2023 EVENTS TO POP IN YOUR DIARY & SAVE THE DATE

Image: Sophie Ward as Marina Gregg (front) in The Mirror Crack’d, credit Ali Wright

February 

The Mirror Crack’d – Rose Theatre, 21-25 Feb 

Do you love Miss Marple? Who doesn’t. Here’s a treat for you, coming to Kingston soon enough – an atmospheric tale of a vicious murder and a certain lady detective with a frail body and a mind of steel… 

Six Nations Championship – various venues, inc. Twickenham, 4 Feb – 18 March 

Get your tix for Twickenham or head to one of our lovely local pubs to cheer on the boys! 

March 

The Bodyguard – New Wimbledon Theatre, 6-11 March 

Get ready for this musical adaptation of the classic movie starring the Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton. Featuring a whole host of irresistible songs including One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing, Greatest Love Of All, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and, of course, I Will Always Love You. 

Boat Race – 26 March  

The iconic Oxford vs Cambridge boat race will, as tradition has it, start downstream of Putney Bridge before passing under Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Railway Bridge finishing just before Chiswick Bridge. Oxford won the man’s race last year for the first time since 2017 – watch out for Cambridge crew eager to get back on winning streak! 

April 

OSO Dining Room: Abyssinian Night – Traditional Ethiopian Cuisine – OSO Arts Centre, 13 April 

Book this one early – they sell out fast! Sample on Abyssinian cuisine reflecting on this historical area – which spanned both present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea – and its fascinating heritage.  

The Woman Who Turned into a Tree – Omnibus Theatre, 4-22 April 

From Netflix’s own Lisa Langseth comes this tale of isolation, identity and obsession with the opinions of others. Inspired by the myth of Daphne. 

May 

The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Richmond Theatre, 2-6 May 

Based on the international bestseller by Christy Lefteri, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a tender play about the life of one couple – an artist blinded by an explosion, Afra, and her beekeeper husband Nuri. 

2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show – 22 – 27 May  

Cutting-edge garden design, stunning floral displays and of course, unique shopping opportunities – all this and more. And don’t miss Discovery Zone in the Great Pavilion – home to educational exhibits promoting the latest discoveries in horticultural science. 

June 

Wandsworth Arts Fringe – 9-25 June 2023 

The true treasure trove of artistic energy, WAF now welcomes local creatives from across the artistic paths to join in for the celebration of culture that moves, thrills and inspires change. Expect cutting-edge theatre, outdoor art extravaganzas, and fab music concerts – and more. 

Kingston International Film Festival – 23-25 June 

The 2022 festival saw 99 films, 12 workshops, 17 Q&A’s, 5 talks, 3 networking sessions, an industry panel and a charity screening which raised £1,400 for DEC Ukraine. And 2023 looks even better! Mark your calendars.  

July 

Fuse International – 30 June – 9 July 2023 

Over 80 events across film, music, theatre, visual arts and other creative place take over Kingston for ten days of bliss. Curated and presented by charity Creative Youth. 

C2023 Wimbledon Championships – 3-16 July 

Annnnd… Tennis is back in Wimbledon. The oldest tennis tournament in the world never fails to attract crowds from all over the world. Although the application phase for the Wimbledon Public Ballot is now closed, you always have a chance to get some in the Queue – stay tuned for our tips to maximise your chances! 

August 

Summer Nights – Epsom Downs, 3 August 

A summer evening of racing at the prestigious Epsom Downs Racecourse – and a live DJ set. 

Ibiza Chill House 2023 – East Molesey Cricket Club, 28 August 

Get a taste of Ibiza in a quintessentially English setting of East Molesey: martinis, prosecco and sangria galore, world, latin and soulful music flows from the stage… 

September 

RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show – 5-10 Sep 

The sensational flower festival returns to Wisley for yet another year! Expect gardening inspiration, expert advice, floral displays and lots of shopping. Plus, the celebrations of 10 years of National Dahlia Society Show at Wisley! 

Jane Morris – the Pre-Raphaelite muse – Omnibus Theatre, 18 September 

A fab talk organised by Clapham Society. Find out more about this outstanding woman, immortalised through her many portraits by her long-time lover, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, yet presently largely forgotten in the shadow of her husband, William Morris. 

October 

Local bookfests  

Wimbledon, Barnes, Guildford and Clapham will welcome you back this autumn! The best authors, warm meet-and-greets, and awesome stories to hear. This year’s line-up featured the likes of Robert Harris, Ben Macintyre and Anthony Horowitz – keep an eye on who’s next! 

Shrek The Musical – New Victoria Theatre, 30 October – 4 November 

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert comes this fabulous musical for the entire family! 

November 

Bonfire Night – 5 November 

Join in for the top Bonfire Night events in London and Surrey. Annual sparkling extravaganzas are bound to be back, including musical displays in Wimbledon and Morden Parks and the massive celebrations in Battersea Park! 

Annie – New Wimbledon Theatre, 7-11 November 

The smash-hit musical beloved by generations of children returns to Wimbledon to brighten up your autumn days… 

December 

Pantomimes 

Our local theatres are sure to get festive again! Stay tuned for what they have planned this year… 

New Year’s Eve 

And we’re back in January! Here’s to 2023 being the best one yet!