FRI 13 – SUN 15 MAR

MUDDY’S PICK OF THE WEEKEND

COMEDY: The Thinking Drinkers – Heroes of Hooch, The Hexagon Reading, 13 Mar

The Thinking Drinkers return with a brand-new show, a hilarious and intoxicating look at history’s greatest drinkers. Enjoy five free drinks as the award-winning experts reveal how alcohol has inspired pioneering explorers, politicians and painters in equal measure, from Plato and Picasso, to Nelson, Napoleon and Norm from Cheers. You’ll learn a lot, laugh a lot and, don’t forget, you get five free drinks.

 

THEATRE: The Wicker Husband, The Watermill Theatre Newbury, now – 4 Apr

A captivating new musical, The Wicker Husband will have its world premiere at The Watermill. In a superficial world, where beauty is only skin-deep, meet the so-called ‘Ugly Girl’. Ostracised by the townsfolk, the Ugly Girl becomes the envy of her neighbours when the Old Basketmaker makes her a strong and loving husband woven from living wicker. As bitter rivalry threatens to tear the community apart, the townsfolk embark on a cruel and destructive plan. Suitable ages 10+.

 

THEATRE: Bang Bang, Theatre Royal Windsor, 13-14 Mar

John Cleese makes his stage writing debut at the grand age of 80 with a comedy that blends French Farce with Fawlty Towers. Why has it taken in so long? Bang Bang is set in Paris, involves a respectable society lady who’s been hoodwinked by her philandering husband, Duchotel– and trouser-dropping traps are set.

 

WORKSHOP: Bottle Garden Workshop, Squires Garden Centre Wokingham, 13 Mar

Make something special for your mum or simply send her off in advance of her big day on the 22 March. Squires is running a Bottle Garden workshop, where you’ll make a very low maintenance succulent garden using plants that’ll add greenery to your room and detoxify the air. Then pray to the plant gods that Mum can keep these babies alive. £30pp.

 

THEATRE: Dead Good, Corn Exchange Newbury, 13-14 Mar

The Vamos Theatre are full mask masters, with a rep for funny and poignant productions. Dead Good tells the story of Bob and Bernard who have only two things in common: they’re both dying… and they’re not going down without a fight. So, with a bottle of Bollinger and the keys to Bernard’s Bentley in hand, they decide to hit the road and take on one final, death-defying adventure.

 

DANCE: Anton & Erin – Dance Those Magical Movies, The Hexagon Reading, 14 Mar

Break open the sequins, slap on the fake tan and quick step down the Red Carpet for Strictly‘s Anton & Erin’s brand new show Dance Those Magical Movies. National treasure Anton Du Beke and glam goddess Erin Boag will dance to musical classics from Breakfast At Tiffanys, Singin’ In The Rain, The Wizard Of Oz, Moulin Rouge and more.

 

FAMILY FUN: Legoland Opens, Legoland Windsor, 14 Mar

OMG. Protect your credit card, it’s gonna get a hammering. Legoland reopens mid-March with a new ride for littlies. The Duplo Dino Coaster. Got older kids, the Lego 4D Studio will blow their tiny minds, the Spinning Spider and Monster House Party both look fun and we’re loving the sound of Balloon School. Watch out for the gift shop at the end – it’s a killer.

 

EXHIBITIONS: Wildlife Photographer of the Year, The Base Greenham Common, now – 26 Apr

Image: Yongqing Bao

Wildlife photography requires patience, lightning reactions and a little bit of luck. But when they get the money shot… POW! the results are extraordinary. This year’s prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is being held at The Base at Greenham Common Business Park in Newbury. It’s an international showcase of 100 images taken by the very best in nature photographers around the world.

 

EXHIBITIONS: India & Me, Basildon Park Lower Basildon, now – 23 Dec 

Basildon Park’s India-inspired Zuber wallpaper was designed in 1806 by a French artist who had never been to India. It makes the new audio-visual exhibition in the mansion’s Garden Room even more extraordinary, as it looks at personal stories from Basildon’s collaboration with the Reading Indian Centre.

