Reading Area Guide

Inkubus Sukkubus Are an English goth and pagan rock band, formed in 1989 by Candia Ridley, Tony McKormack and Adam Henderson, who have been described as one of the most enduringly popular underground Goth bands in the UK.They also have been described by Mick Mercer as a "zombie version of Fleetwood Mac" in his book Hex Files: The Goth Bible. 1919 is a post-punk band from Bradford, England, formed in late 1980 and an early contributor to the goth rock genre. Initially named Heaven Seventeen, the band found its sound with members Mark Tighe (guitar), Ian Tilleard (vocals), Nick Hiles (bass), and Mick Reed (drums). They released singles like "Repulsion" and "Caged" on Red Rhino Records and were featured on a John Peel session, but eventually split in 1985 before reforming in 2014 The Go Go Cult Are a Reading based band. They deal in great punknroll with an edge

Senbla presents Opera International's award winning Ellen Kent Production of Bizet's Carmen with international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra. An evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death, and unforgettable arias. This dazzling production with orchestra features Bizet’s unforgettable melodies including ‘The Toreador’s Song’, Carmen’s enticing ‘Habanera’, and Don José’s lyrical ‘Flower Song’, in a setting evoking the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences. Sung in French with English subtitles.

“What A Great ing Show” - ART GARFUNKEL Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50-countries worldwide and over 20 headline performances in London’s West End, including multiple appearances at the world-famous London Palladium. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. With standing ovations at every performance at the show Art Garfunkel himself loved, you don't want to miss this international sensation.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists adapted by Neil Gore from the book by Robert Tressell, directed by Louise Townsend Neil Gore, presents a one-person version of the classic novel by Robert Tressell featuring projection, political conjuring tricks, live music and song. Meet the famous characters and enjoy the scenes, speeches and songs, featuring the Great Money Trick as its centrepiece.This enduring and absorbing classic story of a year in the life of a group of Edwardian painters and decorators is brought to life by Neil Gore using his extensive knowledge of the book and the play, having performed it in many versions over forty years.'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' follows a group of workers as they renovate The Cave, a three-storey town house, for Mayor Sweater. It traces their hardships and struggles for survival in a complacent and stagnating Edwardian England. These workers are the philanthropists who throw themselves into back-breaking work for poverty wages in order to generate profit for their masters. They are joined by artist Owen, whose spirited attacks on the dishonesty of Capitalism along with his Socialist vision, highlights the exploitation in their workplace but also focuses on the inequality in society as a whole. TremendousThe Times A one person Tour-De-ForceClare Brennan (The Observer) 10/10 SensationalLiverpool Echo A strong and robust show that brings the characters, humour and inspirational ideas of this great book to life. It is needed now more than ever. You'll leave the theatre and join the struggle! Ken Loach, Film Director Running time/interval - Act 1 40 min Act 2 30 min 20 min interval Age suitability 11 plus

Step into an afternoon of luminous sound as Glass Ensemble presents a celestial concert inspired by the night sky. Featuring works by rika Eenvalds and Sarah Quartet alongside lullabies by Brahms, Schubert and others, this programme moves between hushed stillness and dramatic intensity, capturing the power and mystery of the stars.

Following the route of Reading Councils Town Centre Heritage self-guided walk, this live circular walk takes in many of the key historic sites in central Reading. Type of Walk Guided tour - learning something new / more talking and less walking More detail The walk follows a route taking in key historic sites in central Reading. Starting outside St Laurence's church, in Town Hall Square, it passes by the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Gateway, Abbey Ruins and Reading Gaol, and the Huntley & Palmer factory site, before going by the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath to The Oracle shopping centre (on the site of the Simmonds / Courage brewery) and on to St Mary's Butts, the Saxon heart of Reading, and Reading Minster, from which it returns via Broad Street and the Market Place to St Laurence's and the Town Hall. The walk starts and finishes at Reading Town Hall, where The Pantry cafe will be open. Toilets at Reading Town Hall and The Pantry (ask for the code). Walk length / difficulty / accessibility 2.5 km / 1.5 miles / 1.5 hours / easy / not wheelchair accessible Ticket price 3 About the walk leader John Painter is the Secretary of the Friends of Reading Abbey and offers group walks around the Abbey Precinct. He is also a volunteer Station Ambassador for REDA, providing tourist information and advice on Reading at Reading station on a weekly basis. Getting there The start of the walk is about 30 minutes walk from Mortimer station or Mortimer Glenapp Grange stop on Lime 2a route from Reading town centre. Parking available - Calleva Atrebatum, Wall Lane, Silchester, Reading, RG7 2HJ. W3W ///biggest.play.reclaimed [https://what3words.com/biggest.play.reclaimed]