Events :: All Events

Richmond Theatre : Crown Matrimonial

Patricia Routledge heads an exceptional cast in this powerful and gripping drama, focusing on the crisis which faces the nation when Edward VIII declares his deep love for Wallis Simpson. Unswayed by the prospect of public scandal, family upheaval and even abdication, he is insistent that he will marry the woman he loves. The King's determination brings about the first great crisis of the monarchy in the 20th century, prefiguring the events portrayed in the award-winning film The Queen.

This captivating new production is directed by David Grindley, whose West End and Broadway credits include Journey's End, National Anthems (with Kevin Spacey), Some Girls(s) (with David Schwimmer) and Abigail's Party.

It beautifully captures the atmosphere of the Royal Household in the 1930s and its themes are as resonant today as seventy years ago. This is a unique opportunity to witness one of our country's favourite actresses in a touching portrayal of one of the nation's most enigmatic queens.

Orleans House Gallery : Partners in Dance

As part of our Partners in Dance program, this unique site-specific dance piece from renowned choreographer Frauke Requardt and performed by students of Hampton Community College and Richmond College will add extra fun to your coffee! Taking place in the new cafe at Orleans House Gallery, diners will be able to order contemporary dance performances from a menu. The surreal and quirky pieces culimate in an explosive performance where all the characters come to life. A unique opportunity to see in dance in a relaxed environment. For further information see www.richmond.gov.uk/arts 8831 6000 or email artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk

FREE

Richmond Shakespeare Society : Henry V

Next production from Richmond Shakespeare Society is the traditional outdoor summer show, with this year's offering of Shakespeare's Henry V running at York House Gardens on 6 - 12 July.

It's being staged in association with site-specific theatre company Bard Unbound and directed by Lara Muth, founder of Bard Unbound, in her first RSS directing role. Lara specialises in site-specific Shakespeare projects in heritage and museum settings.

'I was honoured to be invited to direct for RSS as they approach their 75th anniversary season,' she says. 'I joined the Society last year and am impressed by their skill and commitment. York House Gardens is a spectacular and evocative location. It immediately conjured up images of earthworks and trenches from the Great War and commandeered and fortified country houses.'

Her view of the play is 'essentially tragic', and WWI retains that collective sense of visceral tragedy. 'Agincourt was a moral victory rather than a strategic one and earned Henry the resources to return and finish what he started,' she says. 'He died on campaign, most likely of dysentery, at the age of 34 and never wore the crown he had so spectacularly achieved.'

Muth founded Bard Unbound in the USA where she first began creating site-specific work in museum settings. An installation of Shakespeare and Marlowe at the Tower of London formed her dissertation project for the RADA/KCL masters programme. A commission at Hampton Court Palace followed featuring a site-specific promenade production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

'My goal with Henry V,' says Muth, 'is to explore its emotional complexity by focusing on the personal cost of Henry's strategic decisions. Placing it in a pre-Geneva Convention context heightens the poignant comparison to our own time of illegal wars, dodgy dossiers and extraordinary rendition.

'I have enormous respect for this play. The role of Henry is as challenging at Hamlet without getting so much help from the text. Where a strong ensemble can save a weak Hamlet, Henry can't survive as anything less than a dynamic, capable commander prepared to expose chinks in his armour. We're lucky to have a very strong ensemble & an outstanding Henry played by Teddington-born James Ellis.' Performances of Henry V run from 7.45 on 6-12th July (except Wednesday 9th). The ambitious show, supported by Twickenham Fine Ales and Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity, runs on the sunken lawn at Twickenham's York House Gardens — bring a picnic and a rug or chair to sit on (licensed bar on premises). For details and bookings, call the box office on 020 8744 0547 or visit www.rss-mwt.org.uk

Jazz Showcase : Monday Night

The house band is back as a quartet next Monday with Ian Anderson on piano, Jeremy Holroyd on drums, Roger Perrin on double bass and Tom on guitar.

