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Where to go, what to see this week in West Berks




Aldermaston York Nativity

Aldermaston’s York Nativity play runs from tonight (Thursday) to Sunday at the Church of St Mary the Virgin. The play is taken from the medieval York Mystery Cycle adapted by the playwright E. Martin-Browne for the quiet ad meditative setting of a church. Music is integral to the play and is sung a capella by a choir high up in the ringing chamber. The players are from Aldermaston and surrounding villages and they wear costumes designed in the medieval style. The skillful and sympathetic use of lighting combines with the medieval language and haunting music to produce a truly moving interpretation of the first Christmas and a magical start to the Christmas season. Performance times: Thursday 8pm, Friday 8pm, Saturday 7pm and Sunday 7pm. tickets are free but there is an exit collection to be shared between the ongoing restoration of Aldermaston’s fine ancient church and The Children’s Society. Ticket details at https://aldermastonnativity.co.uk/

Aldermaston York Nativity Play Shepherds - Adrian Thomas , Leslie and Barry Woodley
Aldermaston York Nativity Play Shepherds - Adrian Thomas , Leslie and Barry Woodley

Cromwells sing for Daisy’s Dream

The Cromwell Singers sing in The Spirit of Christmas at the Methodist Church in Northbrook Street on Saturday (Dec 7) 3pm. The group enjoy singing for local charities in and around Newbury and have raised thousands of pounds through over the years. Their charity partner for this concert, will be Daisy’s Dream which provides support for children and young people who have been affected by bereavement. It will feature a variety of popular and classical pieces, as well as traditional carols in which the audience will be invited to raise their voices with them to herald the beginning of the festive season. The first half will include medleys from Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, along with more ABBA songs as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the popular band’s triumph at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. After the interval, Christmas songs by Bob Chilcott and John Rutter will be interspersed with seasonal readings and a specially written piece by their MD Trevor Defferd. Soloists from within the choir will sing well-known solos by Bizet and Schubert, and we will once again showcase talented young performers from the local area.Corn Exchange panto

Dick Whittington, the latest tale from the award-winning Plested Brown and Wilsher has arrived!

The dazzling Newbury panto adventure is hback at the Corn Exchange, oh yes it is! Join Dick and his trusty cat on their quest to seek fame and fortune. This dynamic duo are setting off on an epic journey from Newburyshire to London, but things aren't always as they seem in the city as they come face-to-face with the evil Percy Rat. Can you help them conquer the evil Percy Rat and save the city of London? A show full of chart-topping hits, plenty of magic and festive fun for the whole family!

Evil Percy Rat, Dick Whittington
Evil Percy Rat, Dick Whittington

Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio

‘THIS is a fantastic show – one of the best Christmas productions I’ve seen for many years. (N2)’. Simon Reade’s brand-new musical adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Pinocchio runs at The Watermill, Bagnor, until January 5 With music and lyrics by Chris Larner, This vivacious new version of the well-known story – based on Carlo Collodi’s 19th-century original – is told from Pinocchio’s point of view, giving him a voice. Lovingly carved in Geppetto’s workshop, Pinocchio’s parents dream of a bright future for their wooden son. Pinocchio, however, dreams of adventure and sets off on a path of fun and freedom ready to discover the world. Along the way, Pinocchio is confronted with big decisions and a menagerie of colourful characters, leading to calamitous consequences as he starts a fire, turns into a donkey, and even ends up inside a whale! .it’s an absolute magical Christmas treat. https://www.watermill.org.uk/pinocchio

Michael Morpurgo's Pinocchio at The Watermill
Michael Morpurgo's Pinocchio at The Watermill

A Merry Minor Christmas

LOCAL musicians Beenham Wind Orchestra and The Cecilia Consort are again joining forces for a Christmas concert at St John’s Church on Sunday, (Dec 8) at 4.30pm. A Merry Minor Christmas – a reference to David Lovrien’s We Come a-Darkly Caroling, an audience favourite reprised from a joint concert two years ago. This is a combination of well-known carols transposed from ‘happy’ major keys to ‘dark’ minor keys and sprinkled with wit and humour. Together with well-known seasonal favourites like Sleigh Ride, the programme also includes the powerful Angelic Fanfare for orchestra and organ on the theme of Christmas angels; and James Curnow’s sparkling arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker suite. There’s also a chance to join in the singing with some congregational carols so you can get into the Christmas spirit! Jointly conducted by Janet Coxwell and Victoria Benjamin, this wonderful combination of accomplished players and voices is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Tickets are £17 for adults, £2.50 5-16s and free for under fives. Each ticket includes a mince pie and a drink, and can be purchased in advance from www.ceciliaconsort.org.uk



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