 

DAFFODILS

Say goodbye to snowdrops and a big hello to daffodils that are springing up everywhere. Now in its second year, you can experience Cliveden‘s Gilded Gardens, inspired by the 24-carat gilded golden gates on the Sounding chamber and thousands of daffodils that grow across the estate. Head to the Water Garden and Blenheim Pavilion for the best of ‘em, or take a guided tour. Stowe and Greys Court will also be brimming with the yellow bloomer, along with other pretty spring foliage. Or head to Waddesdon who’ve named a whole patch of the grounds after the flower, Daffodil Valley – there’ll also be guided walks on 7 and 21 Mar.

 

FURTHER AFIELD 

EXHIBITION: Andy Warhol, Tate Modern, London, 12 Mar – 6 Sept 

This major new exhibition chronicles the life and work of the pop art icon Andy Warhol and offers a rare insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Images on display include his renowned pop images of Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola and Campbell’s soup cans, plus work never seen before in the UK, including the largest ever grouping of Warhol’s Ladies and Gentlemen series. A must-see.

 

RACING: Cheltenham Gold Cup, Cheltenham Racecourse, 13 Mar

There’s no stopping Cheltenham races (not even that nasty Equine Flue scare) with four days of betting and booze. The fun kicks off with Champion’s Day on Tues and it’s good news for gin lovers as the Gin and Jazz Lounge returns with cocktails and music every day until 7pm.

 

EVENT: Arlo & Jacob showroom event, Marlow, 14 – 15 Mar 

Happy Birthday Arlo & Jacob! The groovy interiors brand (we’re huge fans) is celebrating its fifth birthday this weekend in the Marlow showroom with cupcakes and Prosecco. Plus, if you purchase an item in-store this week, you’ll be entered into a competition to win some goodies. Can’t wait? Here are our five of our favourite pieces available to buy now.

 

THEATRE: Time Machine, London Library, London, until 5 April

The Creation Theatre crew are heading to the Big Smoke! In this moving (literally) production, small audiences will be led through the vast London Library as Time Machine, which explores themes of neuroscience, big data, genomics and global connectedness, unfolds. Knowing Creation, it’s bound to be brilliant.

 

EXHIBITION: Herstory, Maddox Gallery, London, 2 – 24 Mar

To mark International Women’s Day, this new exhibition aims to redefine the conversation around women in art and raise awareness for brilliant female artists that champion women in their work. Artists exhibiting include Coco Davez, Sophia Tea and Lauren Baker.

 

BOOK NOW

Puss In Boots – Easter Panto, The Hexagon Reading, 8-11 Apr

Panto’s not just for Christmas… Oh yes it is! Oh no it isn’t. Oh… (OK, I’ll stop now). Easter is jumping on the panto bandwagon, so slap your thigh and slip into a pair of knees highs for Puss In Boots. Starring Hear’Say popstrel Suzanne Shaw and CBeebie’s Chris Jarvis star. Trouble is brewing and only a mangy moggy wearing nothing boots and a hat can save the day.

 

Alice In Wonderland, South Hill Park Bracknell, 15-19 Apr

Make mine a double gin and I’ll happily disappear down a rabbit hole into the trippy world of Alice in Wonderland. Your kids will love it for entirely different reasons. South Hill Park always put on a damn fine school holiday musical with spectacular staging. They’re a talented bunch. Book in or the Red Queen will be “frumious”.

 

The Little Welly, HenleyShowground, 6-7 Jun

Have the hose and a hot wash on stand by, this is gonna get really messy. The UK’s biggest children’s obstacle course returns to Henley for the sixth year – and it is going to be epic. It’s in a new location at Henley Showground, it offers a longer course option for kids with the energy of a Duracell bunny, new obstacles, activities and entertainers. Oh, and you can camp too. Throw your mud-seeking minis (4+) and they’re parents (sorry about that) at the slip-and-slide, the big tubes and new climbing rig. Or have a blast at Laser Tag, circus skill workshops, bungee trampolining and more.