Berkshire


<p><strong>MUDDY’S PICK OF THE WEEKEND</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Last Abbot of Reading (opens in a new tab)" href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/rabble-theatre/whats-on/last-abbot-reading" target="_blank">The Last Abbot of Reading</a>, Rabble Theatre at the Abbey Ruins Reading, now – 3 Jul</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/4609.jpeg" alt="THE LAST ABOTT RABBLE THEATRE ABBEY RUINS READING" class="wp-image-36038" /></figure>



<p>On the 900th year anniversary of the Abbey, RABBLE brings to life the extraordinary story of Reading’s Last Abbot. It&#8217;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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DAYS OUT: <a href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Prince Philip: A Celebration (opens in a new tab)">Prince Philip: A Celebration</a>, Windsor Castle, Windsor</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="672" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition.jpg" alt="Duke of Edinburgh Windsor Castle exhibition" class="wp-image-36041" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition-300x202.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition-720x484.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition-150x101.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition-768x516.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Duke-of-Edinburgh-Windsor-Castle-exhibition-781x525.jpg 781w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>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. <em>Prince Philip: A Celebration</em> 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&#8217;s Coronation in 1953 and his personal desk to a giant grasshopper wine cooler, it&#8217;s a moving tribute to the UK&#8217;s longest serving consort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THEATRE: As You Like It, The Watermill Bagnor, now – 24 Jul</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/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It.jpg" alt="Watermill Theatre As You Like It" class="wp-image-36039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Watermill-Theatre-As-You-Like-It-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Henry Armytage</figcaption></figure>



<p>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<em>&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.watermill.org.uk/" target="_blank">As You Like It</a>&nbsp;</em>has just opened with a cool eco set and costumes and music inspired by Mumford &amp; Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift. Loving the sound of that.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EXHIBITIONS: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Game Plan – Board Games Rediscovered (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/event/v-a-game-plan-1" target="_blank">Game Plan – Board Games Rediscovered</a>, The Base Greenham, 25 Jun – 5 Sep</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-35599" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Game-Plan-the-Base-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ah, remember when gaming required more than one player and came out of a box? Take a screen break and head to The Base&#8217;s new exhibition – <em>Game Plan – Board Games Rediscovered</em> – on load from London&#8217;s V&amp;A. It&#8217;s not a look and don&#8217;t touch exhibition, there&#8217;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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ART: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html" target="_blank">Altered States sculpture exhibition</a>, Shaw House Newbury, now – 27 Jun</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/04/Sculpture-Bronze-Wildlife-Garden-Hare-JAne-Shaw.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34926" /><figcaption>Wild Hare by Jane Shaw</figcaption></figure>



<p>Practice your arty-farty face and waft around The Orangery Lawn at Shaw House in Newbury. The postponed&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://booking.westberks.gov.uk/heritage_events.html" target="_blank">Altered States Sculpture exhibition</a>&nbsp;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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUTDOOR CINEMA: <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://summerscreens.co.uk/venue/abbey-ruins-reading/caversham-court-reading/" target="_blank">Caversham Court Gardens</a>, Reading</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/Grand-Budapest-Hotel-e1624626106377.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-36044" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://summerscreens.co.uk/venue/abbey-ruins-reading/caversham-court-reading/" target="_blank">Caversham Courts Gardens</a>&nbsp;is an under-rated riverside park and now it has the Summer Screens cinema too. The weather&#8217;s not looking too great so pac-a-mac and wellies could be useful. On the movie reel this weekend<em>: <strong>T</strong></em><strong><em>he Grand Budapest Hotel</em>&nbsp;</strong>(25 Jun) and&nbsp;<strong><em>Mamma Mia!</em></strong>&nbsp;(26 Jun)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS: <a href="https://www.beatthestreet.me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beat The Street (opens in a new tab)">Beat The Street</a>, Wokingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="698" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010.jpg" alt="WBC Beat the Street_010" class="wp-image-35858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010-300x209.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010-716x500.jpg 716w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010-150x105.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010-768x536.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/06/WBC-Beat-the-Street_010-752x525.jpg 752w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Join the thousands of people taking part in Wokingham&#8217;s giant interactive street game, <a href="https://www.beatthestreet.me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beat The Street (opens in a new tab)">Beat The Street</a>. Covering 1,145 miles, get your mitts on a whizzy fob or card and find the beep boxes. Game on!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GARDENS: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://ngs.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Garden Scheme’s Open Gardens</a>, throughout Berkshire</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2021/04/tulips.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21452" /></figure>



<p>The flowers are out, the roses are blooming, the bees are buzzing. Where better to admire nature&#8217;s finest than at&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" 7 The Knapp (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/37260" target="_blank">7 The Knapp</a></strong> in Reading (9-30 Jun) and the opportunity to see nine gardens in one day (and eat nine cakes) in <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Swallowfield (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/19601" target="_blank">Swallowfield</a></strong> on the 27 Jun. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KIDS: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Funky Pigs (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/events/little-red-riding-hood-the-three-funky-pigs/" target="_blank">Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Funky Pigs</a>, South Hill Park Bracknell, 26-27 Jun</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;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.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOPPING: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Newbury Artisan Market (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPnI8D3MBYJ/" target="_blank">Newbury Artisan Market</a>, Newbury, 27 Jun</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s the home of homemade, so whether you&#8217;re after fresh foodie produce, street food or handcrafted gifts, you&#8217;ll find it during a meander around Newbury&#8217;s much-loved Artisan market.</p>


What’s on this weekend in Berks

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