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5 of the best things to do in Reading this week

By Caroline Cook
February 13, 2013

We've rounded up the top 5 things to do in Reading this week.
Take a look and tell us about any other events by leaving a comment.

1 Reading Film Theatre: Beasts of the Southern Wild
Where: Palmer Building, Whiteknights, University of Reading
When: Thursday, February 14, 8pm
See: www.readingfilmtheatre.co.uk

With the Oscars coming up at the end of this month, it is a good time to plonk yourself in a comfy seat and check out some of the nominees.

Reading Film Theatre, which runs from one of the lecture theatres at The University of Reading, is showing hotly-tipped fantasy drama Beasts of the Southern Wild on Thursday.

Nominated in four categories – including best actress for nine-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis (the youngest best actress nominee ever) – the film follows six-year-old Hushpuppy and her Louisiana Bayou community which is under flooding threat from melting ice-caps.

Having been running for more than 40 years, Reading Film Theatre is one of Reading’s independent gems, and if you haven’t been yet it’s well worth a visit.

2 Peter Knight’s Gigspanner
Where: South Street Arts Centre, Reading
When: Thursday, February 14, 8pm
Call: (0118) 960 6060

Terry Pratchett said he could “spin the world on his bow,” and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has commissioned him to create a piece of music – so Peter Knight’s credentials really speak for themselves.

The former Steeleye Span fiddle player is coming to South Street this week with his three-piece band Gigspanner, pictured above.

The trio, which includes guitarist Roger Flack and percussionist Vincent Salzfaaz, will play an evening of folk music, taking inspiration from Eastern European, Cajun, African, French and aboriginal music.

3 Reading Bach Choir and Reading Bach Orchestra in concert
Where: Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton
When: Saturday, February 16, 7.45pm
Call: (0118) 947 8097

The rafters of Douai Abbey might be trembling a little on Saturday when the Reading Bach Choir and Reading Bach Orchestra team up for a rousing performance.

Conducted by Matthew Hamilton, the musical groups will be performing Bach’s St John Passion in the magnificent surroundings of the Abbey.

The work is regarded by many as the more dramatic of Bach’s two passions – the other being the St Matthew Passion – and tells the story of Peter’s betrayal and giving up of Christ for crucifixion.

The choir will be playing the roles of observers and Roman soldiers to bring out the full drama and tragedy of the biblical event. Tickets are £16 (£14 concessions).

4 Nature Detectives
Where: Basildon Park, Lower Basildon
When: Saturday, February 16, to Sunday, February 24
Call: (0118) 984 3040

Grab your magnifying glass, sling your camera around your neck and get ready to traipse through the undergrowth at Basildon Park.

The National Trust property is hosting Nature Detective sessions throughout half-term to keep little ones out of mischief.

Children will be able to clomp around the gardens, exploring nature trails and seeing what they can find. There will also be a parkland trail for hardy explorers to follow, and a reward if they make it to the end.

5 Comedy at Milk
Where: Milk, Merchants Place, Reading
When: Tuesday, February 19, 8.30pm
See: www.milkreading.co.uk

Comedy at Milk is back. The first of the regenerated comedy nights kicks off on Tuesday with a line-up which looks set to see the cosy little venue full to the brim.

Mock the Week regular Nathan Canton is on the bill alongside Wil Hodgson, winner of the Perrier Best Newcomer award, Charlie Baker, winner of Let’s Dance for Sports Relief and Geordie comic Kai Humphries.

Promoters and comedians Jonathan Elston and Matt Richardson will be hosting the evening.Tickets are £3 or £2 for students.

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