21+ top things to discover in October
21+ top things to discover in October
Pictured: Festival of Flavours – credit to RHS-Helen Yates
Art events & festivals in London and Surrey in October 2022
1
Sunlight Doesn’t Need a Pipeline – Stanley Picker Gallery, Kingston, 7 October
Head to Kingston for a unique community festival (talks, performances, screenings, food and music) aiming to find alternative yet all-encompassing ways to protect our environment in the face of climate change.
2
LAST CHANCE: Life Through a Royal Lens – Kensington Palace, until 30 Oct
See the royal family as you’ve never seen them before – explore over 200 years of royal photography, from official portraits to intimate family photos, brought together in this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
3
Metronome Coffee Festival – Morden, 24 – 29 October
A fabulous line-up of events to celebrate all things coffee, including tastings, latte art, coffee martinis, plus a music meet-up.
4
Lecture: ‘O Paxton!’ The Arts Society Wimbledon – Sacred Heart Church Hall, 12 Oct
Simon Seligman talks about the fascinating life of Joseph Paxton – the father of modern architecture. Born into a humble farming family, he left his mark on English and world architecture with his most famous work – The Crystal Palace of 1851.
5
Bellmans’ valuation day – Strawberry Hill House, 24 Oct
Bellmans, one of the largest auction houses in the South of England, will bring several specialists from its jewellery and watches, silver, European and Asian ceramics and pictures department as well as a generalist, who will be based around the house ‘roadshow’ style and are delighted to look at treasures brought along by visitors.
6
Worple Art Group – October Exhibition 2022 – St Mark’s Church, Wimbledon, 15 Oct
Over 200 art pieces from 17 local artists – to admire and purchase.
7
Affordable Art Fair Battersea – Battersea Park, 20-23 Oct
Affordable Art Fair is back! Peruse thousands of contemporary artworks, from paintings to photographs to prints and add something special to your home.
Theatre and comedy picks in London and Surrey in October 2022
8
The Magic of Motown – 23 Oct
A breath-taking live concert spectacular! You’ll be going down memory lane with Motown hit artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson!
9
Unlocking Canons House – Canons House, 15-16 + 22-23 Oct
A fantastic opportunity to support a local theatre group. Written by Mitcham playwright Daniel Ward, the play will take you on a journey through the Canons House to understand it’s history and current place in the community. All performances are free!
10
Iphigenia in Splott – Lyric Hammersmith, 26 Sep – 22 Oct
Sophie Melville reprises her role as Effie in the acclaimed monodrama inspired by the Greek myth. Effie’s life is a mess – until one night, she meets Lee. Raw, modern and intense, Iphigenia had a smash hit run at the National Theatre. Read our review!
11
But I’m A Cheerleader: The Musical – Turbine Theatre, Battersea, 23 Sep – 8 Nov
Based on the queer classic, But I’m A Cheerleader is the story of Megan who is the perfect American cheerleader – until her family suspects her to be lesbian. She is sent to a “rehabilitation” camp where she meets Graham – and the rest is history. A wonderful and hilarious coming-of-age comedy.
12
The Caucasian Chalk Circle – Rose Theatre, Kingston, 1-22 Oct
The classic Brechtian tale of justice and class struggle, The Caucasian Chalk Circle is reimagined for modern audiences at the Rose. With Les Mis and Heathers star, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Grusha, and featuring original songs by Michael Henry.
13
Pygmalion – Hampton Hill Theatre, 4-8 Oct
The beloved play by George Bernard Shaw brought to life on stage by the Teddington Theatre Club explores gender stereotypes and class distinctions.
14
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever – New Wimbledon Theatre, 28-29 Oct
Head out for a full day of adventures with kids’ favourite Peppa Pig, her family and her friends Miss Rabbit, Mr Bull, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe!
15
Butterflies – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 13-16 Oct
A wonderful theatre adventure for the little ones: join three friends as they embark on a journey to chase their butterflies away. Created as a response to how small children experience anxiety, it is a beautiful tale of courage and friendship.
16
Lucia Di Lammermoor – Normansfield Theatre, Teddington 14-16 Oct
Leading company Instant Opera presents Donizetti’s immortal classic of love and madness Lucia Di Lammermoor in a gorgeous Victorian setting of the Normansfield Theatre.
17
The Solid Life of Sugar Water – Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, 15 Oct – 12 Nov
Alice and Phil are a couple. And an extremely honest one, sharing every detail of their intimate relationship without flinching. But it is not exhibitionism that lies at the heart of this play – it is loss and grief. Written to amplify disabled voices, The Solid Life of Sugar Water is both witty and candid.
18
Turning the Screw – New Wimbledon Theatre, 20-29 Oct
Fresh from page to stage, Turning the Screw is an exciting new play exploring the concepts of love, music, and memory. 1954, Benjamin Britten is writing a new opera tackling the themes of purity and innocence – yet himself is in a gay illegal relationship.
19
Tango After Dark – Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre, 11-22 Oct
The ultimate theatrical tango experience straight from Argentina. Merging glorious music of the cult composer Astor Piazzolla, a breathtaking choreography by German Cornejo and of course, spectacular dance moves, this is tango at its most authentic.
