What’s on this week
MON 20 – SUN 26 NOV
Daniel Sloss, The Firestation Windsor, Wed 22 Nov
Daniel Sloss is one of Scotland’s biggest comedy exports. At 26 he holds the record for the most slots on the Conan show, he was only 14 when Frankie Boyle used some of his material on Mock The Week, he performed his first Edinburgh Fringe show at 17 and critics around the world LOVE him! So don’t mis the chance to see his latest brilliantly dark stand-up show Now.
Miki, Norden Farm Maidenhead, Tues Nov 21 – Sat 30 Nov
If you haven’t come across Stephen Mackey’s book Miki, take a look. My youngest is a huge fan. It’s a charming story about Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin who live in a very far away place. One midwinter eve, they make a wish and Miki embarks on a magical adventure in search of a star… It’s a gorge alternative to traditional panto, and will be a stunning stage show.
Sara Sturgeon Wedding Dress Debut, Jax Jeans Hungerford, Thurs 23 Nov
Getting married? Or know someone is? Fashion designer Sara Sturgeon will be launching her stunning debut wedding dress collection at Jax Jeans in Hungerford on Thurs 23 Nov 6pm-8pm. Sculptural, ethereal and unique – book in and say yes to the dress. Oh, and there will be bubbles to get everyone on the mood for love.
jaxjeans.co.uk
Back to the 70s & 80s – Dance Workshop, Norden Farm Maidenhead, Sat 25 Nov
Hi-cut leotards, leg warmers and fingerless gloves at the ready, it’s a flashback to Flashdance. Crank up Madonna and Wham! Although the fashion and hair had a lot to be desired, the music is classic. Make a date for an afternoon at the Hippodrome and imagine you are Footloose and fancy free – for a few of hours at least.
My Fair Lady, Mill at Sonning, Thurs 23 Nov – Sat 27 Jan
Can you Adam and Eve it, it’s not panto, it’s not a Christmas show, but it is a classic. Eliza Dolittle will be breaking into song for the musical My Fair Lady at the Mill at Sonning. If Crimbo theatre doesn’t get your jingle bell ringing, then this just might. Make a date with your mum… Wouldn’t it be Loverly?
Windsor On Ice, Alexandra Garden Windsor, until ?? Jan
Windsor On Ice is back for the winter and whether you’re Olympic standard or a ‘cling on’ like me, they’re great for a family day out, or a fun slippy-slidey Christmas party. There are two rinks here. The main one is under cover and there’s a smaller open-air rink. There’s also food and other attractions including an ice bar and grill. Sessions are for 45 mins. See you in A&E, I mean on the ice.
Lantern Making Workshops, Norden Farm Maidenhead, Sun 26 Nov
Oooh, sparkly lights! This free festival will be taking one the streets of Maidenhead on Sat 10 December. Join in the fun and create your own illuminated animals by weaving and decorating willow to create lanterns for the year’s parade. Suitable for all ages and all the family. Worth a go just for he giggles.
Ladies Christmas Shopping, Bel & The Dragon Cookham, Mon 20 Nov
Oh yes it’s ladies’ night and the feeling’s right (sorry, a little overexcited)… If you love cocktails, canapés and the chance to shop ’til you drop (almost guaranteed with Sipsmith-charged shaking and stirring at the Bel and the Dragon bar). Then this is for you (and me!). Loads of amazing stall holders including Really Wild, House of Bluebelle, Créme de la Crumb and many more will be whizzing through your gift list. To buy a ticket call Helena on 01628 521 263 or email helena.sharp@belandthedragon.com.
Illuminated woodland walk, Basildon Park, until January
Wrap up, wellies on and trudge through the woods to see the trees in all their glory – preferably before the leaves get blown off. Now that we are spending most of our time in darkness, we might as well get something out of it. In this case, an enchanting woodland walk, twinkly lights and all the Winter wonderland magic that goes with it. No need to book.
Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens, London, Weds 22 Nov – 1 Jan 2018
Such a brilliant time to visit Kew as they do the Crimbo thing so well with it one mile sparkling path winding its way through the world-famous Gardens. This year they promise a million twinkling lights, Singing Trees, ribbons of light and a flickering Fire Garden, plus Father C and his elves at the North Pole Village, vintage fairground rides (a fee for that one) and shopping. Worth going with the fam.
Modigliani, Tate Modern, 23 Nov 2017 – 2 April 2018
The Tate Modern’s comprehensive retrospective of Modigliani’s work is going to be a treat. During his brief, turbulent life Modigliani developed a unique and instantly recognisable style. His nudes that are a highlight of the exhibition – with 12 nudes on display, this is the largest group ever reunited in the UK. First shown in 1917, police closed down his only ever solo exhibition on the grounds of indecency. Also expect sculptures, and portraits of his friends, lovers and supporters, including Pablo Picasso and his partner Jeanne Hébuterne.
Ghost Tours, Hampton Court, selected dates from 5 Nov – Jan 2018
Want to petrify your kids? Course you do! There are Family Tours on 5 Nov at 6.30 (and also 7 Jan 2018, but seriously I’m not even thinking next year yet!). It’s a 75-90 minute walking tour hearing stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity Minimum age is 8 years and a maximum of 3 children per accompanying adult.
Hampton Court Palace, Molesey, East Molesey, hrp.org.uk
ALMOST GONE
Russell Brand: Re-Birth, Wed 29 Nov
Russell Brand only lives down the road in Henley, so we see quite a lot of him in Berks. London’s loss is our gain. Following a series of sell-out preview shows last year, Russell is back with RE:BIRTH. a show that tries to make sense of life having just made a new one. The man’s got questions… parenthood leaves most us baffled. Tickets will be gone in a flash. Be quick.
