It’s oh so quiet as we return to the working world after the Bacchus- like revelry of December. No money coupled with little energy quenches desire for any entertainment excepting flopping in front of Netflix, but yet: there are still a few cultural crumbs out there to tempt one out of the post ‘xmas stupour.
THEATRE
The Chipstead Players, at the Courtyard Theatre, present Anne of Green Gables. Ian Brown directs this charming adaptation of the classic novel. Olivia Thynne stars as Anne, the mischievous red-haired orphan whose warmth and wit leads her into many adventures. This is a wonderful community theatre that produces several plays over the course of a year. Many of the ‘Anne’ performances are already ‘sold out’. See the website for ticket info and performance times. From 8th – 12th Jan and 15th to 18th. Click HERE for more details.
Tuesday 16th January sees The Harlequin Theatre warming up for its 2020 season by hosting Michael Portillo: a life of two halves. Touted as a future PM, his parliamentary career came to an end in 1997. Since then, he has focused on media work and his Great Railway Journeys programme has endeared him to many. Michael will deliver an entertaining and informative talk and take questions and answers as well an opportunity for book signings at the end.
Tickets £17.50 – £19.50.
http://www.harlequintheatre.co.uk/whats-on/on-stage/michael-portillo-life-a-game-of-two-halves/
MUSIC
Live music returns to the Yard at Reigate Station on Friday 17th January. Red’s Dreamers take to the stage supported by Holly Beadell. Saturday 18th also sees the first Saturday squeeze of 2020. This is an open mic session. Booking advisable. Full details here
The Cage, Reigate hosts Matt Mitchell on Saturday 11th January from 9pm. Matt is a firm Cage favourite: Brighton based he has a lively acoustic set. See website
LITERATURE
It promises to be a bumper 2020 for book lovers. Hilary Mantel publishes the final part of her Wolf Hall trilogy; The Mirror in the Light in March and there are books from Marion Keynes and Elena Ferrente to devour as well. If you do catch the aforementioned Anne of Green Gables then make sure you buy a copy to read. It is a wonderful book. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
On a local level: the next round of Reigate and Banstead Writes opens on 1st February. Here is to more wonderful and magical tales from our towns. Full details can be found under the Reigate and Banstead Writes 2020 page on this website. If you have a child aged between 9-14 then what are you waiting for. Get scribbling.