Do come down and sing or play or listen - music from 8.30, finishing about 11.00.

Admission is free and the new landlords Alex and Dave are very welcoming and supportive of live music…

• Admission is free.

Richmond Theatre : Oliver

Presented by Twickenham Operatic Society Book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart

The award-winning Twickenham Operatic Society

(2007: Hello, Dolly! voted Best Musical of the Year) returns to Richmond Theatre with a spectacular production of Oliver!, probably the best-loved British musical of all time. The songs and characters are so well known that they hardly need any introduction.

TOPS, joined by children from Babette Langford's Young Set, bring Dickensian London to Richmond. Packed with all your favourite show-stopping songs, including Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food, Reviewing The Situation, Where Is Love? and As Long As He Needs Me.

Bring the whole family to this exciting production and renew your acquaintance with Fagin, Oliver, The Artful Dodger, Nancy and Bill - not forgetting Bill's dog Bullseye!

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Musicscope and Stage Musicals Ltd of New York

Bearcat Comedy Club : Harry Hill, Tim Vine, Jeff Green + 1

The Bearcat Comedy Summer Special takes place on THURSDAY 10th July.

And it really IS Special this year!

Leading the way is Double BAFTA Award winning comedian and scamp HARRY HILL! Joining the Hillster are

• King of the Puns (and pens) TIM VINE…
• Consumate comedian JEFF GREEN…
• … and a final act to be announced nearer the time.

To reserve tickets for this show, please send your requirements to

Grahame will deal with your requests.

It's going to be a Brilliant show (just like the Twickenham Festival show was) so Come On Down!

Details

• Entry: £15
• Doors Open: 8pm.
• Bookings: grahame@glimmer.orangehome.co.uk or 020 8891 1852.
  • Turks Head: (pre show food reservations only) 020 8892 1972

Details

• Entry £10 members, £12 non members
• Doors Open 8pm. First Act 8.45pm
• email jamespunnett@bearcatcomedy.freeserve.co.uk to reserve tickets

St Margarets Fair : 30th Annual Fair

All Stalls for this event are now sold.

Richmond Theatre : Slapstix

Direct from a sell-out season in the USA, where it became the most-talked-about show on Broadway, Slapstix is a uniquely entertaining blend of surreal comedy and acrobatic mayhem that is set to become this year's must-see show.

Described by critics as a crazy mix of Blue Man Group, Monty Python and Cirque du Soleil this hysterical comedy extravaganza is a brilliant fusion of highly skilled mime artists, superbly crafted physical comedy and some of the most ridiculous humour ever seen on one stage.

Just when you think it's safe to stop laughing, this theatrical roller-coaster delivers comedy that is guaranteed to leave the entire audience screaming with glee!

Kneller Hall : Concert

Details

• Gates open at 6pm
• Concert starts at 8pm
• Tickets telephone 020 8744 8633 or email aocoord@rmsm.mod.uk
• Tickets £10 concessions £8. Season tickets £45.00
• Onsite facilities include free car park, shop, catering and amenities.

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Holly Lodge, Richmond Park

The Royal Parks stables, barns & gardens

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.

Richmond Theatre : Relatively Speaking

By Alan Ayckbourn

Greg wants to marry Ginny, but why doesn't she want him to meet her parents? And what are all those mysterious telephone calls, bouquets and boxes of chocolates all about? Not to mention a pair of somebody else's slippers under her bed. Greg has to know. Following Ginny to her parents' house in Buckinghamshire, he disturbs a lot more than the rural tranquillity.

Beautifully crafted, funny and definitively English, Relatively Speaking was Ayckbourn's first West End hit, making him a household name when it opened in 1967.

Starring Peter Bowles and Angela Thorne both well known for their roles in To The Manor Born, Relatively Speaking is beautifully crafted, wonderfully funny and charmingly English.

Richmond Theatre : Relatively Speaking

Please note that due to personal circumstances Angela Thorne will no longer be playing the part of Ginny. The role will be played by Diane Fletcher.

