one-liners, Mark is back on tour in 2026 with Jest To Impress, a brand new show packed with even more expertly crafted one-liners, alongside his trademark off-the-cuff jokes based on random audience suggestions. Catch him in Camberley this May.

For more, visit camberleytheatre.co.uk

BRAMLEY VILLAGE FETE / MAY 16 / 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

MICHELLE DE SWARTE: THE AFTERS / MAY 16 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Michelle de Swarte is back with her entourage of trademark razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred storytelling. After the main event’s highs and lows, Michelle wonders what to do after the party. She’s heading to the afters for some brutally honest oversharing about life before social media, trying to scrape the barrel of youth, how to know when too much filler is too much, breaking down the cost difference of “party powder” to powdered greens, whether tarot card readers replace actual therapy and when is a good time to pregame perimenopause. Michelle is here to share all the fu@k ups, so you don’t have to.

For more, visit farnhammaltings.com

FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD / MAY 19 – 23 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR

This dazzling musical comedy-drama dives deep into the glitzy, high-pressure world of Indian cinema, where dreams are mass-produced, identities are reshaped, and women are expected to smile and play by the script written for them. Centred on young British woman, Frankie must decide: Can she become a star without losing who she really is? What must she give up to succeed in a man’s world—and what is she willing to fight for?

For more, visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

LENNY HENRY: STILL AT LARGE / MAY 20 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

For over five decades, Lenny Henry has been telling stories – on stage, on screen and through a host of characters etched into our collective memory. Part stand-up, part storytelling and part conversation with himself (and with you), this new live show sees Lenny return to the experiences that shaped him while also exploring the ideas, challenges and creative sparks driving him today. Spend the night with a legend, book some tickets now.

For more, visit glive.co.uk

SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL / MAY 21 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

With fifteen years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC Radio 4 series, a  critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. The gist? A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into all-singing, all dancing productions with hilarious results.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

HONEYGLAZE / MAY 21 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Emerging from South London via Speedy Wunderground and now releasing through Fat Possum, Honeyglaze return with their second album Real Deal – a bold, cathartic step forward. Intense, honest and unafraid to unravel, Honeyglaze reintroduce themselves with a record that feels raw, immediate and thrillingly alive. Discover your new favourite band at The Boileroom in Guildford this May.

For more, visit theboileroom.net

A / MAY 22 / KINGSTON COLLEGE

British alt-rock favourites A return with PRANG, their first studio album in over 20 years, released May 22nd, 2026 via Cooking Vinyl. Sparked by the effervescent lead single “Hello Sunshine,” the album finds the band rediscovering their identity with the carefree spirit and stylish sloppiness that defined their early days. To celebrate the release of the new album, the band visit Kingston to play at Kingston College.

For more, visit banquetrecords.com

IVO GRAHAM: ORANGE CRUSH / MAY 22 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

What is the best orange thing in the world? Aperol spritz? Sunsets? Claudia Winkleman? You probably never stopped to think about what your favourite orange thing was, but you’re damn sure thinking about it now. Maybe it’s marmalade, or maybe it’s Garfield, or maybe it’s the album ‘Channel Orange’ by Frank Ocean. There’s just so many to consider. And no one on earth has considered more of them thanIvo Graham. Come and help this orange lunatic make his orange list, in a show about hats, haters, hometown heroes, and whether Hare Krishnas are better than Hobnobs.

For more, visit rosetheatre.org

IN-STORE GIG: CHINESE AMERICAN BEAR / MAY 22 / BANQUET RECORDS

Often described as The Flaming Lips, Dusty Springfield, and The Beach Boys having a baby with a Care Bear, Chinese American Bear’s music is bursting with comedy, groove, quirk, and cuteness. Dim Sum and Then Some is melodically rich and joyfully maximalist, weaving together psychedelia, doses of funk, and lush instrumentation, with plenty of lyrics devoted to the simple pleasure of filling up your belly with good food. To celebrate the release of their new album  “Dim Sum & The Some”, the dynamic duo arrive in Kingston for an in-store performance at the revered Banquet Records.

