Pick of 6 of the best events in and around Newbury this coming week
Here’s our hitlist of what to see this week:
The Kite Runner
DIRECT from Broadway, The Kite Runner, an outstanding and unforgettable theatrical tour de force, has returned to Oxford Playhouse, where it is running to Saturday. Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a country on the verge of war and best friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul, the skies are full of colour and the streets are full of the excitement of a kite flying tournament, but no one can foresee the terrible incident that will shatter their lives forever. One Broadway season and two West End seasons have garnered international acclaim for this incredibly powerful story. https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/the-kite-runner
Julian Clary
YEE-HAW! Julian Clary brings his Fistful of Clary to The Anvil, Basingstoke, tomorrow night (Friday, 7.30pm). You’ve heard of The Man With No Name? Well, here’s The Man With No Shame. renowned homosexual and national trinket, has saddled up for his 2024 UK tour.“Yes, it has a Western theme”, the old buckaroo confirms, sipping Bourbon from a pint tankard. “It was only a matter of time before I eased myself into some chaps” he adds, dabbing his temples with a damp flannel. Julian is sure that the men in the audience will be so eager to join his posse they won’t be able to keep their hands off his rawhide.The lucky few will play with him on stage in the Hang ‘em Low saloon, where Wild Bill Hickok used to meet his special friend, Raving Clarence la Fruit. But life in the Old West was tough. Not all of Julian’s wild bunch will be around to witness the final shoot-out that will result in Julian giving himself selflessly at high noon to the last man standing. Who knows what else he’ll do for a few dollars more? “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do…” drawls Julian cryptically before becoming engrossed in his embroidery. https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/julian-clary
Watermill Farmers Market
THE Watermill is hosting its first Farmers Market tomorrow (Friday, 10am-2..30pm) to support its fundraising. Visitors can enjoy locally-based and sustainably-minded businesses in the beautiful surroundings of the Bagnor theatre’s grounds. There will be more than 20 stalls offering a range of fresh artisanal food, drink and other natural produce, from cheese to honey, local beer and spirits to baked goods and chutneys. The Watermill’s Café Bar and Restaurant will be open with a delicious range of fresh seasonal refreshments, and there will be the opportunity to have a sneak peek behind the scenes with Theatre Tours available to book on the day. Tickets: watermill.org.uk At £3, all entry fees will contribute to The Watermill’s ongoing fundraising towards the theatre's future productions, engagement programmes and education initiatives.
DJ Luck & MC Neat
LEGENDARY Garage duo DJ Luck & MC Neat take over the new Reloaded Bar in Wharf Street, Newbury on Saturday. “Get ready to witness some dance floor anthems. Doors open 7.30pm. Established in 1997 and releasing their most well-known top 10 hit of ‘A Little Bit of Luck’ in 1999, DJ Luck & MC Neat quickly became a house hold name amongst the UK music scene. Aside from numerous charting singles over the years including 3 top ten hits, a MOBO Award and becoming gold-selling artists, DJ Luck and MC Neat have played at some of the most well-known festivals such as Party in the Park, V festival where they joined Olly Murs on stage and Glastonbury to name but a few. You’re guaranteed a night of ultimate energy. Ticket details on Facebook.
Sari Schorr
TWO leading blues rock artists, who are currently among the top new international touring acts in the genre, are joining forces to tour the UK backed by their full electric and high energy live bands. Having headlined festivals across Europe and with a US Billboard chart-topping album under her belt, Sari Schorr is returning to Newbury on Sunday and concert-goers will be the first in the world to hear the premiere of two new tracks from her hugely anticipated new studio album, due for worldwide release this autumn. This is months ahead of national airplay, magazine reviews and official release on streaming platforms. Her jaw-dropping voice, with a five-octave range, and a live show that erupts like a volcano have catapulted Sari into the spotlight as one of the hottest new blues-rock singers today. Sari’s headline show at Arlington Arts is part of her UK tour, supported by special guest Matt Pearce & the Mutiny. https://arlington-arts.com/
Chick Flicks
TWO actors. Six beloved films. One hilarious parody! Six Chick Flicks (or a legally blonde pretty woman dirty danced on the beaches while writing a notebook on the Titanic) comes to The Corn Exchange on Wednesday (7.30pm). Fresh from a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this smash hit comedy parodies your favourite chick flicks in one hysterical, fast-paced show. From the deck of the Titanic to the glittery pink halls of Harvard Law, watch as New York City comedians Kerry Ipema and KK Apple transform the stage with songs, dance breaks, and pop culture hilarity. If you love chick flicks, you'll love this show. If you hate chick flicks...you'll love this show! Grab your besties, your cinephile pals, or even your brunette nemesis for a night of fun, frothy comedy. https://cornexchangenew.com/event/six-chick-flicks