21 Awesome Events to Book in October
21 AWESOME EVENTS TO BOOK IN OCTOBER
Top image: Cirque: The Greatest Show at Fairfield Ashcroft Theatre
Book Festivals in October
1 Wimbledon BookFest – Various venues, 12 – 22 October
A host of top speakers will feature in a diverse line-up spanning food, sport, politics and much more, along with children’s events and walks. Speakers include Rick Stein, Steve Backshall, Sebastian Faulks and Clive Myrie.
2 Clapham Book Festival, 14 – 22 October
Literary walks, interviews and online events make up a top programme. Showcase Day is the Saturday and features Melvyn Bragg and Kate Mosse. Time & Leisure will host two Zoom events in October with novelist and Southfields resident Ivy Ngeow and Sarah Bax Horton, who re-examines the Jack the Ripper case.
Theatre in October
1 Nest – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 11-15 October
A story about taking care and how to discover what is important follows the tale of a family of birds as they outgrow their nest. Through clowning, song and shadow play young minds are mesmerised by the physical display. Recommended for ages 3-7. M6 Theatre’s show promises to be a joy.
2 Cirque: The Greatest Show – Fairfield Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon, 14 October
A show where the world of musical theatre meets a circus extravaganza. Marvel in wonder as an all-star cast of West End stars perform classic Broadway numbers alongside incredible circus performers in this highly anticipated production
3 Invisible Animal – Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, 17 Oct – 4 Nov
This is a show for autistic people. This is a show made by autistic people. This is a show for people who exist as different versions at different times in different places, in multitudes that risk spinning out of control. Living in a world made for neurotypical people means Tom is sometimes invisible to others.
4 Uncanny: I Know What I Saw – Rose Theatre, Kingston, 22 October
Join paranormal podcaster Danny Robins, creator of award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, in his newest ghoulish show. Prepare to be engulfed in the scares of real-life supernatural stories as Danny brings the tales of poltergeists, ghosts and more to life on stage. Suitable for ages 14+.
5 Farm Hall – Richmond Theatre, 23-28 October
Based on a moving true story, travel back in time to the summer of 1945. Follow the tale of six German nuclear scientists who are detained by Allied Forces and observed for the entire summer. The cast features familiar faces such as Alan Cox, Julius D’Silva and George Jones.
5 Pied Piper, Battersea Arts Centre, 24-28 October
A hip-hop family musical that puts a spin on a classic tale, follow along as the children of Hamelin rebel against a music ban and a rat infestation. From beatboxers to musicians including local talent, everyone’s attention is sure to be hooked in this family-friendly show. Recommended for ages 6+.
6 Heathers the Musical – New Wimbledon Theatre, 24-28 October
The smash-hit black comedy rock musical based on the 1989 film is back on tour. Discover life at Westerberg High through Veronica Sawyer’s journey from being a nobody to becoming a somebody. Ages 14+ with guidance.
7 Treasure Island – Hampton Hill Theatre, 25-29 October
The classic story of swashbuckling pirates and completely mad adventures makes its way to Hampton Hill Theatre. Follow Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and his parrot as they sail the high seas and search for gold.
Music Events in October
1 The Cinelli Brothers – Hampton Hub Club, 8 October
The highly awarded blues band are set to perform their greatest hits from their three albums. With a passion for the 1960s, their sound consists of a mix of blues, rock and soul with a contemporary twist attracting a crowd of all ages.
2 The Drifters – New Wimbledon Theatre, 9 October
Bringing the classic 60’s R&B soul sound, The Drifters are back on tour with an all-new show of their classic hits from the last six decades including Under the Boardwalk, Hello Happiness and Come on Over to My Place.
3 Hitched – OSO Arts Centre, Barnes, 12-13 October
Melinda Hughes is back and has a lot to say about married life, weddings and politics. The musical satirist and comedian is backed by a live jazz trio led by the hilarious Jeremy Limb in this hysterical music show. Prepare for witty lyrics, beautiful music and classic stand-up.
4 The Story of Guitar Heroes – G Live, Guildford, 18 October
Starring incredible world-class musicians and video projection, undertake a journey through five decades from the 1950s Rock & Roll scene to the guitar stars of the modern era. Using 30 different authentic guitars, the show is renowned for its authentic recreations of unique sounds of a range of guitar legends.
5 Witch Perfect – Clapham Grand, 25 October
A completely side-splitting spooky live-singing comedy parody of everyone’s favourite Halloween film, Hocus Pocus. Join Ru Paul Drag Race royalty, Tina Burner, Alexis Michelle and Scarlett Envy for a night of hits from icons such as Madonna and Cher as well as Broadway bops from Wicked and Gypsy.
Art Events in October
1 Solomon Garçon Arms – Studio Voltaire, Clapham, 4 October – 14 January 2024
The first UK institutional exhibition from Solomon Garçon Arms will bring an incredible installation using sound, sculpture and performance, creating a mise-en-scene with common references to shapeshifting and anamorphic figures. Three performances will take place during the exhibition where the audience will experience the role of observer and the observed.
2 FOCUS Art Fair – Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea, 4 -7 October
Merging art and technology the anticipated art fair returns to London featuring emerging galleries and presenting a wide range of creative expressions. The fair sets to showcase a bright mix of contemporary traditional pieces and digital experiments in a celebration of innovative talent.
3 Victorian Stereoscope Parlour Evening – Watts Gallery, Compton, 4 October
A special after-hours tour of Victorian Virtual Reality with exhibition co-curators, Emily Burns and Denis Pellerin, and Rebecca Sharpe from the Brian May Archive of Stereoscopes. Enjoy an evening of Victorianstyle entertainment and viewing originals from the Stereoscope collections.
4 Art Surrey – Epsom Downs Racecourse, 6 – 8 October
A fabulous art fair featuring over 80 exhibitors with 3000+ artworks available for purchase, from £50 to £3,000+.
5 Eli-Chem Resins Workshop – Wimbledon Art Studios, 12 October
Bring a piece of art and learn the best new resin techniques from the experts at Eli-Chem in this fun workshop. The hands-on class offers an informal afternoon of learning with like-minded creative artists.
6 Affordable Art Fair – Battersea Park, 19-22 October
With thousands of works from leading UK and international galleries, the Affordable Art Fair has something to offer for everyone’s tastes and their budgets. From abold new print to a subtle accent for the home, you are sure to be able to find a steal or two.
