What’s on this action packed weekend
Russell Watson at St Nic’s
WORLD-renowned tenor Russell Watson visits Newbury’s St Nic’s Church on Saturday, accompanied by acclaimed pianist/arranger/writer Mike Moranas, part of his Magnificent Buildings Concert Series. We are promised a magical evening – one that will celebrate the setting as much as the music – featuring a mixture of classical songs old and new, medleys from musicals and some of his favourite pieces. He is bringing as his guest Nancy May, an Essex-based classical crossover soprano who trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and has now gone on to forge her own career. The concert starts at 7.30pm, doors open at 6.45pm (approximate finish 10pm). Visit https://thelittleboxoffice.com/oeplive/ event/view/197183 to book.
Literature festival
MORE than 40 authors will gather at Marlborough LitFest this weekend. Tickets are still available for several events including The Golding Speaker Linda Grant, journalist Robert Peston, William Dalrymple (The Golden Road), Sonia Purnell (Kingmaker), Ysenda Maxtone Graham (Jobs for the Girls) and Robert Hardman (Charles III). Check the website for availability of all events. Bestselling author Robert Harris will be stepping in to fill Sarah Perry’s slot on Saturday at 1pm in Marlborough Town Hall after she had to cancel her talk. He will be in conversation with journalist and regular LitFest interviewer Alex Clark. The festival runs from tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday. Visit www.marlboroughlitfest.org
The King’s Speech
IMAGINE being faced with the biggest moment of your life, and you cannot find your voice. The weight of the nation sits on your shoulders as you assume a role bound by duty and your family is in crisis. Your only hope lies in someone from the opposite side of the world, in geography, stature and convention…The Watermill’s new production of David Seidler’s play The King’s Speech takes an intimate view of one of life’s most unorthodox relationships between Bertie, the soon-to-be-crowned King George VI, and speech therapist Lionel Logue. As Hitler’s threat on Europe encroaches, Bertie fights his own battle to overcome his speech impediment at the time his country needs him most. The King’s Speech runs at the Bagnor theatre until November 2. https://www.watermill.org.uk/the-kings-speech
Kurt Jackson exhibition
LEADING contemporary artist Kurt Jackson returns to The Base, Greenham, with his exhibition Oak. It opens tomorrow (Friday) and runs to November 17. In this stunning new series of works which incorporate painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking, from small postcard-sized to large tarpaulin-sized pieces, Jackson aims to tackle the different aspects of this beloved tree. From individual trees and oak habitat, to their seasonal changes in dress, the leaves and acorns, the striking and robust architectural forms and structure, he explores the role this tree has, in our shared historical and cultural narratives.Historical sites, nature reserves, ancient woodland, clifftops, river valleys, city centres, estuaries and industrial sites have all been the locations for the making of this work. Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Prices and booking at https://thebasegreenham.co.uk
White knuckle films
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing a night of gripping adventure films to the big screen at Reading’s Hexagon on Saturday. The festival stars the world’s top adventure filmmakers with extreme BASE jumping, paragliding, skiing and more, the Banff 2024 Blue Film Programme features a new collection of gripping action films from remote regions of the globe. “Get ready for an inspirational night of adventure from the wildest corners of the planet!” says tour director Nell Teasdale. “With intrepid athletes, spectacular cinematography and a big dose of adrenaline, the Banff Mountain Film Festival stars the best new films from the world’s top adventure filmmakers. Plus, we guarantee you’ll be inspired to have an adventure of your own as well!” https://whatsonreading.com/hexagon/whats-on
