Banstead Musical Theatre present Sweet Charity

Sweet Charity follows the romantic trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, who tries again and again to find her dream and make something of herself, who wants more than anything to be loved. Charity’s hopeful romanticism and unfailing optimism lift her out of her circumstances and help her reach for a life beyond whilst working at the seedy Fandango Ballroom as a taxi dancer — a dance partner-for-hire — alongside her two best friends, Nickie and Helene.

Charity wears her heart on her sleeve, and in the past, she’s been strung along and hung out to dry by a series of bad relationships and lousy men who take advantage of her trusting nature. Along the way, Charity learns valuable lessons about self-worth and the true meaning of love. Charity refuses to believe that tomorrow does not hold a promise of happiness. When she meets Oscar, a neurotic, shy actuary seemingly from another world, will she find true love at last?

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

John Nichol’s The Unknown Warrior

During the First World War, over one million British Empire soldiers were killed. More than a century later, over half a million still have no known grave.

John Nichol, a former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War prisoner-of-war, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the emotional tale of the Unknown Warrior interred in Westminster Abbey, who represents all of the missing. Guiding audiences through an emotional and personal journey, John retraces the Unknown Warrior’s path from the battlefields of Northern France to Westminster Abbey, where he was laid to rest ‘Among the Kings’. Vividly portrayed with haunting visuals and an evocative soundscape, this story will transports us back to a time of intense public sorrow and reflection, capturing the fervour of generations past.

But how did this plan come to fruition? Who was this ‘unknown’ man? How was he selected, and from where? What were the logistical challenges of repatriating a single body while preserving its anonymity? To shed light on this century-old story, John relives the Unknown Warrior’s journey home through discussions with relatives of those involved, research from long-forgotten archives, and insights from modern experts. As Remembrance Sunday approaches, he also examines how individuals and nations have commemorated the sacrifices of the dead throughout history. Above all, this is a quest to understand the true essence of camaraderie, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

Ministry of Science

Join our super talented presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how it has shaped our modern world…with a few loud bangs along the way! They’ll take an anarchic approach to science communication while looking at the brilliant scientists, engineers, and inventors who built the foundations of our current knowledge. Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, zippy hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane, and even a self-built Hovercraft!

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

The Legends of American Country Show

Now seen by over 350,000 fans live and watched by millions on TV, Europe’s No.1 multi award winning show returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics. 

The 2024 tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, and new tributes to icons Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, and Willie Nelson, with countless other well known hit songs in this must-see musical extravaganza .With over 2,000 five star reviews, the show features three superb singers: Kelan Browne, Tracey McAuley, and Anthony McBrien, accompanied by a stellar live band of musicians with that real authentic western sound. Coupled with authentic stage set and state of the art production that will transport you all the way, hand-clapping and toe-tapping, to Nashville and back in one night.

One things for sure, if it’s Country music you like, then this is the only show in town!

‘As good as Country show that you will see live anywhere outside Nashville.’ – Country Music Northern Ireland

‘Pure, raw Country at its best.’ – CMT

‘Fantastic show of nostalgic Country at its best, with superb vocalists and musicians.’  Hot Country TV

‘Guaranteed to take you to Nashville and back in one night’ – North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

Superslam: All Star Wrestling

Get ready for an action-packed, family-friendly brawling bonanza. Watch your favourite wrestling Superstars and Villains clash in magnificent matches filled with high-flying moves and epic showdowns. Grab a seat (and keep it under your legs, please!) for this thrilling action, live on stage!

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

Neil Sands presents Christmas Memories

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with the new 2024 production of their hit show, Christmas Memories.

Filled with over 60 of your all-time favourite classic songs and carols that will have you singing along from start to finish, this sparkling show will bring back many wonderful memories of Christmases past.

Join Neil for this spectacular spirit-lifting and heart-warming afternoon of festive nostalgia!

Get your tickets through the Epsom Playhouse website here!

The Central Band of the Royal British Legion

The Central Band of the Royal British Legion: We Will Remember Them

The Central Band of The Royal British Legion, now in its 80th year, is delighted to return to Epsom and present its annual concert marking Remembrance Day. The programme will include a range of reflective and uplifting pieces from traditional favourites, to stage, screen, and pop classics.

The Central Band has performed at many high-profile events, most recently for WW2 veterans on their recent 80th anniversary D-Day commemoration trip to France and on the One Show D-Day Special, accompanying The D-Day Darlings. The band is led by the irrepressible Captain David Cole OBE.

