What’s on this weekend
FRI 17 – SUN 19 NOV
The Borrowers, The Watermill Theatre Newbury, Thurs 16 Nov– Sun 31 Dec
A family of teeny tiny people living under your floorboards taking stuff from you? Don’t panic, this is not an episode of Crimewatch, Mary Norton’s classic tale, The Borrowers, gets The Watermill treatment. Quick, clever and only four inches tall, their lives unravel when they are discovered by a ‘human bean’.
Simon Amstell, The Concert Hall Reading, Sat 18 Nov
Never Mind The Buzzcocks star Simon Amstell disappeared off our telly box and now seems to spend most of his time on the road. He’s like the One Direction of comedy, but with fewer screaming teens. Critics love him, and the gigs sell out in a flash, so grab your tickets while you can as Amstell takes social norms and gently mocks it until it seems utterly ridiculous.
The Vinyl Frontier: David Bowie’s Dark Star, Norden Farm Maidenhead, Sat 18 Nov
Dark Star was Bowie’s 25th and final studio LP. Recorded in secret in New York with local jazz musicians, it was Bowie’s parting gift to his fans, released two days before he passed away. Containing hidden secrets and messages, join your Vinyl Frontier host Jeff Lloyd and discover what greatness sounds like on vinyl… obviously! If you’re a music fan, or Bowie obsessive. This one’s for you.
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Curated by Quentin Blake himself, the exhibition of everyone’s favourite giant includes unpublished illustrations that have never been exhibited in public before.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
Last chance to see 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.
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 Lights
The Lexicon Bracknell, Sat 18 Nov
As if by magic, The Lexicon Bracknell will be transformed into a glittering winter wonderland by Bracknell’s Forest Snow Queen. She’ll wave her wand and ‘Poof!’ the lights will be switched on down the avenues and walks as she makes her way through the town centre finishing in at the Christmas tree in Bond Square. Expect carols, glittery entertainers, choirs and music. Illuminations start at 5.30pm.
Broad Street Mall and the Oracle Reading, Sat 18 Nov
Your Saturday night starts here… words X Factor rejects Jake and Joel will not be hearing from Dermot this weekend. But at least they’ve got themselves a gig – turning on the Reading’s Christmas lights at Broad Street Mall from 4pm-6pm. Over at the Oracle A River Of Light will be unveiled with illuminations across the 50m stretch of river through the centre.
Windsor Christmas Lights & Lantern Parade, Sat 18 Nov
Windsor is about to shine bright like a diamond. Nope, the Queen’s not polishing her tiaras, it’s the annual children’s lantern procession, carols singing, Crimbo projections and the town’s twinkly lights will be switched on by Windsor’s festive guests. Sadly not Prince Harry and Meghan? The next best thing, the cast of Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal including Basil Brush… BOOM BOOM!
Eton Christmas Lights & Carol Service, Thurs 16 Nov
Oooh, I love belting out a carol – and there Eton College Chapel is pretty special place for an endorphin-boosting rendition of Come All Ye Faithful. Eton’s festive season starts on Thursday with a carols at 6pm, followed by a parade through the High Street to Jubilee Square where the switch will be flicked on the lights. Santa will be in da house with his reindeer, plus stalls and more.
DATE FOR THE DAIRY
Ladies Christmas Evening, 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.
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