What’s on this weekend in Berks
Angling for some culture this weekend? You're in the right place, sister! Exhibits, outdoor theatre and cinema and a giant street game... It's all happening across Berkshire.
MUDDY’S PICK OF THE WEEKEND
The Last Abbot of Reading, Rabble Theatre at the Abbey Ruins Reading, now – 3 Jul

On the 900th year anniversary of the Abbey, RABBLE brings to life the extraordinary story of Reading’s Last Abbot. It’s a bit spesh as it will be performed at the historic Abbey Ruins. Hugh Cook is the Last Monk who got an unexpected promotion from King Henry VIII after a chance encounter. Suddenly propelled into a world of intrigue, politics and danger, Hugh must balance his beliefs with the orders of the formidable King. Gripping stuff.
DAYS OUT: Prince Philip: A Celebration, Windsor Castle, Windsor

A portrait of The Duke of Edinburgh by Ralph Heimans is the centrepiece of a new 120-piece exhibition at Windsor Castle celebrating his life. Prince Philip: A Celebration has been curated by the Royal Collection Trust and features items marking key moments during his official duties for the Queen. From the coronation robe and coronet he wore during the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and his personal desk to a giant grasshopper wine cooler, it’s a moving tribute to the UK’s longest serving consort.
THEATRE: As You Like It, The Watermill Bagnor, now – 24 Jul

This bijou theatre takes it outside during the summer – making the most of the gardens and the theatre’s stunning riverside location. Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It has just opened with a cool eco set and costumes and music inspired by Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift. Loving the sound of that.
EXHIBITIONS: Game Plan – Board Games Rediscovered, The Base Greenham, 25 Jun – 5 Sep

Ah, remember when gaming required more than one player and came out of a box? Take a screen break and head to The Base’s new exhibition – Game Plan – Board Games Rediscovered – on load from London’s V&A. It’s not a look and don’t touch exhibition, there’s plenty on display that you can try out and a nice reminder how much fun (and competitive) getting friends and family round a game can be.
ART: Altered States sculpture exhibition, Shaw House Newbury, now – 27 Jun

Practice your arty-farty face and waft around The Orangery Lawn at Shaw House in Newbury. The postponed Altered States Sculpture exhibition opens this month and gives you the chance to discover artworks by top Uk sculptors in this lovely historic setting. Everything’s for sale so, if you find something you love, you can batter the credit card. Just make sure it’ll fit in the car boot.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: Caversham Court Gardens, Reading

Caversham Courts Gardens is an under-rated riverside park and now it has the Summer Screens cinema too. The weather’s not looking too great so pac-a-mac and wellies could be useful. On the movie reel this weekend: The Grand Budapest Hotel (25 Jun) and Mamma Mia! (26 Jun)
KIDS: Beat The Street, Wokingham

Join the thousands of people taking part in Wokingham’s giant interactive street game, Beat The Street. Covering 1,145 miles, get your mitts on a whizzy fob or card and find the beep boxes. Game on!
GARDENS: National Garden Scheme’s Open Gardens, throughout Berkshire

The flowers are out, the roses are blooming, the bees are buzzing. Where better to admire nature’s finest than at 7 The Knapp in Reading (9-30 Jun) and the opportunity to see nine gardens in one day (and eat nine cakes) in Swallowfield on the 27 Jun.
KIDS: Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Funky Pigs, South Hill Park Bracknell, 26-27 Jun
If you’re fairytayled out, this modern musical mash up of Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs may just stop you reaching for the Tramadol. One things is for sure, little kids will love it, as Little Red Riding Hood and her Karate Granny head out on an adventure with the Three Funky Little Pigs… just watch out for that cantankerous Mr Wolf.
SHOPPING: Newbury Artisan Market, Newbury, 27 Jun
It’s the home of homemade, so whether you’re after fresh foodie produce, street food or handcrafted gifts, you’ll find it during a meander around Newbury’s much-loved Artisan market.