The beautiful town of Guildford might sometimes appear rather sleepy, settled as it is in the greenery of Glorious Surrey, in the shadow of The Mount (the big hill at the bottom of the High Street), but nothing could be further from the truth!
There’s always something going on, from sporting events, to art exhibitions, West End Shows, and live performances from some of the best known names in ‘showbiz’, there really is something for everyone.
We’ll begin our roundup for this month with the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, one of the finest and best run theatres in the UK, and a place that we urge everyone to visit.
May at the YA kicks off in style with the hilarious political comedy Party Games, with the fabulous Debra Stephenson and the gloriously funny Matthew Cottle leading an all-star cast. The play was written by Michael McManus, former special advisor, and member of the team at No.10 when Maggie was in charge!
The brilliant Miles Jupp brings his one man show On I Bang to Guildford on May 13th, and if there are any tickets still available, we advise booking. Fellow comedy A listers Mark Watson, and Punt & Dennis will be performing on the 17th, and 18th respectively, and again, these are shows we can file in the ‘not to be missed’ category.
There’s also a full programme of kids shows and workshops, details can be found at the Yvonne Arnaud website
Directly over the road from Mandolay, is G Live, one of the premier venues for live entertainment in the country, and as always our great friends and neighbours have a stellar line-up for May.
Comedy names do not come much bigger than Rhod Gilbert, and he will be appearing on May 9th, on the 10th, Jo Whiley will be packing the place out with her 90s Anthems show, while the 11th sees Guildford Symphony Orchestra performing Magic of Vienna…how’s that for three nights of eclectic fun!
Later in the month, our absolute favourites Vivace Chorus will be performing the Verdi Requiem, and please take it from us, they are a truly wonderful choir, bringing inspiration and huge talent to every performance.
Ticket details and more information about all the fabulous shows are available on the G Live website
Guildford has a thriving Jazz ‘scene’, with regular live shows and performances, including an appearance by the Adam Glasses Quintet, at Guildford Pavilion on May 1st, details of this, and all Guildford Jazz shows and events can be found here.
We will conclude the May roundup with one for wine lovers. The Albury Vineyard, just a few miles out of town has an event celebrating the release of their Silent Pool Rosé 2023…their flagship wine was served on the Royal Barge to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and trust us, it has to be tasted to be believed.