What to see this Equinox weekend
The King’s Speech
A new production of David Seidler’s play The King’s Speech, at opens at The Watermill tomorrow (Friday) and runs to Saturday, November 2. The production has been sponsored by Damson Restaurant, just down the road from the Bagnor theatre, in Winterbourne. 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.
Live music at ACE Space
After its summer break ACE Space, in St Nichols Rd, starts its new season of gigs on Saturday with internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid who, say fRoots, has a voice “as rich, matured and knowing as the finest thrice-distilled Irish malt whiskey”. Holding dual Irish and American citizenship, her eclectic background is reflected in her unorthodox songwriting and diverse choice of material. Her performances span genres and defy categorisation, making each show a unique journey for the audience. Sarah’s performances are a blend of brilliant musicianship and engaging storytelling. She masterfully plays acoustic and electric guitars, piano, and occasionally the drum. Audiences can expect to be mesmerised by her captivating voice and the depth of emotion she brings to each song. Opening the evening will be Ben Baron, a singer and banjo player from Newbury but now living in Glasgow. www.WeGotTickets.com
Equinox celebration at Wasing
Wasing Estate is hosting the inaugural EarthPercent Presents Equinox, a three-day celebration of music, nature and thought-provoking talks from tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday. Backed by the legendary Brian Eno, this first-of-its-kind event has mesmerising music, evocative talks, nature connection, wild swimming and a woodland sauna. It will be a weekend of music and more, featuring performances by British-Indian composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Nitin Sawhney, psychedelic electronic music DJ set from Shpongle, Mercury Prize nominated folk singer/interpreter Sam Lee and many others. Festival-goers can attend curated talks and hear from experts, including a rare UK appearance by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. This gathering not only marks the seasonal transition but also supports EarthPercent, a charity founded by Eno to combat climate change with five per cent of ticket sales donated to EarthPercent. www.wasing.co.uk/ equinox
Jazz with Clare Teal
Expect exhilarating swing from award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 and Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal and her marvellous band at The Haymarket on Saturday (September 21, 7.30pm). Clare returns to the venue with a fabulous new show celebrating the hits and hidden gems of the Great American and British Songbooks, plus contemporary covers and originals. The concert will also include favourites from her DVD, The Fireside Sessions. Teal’s live shows are constantly evolving, always richly infused with jazz and critically renowned across the country for their fabulous arrangements, interspersed with Clare’s warm and witty storytelling. As one of the UK’s greatest interpreters of popular song and much-loved performers, Clare and her band (Jason Rebello – piano, Ferg Ireland – bass, Will Cleasby – drums, and Dave Archer – guitar) guarantee an evening of inspirational, uplifting music. https://www.anvilarts.org.uk
The Road to Mozart
On Sunday (3pm), at St John’s Church, Newbury, local musicians Matthew Prior and Steve Bowey present The Road to Mozart. Horn player Matthew, who attended St Barts School and is a former member of the National Youth Orchestra, is about to start his final year at Durham University where he is studying maths. Organist and pianist Steve is already well known to local audiences through his organ recitals at St Nic’s Church and accompanying Newbury Choral Society and the Cecilia Consort. The concert features Mozart’s Horn Concerto No 3, plus recorder and piano works by Handel, Telemann and Haydn. Entry free, with a retiring collection for Christian Aid.
Ceramics show
Visit City Arts Newbury and you’ll find it full of ceramics by a select group of local makers. September Ceramics 2024, at the Hampton Road community arts hub, offers a mix of domestic and sculptural pieces, all made by hand, by someone completely engaged in the act of making. Someone who’s become intrigued by the marvellous material that clay is and who loves exploring what can be done with it. Go and see what they’ve been up to – it’s open 10am to 4pm today (Thursday) until Sunday. There will also be a ceramics raffle, the ‘Up and Coming Makers’ competition and voting for your favourite work.City Arts exhibitions are free and its Art Hub café is fast gaining a reputation for delicious homemade cakes and barista coffee. It also has a great selection of locally-made teapots and chairs. painted by local artists. https://cityartsnewbury.org
