Twyford Drama plays a blinder

Fight Them for the Beeches

Twyford Drama

May 11-14 www.twyforddrama.co.uk

TWYFORD Drama have just played an absolute blinder in the first-ever stage production of local playwright Kathy Reid’s comedy-drama Fight Them for the Beeches.

Reminiscent of the clientele of Richard Osman’s popular Thursday Murder Club series, the play’s cast are residents at Beeches Manor Residential Home, where the action takes place.

The set was perfect and evoked the slightly faded grandeur of an old manor house, with a portrait of the late Lord Cornwallis taking pride of place on the wall.

We meet the cast as they heard the awful news that the owner of Beeches Manor has died unexpectedly.

The cast were clearly enjoying themselves – the coffee-addicted Colonel (Richard Rudman) traumatised by his past; the ‘wheeler-dealer’ Walker (Mike Higgins) taking great joy in finding places to hide illicit alcohol; Cassandra ‘Woo Woo’ (Rebecca Down) sensing people’s auras and bad news at every turn; Iris (Kathy Reid) clearly in charge and quietly running the home while tackling difficult crosswords;

And the ‘new’ resident George (Ian McDonald) raises the suspicions of the residents due to his ‘teeny tiny’ mobile phone and overheard secretive calls.

The residents were beautifully cared for by Honey Potter, the chef and general assistant (Sam Gittins) serving coffee at every opportunity, and her boss, the Beeches manager Sam Harris (Jac Rampton).

In a ‘are they/aren’t they?’ relationship, they shared touching scenes together in the cleaning cupboard.

The dastardly Lord

Christopher Cornwallis (Marc Reid), son of the late Lord Cornwallis, soon made his intentions clear as he summoned the residents to inform them he wanted to sell the Manor – supposedly to clear his late father’s gambling debts.

The second half revealed a plot twist no one expected that had the audience collectively gasping in astonishment.

The production at Loddon Hall, Twyford, was a beautifully written and well-cast joyous riot of undercover sleuthing, puzzling but enlightening crossword clues, password cracking and above all the power of friendship.

A triumph by Twyford Drama.

Let’s dance

AN EVENING of world-class ballet is coming to Guildford next month, offering a mixture of classic and contemporary dance.

To mark the company’s 40th anniversary, Ballet Central is performing at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre on Thursday, June 8.

Organisers say this is a chance to meet future stars, as the class of 32 will soon graduate and go on to the next stage of their careers.

The show is created around Ballet Central’s relationships with leading choreographers and dance industry influencers who provide the opportunity for students to work on new pieces or spectacular revivals of muchloved classic ballets and theatrical productions.

This year’s programme, created by Artistic Director Kate Coyne, features some familiar stories alongside exciting contemporary pieces and brandnew work, created especially for the show.

They say audiences can fall in love with classical Pas de Deux, The Two Pigeons, and

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SHOWCASE: Clara Ngo is one of the young stars taking part in the Ballet Central show at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford be inspired by earthy Pas de Trois, Monotones I, both from one of the 20th century’s most distinctive choreographic voices, Sir Frederick Ashton.

There is a new take on Snow White thanks to Michael Pink’s shadowy retelling, Mirror, Mirror and be captivated by Dextera’s exploration of the Pygmalion myth created by Sophie Laplane.

And there will be new choreography from rising star Morgann Runacre-Temple and all new work from distinguished contemporary choreographer Darshan Singh Bhuller.

A spokesperson said: “If you love dance, then don’t miss out.” inhowageaffectsusandwhatwayswecan lookbestforourage.

The event takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, June 8, with tickets from £23, with concessions from £12, and multibuy discounts available. n For more information and to book tickets, visit: YvonneArnaud.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the Box Office on 01483 440000, between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

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RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THE only way is Essex … and Berkshire this week, as we introduce a single from Myopia.

They group will be travelling to our neck of the woods several times over the coming weeks, including a performance at Wokingham Festival in the summer.

We’re thrilled to feature them in the RaW Sounds Today playlist and can’t wait for you to hear them.

Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Myopia – Unendable

This is an exciting new band from Essex with a single that is both beautiful and powerful.

It builds from a quiet soulful intro into an uplifting

Gig Guide

Friday, May 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. First Among Equals and Launch Control. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Solace. Details: 0118 973 1126.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Abba’s Angels.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Scratch Perverts

Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street

RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place

RG1 7JE. Cam Cole: The South West Tour of Albion. Wicked Boy Fridays with Crooked Shapes, Red Tape Resistance, Violet Origin. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Getting Funky.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road

RG1 7HR. One Eyed Man. Details: 0118 958 6222

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Friday Night Live Music Nights. The Black Market Band. Comedy Club. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling plays The Clash.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street. Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Curry night. £15 per head. Details/ booking: 0118 978 7025 or secretary@ wadecentre.org.uk

YATELEY – The White Lion, Reading Road GU46 7RX. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 01252 890840.

YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Colorado River. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, May 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Who’s Next. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Broadmoor Sirens

Live. Details: 01344 862912.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.

Myopia at The Acoustic Couch

Picture:

Andrew Merritt

intense section showing that Myopia is a band with strong vocals and excellent musicianship.

The band has a new album coming soon and will be visiting the area to play at the Windsor Trooper on June 1 and University of Reading on June 2. They will also be at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday August 28 – linktr.ee/myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the standouts on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album, The Portal was the title track and since then it’s been a live favourite.

It was released before current vocalist, Fay Brotherhood, joined the band and became

Vintage Sound Collective. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Acoustic cafe. 2pm6pm. Details: 01344 426298.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Red Rocket Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Counterfeit Sixties.

Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959

5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Old Goat presents Tape It Shut, Panic Button, Personal Issue, Punk Dylan. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Johnny Moped. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Paul Reason as Robbie. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rat Pack.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. Noon. DJ Shunz. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Bad Worm presents The Bourbon Massive. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jody and the Jerms. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Mighty Lemons. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 21

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Blue Collar record fair and social. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Tom Lewis. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Amit Kumar live in concert. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr such a brilliant front person for them.

The track has therefore now been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay providing new lead vocals.

It sounds great with the vocals combining perfectly with the melodic guitar riff to enhance this Spriggan classic – www.sprigganmist.com

Sean McGowan – Casanova

Southampton-born singer, Sean McGowan, has built up an impressive reputation through his extensive gigs and his songs which focus on the truth and reality of modern life.

His new album, ‘Who on Earth’ is another great collection with songs of quality, like this one, delivered with musical and vocal passion.

There’s a chance to see Sean perform live when he appears with his full band at a Club Velocity show at Reading’s Rising Arts Centre on Friday, May 26 –www.facebook.com/seanmcgowanmusicuk

Dream Wife – Orbit

We were blown away by Dream Wife when they visited Reading to headline the launch party of Are You Listening? Festival. This single is from the band’s forthcoming third album Social Lubrication – www. dreamwife.co

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young band from Cardiff describe themselves as ‘blending indie, alternative and surf rock to create a raucous sound’ and they will be at

HOLDING

Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Low-Key Sundays. From 3pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic session with Jack Frank and guests. 5.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Monday, May 22

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, May 23

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Vistas. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.

Details: 07866 251216.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Wobz. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Wednesday, May 24

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Cream of Hendrix.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Eddie Piller in conversation with Jim B Donovan with DJ set from Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson. 6pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Isobel. Details: 0118 958 6222.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Artist Link-Up. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

Thursday, May 25

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

EARLEY – Reading Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 7HN. Leech.

Details: 0118 334 4300.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk

RG1 7QF. 80s Live. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. DDD and Jim Donavan. Mr Sango. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Singer Soup Kitchen: three performers, one band, one night only. 8pm.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Mark Warner’s Full Swing. 6.30pm. 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, May 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon, Erin May, After Arden. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross solo and Motown tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Birch Hill Shopping Centre, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Soult Trax. Details: 01344 457318

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Celebrating George Michael. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Candy Rock. Details: 0118 934 0700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Away With The Seas single release show. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Mike and the Mechanics SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street

RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. DJ Ben. Dinos Band. Joe: New Bass Order. 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: Denny Ilett, Andy Crowdy, Maff Potts. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Seán McGowan.

Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. KGB.

Details: 01344 778543.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105.

Wokingham Festival in August – www.facebook. com/helloindigouk

Savour the Flavour – Fish and Chip Song

Any song that mentions local landmarks Nine Mile Ride and Bob’s Fish & Chips has got to be worth a listen.

This is from the band’s new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour – http://www.flavoursong.co.uk

Voyager – Promises

Congratulations to Voyager who made it to the final of Eurovision and put in a brilliant performance – www.voyagerau.com

Louis and the Shakes – sorry.x

It’s a new single from the London band who bring their uplifting indie rock to Wokingham Festival in August – www.louisandtheshakes.com

Katie Ellwood – Breathe Slow

We always love to see a new single from Katie, one of our fave Wokingham artists – www.instagram. com/katieellwood_music

Kyros – The End in Mind

Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an eight-minute epic. They are a band of excellent musicians and you can see them locally when they play Wokingham Festival on August 28 –www.kyrosmusic.com

YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Barry Newman. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, May 27

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slide Oasis. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Blink of an Eye.

Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Eat At Joe’s. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. NRG. Details: 01344 530615.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023. Tickets free. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Boot Led Zeppelin. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. Danny T. Details: 0118 959 0376.

READING – IBIS Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Fest with G Maffiah, SeSe, Jahfett, Kryboss, Solo Barton, DJ Hich, Firechild Unit, MonstaSound, Play Mi Tune, DJ Phily, McFyA and more. £10. Details: shoobs.com

READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Cosmic Pixies. Details: 0118 959 5577.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys

Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street

RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. New Beginnings Reading Fund: The Skavengers, Corvid, The Skandal, Monochrome State, and Natural Right. Scarlet Vixens. Faded Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street

RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: TJ Johnson, Paul Jeffries, Simon Price. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Classic Tracks.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1

5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Atrium, Scours Lane

RG30 6AY. AJ Calypso Tent coronation celebration with G-String, Brown Sugar, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Music Man, Dame Polly, Rev B, DeeVine, King Clivus, AJ’S All Stars, The Kaiso Gems, Andre McGenious Shepherd. £10 in advance. Details: 07930 907354.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Dirty Shirts Band. Details: 0118 374 0052.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Spartan Events launch night. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Beatles and Buddy tribute Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Garden rock festival: Parallel Blondes, Make Shifts, Nicole Allen. £11. Gates 5.30pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Vinyl Sessions. Details: 0118 979 9437. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. The Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org

Sunday, May 28

BRACKNELL – Keller, Coppid Beech, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Arrested Development. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. Keith Live. Details: 0118 954 5434.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Captain’s Beard. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: readifolk.org.uk

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Loop Volume 2.

Details: 07494 888180

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. From 3.30pm. Jazz weekend: Phil Braithwaite and Friends. Details: 0118 376 9159.

TILEHURST – The Plough, School Road RG31 5AW. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 942 7250

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell Live. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.