Well, first of all…April, what happened to March, and come to think of it, February !
Spring is well and truly in the air, and we will begin our monthly roundup with some outdoor attractions.
Wildwood Guildford is an absolute must visit for adventure lovers, it’s packed with high ropes, fantastic climbing opportunities, wild trials, zip wires and rope bridges. And, for the true thrill-seeker, there’s ‘Extreme Wild’, a double-loop course that’s not for the faint-hearted!
Stoke Park, just a five minute stroll from Mandolay (turn right out of the front door and just keep walking) is home to all of the classic town park features, including paddling pool, model boating lake, adventure trails and exercise equipment, mini-golf, tennis courts, skate park, and of course, a great children’s playground.
RHS Wisley is a joy at any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful on a warm spring day. However, a word of warning, the area is currently subject to extensive traffic works, so please plan your journey carefully and allow extra time to get there.
Two glorious National Trust properties close to Guildford are Polesden Lacey, and Hatchlands Park. Both of these wonderful attractions are dog friendly and are well worth a visit just for a stroll around the spectacular grounds.
So, to more traditional what’s on fare.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre kicks off April with their annual film week, before a packed programme of half term Easter related family fun, including a run of live shows starting on April 9th featuring everyone’s favourite patchwork elephant, Elmer.
Things take a darker turn later in the month with ‘Dial Medicine for Murder’, a thrilling talk about two of notorious serial killers, Dr Harold Shipman and Dr. John Bodkin Adams. Leading forensic Psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Johns and General Physician, Dr Harry Brünjes, dissect and discuss the reason why these notorious doctors turned from medicine to murder.
On Wednesday 16th, national treasure Harry Hill brings his UK tour, ‘New Bits & Greatest Hits’ to Guildford. If you’ve never seen him live before, now is your chance to catch one of the finest comedians in the world doing what he does best, reducing audiences to helpless laughter.
The remarkable Anna Chancellor takes centre stage in a lavish production of ‘Playhouse Creatures’ from April 22nd. It’s the 1660s ‘the merry monarch’ Charles II is on the throne, big changes are afoot in England’s theatres, and a certain orange seller is about to take the world by storm.
The month ends with a theatrical tour de force, as the ‘Boys from the Blackstuff’ hits town. This is a gritty, powerful, brilliantly funny adaptation of one of the most iconic TV series of the 1980’s, every bit as relevant today as it was back then.
Our neighbours across the road at G Live never disappoint, and this April is no exception. On the 7th, Gareth Gates sings Love Songs from the Movies before Mike and the Mechanics take the stage on the 8th as part of their 2025 tour.
If you are very quick, you might be able to snap up a ticket to see Henning Wein, television and radio regular and winner of just about every comedy award going. This show will sell out.
Other highlights include ‘My Life in Musicals’ with the incomparable Sir Tim Rice on Monday 14th, Hawkwind on the 18th, Russell Kane is ‘HyperActive’ on the 25th before the George Michael Singers end the month on a fabulous high on Wednesday 30th.
And finally…our very own Guildford Flames have their final regular season game on Saturday 5th against Glasgow. Then, it’s play-off time, opponents are still to be announced…but whoever we’re facing, may the best ice hockey team win (and by best, we mean the Flames!).