21+ FABULOUS EVENTS TO DISCOVER IN MAY
21+ FABULOUS EVENTS TO DISCOVER IN MAY
Top image: Flutes & Frets Duo, Banstead Arts Festival
Theatre in London and Surrey in May 2023
1 The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Richmond Theatre, 2-6 May
A touching and powerful portrayal of the journey of a couple, Afra and her beekeeper husband Nuri, as they flee Syria and eventually arrive in the UK.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-beekeeper-of-aleppo/richmond-theatre/
2 Vardy V Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial – New Victoria Theatre, Woking, 26-27 May
Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney’s explosive legal battle comes to life in their own words, taken from seven days of High Court transcripts. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/vardy-v-rooney-the-wagatha-christie-trial/new-victoria-theatre/
3 The Everywhere Bear – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 27 May – 13 August
Lost bear has a big adventure, but how will he get back? Join the fun puppet show of Julia Donaldson’s The Everywhere Bear including rhyme, original music, and expressive puppetry.
4 Supernova – Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, 25 April – 13 May
Tess and Harry seem like a match made in heaven with their love for space and all things nerdy. But when self-doubt creeps in, their relationship starts to crumble. Rhiannon Neads’ debut play is an exploration of falling out of love with yourself while falling in love with someone else.
5 Wuthering Heights – Rose Theatre, Kingston, 23-27 May
Inspector Sands presents a fresh take on the classic novel Wuthering Heights, exploring the impact of the infamous love story across generations. With humour, passion and pathos, this production channels Emily Brontë’s wit and emotion, while also looking at contemporary themes such as the relationship between violence, social alienation, and radical behaviour.
6 Ellen Kent’s La Bohème – New Wimbledon Theatre, 1 May
Experience the romance and tragedy of La Bohème in Senbla’s latest production, presented by Opera International and featuring the talented Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/ellen-kents-la-boheme/new-wimbledon-theatre/
MUSIC EVENTS in London and Surrey in May 2023
7 Estonian Symphony Orchestra – Fairfield Halls, Croydon – 25 May
Featuring a beautiful tribute to Benjamin Britten, ‘Cantus in Memoriam’ by the famous Estonian composer Arvo Part, followed by a captivating performance by pianist Freddy Kempf of Rachmaninov’s beloved 2nd Piano Concerto.
https://www.fairfield.co.uk/events/estonian-symphony-ochestra
8 Katriona Taylor Quintet – Katriona Sings The Best Of Bacharach – The Bulls Head Jazz Club, Barnes, 20 May
A spectacular show featuring the legendary Burt Bacharach’s multi-award-winning songs, performed by the talented jazz artist Katriona Taylor and her world-class musicians.
9 Banstead Arts Festival – 29 April – 14 May
The festival brings together a mix of music, art, and talks for the community to enjoy. This year’s events not to miss include Kensington Three piano trio with works by Mozart and Shostakovich, unique ensemble Flutes & Frets Duo and Young Musicians Showcase.
10 Wimbledon Community Chorus – St Mark’s Church, Wimbledon, 13 May
WCC will be taking part in Merton SingFest 2023. This is the second of 4 short concerts across the day, given by 18 local choirs. WCC will perform an uplifting 15 minute programme and then join with 3 other choirs to sing this year’s SingFest anthem, Golden Slumbers, specially arranged by Michael Higgins.
11 THE EALING CLUB at THE EEL PIE CLUB – 4 May
Get ready to rock out to the iconic sounds of the 60s with The Ealing Club House Band, T J Johnson and The Great West Groove Band. Celebrate the roots of British rock music at Britain’s first dedicated electric Blues club, featuring a lineup of top UK blues musicians.
12 80s Live – Dorking Halls, 26 May
Get ready to step back in time and dance the night away with Electric Dreams! Relive the biggest hits from the 80s with a live band, as they perform over two dozen chart-topping anthems from iconic artists like Wham!, Madonna, and Duran Duran.
Art events in London and Surrey in May 2023
13 Kingston Open Studios – 13-14 and 20-21 May, Kingston and Teddington
Discover the artistic talent in your local community! 30 venues across Kingston and Teddington will house exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations. Admission is free, and the focus is on enjoying the visit and learning about the creative process.
www.kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk
14 SOFAP Spring Art Exhibition – Fulham Library, 15-21 May
Local professional and amateur artists will showcase their unique works of art, including paintings, mixed media, and ceramic pieces.
15 A World of Islands Curated by Ligaya Salazar – Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston University, 11 May – 15 July
Experience the diverse and fascinating cultures of the tropical world. The exhibition delves into the movement of indigenous knowledge, practices, materials, and people, exploring the historical fabrications of tropical utopia and dystopia.
https://www.stanleypickergallery.org/programme/ligaya-salazar-2/
16 London Potters Fair supporting the Down’s Syndrome Association – Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, 27-28 May
Discover a stunning collection of contemporary ceramics crafted by both established and emerging artists, featuring a diverse range of styles and forms, from abstract to figurative to functional vessels and jewellery.
17 Twickenham Art Circle Exhibition – Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington, 6-7 May
To mark its 75th anniversary, Twickenham Art Circle is hosting an exhibition showcasing the works of its talented amateur and professional artists.
18 The Golden Age of Fashion Illustration by Connie Gray – Sacred Heart Church Hall, Edge Hill, 10 May
Explore the fascinating world of fashion illustration with this informative talk on the golden age of the genre. From the glamorous 1920s to the democratization of fashion in the 1950s, discover the work of renowned artists such as Erté and Georges Le Pape and learn how fashion illustration played a pivotal role in promoting fashion to a wider audience.
Spring has sprung! in London and Surrey in May 2023
19 Chelsea Flower Show – 23-27 May
The world-renowned event showcasing the finest in horticulture and garden design is back in Chelsea! See stunning displays of flowers, plants, and garden sculptures, and learn from experts in the field. With delicious food and drink options and plenty of opportunities to learn, this is a must-attend for any garden enthusiast.
20 Bee Kindness Family Workshop – Chelsea Physic Garden, 28 May
Explore the fascinating history of beekeeping across cultures and discover the growth of pollinator-friendly plants. This educational workshop is perfect for children aged 5 and above.
https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/event/bee-kindness-family-workshop/
21 Bugs and Butterflies Trail – Painshill, Cobham, 27 May – 25 June
Embark on a fun-filled adventure and explore the natural wonders of Painshill. Discover all the hidden bugs and butterflies scattered throughout the gorgeous landscape.
https://www.painshill.co.uk/events/bugs-and-butterflies-trail/
22 Wellness Weekend: Forest Bathing – Morden Hall Park, 21 May
Join experienced facilitator Nigel Grimes for a journey through nature at Morden Hall Park. Grimes will lead participants in mindful techniques, opening up the senses to the power of forest bathing.