By Alan Ayckbourn

Greg wants to marry Ginny, but why doesn’t she want him to meet her parents? And what are all those mysterious telephone calls, bouquets and boxes of chocolates all about? Not to mention a pair of somebody else’s slippers under her bed. Greg has to know. Following Ginny to her parents’ house in Buckinghamshire, he disturbs a lot more thanthe rural tranquillity.

Beautifully crafted, funny and definitively English, Relatively Speaking was Ayckbourn’s first West End hit, making him a household name when it opened in 1967.

Groups Discount Available

Kneller Hall : Concert

Details

• Gates open at 6pm
• Concert starts at 8pm
• Tickets telephone 020 8744 8633 or email aocoord@rmsm.mod.uk
• Tickets £10 concessions £8. Season tickets £45.00
• Onsite facilities include free car park, shop, catering and amenities.

Richmond Theatre : Milkshake! Live in My First Concert

For the first time ever Milkshake! is hitting the road with a colourful LIVE concert!

Now the children can join their favourite TV characters and Milkshake! presenters in a brand new, action packed all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza. Fifi & Bumble, Peppa & George, Rupert Bear, Little Princess, Noddy & Tessie Bear and Mr Bump & Little Miss Sunshine all together on one stage!

It's a guaranteed feel good treat, bursting with energy and a fabulous opportunity to enjoy all the tunes and dance steps that have made Milkshake! one of the most successful children's TV experiences ever!

So, get their dancing shoes on and join in with the action. It's the perfect summer treat!

Larks in the Parks

In 10 park locations across the borough, Larks in the Parks is a children's drama festival of al fresco and unique theatre performances created for young audiences. 10 different performances will take place in 10 different parks on each Tues and Thurs from 29 July to 28 August at 2pm. Tickets are available on 0208 831 6494 or online at www.richmond.gov.uk/larksintheparks

Adults, carers and children under 2 or over 14 years attend for free. For a full brochure please contact the arts service on 020 8831 6000 or email artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk

£4 for children

Kneller Hall : Concert

Details

• Gates open at 6pm
• Concert starts at 8pm
• Tickets telephone 020 8744 8633 or email aocoord@rmsm.mod.uk
• Tickets £10 concessions £8. Season tickets £45.00
• Onsite facilities include free car park, shop, catering and amenities.

On The Edge - world music festival

On The Edge returns to Richmond Riverside with a host of dynamic and exciting world musicians. The Saturday programme focusses on emerging artists in the field of world music and jazz, whilst the Sunday programme features artists from around the globe who are now world renowned. For further information please contact artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk or call 0208 831 6000 www.richmond.gov.uk/arts

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Shot Tower, Crane Park Island

Willow weaving

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.

Marble Hill House : Classic FM's Proms Spectacular

A perfect summers evening with the English National Orchestra and ever exuberant conductor Jae Alexander, leading the audience through a superb programme of popular classics, film themes and many of the firm favourites associated with the 'Last Night Of The Proms'. Guest performers include talented star tenor Jonathan Ansell, formerly of opera group G4 and now enjoying huge success as a solo artist; and star soprano and opera diva Natasha Marsh. The evening reaches its climax with a dazzling fireworks display to accompany all the flag-waving fun of 'Rule Britannia' and 'Land of Hope & Glory'. It's a picnic, it's a party, it's another excuse to dress up and have fun - but most of all it's a wonderful experience and a truly memorable evening.

website

Marble Hill House : RonnieScott's In the Park

The legendary London band club comes to Marble Hill, leaving the confines of its Soho home for a fabulous outdoor summer concert. Presented by special guest star Curtis Stigers, the world famous Ronnie Scott's Big Band will perform a mix of the coolest jazz and swing classics featuring - as well as more intimate performances - the work of Basie, Ellington and the Rat Pack. There will also be special guest appearances from stars Clare Teal, Jacqui Dankworth and new swing vocal sensation Peter Grant plus - of course - Curtis Stigers, last year's winner of Best International Artist at the BBC Jazz Awards. Ronnie Scott's In The Park offers one of the best ways to chill out on a summer's evening - Enjoying world class entertainment in a wonderful setting!

