Welcome to our monthly roundup of entertainment options in and around our beautiful town this May.
Before we begin, here’s a heads up for the ‘Best Family Festival in the UK’ taking place in Stoke Park over the weekend of July 4th and 5th.
Guilfest headliners this year include The Proclaimers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Inspiral Carpets, and the brilliant Elvana (if you know, you know!). But there’s more to Guilfest than great music, there’s a comedy tent, spectacular street food and loads of children’s entertainment, including appearances from Paw Patrol, and The Gruffalo.
Tickets always sell out so get yours while you can.
On with May, and we will kick off with our great friends at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
On Sunday 10th, National Treasure, punk poet and prolific wit, Dr. John Cooper Clarke hits the stage in a performance not to be missed.
The Importance of Being Oscar tells the story of the life, rise and devastating fall from grace of Oscar Wilde in his own words, and those of fellow Irish genius, Micheál Mac Liammóir. You can catch the show, starring the brilliant Alastair Whatley on the 15th and 16th of the month.
Emma Kennedy – Murderous Minds is a show not to be missed by fans of real life crime. Emma is forensic in her investigation into the motives of the criminals responsible for some of the darkest acts in UK crime history.
For one night only, musical director Alex Parker and friends present A Sondheim Cabaret. The sensational cast includes Jac Yarrow, Sophie-Louise-Dann and Laura Pitt-Pullford, expect all the hits, performed brilliantly on the 20th of May.
Why settle for one National Treasure when you can have two…A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music on May 22nd and 23rd as Anton Lesser brings Hardy to life in a show described as ‘Truly Magical’.
Our wonderful neighbours across the road at G Live have yet another month of world class entertainment, starting with Rory Bremner – Making an Impression on the 10th.
Sir Lenny Henry picks up the comedy baton on the 20th with his show Still at Large, part stand-up, part storytelling, all brilliant.
Then, on the 21st it’s the turn of Al Murray with All You Need is Guv, what more needs to, or can be said about this genius act, hurry to get your tickets though, they are selling very fast.
A slight change of pace on the 22nd as Alfie Boe performs all the hits you’d want and tracks from his brand new album ‘Face Myself’. If you haven’t experienced an Alfie Boe concert before, boy you’re in for a treat!
Bona fide genius, and a solid candidate for nicest bloke in the world Michael Palin takes to the stage on Sunday 31st. There’s nothing we can say to adequately describe the man’s work. Just go and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed.