Reading Arts What's On Brochure - Spring 2023.

WELCOME

The iconic venue was built by Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall (RMJM) in the Brutalist style of modernist architecture in 1977.

Over the years The Hexagon theatre has kept us entertained with big name comedians and bands, spectacular musicals, hilarious pantomimes and marvellous classical concerts. You may even remember watching snooker and wrestling at the theatre many years ago.

In 2022 the venue’s resident ensemble, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, performed a selection of pieces from its classical music repertoire in celebration of The Hexagon’s anniversary. The orchestra, which has been playing concerts at the venue since 1978, launched the 2022-23 Classical Music Alive season at The Hexagon.

The celebrations will continue with an exhibition exploring memorabilia from The Hexagon’s past. On the opposite page you can see some designs for the limited edition ‘Hex45’ merchandise that will accompany the exhibition.

As we remember the past, we continue to look to the future, with ambitious plans to extend The Hexagon and our work to ensure the theatre contributes to our target of a net zero carbon Reading by 2030, and of course we have an exciting programme of shows and events for 2023 and beyond.

We hope that you can be part of our anniversary celebrations and look forward to welcoming you back to The Hexagon and our other venues very soon.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture

Reading Borough Council

READING’S much-loved theatre is now celebrating its 45th season.

Jack & The Beanstalk ‘22 Gala Performance, with Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Donna Pentelow, Sarah Cox, Steve Boden plus the cast of ‘Jack’. Image: Phillip Tull

READING’s much-loved theatre isnowcelebrating its45th season.

whatsonreading.com

It’s been just over three years since we launched whatsonreading.com. So, inspired by The Hexagon’s own anniversary celebrations, now feels like a good time to see just where we’ve come in that time.

There’d been calls for a platform like this for events in Reading for MANY years - especially around the Year of Culture in 2016. Reading Arts and and REDA (fka Reading UK) picked up that baton and carried it through, forming the foundation for what was to be What’s On Reading.

When we launched in October 2019, we had around 60 Partner organisations - theatres, comedy clubs, choirs, promoters, museums and more - on top of the three Reading Arts venues.

Before the year was out, we had 100.

Now we’re closer to 250 - more venues, more choirs, more live music, more everything! We’ve expanded to include different kind of events and organisations to better cover Reading’s full cultural soup, like our award-winning escape rooms and the country’s biggest cosplay convention to those who celebrate our town’s natural heritage. From those who run one event a year in Reading to those who run multiple events or classes a week. All in one place.

Oh, and that number never stopped growing even during the height of the pandemic and lockdowns. Reading’s creative community proved to be just that, bringing things online or taking them outdoors, and continued to find their audiences during a difficult time for all of us.

In these past three years, over 1.4 MILLION of you have visited the site – some of you quite a lot! We hope you all found the event or class you were looking for. And hopefully found something you didn’t know you were looking for, too!

But it’s not just a time to look back – there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months, too. New shows from Progress Theatre and Shinfield Players Theatre. Music promoters Club Velocity and Heavy Pop are expanding Reading’s entries for Independent Venue Week with gigs at The Rising Sun Arts Centre and The Face Bar. The Reading Phoenix and Reading Bach Choirs are on their new year recruitment drives. The Centre For Heritage & Family History have all manner of talks, walks and workshops lined up. Lots and lots and lots to enjoy!

So, a big thank you to everyone who’s helped get What’s On Reading where it is today – and we hope we can continue to help events and audiences find each other for many more years to come!

Damien Passmore Web Editor – whatsonreading.com

READING ARTS AND VENUES MEMBERSHIP

If you love the arts in Reading, become a Reading Arts Member and you’ll get invites to exclusive events, priority booking and ticket discounts, while supporting the venues and the work that we do.

Gold Membership Benefits

Gold Membership Card

No Ticket Fee

Priority Booking

10% Bar & Café Discount Free Ticket Exchange, within the same show or show run.

Invitation to South Street Season Launches Exclusive Discounts

£45

Silver Membership Benefits

Silver Membership Card

Priority Booking e-Newsletters

10% Bar & Café Discount

Invitation to South Street Season Launches Exclusive Discounts £35

For more information, contact the Box Office on 0118 960 6060 or visit whatsonreading.com

SOUTH STREET MEMBERSHIP

Become a Member and be a part of South Street’s exciting future by supporting the venue. Your support will enable you to access benefits such as priority booking on select shows and regular newsletters with the latest from the venue. Members will also be invited to our Season Launch events and other special events throughout the year. You will also receive discounts and offers on shows. The support will ensure we are able to continue to invest in the venue and provide a programme that is diverse, bold and unique in Reading.

