Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUDDY’S PICK OF THE MONTH</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUSIC: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="BR &nbsp;James (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/events/br-james/" target="_blank">BR &nbsp;James</a>, South Hill Park Bracknell, 16 Oct</h2>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750.jpg" alt="Soul singer BR James black suit and short cloud background piano in corner" class="wp-image-17969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750-150x112.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/BR-James-Soul-singer-1000x750-668x500.jpg 668w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>



<p>When you’re described as the John Legend of the UK, that’s putting a whole heap of expectation out there. But that’s what music peeps are saying about BR James – Berkshire’s finest soul singer. Not only can the man sing, he’s also pretty nifty on the piano. You can see him perform at South Hill Park in Bracknell. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THEATRE: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/thecherryorchard/" target="_blank">The Cherry Orchard</a>, Theatre Royal Windsor, 1 Oct – 13 Nov</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor.jpg" alt="Sir Ian Mckellan Theatre Royal Windsor" class="wp-image-37979" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Sir-Ian-Mckellan-Theatre-Royal-Windsor-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sir Ian McKellan has been lighting up the Theatre Royal stage in Windsor in an electrifying production of&nbsp;<em>Hamlet</em>. If you missed it, fear not, he now stars in Chekov’s<em>&nbsp;The Cherry Orchard</em>&nbsp;– a dramatic play about an aristocratic landowner who returns to her family estate to find its being sold to pay the family debts. It’s all about social change, mid-life regrets and the hope the next generation will make a difference. A limited number of on-stage seats are available so grab the best seats in the house.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXHIBITION: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-museum/whats-on/1971-reading-festival-first-time" target="_blank">The 1971 Reading Festival – For The First Time</a>, Reading Museum, now – 29 Jan 2022</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME.png" alt="READING FESTIVAL 1971 FOR THE FIRST TIME exhibition" class="wp-image-37980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/READING-FESTIVAL-1971-FOR-THE-FIRST-TIME-787x525.png 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If there’s one thing that’ll clear a field full of teenagers, it’s their parents living it up like it’s 1971. Reading Festival is 50 years old this year and to celebrate the UK’s iconic music festival an exhibition of astonishing objects and rare and unseen photos can be seen in Reading Museum’s Sir John Madejski Art Gallery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUSIC: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/laura-marling" target="_blank">Laura Marling</a>, The Hexagon Reading, 16 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN.png" alt="Laura Marling musicIAN" class="wp-image-37984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Laura-Marling-musicIAN-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When you release your 7th album and pick up a Grammy and Mercury Prize nominations, it’s safe to say you’ve hit creative gold. Now you can see what all the fuss is about when British folk singer Laura Marling performs music from&nbsp;<em>Song For Our Daughter</em>&nbsp;in Reading this month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS: <a href="https://norden.farm/events/farm-on-demand-the-little-prince-family-dance-workshop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Little Prince Online Dance Workshop (opens in a new tab)">The Little Prince Online Dance Workshop</a>, Norden Farm Maidenhead, 15-30 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6.jpg" alt="Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6" class="wp-image-37061" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Protein_TheLittlePrince_PhotoCredit_JaneHobson6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Entertain the kids at home with a fun and fast-moving workshop inspired by their award-winning show <em>The Little Prince</em>! Performers Faith and Andy will lead 20 minutes of dance and movement exploring the world of the Little Prince. Grown-ups are welcome too, but you might want to take the opportunity to have a cuppa in peace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FILM: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Free Guy (opens in a new tab)" href="https://tickets.oldcourt.org/sales/the-screen-cinema/free-guy" target="_blank">Free Guy</a>, The Old Court Windsor, 15-28 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/10/Free-Guy-e1634280061226.jpeg" alt="Ryan Reynolds Free Guy" class="wp-image-38404" /></figure>



<p>The Old Court in Windsor is spoiling us with 115 glorious minutes of Ryan Reynolds in his new film <em>Free Guy</em>. Your kids will love the game concept and vlogger cameos and everyone else can appreciate Ryan and his uber-cool co-star Jodie Cromer. It&#8217;s a fun film, so give it a go.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">MUSIC: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/sub89/whats-on/norman-jay-mbe-don-letts" target="_blank">Norman Jay MBE &amp; Don Letts</a>, Sub89 Reading, 15 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/03/norman-jay.jpg" alt="norman jay man with glasses and hat in front of yellow background" class="wp-image-63625" /></figure>



<p>Ahhh, now this one takes me back to g<em>ood times</em>! The co-founder of pirate radio KISS FM and the legendary Good Times Sound System comes to Sub89 Reading with his vinyl collection and hat in tow.</p>