For more, visit banquetrecords.com

CRAFTED GLASS – STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP / MAY 22 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Learn how to design, cut glass, and construct your own contemporary stained glass panels using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for 500 years. Stained glass artist Jessica Stroud will guide you through each stage of this fascinating and historic process within the historic environs of West Horsley Place. No experience necessary.

For more, visit westhorsleyplace.org

RUN.AWAY FESTIVAL / MAY 23 / SANDOWN PARK RACECOURSE, ESHER

Run.Away Festival takes over Sandown Park Racecourse this month with 5 stages featuring some of the world’s biggest DJs. Armand Van Helden, Prospa, Alison Limerick, Keri Chandler, Roger Sanchez and many, many more await. Something NEW, something louder, something deeper, something for you. Escape the world RUN.AWAY.

For more, visit runawayfestivalhq.com

ALBATROSS / MAY 23 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Your generation. You owe us a future. A chance at one at least. Do family ties make us act with more care or blind us to the facts? Albatross takes us to the very boundaries of love in the age of climate catastrophe. Written by rising star of the playwright scene, the award-winning Martha Loader, Albatross asks us what we’re willing to sacrifice for a better future. It is explosive, tender and often hilarious. Expect thoughts to be provoked.

For more, visit farnhammaltings.com

WALTON COMMUNTY FESTIVAL / MAY 23 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES

Visit Walton-On-Thames for a lively Community Festival celebrating creativity, heritage, and local talent! Enjoy a full programme on the outdoor stage featuring performances from local choirs, youth theatre, and dance groups throughout the day. Get hands-on with craft workshops, and don’t miss the chance to print your own silk-screen Walton-on-Thames postcard to take home as a unique keepsake.

For more, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS / MAY 24 / GODALMING BOROUGH HALL

From Minnesota USA, Davina & the Vagabonds UK tour includes both Edinburgh and Sidmouth Jazz & Blues festivals, but catch them locally on Sunday 24 May at Godalming Borough Hall! Renowned for their terrific live  show, which bursts with infectious rhythm, playful charm, and old-school swing, creating a feel-good, foot-stomping experience from the first note. Praised for their Americana blend and lively retro sound, think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy Winehouse.

For more, visit eclecticlivemusic.com

KING FOR A DAY / MAY 27 – 30 / HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, GUILDFORD

Guildford Opera company proudly present the comedy opera King For a Day by Giuseppe Verdi this May. One man. One masquerade. Two Weddings – All in a day Excitement fills the household of Baron Kelbar as preparations are completed for a prestigious ‘high society’ double wedding: his daughter Giulietta is to marry the elderly Treasurer, La Rocca, while his niece, the Marchesa, is engaged to Count Ivrea. Witness the maniacal matrimonial arrangements unfold and expect chaos drenched in comedy.

For more, visit guildfordopera.com

PAUL YOUNG: SONGS & STORIES / MAY 28 / ESHER THEATRE

Join 80s legend Paul Young as he takes a look back on an illustrious career during an intimate show, that combines conversation and acoustic versions of hit songs. Paul’s meeting fans, singing songs, and telling stories about his incredible career. It’s time to revel in the classic hits and learn the stories behind them in this intimate show.

For more, visit eshertheatre.com

LULU LIVE / MAY 30 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

The UK’s greatest female rock n roll legend Lulu will perform a stunning setlist of her greatest hits at G Live in Guildford later this month. Transcending generations with a lifetime of global success, which boasts accolades including being a Eurovision winner, a Bond theme singer, releasing the biggest selling record in the US (‘To Sir With Love’, 1967), receiving an OBE, opening the closing ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in her hometown of Glasgow, reaching number one with the biggest boyband since The Beatles, working with David Bowie and now best-selling author!

For more, visit glive.co.uk

CHALI 2NA / MAY 30 / 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 month.

For more, visit theboileroom.net

 

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