What to see this weekend
Golden Voice of Strictly
Tommy Blaize has one of the most recognisable voices in the UK. As the lead singer on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing for 20 glorious years, he’s sung live each week to up to 12 million people and he ‘s coming to Newbury on Saturday. In a remarkable career spanning 50 years, he’s worked with some of the world’s most legendary artists, including Diana Ross, Queen, The Beach Boys, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder and Robbie Williams. Now the man with the golden voice steps out in his first, major, solo tour.Singing songs everyone knows and loves, and telling stories about the legends he’s worked alongside, expect a Strictly incredible evening at the Corn Exchange, 7.45pm. https://cornexchangenew.com/event/tommy-blaize
Bonkers hi-viz Viggo
Norwegian clown Viggo Venn moved to this country with one dream: to be a British comedian. The rest, you already know about. After blowing away the competition in an explosion of hi-vis jackets, balloons, and joyous idiocy, Viggo became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain's Got Talent last year. Don't miss him as he staggers bewildered into Basingstoke Haymarket on Sunday (7.30pm) on his first national tour. https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/
Tear-jerker
Do you love a great love story? If you’re quick you can be be swept off your feet at New Theatre Oxford as An Officer and A Gentleman the Musical is running until Saturday. Based on the 1982 film starring Richard Gere, live on stage, this story of love, courage and redemption will make your heart soar. Be part of the emotional journey of Zack Mayo, a fearless young officer candidate, and the captivating Paula Pokrifki, whose fiery spirit matches his own. Their encounters ignite a spark that transcends boundaries, awakening a passionate love that defies all odds. Immerse yourself in this romantic masterpiece, with every note, every step and every heartfelt ballad set to a smash-hit soundtrack featuring the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and many more. The power of music will carry you through the highs and lows of their extraordinary love story, including the award-winning (Love Lift Us) Up Where We Belong. www.atgtickets.com/oxford
Fanny, an irreverent new comedy
Fanny The overdue story of the other Mendelssohn, runs at The Watermill to June 15.You’ll probably know her younger brother Felix Mendelssohn from 19th-century smash hits like The Wedding March. The Cliff Richard of his day, he was even asked to play at a personal concert for Queen Victoria. But only if he played her favourite piece of music, a song called Italien. He was forced to admit to the Queen that the piece had been composed by his sister and simply published under his name. Fanny intercepts a letter addressed to ‘F. Mendelssohn’ inviting Felix to play for Queen Victoria. She hides it, dons her brother’s clothes and takes his place at the palace… cueing a race across Europe and a furious Felix. This fun and irreverent new comedy celebrates classical music and – at last – the work of a composer overlooked because of her sex. It stars Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show (BBC) and The Play That Goes Wrong (actor and co-creator, West End and Broadway). www.watermill.org
Top brass in town
IF brass bands are your bag, this is your weekend. Get along to St Nic’s on Sunday for Cold Ash Brass who are performing a concert with one of the UK’s top rated brass band Wantage band. Wantage join them on the back of a second place at the prestigious Senior Cup competition in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. They will be playing everything from classical transcriptions to popular arrangements, traditional Irish folk tunes to modern brass band original compositions. Cold Ash Brass have strong links with Wantage. Cold Ash conductor Jemma Johnstone plays solo horn for Wantage Band and was recently named best tenor horn player in the London and Southern Counties region. As a finale to the concert the two bands will join forces under the batons of first Jemma Johnstone then Wantage’s Chris King. Tickets are available on the door or online – go to coldashbrass.org.uk and follow the link, or email coldashbrassevents@gmail.com. Doors open at 6.30pm for the concert at 7pm.
On the Bandstand
BEENHAM Wind Orchestra play on Newbury Bandstand from 3pm on Sunday. Pack up a picnic, take a seat and relax and enjoy a free performance of light music including favourites from shows in Victoria Park. More info at www.beenhamwindorchestra.org
And a late addition from Ricky Hicks
RICKY Hicks and his band Shut the Front Door are playing at The Cottage Inn, Broad Lane, Upper Bucklebury RG7 6QJ tomorrow night (Friday). Music from 8pm. Line-up: Ricky (vocals), Ed Brayshaw (guitar), Gavin Wilkinson (bass) and Dan Goddard (drums).