<p><strong>SPORT</strong>: <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ascot.co.uk/horse-races-and-events/qipco-british-champions-day/qipco-british-champions-day" target="_blank">Qipco British Champions Day</a>, Ascot Racecourse, Sat 16 Oct</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori.png" alt="Qipco British Champions Day Ascot Frankie Dettori" class="wp-image-37987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Qipco-British-Champions-Day-Ascot-Frankie-Dettori-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s the flat season finale! That’s all well and good but, let’s be honest we’re only in it for the cute hats, fashion&nbsp;and the endless supply of bubbles. Race you to the winner’s enclosure and we can trot around the parade ring on race day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.barnesfitness.co.uk/phantom-brewing-co-10k-beer-run/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phantom Brewing Co 10K</a>, Reading, 17 Oct</h2>



<p>If you need to burn the calories before your go on a beery bender, then this one’s for you. The Phantom Brewing Co 10K, organised by Barnes Fitness, takes place in central Reading. Once you pass the finish line, runners will get a free beer before swapping their trainers for drinking boots for the after party. More beed, street food and live music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS: PYO PUMPKINS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3.png" alt="Child holding pumpkin" class="wp-image-37993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3-150x100.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3-768x511.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/3-3-788x525.png 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s prime pumpkin-picking time, and there are plenty of places to PYO this year. P-p-pick up&nbsp;a pumpkin at&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk/hungerford-events" target="_blank">Cobbs Farm in Hungerford</a>&nbsp;(<strong>2-31 Oct</strong>) as well as&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.thefruitfields.co.uk/pumpkins/" target="_blank">Copas Fruit Fields in Cookham</a>, available&nbsp;<strong>16-17 Oct and 23-31 Oct</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/brick-or-treat/" target="_blank">Brick or Treat</a>, Legoland Windsor, 14-31 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat.jpg" alt="Lifesize Lego Halloween figures dracula orange lego brick with lashes and witches hat and frankenstein" class="wp-image-17582" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/10/Legoland-Brick-or-Treat-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Brick or Treat has been running so long I’ve run out of lame jokes and puns. But in all serious, kids love it and this year Legoland Windsor are pulling out all the stops. If you want it to be fangtastic don’t miss the Haunted House Monster Party Ride, Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail, Monster Rocker’s fang-tastic Pumpkin Trail, plus all of the new rides in the brand new land LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, live shows and attractions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BOOK NOW: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://clivedenliteraryfestival.org/" target="_blank">Cliveden Literary Festival</a>, Cliveden House Hotel Taplow, 23 – 24 Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival.jpg" alt="Cliveden Literary Festival" class="wp-image-37056" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/08/Cliveden-Literary-Festival-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Politics, scandal and intelligent literary chat – kept civilised with an abundance of bubbles. Not a Boris &nbsp;Johnson house party but the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://clivedenliteraryfestival.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Cliveden Literary Festival</strong></a>. Speaking at this year’s event are:&nbsp;Oscar-winning writer, actor and director Emerald Fennell, comedian David Baddiel,&nbsp;<em>Women’s Hour</em>’s inquisitor-in-chief Emma Barnett, author Kate Mosse, Michael Gove MP, author Olivette Otele, former political columnist Barbara Amiel, my journo pal Camilla Tominey who broke the story that Harry and Meghan were dating and many more. With the sumptuous hotel as the backdrop, this promises to be a fabulous affair. Tickets from £110. Get 10% the ticket price with the code <strong>MUD10</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER AFIELD</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/circus-city.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-121403" /><figcaption>Circus City, Bristol</figcaption></figure>



<p>Ooh, stepping out of county for a change? Go on, why not. Here are few things worth leaving home for:</p>



<p><strong>THEATRE:&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thesharkisbroken.com/" target="_blank">The Shark is Broken</a>,&nbsp;Ambassadors&nbsp;Theatre,&nbsp;London’s West End, 9 Oct – 15 Jan</strong>. This new comedy play (on stage one year later than planned, no prizes for guessing why) takes the audience to Cape Cod in 1974, and the making of&nbsp;<em>Jaws</em>. The mechanical shark has stopped working, and the lead actors are getting cranky. Reviews so far are&nbsp;<em>rave.</em></p>



<p><strong>EXHIBITION:&nbsp;</strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/nero-man-behind-myth" target="_blank"><em>Nero: the man behind the myth</em></a>,&nbsp;<strong>British Museum</strong>, on&nbsp;<strong>until 24 Oct.</strong>&nbsp;A ‘thrilling’ exhibition that questions the traditional narrative of Nero, one of Rome’s most infamous rulers, as a ruthless tyrant.</p>



<p><strong>PERFORMANCE</strong>:&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bristolcircuscity.com/" target="_blank">Circus City</a>, various venues across&nbsp;<strong>Bristol</strong>, from now&nbsp;<strong>until 16 Oct</strong>. Think you ‘get’ circus? Ooh, boy: there’s a whole world of contemporary circus out there, and this biennial circus celebration shows it all off.</p>


14 fun things to do this weekend in Berks

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