Where to go this week
Roll up for Barnum!
BARNUM’S going down a storm at The Watermill. Step right up and enter the dazzling world of PT Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds. The Bagnor theatre’s summer spectacular continues until September 8. Delight at every sight, wonder and miracle as the creator of spectacle comes to town with a sensational show featuring a whole host of characters. Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. However, the irresistible pull of an ever-bigger humbug comes at a cost, and the people paying are usually those on whom Barnum tramples, on the way to the top. The show continues to September 8. https://www.watermill.org.uk/
Ayckbourn Bedroom Farce
BEDROOM Farce opens at The Mill at Sonning tonight (Thursday) and runs to September 21. The Alan Ayckbourn classic revolves around four married couples over the course of one chaotic evening. A hilarious and entertaining exploration of the ups and downs of married life. The dinner-theatre venue is set majestically on the banks of the River Thames, and celebrates more than 40 years of entertainment. The intimate theatre seats 217 in the semi-round allowing the audience to feel involved in the performance and the restaurant, separate from the theatre but within the premises, has views over the river. A waterwheel features in the cosy bar. All tickets include a two-course meal. https://millatsonning.com/
Bob Marley musical
THE outstanding production The King of Reggae: The Man – The Music tours to Oxford Playhouse tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Featuring songs more than 20 of his iconic hits, all played live on stage by the incredible King of Reggae Band, they tell the remarkable story of Bob Marley, the man who brought reggae music to the world. From a government yard in Trenchtown to Rastafari icon, this new narrated musical charts the life and times of the King of Reggae, touching every aspect of the Jamaican superstar’s musical, spiritual and political life and the impact his music was to have worldwide. Friday and Saturday. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
The Pete Allen Jazz Band
ALL are invited to enjoy an afternoon of “Happy Swingin’ Music” with the Pete Allen Jazz Band at The Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa, Oxford Road, Newbury, RG14 3AG, between 2.30 and 5pm on Sunday. This talented band stars the eponymous Pete on clarinet/ saxes/banjo/vocals, Roger Marks on trombone, Chris Hodgkins on trumpet, James Clemas on piano/vocals, Dave Hanratty on bass, Jim Newton on drums, and Trevor Whiting on saxes. Joining them this week is Denny Ilett Jnr who has been playing professionally since the mid-80s, perfecting a range of guitar styles across jazz, blues, rock and swing that enable him to shine in almost any context. Admission is only £17.50 (cash or cheque payable to P Allen) on the door. www.peteallenjazz.com
The Battle Proms
THE Highclere Castle Battle Proms is back on Saturday. The popular open-air picnic concert returns to Highclere Castle and is expected to entertain thousands with music and spectacular displays. This year’s programme is packed with classical favourites from Elgar’s Nimrod, accompanied by a moving Spitfire display from the legendary Grace Spitfire, to the Light Cavalry Overture with a musical ride from the Worcestershire Cavalry. Guests can also enjoy listening to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s Battle Symphony – both with ground-shaking live cannon fire – along with flag-waving and a sing-a-long finale under a sky of fireworks. The audience will also be able to meet the world famous Red Devils, the British Army’s official parachute display team, and members of the Napoleonic Association, who bring the ‘Age of Elegance’ to life at The Battle Proms. Families are invited to take their own picnics and drinks. www.battleproms.com