To Book or For More Info CLICK HERE

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz

From the award-winning creator of ‘Bring Your Baby Guided London Walks’, ‘Bring Your Baby Pub Quizzes’ are fun, brain-stimulating daytime parent socials, which take place all over London and the South East.

Team size is 6 maximum to make it fair on everyone.

Quizzes take a slower pace than traditional ones. We are parents ourselves, and understand juggling a ‘baby brain’ with baby distractions!

Baby change is available, including our legendary luxury mobile baby change which means you don’t need to leave the quiz to change baby!

Epsom Social is a large licensed bar and food hall. It has a variety of food vendors to choose from – vegan and gluten-free options are available. Please note that food and drink is not included in ticket.

Younger children are welcome, but are the parent or carer’s responsibility. Please bring suitable toys and games to entertain them while you quiz.

We take two breaks to feed, change and chat, and questions are always repeated.

Settle in with the picture round from 12pm, with a further five quiz rounds (including general knowledge, music, connection and themed) starting at 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Don’t panic if you’re a bit late – we repeat questions.

A number of high chairs are also available.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places include items such as Prosecco, beauty boxes and luxury chocolate boxes.

Epsom & Ewell Council announce partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council announce partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to improve local tennis courts

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public tennis courts in Epsom & Ewell.

The LTA will provide £26,650 to invest in 12 tennis courts at Auriol Park, Alexandra Recreation Ground, Court Recreation Ground, Gibraltar Recreation Ground and Poole Road Recreation Ground.

The courts will benefit from gate access technology, a new online booking platform and court improvements which will ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.

Alongside the investment, the council and local coach providers will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites. This will include weekly, free tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competitions.

As part of the LTA’s Parks Investment Programme, the council will introduce a new ‘pay as you play’ scheme across all tennis courts in the borough in the new year. All income raised from the scheme will be reinvested into the borough’s tennis facilities to ensure future sustainability of tennis in parks.

Cllr John Beckett, Chair of the Environment Committee said: “The partnership between the LTA and the council is extremely good news for the tennis facilities in the borough. Their investment and the move to a ‘pay as you play’ scheme will ensure that the courts are maintained and improved into the future.

“The tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for residents to get active and improve both their physical and mental health. The planned free coaching sessions will provide an opportunity to bring new people to the sport from all ages, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds.”

 Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: We are delighted to be working with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.

“This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come.

“We will also be working closely with Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

A range of payment options will be available for people to get on court, including an individual court hire fee and an affordable season pass.

The costs for users who will book are:

Ad-hoc Cost Per Hour All Courts£6.00
Additional Cost Per Hour for Floodlights£6.00
  
Annual Household Subscription£40.00
Annual Household Subscription for those in receipt of low-income benefits£20.00

All income generated will be going back into the improvement of the facilities with a priority of improving the courts at Gib/Poole Road first.

All sites will be available to book online via the LTA website www.lta.org.uk/play

Mike Ford Copse

A dedication event was held on Sunday 3rd December at Alexandra Recreation Ground to honour local hero Mike Ford

In a heartwarming event volunteers from Friends of Alexandra Park and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board (EETAB), local councillors Steven McCormick, James Laurence and Bernie Muir, the Epsom & Ewell Tree Officer and the Mayor, Councillor Rob Geleit gathered on December 3rd at Alexander Recreation Ground to pay tribute to a beloved local figure, Mike Ford, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Tree.’

Mr. Ford has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicating countless hours to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment. His unwavering commitment to the cause of tree conservation and environmental stewardship has left an indelible mark on Epsom & Ewell.

The dedication event served as a poignant moment to recognize and express gratitude for his exceptional contributions.

The event was opened by Howard Gregory the chair of EETAB with words from Kevin Greening and Simon Alford, EETAB members, before introducing the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell. The Epsom and Ewell Tree Officer then presented Mike with a collection of photographs taken when the original copse was planted.

In his speech Mayor Rob Geleit said “Mike is firmly rooted in his conviction that planting a tree today is an investment for the whole community, combating climate change and helping biodiversity as well as a thing of beauty in itself. His and the Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board’s aim is ensure that they pass on to future generations a borough that is at least as leafy as the one we have all inherited.”

As well as speeches, the event included a symbolic tree layout for the planned rejuvenation of the Ford copse, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to forever mark Mike Ford’s contributions at Alexander Recreation Ground.

The event concluded with a sense of community pride and a commitment to carrying forward Mr. Tree’s legacy.

A person wearing a yellow vest Description automatically generated

For further information about Epsom & Ewell Tree Advisory Board:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.eetab.org.uk/

Facebook: @EpsomEwellTreeAdvisoryBoard