website

Richmond Theatre : Boeing Boeing

The classic comedy by Marc Camoletti

Translated by Beverley Cross

When Boeing-Boeing took off to a roar of laughter in 2007, it was crowned 'The funniest show on the London stage' by the Daily Telegraph. A phenomenal hit with critics and audiences alike, the production went on to gain a 2008 Olivier Award nomination for Best Revival. Now flying internationally,

Boeing-Boeing is opening on Broadway and in Australia this spring, and in September this hysterical production is coming into land in Richmond. Get ready for a first-class comedy treat!

Bernard, a successful architect living in Paris, thinks that he can easily cope with his three air-hostess fiancés. It's just a question of timetables and a reliable, long-suffering housekeeper who has the reluctant role of romantic air-traffic controller. Unfortunately, schedules change, flights are delayed and a new turbo-charged Boeing aircraft is introduced… chaos ensues in this hysterical whirl of mayhem and matchmaking.

Boeing-Boeing is directed by Matthew Warchus (Art, Life x3, Speed-The-Plow, God of Carnage).

North St Margarets Resident's Association : The Great Annual Street Sale

The residents simply stick tables outside their houses, cover them with as much bric-a-brac and object d'art (a.k.a junk) as they can find and then sell it to the hundreds of visitors who come from all over to snap up the bargains. It is rather like a huge car boot sale but without the car… or the boot!

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Teddington Lock

Victorian lock & weir, and riverside landscape

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.

Richmond Theatre : Absurd Person Singular

By Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Alan Strachan

This year's biggest West End comedy hit is set to take the UK by storm as Bill Kenwright's critically-acclaimed, 'seriously hilarious' production of Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person Singular goes on tour.

It's party time at the Hopcrofts and the only present they want is to succeed in scaling the social ladder. Havoc ensues at the drinks party they hold to impress their high-powered friends -but that's nothing compared to what happens over the next two years when the friends return their hospitality!

A classic comedy with outrageous characters - yet another gem from the inexhaustible mine of Ayckbourn comedy.

Richmond Theatre : Lord of the Flies

By William Golding, adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams

Directed by Marcus Romer

William Golding's Lord of the Flies, one of the most disturbing and celebrated novels of modern times, is vividly brought to life in Pilot Theatre's award-winning production.

A plane has crashed on an uninhabited island. The only survivors are a group of school boys. There are no homes or schools, no adults and no rules, and before long the boys' fragile sense of order begins to collapse. With the discovery of 'the beast', their games take on a more sinister significance and this once well-behaved group of children quickly turns into a bloodthirsty, murderous tribe.

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Hampton Allotments

Vegetables, flowers and sheds

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Syon House

Glorious interiors and parkland views

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.

Richmond Theatre : Peter Pan

Fly away on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement into the magical world of Neverland for the swashbuckling spectacular pantomime Peter Pan.

Join Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys on their awfully big adventure to save Tinker Bell from Captain Hook and his crew of dastardly pirates!

The Croc is ticking as flights to Neverland are now boarding, so Hook your tickets for a fantastic festive treat for the whole family that will leave you thinking happy thoughts! (You may even get to sit in the same seat that Johnny Depp famously used when he played J.M. Barrie in the film Finding Neverland!)

Environment Trust for Richmond upon Thames (ETRuT) : Art Picnics: Christmas card making

Christmas card making workshop

Ticket price

• Individuals - £15 (Environment Trust members — £10)
• Family* - £30 (Environment Trust members — £20)

*two or more people, at least one of whom is under 18 years old

Advanced booking is essential — please call the office on 020 8891 5455 or e-mail info@art-picnics.org.uk to book your place.