South Street Membership Benefits

Membership Card

Exclusive Ticket Discounts Priority Booking Members Newsletter

Bar & Café Discount Room Hire Discount Invitation to Season Launches Youth Theatre Discount £35

For more information, contact the Box Office on 0118 960 6060 or visit whatsonreading.com

Ticket Prices

Ticket Fees

All ticket prices shown are inclusive of ticket fees. Postage & COBO fees, if applicable, will apply.

Concessions

Under

Groups and schools bookings are NOT available online. Please call our group booker on 0118 937 2011.

Programmes

Printed programmes will be available on the night for £2.50, but all bookers can buy in advance for £3. Simply add this merchandise item to your basket before checking out. ‘Superb virtuoso concert’ ‘Superb performance’ ‘Brilliant’

WHAT’S ON

The Concert Hall

Wed 11 Jan, 7.30pm FABIO BIONDI, SOLO VIOLIN

South Street Thurs 12 Jan, from 6.30pm MEMBERS NIGHT & Season Launch

The Hexagon Fri 13 Jan, 7pm NT Live presents: THE SEAGULL South Street

Fri 13 Jan, doors 8pm POETS’ CAFÉ

Presented by Reading Stanza & South Street

South Street & SITELINES present 16-18 Jan, various times THREADS

Produced by South Street & University of Reading Film, Theatre & Television. Performed at Reading Museum

The Concert Hall Mon 16 Jan, 1pm LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

The Hexagon 16-21 Jan, various times BAZ LUHRMANN’S STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL

JANUARY

The Hexagon

Thurs 26 Jan, 7.30pm

SARA PASCOE: SUCCESS STORY

South Street

Thu 26 Jan, 8pm

TOM HOUGHTON: ABSOLUTE SHAMBLES

South Street

Fri 27 Jan, 8pm BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ: BABAHOOD

WHAT’S ON JANUARY

The Hexagon

Fri 27 Jan, 7.30pm

LOST IN MUSIC ONE NIGHT AT THE DISCO

The Hexagon

Sat 28 Jan, 7pm A SONG IN A STRANGE LAND

South Street

Sat 28 Jan, 8pm

SOUTH STREET COMEDY CLUB

Presented by Mates Rates Comedy

The Hexagon

Sun 29 Jan, 3pm

AMERICAN SUPERSLAM WRESTLING

Reading s Bayeux Tapestry , Created by Cassie Friend & Sabina Netherclift with students from the University of Reading

South Street

Weds 1 Feb, 8pm

DIA-BEAT-ES by Paul O’Donnell

The Hexagon

Thu 2 Feb, 7.30pm

HAPPY HOUR LIVE

The Round Sheep Tour

South Street

Fri 3 Feb, 8pm

JEN BRISTER: THE OPTIMIST

Presented by Little Wander

The Hexagon

Sat 4 Feb, 2pm

ROALD DAHL’S

MATILDA THE MUSICAL (FILM)

South Street

Wed 8 Feb, 8pm

FATHERHOOD BY ALTERED SKIN

Conceived and created by Shane Shambhu

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY

South Street

Thu 9 Feb, 8pm

LUCY PORTER: WAKE-UP CALL

The Hexagon

10 & 11 Feb, various times

Rare Productions

BUGSY MALONE

South Street

11 Feb & 18 Mar, 8pm

RHYS JAMES: SPILT MILK presented by Show and Tell

The Hexagon

Tue 14 Feb, 7.30pm

CIRCUS OF HORRORS: THE HAUNTED FAIRGROUND

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Productions

the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

THE HEXAGON | FRI 17 FEB '23 | 7.30pm

THE HEXAGON | FRI 17 FEB '23 | 7.30pm

In Aida, the splendour of Egypt is set against the grandeur of the Coliseum of Rome.

In Aida, the splendour of Egypt is set against the grandeur of the Coliseum of Rome.

Featuring the classic Triumphal March with a temple dance, cascades of glittering gold and amazing fire performers.

Featuring the classic Triumphal March with a temple dance,

start to finish”

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

THE HEXAGON | THURS 13 APR '23 | 7.30pm

THE HEXAGON | THURS 13 APR '23 | 7.30pm

One of the most romantic operas ever written, this Puccini masterpiece is set within the attics and backstreets of Paris.

