21+ Magical Things to Discover this May

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Theatre

1 The Wizard of Oz

New Victoria Theatre, Woking, 7-12 May

Starring ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch Of The West, this spectacular production is a must-see.

2 Get Off

Battersea Arts Centre, 8-25 May

Self-proclaimed ‘hot-mess’ Katy Baird brings the London premiere of her latest work to Battersea Arts Centre. Get Off continues Katy’s frank, poignant and uproarious take on the human condition.

3 Awful Auntie

Richmond Theatre, 9-12 May

Birmingham Stage Company present a fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure, featuring a small ghost, a huge owl and a very awful auntie.

4 The Colour of Dinosaurs

Polka Theatre, 11 May – 9 June

Join five amazing musicians and famous palaeontologist Dr Jakob Vinther as they enter the multicoloured world of the dinosaurs with catchy songs and mindblowing science.

5 Jesus Christ Superstar

New Wimbledon Theatre, 13-18 May

Set against the backdrop of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar.’

6 Ruby Wax: I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was

Dorking Halls, 22 May

In this theatrical and funny one woman show, Ruby Wax moves away from her usual straight stand-up to her personal journey with mental health. Age 14+

6 Robin Hood’s Quest: Interactive Theatre

Morden Hall Park, 29-31 May

Participants will be led on a thrilling trail through the Rose Garden to rescue Robin Hood from the evil Sir Guy of Gisborne, with challenges to try and riddles and puzzles to solve along the way.

More fab things to do:

Music

1 Banstead Arts Festival

1-25 May

Featuring highlights like the Young Musicians’ Showcase, Choral Evensong and a mini flower show, Banstead Arts Festival is set to demonstrate a wide range of the arts, music and culture.

2 A Spanish Fiesta

Epsom Playhouse, 4 May

The Epsom Symphony Orchestra brings you a Spanish Fiesta of music with compositions that reflect the vibrancy of Spain.

3 Country in the Afternoon

The Half Moon, Putney, 18-19 May

Country in the Afternoon returns for its tenth edition with an international line-up that will provide a wide variety of country and Americana music over the two afternoons.

4 The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars

Rose Theatre, Kingston, 25 May

The famous jazz club brings new music and archive footage celebrating its Soho Songbook.

5 Malcolm Plays the Blues (The Malcolm Bruce Band)

Eel Pie Club, Twickenham, 30 May

This special show will take a look at the history of British rhythm and blues, from the early days of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, through The Graham Bond Organisation, John Mayall, Cream and beyond.

(c) Pattie Boyd

See what’s on at your local theatres:

Arts & Fairs

1 Spring Craft Fair

RHS Wisley Gardens, 2-6 May

Visitors will be able to view and purchase contemporary craft and art whilst enjoying the beautiful spring garden. The event will incorporate demonstrating artists, a food village and live music. 

(c) RHS / Georgi Mabee

2 Light into Life

Kew Gardens, Opens 4 May

Contemporary artist Marc Quinn explores the relationship between people and plants. Building on the artist’s longstanding interest in nature and the human experience, Light into Life will encompass monumental sculptures across the Gardens.

3 The Green Meet

Fulham Palace, 5 May

Explore a wide selection of stalls featuring local craftsmanship and eco-friendly alternatives from small businesses. Learn a new skill at one of the workshops, and enjoy live music with a bite to eat from sustainable food vendors

(c) Marcus Dawes

4 San Francisco in Kingston: Muybridge and Panoramas

Kingston Museum, 10 May – 2 November

Marking the 120th anniversary of Kingston-born photographer Eadweard Muybridge’s death, this exhibition presents a magnificent panorama of San Francisco that Muybridge photographed in 1878. The exhibition also displays two modern panoramas of the city by other artists.at this exhibition.

5 Kingston Artists Open Studios

11-26 May

Visit artists, designers and makers in their studios across Kingston and Teddington. Open Studios was created to support the work of artists within the local community. Visits are free of charge and artists are happy to talk about their creative process.

6 Beryl Cook/Tom of Finland

Studio Voltaire, Clapham, Opens 15 May

This major new exhibition brings together the work of these two cultural icons for the very first time. In pairing their work this presentation will reveal interconnected ideas surrounding gender, sexuality, taste and class.

7 Mini Moments Festival

Surbiton, 18 May

The Community Brain invites you to a spectacular day of family friendly activity this spring. Celebrate the ingenuity of John Cooper, the triumph of the Mini Cooper at the Monte Carlo Rally of ‘64, and wider stories of innovation and cutting edge design in Surbiton.

8 Curated by Dapper & Suave Home & Gift Pop Up Market

Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey, 19 May

Featuring a diverse array of specifically chosen small business owners focusing on home & gift items along with artwork, beauty and skincare, candles, jewellery, food & drink.

9 Stay & Create Art Club

West Horsley Place, 29-31 May

West Horsley Place are introducing their brand-new Stay & Create Art Club, a creative space for small children during May half term. There will be sensory play and art activities in the restored barn, and children can activate their imaginations by making paper puppets, drawing, and creating animal sculptures.

Outdoors

1 May Day Bird Walk

WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, 1 May

Embrace the beauty of May Day by immersing yourself in the enchanting world of birdsong in nature’s concert hall.

2 Wellbeing at Claremont Landscape Garden

Esher, 24 May

Join qualified breathing instructor, meditation, and mindfulness coach Nigel Grimes for a morning of mindful and sensory exploration of Claremont Landscape Garden. Breathe in the fresh air, touch the trees, and soak up the views.

(c) John Miller

3 Fairy Tale Treasure Hunt

Gatton Park, 27 May

Join characters from well-known fairy tales and follow their clues in a treasure hunt around the magical grounds of Gatton Park.

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