What’s on our go-to hitlist @newburytoday this coming week

This week’s must see list: A new take on Shakespeare, beautiful Ballet Black, political comedy, the saucy Calendar Girls hit the stage and the last chance too see world-class wildlife photography

Shakespeare at The Watermill

THE critically acclaimed Watermill Ensemble sashay into the Golden Age of Hollywood with a glamorous new take on Shakespeare’s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, which opens at the Bagnor theatre tomorrow (Friday). Set against the backdrop of a bustling film set, passions run high as the drama continues even when the cameras stop rolling. Bickering on-screen lovers Benedick and Beatrice bring mischief and mayhem to the set, while the young lovers, rising star Claudio and, the daughter of the studio boss, Hero are threatened by an elaborate plot of deception. Lose yourself in the music and film of this golden era with a 1940s-inspired soundscape, played live by an ensemble cast of actor-musicians. The run continues to May 18.

Performance schedule: Mon – Sat 7.30pm (April 16, 7pm); Thu & Sat 2.30pm (excl. April 13 & May 9); Wed 2.30pm (May 8)

https://www.watermill.org.uk/much-ado

Ballet Black

NOW in their 22nd year, the exhilarating Ballet Black perform their double bill Heroes at Oxford Playhouse tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. Award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game. His exciting and energetic work about the meaning of existence is infused with a dynamic soundtrack featuring the voices of the Ballet Black artists. Sophie Laplane, the Franco-British artist, and Choreographer in Residence at Scottish Ballet, creates a new piece for Ballet Black. If At First, explores the complexity of humanity, heroism and self-acceptance in this celebratory and original piece. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/ballet-black-heroes

Wildlife photography

IT’s your last chance to see the stunning 59th edition of the world renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year on loan from the Natural History Museum. The show at The Base, Greenham finishes on Sunday. Celebrating the very best nature photography and photojournalism, the emotive power of hotography inspires wonder and advocates for the natural world. Book your visit now and get up close to some of the world’s most extraordinary species, the lives they live and challenges they face. https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/

Calendar Girls

OPENING tonight (Thursday) at The Mill at Sonning, Calendar Girls, directed by Sally Hughes. This heartwarming and hilarious play by Tim Firth is based on a true story and the hit 2003 film. When Annie’s husband dies of leukemia, she and her best friend Chris decide to raise funds for the local hospital. Despite raised eyebrows from the local community they create a calendar featuring themselves and their friends from the Women’s Institute…in tastefully nude poses. As they embark on their fundraising journey over the seasons, the friends discover a newfound sense of confidence and sisterhood, breaking free from societal expectations of middle age. And as the word begins to spread, these Calendar Girls begin to turn heads and capture hearts around the world. It will make you laugh, cry and even blush! Calendar Girls is a glorious celebration of friendship, community, and the power of ordinary people to make a difference. Runs to June 1. https://millatsonning.com/shows/calendar-girls/

Comedy

TOMORROW night (Friday, 8pm) Rosie Holt: That’ POLITAINMENT! Rosie is back with another hilariously poignant show! The worse the political career, the more lucrative the subsequent entertainment opportunities. So can Rosie Holt's viral hit MP follow 'politainers' Dorries, Farage and Rees-Mogg and leap from the pages of Hansard to Heat? Following a hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe season, Rosie takes this brand-new show on the road, to tightrope the thin line between politics and entertainment. Rosie is an acclaimed comedian, actor and satirist, whose popular videos on social media have achieved more than 6.5 million views. She is the host the podcast Noncensored, and has been seen/heard on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky Max), and BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, DM’s Are Open, and Ashley Blaker 6.5 Children, among many other credits.