Get ready for a rocking few weeks at the Assembly Hall
Rockers may not always live to an old age, but the genre itself is an enduring one, still packing venues and filling our ears with songs we can’t get out of our heads.
The Quo Experience pays tribute to five decades of music by the English rock group, while recreating the full stage show with a wall of white Marshall amps and guitars at the Assembly Hall on August 26 at 7:30pm.
As experienced musicians and passionate fans of Status Quo, the Quo Experience will play favourites ‘Whatever You Want’ as well as ‘What You’re Proposing’ and ‘Burn Bridges’ with the feel of the original band.
The programme also includes ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’, ‘Down Down’, ‘Living On An Island’ and ‘In The Army Now’.
Paying tribute to another legend of longevity, singer Chris O’Connell fronts ‘And Finally… Phil Collins’ the next night, August 27, at the Assembly Hall.
‘And Finally’ puts on a high-energy two-hour show delivering hits ranging from the atmospheric – ‘In The Air Tonight’ – to the danceable – ‘Sussudio’ – along with some hits from Genesis.
…and speaking of longevity, fans who are prepared to wait a little longer will be rewarded with a five-night run of the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ starting on September 13.
The production’s plot weaves together anthems including ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘We Built This City’, ‘The Final Countdown’, ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’, ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’.
Freddie Mercury did not Live Forever, but the music of Queen has lasted, as Freddie lookalike and soundalike Scott Maley will prove on September 2, as he and the rest of Supreme Queen fill the stage of the Assembly Hall with undeniable magnetism.
One of the top Queen tributes since forming in the 1990s, Supreme Queen have played for hundreds of thousands of fans and have headlined major events including the Saint-Tropez International Queen Convention, where they played to 10,000 people.
On Stage & Screen
This is a good week to say goodbye to Olivia Newton-John with some ‘Summer Loving’ from the classic movie ‘Grease’. An event organised before the star’s sad death last week, the Green Duck Coffee House & Bar outdoor screening will no doubt attract an influx of fans. Olivia, you’re the one that we want! Enjoy treats from the fully-stocked bar and don’t forget to bring a blanket to keep warm, as the film starts at approximately 8.45pm. The venue is at 53 Grosvenor Rd.
If you prefer to hear your summertime open-air music live, then head to Tonbridge Castle on August 21, as the symphonic East Sussex Concert Band take centre stage in the spectacular setting of the castle grounds. Free admission.
Why not let your hair down with a brand-new pantomime adaptation of the popular fairy tale ‘Rapunzel’? Scott Ritchie Productions proudly presents this exciting, and fun-tangled musical adventure at The Assembly Hall on August 19-21. With a wicked witch, a feisty heroine, a tap-dancing horse and a host of adventures, ‘Rapunzel’ promises to be a vibrant take on a classic and much-loved story. Expect spectacular song and dance and jokes a-plenty in what promises to be the family show of the year.
Going Live
In an event postponed from earlier this year, Kent-based cover rockers The Dirty Pillows are at the Forum on Friday (August 19) at 7:30pm. Release The Geese also perform. Age 16 and over unless accompanied by an adult.
Got a heart full of laughter and a weekend with no plans? Head over to Trinity Theatre on August 20 for a night of side-splitting comedy. The Good Ship Comedy show features Apollo comic Nathan Caton, rising star Matt Stellingwerf and the UK’s most sought-after act Cally Beaton in this hilarious evening packed full of personal anecdotes and punchline-rich material.
Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take Hever Festival this Sunday (August 21), in a unique evening celebrating the music and history of the world’s greatest and most influential artists of all time. A must for any music fan, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars show combines world-class live jazz and narration, offering its audience a glimpse into the incredible world of Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook.
Tunbridge Wells Pride was cancelled this year, but the Forum is still celebrating, with a ‘Goodbye for Now Party’ on August 20 at 7:20pm. A fantastic lineup including the likes of Luna Lestrange and Paul Aleksandr will take centre stage and raise a glass to Tunbridge Wells Pride. Age 18 and over.
Family Fun
Art Week starts next Monday, with town centre businesses running child and adult workshops from photography classes and watercolour painting on The Pantiles, to making moving toys with Whirligig Toys, floristry at The Cove, bath bomb-making at Lush, designing a duck at Manic Ceramix, as well as embroidery, still-lifes, milliney, and even glassmaking. All companies are members of RTW Together’s Business Improvement District.
The Spa Valley Railway runs on four days this week – Wednesday, Friday and the weekend. Check weekend trains for food services which include cream teas and fish ‘n’ chips. For young families, there are three theatrical outings of ‘Jolly Roger’s Swashbucklin’ Train Ride’ tomorrow (August 18). Over-18 families can join the Wildwood Vineyard wine tasting service on Saturday (August 20).
This Saturday (August 20) the Knights of Royal England will entertain modern visitors to Hever Castle with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights, in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to determine this season’s ultimate champion. A designated BSL (British Sign Language) area within the Jousting Field will provide interpretation of the event for those with hearing impairments and their friends and families.
Fly to Neverland this summer as Concord Theatricals’ dazzling musical production takes centre stage at Tonbridge Castle on August 20. Bursting with magic, mischief and music, this funny and moving version of a much-loved story promises to bring the whole family on an unforgettable adventure. Tickets at £10 (children) or £40 for two adults and two children, from: TicketSource.co.uk