One of the most romantic operas ever written, this Puccini masterpiece is set within the attics and backstreets of Paris.

Featuring Musetta’s dog, snow effects and a brass band.

Featuring Musetta’s dog, snow effects and a brass band.

"Authentic, Tender and Passionate" The Daily Telegraph

"Authentic, Tender and Passionate" The Daily Telegraph

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Cast is subject to change

Cast is subject to change

WHATSONREADING.COM 0118 960 6060

WHATSONREADING.COM 0118 960 6060

South Street

Weds 15 Feb, 11.30am & 2pm

THE BUBBLE SHOW Presented by The Highland Joker

South Street

Wed 15 Feb & Sat 20 May, 8pm

ALFIE MOORE: FAIR COP UNLEASHED

The Hexagon

Wed 15 Feb, 7.30pm

PRUE LEITH: NOTHING IN MODERATION

The Hexagon

Fri 17 Feb, 7.30pm

Ellen Kent Opera Presents AIDA

South Street

Fri 17 Feb, 7.30pm

LIMEHOUSE LIZZY

The Hexagon

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY

Sat 18 Feb, 7.30pm

GIOVANNI PERNICE: MADE IN ITALY

South Street

Sat 18 Feb, 8pm

RAY BRADSHAW: DEAF COM 1

The Hexagon

Tue 21 Feb, 7.30pm

COME WHAT MAY: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO MOULIN ROUGE

South Street

Wed 22 Feb, 8pm “SPEAKING OUT & FITTING IN!” by Alice d’Lumiere

www.whatsonreading.com / Box Office 0118 960 6060

Senbla presents Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

featuring

The Concert Hall

Thu 23 Feb, 7.30pm

ARTURO CASTRO NOGUERAS, GUITAR

The Hexagon

Thu 23 Feb, 7.30pm

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH MENOPAUSE

South Street

Fri 24 Feb, 8pm

CHLOE PETTS: TRANSIENCE

The Hexagon

Fri 24 Feb, 7.30pm

Varna International Ballet: THE NUTCRACKER

The Hexagon

WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY

Sat 25 Feb, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Varna International Ballet: SWAN LAKE

