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What’s on in arts & entertainment this week in West Berks




Watermill Family Fête

ENJOY an afternoon of family fun at the Watermill Family Fête from 12 noon on Sunday. Have a go at some traditional fete activities and try your hand at some crafts. Take part in their world famous duck race (pictured left), or get creative and have your face painted. Or relax, enjoy some live music on the lawn from local groups Three Rivers Community Choir & Front Page Rouge, with refreshments from the bar. Browse some fabulous stallholders and indulge in some sweet treats, artisan craft products or a plant or two, all while raising important funds for The Watermill, to support our artistic programme and community outreach work. Parking will be limited, so please try to car share where possible. Entry £3 /U-16s £1.50.

Watermill Family fete duck race
Watermill Family fete duck race

Open mic night

July at ACE Space, St Nicolas’ Road, begins tonight (Friday) with the redoubtable Unplugged Open Mic night. Doors and bar from 7pm, starts at 7.30pm. Performers may come earlier to sign up. This is the last one until September...

Pangbourne Jazz

SUNDAY’S guest at Pangbourne Jazz Club will be the self taught multi-instrumentalist who specialises in guitar Denny Ilett. Denny stands out as a versatile and accomplished musician, seamlessly navigating genres while maintaining a distinct musical identity. A self-taught guitarist, vocalist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and teacher, Denny's musical explorations span jazz, blues, big band, contemporary classical, orchestral, rock, soul, funk, and psychedelia. He has collaborated with a diverse range of renowned musicians, including funk legend Pee Wee Ellis, conductor Charles Hazlewood, Will Gregory (Goldfrapp), Adrian Utley (Portishead), soul artist Lewis Taylor, Paul Jones (Manfred Mann), trumpet virtuoso Bobby Shew, and New Orleans vocalist Lillian Boutté, with whom he toured globally for over two decades as musical director. A passionate performer of big band and swing music, Denny also showcases his vocal talents with interpretations of Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Guitarist magazine describes him as “a knockout guitarist, soulful and jazz-tinged,” a fitting tribute to an artist whose multifaceted contributions continue to shape and inspire the music world. PWMC, Rosewood Hall, Whitchurch Road £12.50, pay on the door or book online, 7.30pm start. Cheap bar, public car park (don’t park at PWMC).

Denny Ilett
Denny Ilett

Jesus Christ Superstar

TIM Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar continues at The Watermill until September 21. This timeless work is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. Spilling out of the theatre into the gardens, be immersed into the heart of this epic rock score, with an incredible cast of actor-musicians seamlessly fusing these classic roles with iconic music including Superstar, Gethsemane and I Don’t Know How to Love Him.Visit The Watermill website for ticket availability: www.watermill.org.uk/ events/superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar C) Pamela Raith Photography
Jesus Christ Superstar C) Pamela Raith Photography

The Comedy Network

Get ready for big laughs as The Comedy Network returns to the Corn Exchange tomorrow (Friday, 8pm) with a top-tier line-up. Brought to you by Avalon, the powerhouse behind some of Britain’s biggest comedic stars including Lee Mack, Russell Howard, and Ed Gamble, The Comedy Network is your ticket to discovering tomorrow’s household names today. This month features the brilliant Chloe Petts, a fast-rising star with sell-out shows and TV credits galore; viral sensation Josh Weller, bringing musical mayhem and sharp stand-up; the witty, offbeat charm of Alex Mason and compering the night is comedy veteran Steve Hall, who’s supported Russell Howard and written for the BBC and Sky. Whether you’re out with friends or marking a special occasion, start your weekend right with the best new voices in British comedy. Find out more. Age Guide: 18+

A good old swashbuckle

ESCAPE to Treasure Island with Newbury favourites Le Navet Bete and their swashbuckling, smash-hit comedy for all the family at Oxford Playhouse on Friday and Saturday. Featuring dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget, set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas. But will they get there in one piece? Is everyone who they say they are? And does ‘X’ really mark the spot? Le Navet Bete are a multi award-winning physical comedy company. Joining forces with one of UK theatre’s best comedy writers and directors John Nicholson (Peepolykus, BBC Radio 4), the company of four play out Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale a



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