What’s on this week
MON 2 – SUN 8 JUL
COMEDY: Luisa Omielan: Politics for Bitches, South Street Arts Reading, Fri 6 July
Fresh from filming her BBC3 series, comedy phenomenon Luisa Omielan is back with her third stand up instalment, Politics for Bitches! It’s all brand new material, following on from smash hit shows like What Would Beyonce Do? and Am I Right Ladies!? Her joke on the Thigh Gap went viral with over 45 million views (add to the view count here). If you like this you will LOVE the show. It’s a party with jokes in! Be quick guaranteed to be a sell out.
THEATRE: What The Moon Saw, Corn Exchange Newbury, Thu 5 – Sat 7 July
Fancy staying in your PJs all day without being judged (OK , so you might b judged a little bit)? Now you can. What The Moon Saw, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story, is a new dance and circus performance whisking little ones and their families off on a nighttime adventure. it’s all about a little boy called Jack who’s afraid of the dark. While the nippers are distracted, catch a few zzzz.Just don’t give the game away by snoring
EVENT: Friday night pop up bar, Douai Pavillion Woolhampton, throughout July
Picture the scene: balmy summer evenings, unspoilt countryside, kids happily playing games without the need for you to referee the perpetual bickering, while you enjoy a blissful Friday night sundowner. This utopia is a reality at the Summer Pop Up Bar at Douai Pavillion in Woolhampton. Running every Friday night from 6pm, it’s a great place for the whole family to let off steam. Winner!
A must watch musical and you don’t have to leave the county to see it. Based on a true story, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the new award-winning hit musical about a 16 year old boy who doesn’t fit in. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight. A must watch. In fact, if you have a ten, take them too. Inspiring stuff.
DANCE: Silent Disco – 80s and 90s. Norden Farm, Fri 6 July
In 1996 I went to the filming of Hotel Babylon hosted by Dani Behr (last seen on Come Dine With Me in 2009). Despite the live music – Seal, no less – we were filmed dancing enthusiastically to no music. With no beat to comply with, we just looked like we’d been on a 48-hour Red Bull bingathon. That’s how I imagine silent discos to look. Norden Farm is hosting – Jeff plays the 80s and Dave plays the 90s. Tune in on your wireless headphones, and dance like a legend in your own little bubble.
EVENT: Henley Royal Regatta, Henley, Weds 4 – Sun 8 Jul
The steamiest regatta in existence. Straw boaters on, eyes on the lunch box (sarnies or Lycra bulges… they’re not mutually exclusive); and watch the rowing brawn from the riverbank – Henley Royal Regatta is on. There’s over 200 races to watch the smoking–hot rowers and enjoy your Champagne picnic. Even better, Chinawhite is descending on proceedings for the sixth consecutive year on Friday and Saturday, so expect Moet in droves and internationally acclaimed DJs keeping the party thumping.
COMEDY: Comedy in the Brewery, Windsor and Eton Brewery, Sat 7 Jul
Comedy + beer – what could possibly go wrong? Head to the factory floor of Windsor & Eton Brewery for a unique night of laughs and heckling as four up and coming circuit comics take to the stage. Daphna Baram, Paul Duncan McGarrity, Fred Ferencz and Sarah Iles will be bringing the craft comedy, the brewery’s got the craft beers nailed, you just need to bring the laughs. Doors at 7pm Comedy starts at 8.
THEATRE: Jerusalem, Watermill Theatre Newbury, now – Sat 21 Jul
The Watermill is staging the first major revival of Jez Butterworth’s multi-award-winning play, Jerusalem. A contemporary classic which originally starred Mark Rylance as the anarchic Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron in 2011. Big shoes to fill for Jasper Britton. Expect fruity language in this wild and defiant rekindling of our national identity. One of the show’s of the summer.
THEATRE: Brian Blessed directs Unexpected Guest, Mill at Sonning, now – Sat 28 Jul
BOOM! The man with the biggest voice in show business is back in Berks. National treasure Brian Blessed in the director’s chair at The Mill at Sonning, following on from his successes with A Spider’s Web and The Hollow. And who better than Flash Gordon to take on Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit, An Unexpected Guest? Brian has been peddling his acting wares for 60 years and knew and worked with Christie, so you know this will be a corker. And remember, your ticket price also includes a two-course meal.
WALK: Lynn Chadwick, Cliveden National Trust Taplow, now – Oct 2018
If you loved the Benar Venet sculptures at Cliveden last year, then the new installation of English sculpture and artist Lynn Chadwick’s awesome abstract metal works inspired by the human form and natural world. His big, bold sculptural pieces are doted around the grounds. Take a stroll, admire and then pop into Cliveden House for afternoon tea or lunch at the Astor Grill. nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
MUSIC: Wetherbys Supersprint with Craig David, Newbury Racecourse, Sat 21 Jul
You won’t get 7 Days with Craig David, but the guys a fast mover so you’ll who knows what might happen after a few hours at Newbury Races and a Party In the Paddock? Following his Miami wilderness years, the great R&B bearded one is well and truly back – and not to be missed. He’s awesome live and hasn’t aged one bit. I wish I could say the same. Tickets are flying out, so get your mitts sharpish. Tickets from £40.
FILM: Open Air Cinema, Douai Pavillion Woolhampton, Sat 22 July
Ah Ryan Gosling, you gorgeous specimen of man. Sorry, he stars in La La Land with Emma Stone. Yes it’s a musical of the old school variety, yes it is romantic and if you haven’t seen this Oscar winning hit, now’s your chance. Go, just for Ryan. He’s, I mean it’s, magic. Birch Associates Events are hosting at the idyllic Douai Pavilion in Woolhampton – £15 ticket priceincludes a deckchair. There’s a full bar, hog roast, burgers, hot dogs, candy floss, popcorn, ice creams. Doors open at 5pm for a 7pm viewing. Fab night out with family and friends.