Music events in London and Surrey in October 2022
20
Those Were The Days – Jessica Lee Morgan & friends – Half Moon, Putney, 27 Oct
Jessica Lee Morgan, a daughter of Mary Hopkin and record producer Tony Visconti, examines the music of her mother’s era; her favourite songs and musicians who inspired her.
21
Courting – Boileroom, Guildford, 14 Oct
The latest new act to emerge from Liverpool writes and rehearses in the basement of a city restaurant – finds inspiration from the creative melting pot of Merseyside!
22
BEAT: Camilla George – Bolieroom, Guildford, 21 Oct
The talented saxophonist comes to The Boileroom as a part of a string of
monthly Jazz shows that will keep you coming back for more.
23
The World of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – Fairfield Halls, Croydon, 9 Oct
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was once regarded as “the most talented composer in Britain” – yet we rarely hear of him today. Join London Mozart Players as they reimagine his famous work The Song of Hiawatha for a modern audience.
24
Steve Norman and The Sleevz – Journeys To Glory 40th Anniversary – Half Moon, Putney, 20 Oct
Steve Norman, a co-founder of the world-famous Spandau Ballet, comes to Putney as a part of a tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of Spandau Ballet’s ground-breaking debut album, ‘Journeys To Glory’.
25
Soweto Gospel Choir – Cadogan Hall, 18 Oct
Winners of the 2019 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album come to SW London as a part of their world tour for one night only! Comprising a line-up of South Africa’s best vocalists, this is one not to miss.
26
Steve Waterman Quintet “The Music of Miles Davis” – Guildford Jazz, 13 Oct
Top British trumpet players come to Guildford to celebrate the life and work of Miles Davis – perhaps the most influential figure in the history of jazz.
27
Liza with a ‘Z’ by London Gay Big Band – Clapham Grand, 23 Oct
Experience the beauty of Liza Minelli’s songs performed by vocal powerhouse Christina Bianco accompanied by a 25-piece jazz orchestra. 18+ event.
28
Galliard Ensemble with Viv McLean – Community Hall, Park Road, Banstead, 15 Oct
A wonderful chamber group, known for its virtuosity and distinctive performance style, Galliard Ensemble is accompanied by a leading pianist Viv McLean for a glorious performance of works by Rossini, Mozart, Poulenc and Chopin.
29
Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle – St Mary’s Church, Putney, 22 Oct
Gioachino Rossini’s stunning missa solemnis, grand in form and style – and somewhat ironically called petite – has been charming audiences for over 150 years. Talented local choir 1885 Singers will present this magnificent work for choir, four soloists, two pianos and harmonium.
30
The Cadillac Kings – Eel Pie Club, Twickenham, 27 Oct
Do you fancy a bit of good ol’ swing? The Cadillac Kings, featuring five of the UK’s top roots musicians, come to Twickenham to get you dancing and rockin’ and rollin’.
31
Coops – Boileroom, Guildford, 29 Oct
Coops‘ first ever live performance was at London’s O2 Arena, He continues to question the current state of hip hop, politics, and the world through his words and music.
32
Absolute Bowie – Greatest Hits of 70s & 80s – Half Moon, Putney, 21-22 Oct
Now in their 15th year of touring, Absolute Bowie will take you on a musical journey with their impressively huge stage show.
33
OPERA FOR UKRAINE – Omnibus, Clapham, 16 Oct
Royal Opera House principal artist and Ukranian baritone Yuriy Yurchuk will be joined by an excellent line-up of opera singers and musicians for an evening of world-class music in this special one-off fundraising concert.
Outdoor & family fun in London and Surrey in October 2022
34
Kingston Antiques and Vintage Market – Ancient Market Place, 2 Oct
The antiques market is back in Kingston for the autumn edition. Browse 24 unique stalls filled with stylish antique and retro items. A perfect day out for all vintage lovers.
35
Festival of Flavours – Wisley, 12-16 Oct
Browse delicious seasonal produce and taste fantastic treats from some 30 food stands. Plus learn how to grow your own edibles at home. The festival is included in normal garden admission.
36
Autumn Bird Walk – Wimbledon and Putney Commons, 23 Oct
Experience the very best autumn has to offer. Spot the most beautiful birds on a lovely walk through the Commons. The walk covers 2-3 miles and lasts approximately 2-2.5 hours.
37
Wildlife Photography – Capturing the Perfect Moment – WWT London Wetland Centre Barnes, 22 Oct
Photographer Jackie Rado leads a practical workshop to show you how to snap a perfect wildlife shot. This will cover everything, from timing to framing, to technical alterations in your camera’s settings. Booking is essential.
38
The British Bread Golf Open – Eagle Brewery Wharf on Kingston Riverside, 2 Oct
Do you love golf? Then why not try bread golf – straight into the Thames! Join the Creative Youth Charity in whacking some homemade dough balls into a floating hole on the river. All levels of golfing proficiency are welcome.
39
YOGA FUN FOR CHILDREN – The Horton Epsom, 29 Oct, 5 Nov, 19 Nov
Join Yoga teacher Neda Rashid for a one-hour session of freestyle dancing, deep breathing and yoga poses especially for children.
40
FREE FAMILY FILM SCREENINGS – Wimbledon Library, Fridays 7-28 Oct
Wimbledon Library is hosting a weekly film screening for kids of all ages!
