What’s on this week
MON 6 – SUN 12 NOV
Ruby Wax Frazzled, The Cancert Hall Reading, Thurs 9 Nov
I was never really a fan of Ruby Wax as a stand up, but when she went public with her depression and used her talent to talk about mental health, I had a new-found respect. A Mindfulness Guide For The Frazzled gives a tour of the mind – how to use it, not lose it. Personal experience and an Oxford psychology graduate, she knows her stuff.
Timpany’s Pop Up, Sunningdale, Nov and Dec
If you haven’t visited Timpany’s in Sunninhill, then this is your time to shine. It is a beautiful (Muddy award-winning) fashion boutique, stocking stunning pre-loved designer clobber. Top quality fashion at prices so tantalising we can all dip our toe in designer waters. But Timpany’s HQ is bursting at the seams, so owner Antonia is popping up for two months in Sunnindale. If you’re looking for Christmas outfits, partywear or gift ideas, head to the new pop up at 1-2 Broomhall Buildings, Sunningdale. You’ll come out in a cloud of Chanel.
The BFG in Pictures, River and Rowing Museum, Henley, until 21 Jan 2018
Curated by Quentin Blake himself, the exhibition of everyone’s favourite giant includes unpublished illustrations that have never been exhibited in public before. The exhibition includes Blake’s first designs that weren’t included in the book, and provide a glimpse of a BFG that might have been in 40 original artworks. Don’t forget there’s the permanent John Piper exhibition at the museum too – that’s well worth seeing in its own right.
Perfect Wedding, The Mill at Sonning, until Sat 18 Nov
Theatre’s answer to The Hangover, The Mill at Sonning’s new production The Perfect Wedding is all about the pitfalls of the stag do: naked girls, memory loss, cover ups and a bride on the warpath. The perfect medicine for all those thinking of getting married! Plus all tickets come with a two-course meal. Just in case you needed a clincher.
David Starkey: Henry Vlll: The First Brexiteer?, South Hill Park Bracknell, Tues 7 Nov
Brexit has taken a back seat while we watch the car crash of the latest Westminster sex scandal implodes. But if there’s one person who could find an historical link between Brexit and parliamentary pervs, David Starkey is it. And Henry VIII would be in the thick of it. David Starkey draws on his unique knowledge of Henry’s reign to illuminate both the Tudor age and our own – apparently Brexit is just a rebrand of The Reformation.
Jan Ravens: Difficult Woman, Norden Farm Maidenhead, Sat 11 Nov
With so many powerful women in the public eye, Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens is as happy as a pig in the Westminster quagmire. Her new show Difficult Woman pokes fun at these fierce females and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in. You’ll be thanking your luck stars, you’re not Theresa May or Nicola Sturgeon.
Superposition, South Hill Park Bracknell, Tues 7 – Wed 8 Nov
If you locked Stephen Hawking and Peter Stringfellow in a room for long enough, do you think they could answer the big questions in life? It’s a bizarre meeting of mind. ,Superposition at South Hill Park is a play that takes you down the rabbit hole of physics – via a lap dancing club – in a journey of discovery: about science; sensuality and spirituality (suitabl for 15+).
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.
OMD, Hexagon Reading, Thurs 9 Nov
They sold out the Royal Albert Hall last year and now synth pop pioneers OMD have given the tour bus a good scrub before heading out on the road again. OMD will perform their 13th studio album The Punishment of Luxury – a collection of stylish synth pop and masterful songwriting which will certainly rank alongside their very best.
The Secret Keeper, Corn Exchange Newbury, Fri, 10 Nov
A political fairytale for adults – with songs, magpies and a murderous gothic heart. A father confides in his daughter and lifts a sad weight from his heart and soon the whole town is confessing to her – including a murder. Der, der, DERRRRRRRRR!