South Street

Sat 25 Feb, 7.30pm SIMON & GARFUNKEL

THROUGH THE YEARS

The Hexagon

Tue 28 Feb, 7pm

NT Live presents: OTHELLO

The Hexagon

1 & 2 Mar, 8pm

JON RICHARDSON: THE KNITWIT

South Street

Weds 1 to 3 Mar, 8pm ON TRACK

Written by Catherine Dyson Presented by Redcape Theatre and South Street

The Concert Hall

Mon 6 Mar, 1pm

LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL

The Hexagon

WHAT’S ON MARCH

Wed 8 Mar, 7.30pm

LEVELLERS ACOUSTIC TOUR

South Street

Wed 8 Mar, 8pm

THE TALENT by Action Hero & Deborah Pearson

South Street

Thurs 9 Mar, 7.30pm

FERN BRADY: AUTISTIC BIKINI QUEEN

The Concert Hall

Thu 9 Mar, 7.30pm

TINE THING HELSETH, TRUMPET

The Hexagon

Thu 9 Mar, 7.30pm

TIM PEAKE: MY JOURNEY TO SPACE

South Street

Fri 10 Mar, 8pm

SOPHIE DUKER: HAG

Concert Hall

Fri 10 Mar, 7.30pm

ART OF BELIEVING Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company

The Hexagon

Sat 11 Mar, 7.30pm 90s LIVE South Street Sat 11 Mar, 8pm

JOHN KEARNS: THE VARNISHING DAYS

WHAT’S ON MARCH

The Hexagon

Mon 13 Mar, TBC LET’S SING

The Hexagon

Wed 15 Mar, 7.30pm MIKE OLDFIELD’S

TUBULAR BELLS

The Hexagon

Thu 16 Mar, 7.30pm RUSSELL HOWARD

The Hexagon

Fri 17 Mar, 7.30pm

CALLING PLANET EARTH

The Hexagon

Sat 18 Mar, 3pm & 7.30pm I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE

The Hexagon

Mon 20 Mar, 7.30pm

GORDON BUCHANAN: 30 YEARS IN THE WILD

The Hexagon

Wed 22 Mar, 7.30pm

THE SENSATIONAL 60’s EXPERIENCE

South Street

Fri 24 Mar, 8pm

MIKE WOZNIAK: ZUSA

South Street

Sat 25 Mar, 8pm

HEIDI TALBOT

WHAT’S ON MARCH

The Hexagon

Sat 25 Mar, 11.30am

RPO NOISY KIDS

The Hexagon

Sat 25 Mar, 7.30pm

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC

ORCHESTRA & ADAM HICKOX

The Hexagon

Tue 28 Mar, 7.30pm

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES

South Street

Thu 30 Mar, 8pm

TIM KEY: MULBERRY

South Street

Fri 31 Mar, 8pm

ALASDAIR ROBERTS

The Hexagon

Fri 31 Mar, 7.30pm

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

The Adele Songbook

The Hexagon Sat 4 Feb, 2pm ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (FILM)

The Hexagon 10-11 Feb, various times Rare Productions BUGSY MALONE

South Street 15 Feb, various times THE BUBBLE SHOW Presented by The Highland Joker

The Hexagon Sat 25 Mar, 11.30am RPO NOISY KIDS

South Street Wed 5 Apr, 11.30am

ANIMALS!

by Dens & Signals

Presented on tour by House Theatre.

The Hexagon 17-20 May, various times The Sainsbury Singers Present THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

The Hexagon 7-9 July, various times From the creators of Dinosaur World Live DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS

The Hexagon Sun 24 Sep, 1pm MINISTRY OF SCIENCE SCIENCE SAVED THE WORLD

www.whatsonreading.com / Box Office 0118 960 6060

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON

The Hexagon

Sat 1 Apr, 7.30pm

DAVE GORMAN: Powerpoint To The People

South Street

Sat 1 Apr, 8pm

ROSIE JONES: TRIPLE THREAT Presented by Off the Kerb

The Hexagon

Wed 5 Apr, 7.30pm THAT’LL BE THE DAY

The Hexagon

Sat 25 Mar, 11.30am RPO NOISY KIDS

South Street

Wed 5 Apr, 11.30am

ANIMALS

By Dens & Signals. Presented on tour by House Theatre.

South Street Fri 7 Apr, 8pm

JAYDE ADAMS: Men, I Can Save You

South Street

Thu 13 Apr, 8pm

BILAL ZAFAR: CARE

The Hexagon

Thu 13 Apr, 7.30pm

LA BOHÈME

Presented by Ellen Kent

The Hexagon

Mon 17 Apr ‘23, drs 7pm WARD THOMAS

The Concert Hall

Tue 18 Apr, 7.30pm

JONATHAN BISS, PIANO

South Street

Thu 20 Apr, 8pm SOLD

By Kuumba Nia Arts. Presented on tour by House Theatre.

South Street Fri 21 Apr, 8pm

EMMANUEL SONUBI: Emancipated Presented by Phil McIntyre Live

South Street Sat 22 Apr, 8pm

ESHAAN AKBAR: The Pretender Presented by Phil McIntyre Live

The Hexagon

Tue 25 Apr, 7.30pm

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

COMING SOON COMING SOON

The Hexagon

Wed 3 May, 7.30pm An Evening with ANTON DU BEKE AND FRIENDS

WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON

The Hexagon

Thu 4 May, 7.30pm

Test Match Special Live: THE ASHES

The Hexagon Fri 5 May, 7.30pm

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA & Antony Hermus

The Hexagon

Sat 13 May, 7.30pm DICK AND DOM In Da Bungalow Live 20th Anniversary Tour

South Street Sat 13 May, 8pm

TOM DAVIS: Work in Progress Presented by Off the Kerb productions

The Concert Hall

Tue 16 May, 7.30pm BRODSKY QUARTET & SIR WILLARD WHITE

The Hexagon 17-20 May, various times THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS A Sainsbury Singers Presentation

The Concert Hall Fri 19 May, 8pm

BABATUNDE ALÉSHÉ: Babahood

The Hexagon

Fri 26 May, 7.30pm MIKE & THE MECHANICS Refuelled!

The Hexagon

Fri 2 June, 7.30pm SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS

The Hexagon Wed 7 June, 7.30pm THE MCCARTNEY SONGBOOK

The Concert Hall

Thu 8 June, 7.30pm ENGLISH SINFONIA

The Hexagon Thu 8 June, 8pm

PHIL WANG: Wang In There, Baby!

