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SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
>> WEDNESDAY
Leon Morocco’s latest exhibition What The River Knew is now showing at Mascalls Gallery in Paddock Wood until June 25. The artist’s work is usually inspired by sunnier climes but this show focuses on what he observed while working on a small island on the Thames. Entrance is free: www.mascallsgallery.org
Tonight at Trinity Theatre there will be a screening of Mavis, a biopic of the legendary soul singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples. The film, which charts her career from gospel choir singer to influential icon, includes hit songs such as I’ll Take You There. It starts at 8pm: www.trinitytheatre.net
>> THURSDAY
The Queen celebrates her 90th birthday today and there will be many celebratory events in the area. One of the biggest will be in Tonbridge where a beacon will be lit at the top of the castle this evening at 8.30pm.
Woods on The Pantiles is hosting an evening of fine food and musical song in aid of the Hospice in the Weald. Tickets to Five Voices, One Show! cost £25 and include food and a glass of wine. The event starts at 7pm with tickets available to purchase from the venue. This evening at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge you can enjoy a live National Theatre broadcast of the Olivier Award-winning Hangman. Written by Martin McDonagh and starring David Morrissey, Andy Nyman and Johnny Flynn, it is a darkly humorous play with a plotline that twists and turns around the abolishment of hanging. Tickets cost £14 (£12 concessions) from the EM Forster Box Office: www.tonbridgearts.com
>> FRIDAY
Pashley Manor’s annual Tulip Festival begins today. Boasting over 100 different varieties of this beautiful bloom, the gardens, which are located in Ticehurst, are a glorious riot of colour during spring. Celebrating its 22nd year, the event runs until Saturday May 7 and visitors will have the chance to chat to experts and order bulbs for delivery in the autumn: www.pashleymanorgardens.com
The curtain goes up tonight on Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular at the Oast House Theatre in Tonbridge. Directed by Phil Porter and running until April 30, it follows the fortunes of three social-climbing couples who meet every Christmas Eve for three consecutive years with eyebrow-raising and entertaining consequences. Ticket prices vary so for more information visit: www.oasttheatre.com
Comedian Julian Clary is performing at the Assembly Hall this evening from 8pm. Tickets cost £23 and are available from the box office or www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
World famous pianist Ji Liu performs as part of the Lamberhurst Music Festival this evening at St Mary’s Church from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20 and are available from www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk
>> SATURDAY
If you’re a keen runner then you’ll be familiar with the growing trend for Park Runs. Dunorlan celebrates the second anniversary of its run today so why not jog along at 8.45am and complete its 5k course at a pace that suits you. There is also a park run at Tonbridge, Castle Road: at 9am, www.parkrun.org.uk
Pure Superclub in Tonbridge will be hosting Baby Loves Disco today. The event, which starts at 1pm, gives toddlers and pre-schoolers the chance to go ‘clubbing’ with DJs spinning some child-friendly pop tunes. There’s also a ‘chillout’ room, lots of crafting activities and face painting. www.babylovesdisco.co.uk
The Kino cinema in Hawkhurst celebrates Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary tonight with a live-streamed performance from the RSC. The two-hour special, which starts at 8.15pm is presented by David Tennant and includes performances by Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.
At the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks you can catch a performance of King of Pop: The Legend Continues. Led by Navi, the world’s premier Michael Jackson tribute artist, the show’s classic pop tunes such as Billie Jean and Smooth Criminal will have you rocking in the aisles. Ticket prices start at £18. www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk
>> SUNDAY
At 9.30am today Gloria Hunniford will of? cially open Sevenoaks first Sunday Farmers’ Market, which will be hosted on Vine Gardens and boasts over 20 stalls of goodies from the area’s food and drink producers.
If the weather is warm then why not take a scenic boat trip from Tonbridge along the River Medway Launched last year, Tonbridge River Trips now runs cruises every weekend, every hour, from 11am: www.tonbridgerivertrips.co.uk
This evening there will be a quiz night at the Mount Edgecumbe in Tunbridge Wells. Entry costs £2 per person and teams can be made up of six people. For more information visit www.themountedgcumbe.com
MONDAY
Tonight at 7.15pm the Odeon cinema in Tunbridge Wells will be screening a live version of Donizetti’s tragedy Lucia Di Lammermoor. Directed by Katie Mitchell, the story sees the main character, Lucia, under pressure to find a suitable husband, but much to her brother’s horror she falls in love with his arch enemy.
At the Olde Chequers Inn, Tonbridge, there will be another evening of traditional folk music led by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer from 8pm.
TUESDAY
The Assembly Hall hosts the Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society (TWODS) production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel from this evening. The classic show, which dates back to 1945, runs until next Saturday, April 30.
Also starting tonight and finishing on Saturday is Yasmin Reza’s God Of Carnage, which is on at Trinity. This highly satirical play about the trials of modern parenting is a must for anyone who has children.
WORTH A TRIP…
Firle Place, Lewes, South Downs
This weekend The Garden Show in Spring takes place in the majestic surroundings of Firle Place in Lewes. Keen gardeners can expect a wealth of horticultural inspiration and will enjoy looking around the country park’s newly replanted herb garden and chatting to the expert growers and producers present. There will also be lots of stalls selling artisan homewares and gifting ideas as well as plenty of treats for foodies too. For ticket prices and further information visit www.thegardenshowonline.com or call 01243 538456
PICK OF THE WEEK
Festival of Bluebells at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
Why not pop along to the picturesque Riverhill Himalayan Gardens this week and enjoy their Festival of Bluebells, which runs until Sunday April 24? As well as having the opportunity to admire the spectacular swathes of bluebells, there is also an art exhibition and crafting sessions inspired by the beautiful blue blooms. For more information visit: www.riverhillgardens.co.uk