COMING SOON COMING SOON

The Hexagon 13-17 June, various times THE COMMITMENTS

The Five Star Hit Musical

The Hexagon Fri 23 June, 7.30pm Emma Kenny’s SERIAL KILLER NEXT DOOR

READING MUSEUM

CULTURAL+ COMMUNI TY RESOU RCES FOR READI NG

Created in response to Reading UK’s survey of how best to support the arts and cultural community post-COVID, our new cultural and community resources hub is host to all manner of resources and opportunities for those within the sector, from funding and development opportunities and job adverts, to venue and equipment hire.

For the wider community, there will be access to smaller community events, plus information on volunteering –created in partnership with Reading Voluntary Action – and other ways to get involved in the wide range of arts and culture opportunities that Reading has to offer.

All that, plus the latest news, announcements and blog content from all over Reading. We hope you find it useful and informative. whatsonreading.com/culturalcommunity-resources-reading

THEATRES AREN’T THE ON LY VENUES

READING MUSEUM

As well as their permanent exhibitions, Reading Museum runs fun and educational events, workshops and talks for all ages. readingmuseum.org.uk

READING ABBEY QUARTER

A wonderful venue, playing host to many tours, talks, plays and concerts throughout the year. readingabbeyquarter.org.uk

BERKSHIRE RECORD OFFICE

The BRO is a massive resource of local history and they hold regular talks and family history workshops for all. berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk

READING LIBRARIES

With regular children’s Rhyme Times and Story-times as well as author talks and signings. reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries

READING TOWN HALL

The perfect Victorian destination for your Wedding, Party or Corporate Event. readingtownhall.co.uk

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS VENUE INFORMATION

All tickets for The Hexagon, Concert Hall & South Street are available in advance from the Reading Arts Box Office.

Box Office: 0118 960 6060 www.whatsonreading.com

Group Bookings:

Contact our dedicated group sales co-ordinator for details of group discounts, priority bookings, advance notifications, extended reservation periods, education packs and much more. Alice Flynn 0118 937 2011 or email alice.flynn2@reading.gov.uk

Payment

All major credit and debit cards are accepted, except Diners and American Express.

Unless otherwise stated venue booking fees are included in the advertised price. An additional fee may be payable for postage.

The booking fee applies to ticket purchases made with credit cards, debit cards and cash. Bookings made in person with a pre-paid debit card are not subject to a booking fee.

Standing events.

All standing tickets are unreserved general admission; the seating plan and ticket number are for administration purposes only. Please note that Under 14’s will not be permitted into the standing arena. All under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult (18yrs or over) and seated in the balcony.

The advertised time for standing events is the doors time and bears no relation to the performance time. Exact timings will be confirmed nearer the time and will be available from the box office or via readingarts.com.

To ensure your safety, security will be present to search bags on arrival. No food or drink may be brought into the venue.

Professional cameras are not permitted at events and will not be allowed into the auditorium. Please be aware that concerts of this nature use various theatrical lighting and smoke effects, and may have high sound levels.

The management reserve the right to refuse entry and to make any changes to the information contained in this brochure without prior notice in the event of illness or any other unavoidable cause.

Full terms and conditions can be found on our websitewww.whatsonreading.com.com/ terms-and-conditions

Please check these terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket.

The Hexagon

Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7UA Box Office: 0118 960 6060 www.whatsonreading.com

The Hexagon bar/s are open 1 hour before a show, with extended opening after selected events.

Concert Hall/Town Hall

Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH Admin: 0118 937 3400 www.whatsonreading.com

South Street 21 South Street, Reading RG1 4QU Admin: 0118 937 3456 www.whatsonreading.com

The Box Office and bar at South Street are not open full time and will usually open 1 hour before any evening performance, except when the show is advertised with a doors time.

Reading Museum

Blagrave Street, Reading RG1 1QH Admin: 0118 937 3400 www.readingmuseum.org.uk

Reading Abbey Ruins Abbey Street, Reading, RG1 3BA Admin: 0118 937 3400 www.readingabbeyquarter.org.uk

Reading Sport & Leisure

Palmer Park Sports Stadium Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LF Admin: 0118 937 5080 www.readingleisure.co.uk

Reading Central Library Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ Admin: 0118 901 5955 www.readinglibraries.org.uk

Berkshire Record Office 9 Coley Avenue, Reading Admin: 0118 937 5132 www.berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk

As events can change at very short notice in the current climate, please check online for the latest show info before travelling to our venues. SEE IT SAFELY: For up to date Theatre COVID Precautions, please see our Covid FAQs online.

www.whatsonreading.com / Box Office 0118 960 6060 www.whatsonreading.com / Box Office 0118 960 6060