Exhibitions
Myth and Mythmaking
Throughout June
Hughenden Manor
A new exhibition at Hughenden Manor has opened, exploring how Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli carefully curated his own image and used Hughenden as a stage and backdrop for creating his own legend. As visitors explore, the myths Disraeli wove into the fabric of the estate are revealed. From Aesop’s fables depicted on the library ceiling to the German Forest he created on the grounds, every manipulation was designed to contribute to his personal image. The exhibition also explores contemporary parallels in how we curate our own stories on social media.
Indy 500
Throughout June
Silverstone Museum
Motorsport and F1 fans making a pit stop at Silverstone Museum will see some of the world’s most iconic IndyCars for the first time ever as the venue’s new exhibition gets off the starting grid. Announcing its prestigious partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Silverstone Museum is launching its unique exhibition, “The Indy 500: A British Success Story.” In a world exclusive, racing fans will be able to see Nigel Mansell’s 1992 F1 World Championship-winning Williams FW14B car on display alongside his 1993 IndyCar World Series Lola T93/00.
This is one of the many highlights of the unique exhibition, made possible as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum undergoes a major, multimillion-dollar refurbishment, accelerating the opportunity for Silverstone Museum to bring the iconic IndyCars to the UK. The exhibition will be on display throughout the summer and will showcase a range of IndyCars, including the 1922 Bentley 3 Litre and the Lotus 56. IndyCar only raced once at Silverstone, in 1978, which was won by successful American driver AJ Foyt in the Coyote Foyt-Ford, which will also be on display.
Theatre
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
10-15 June
MK Theatre
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, is visiting Milton Keynes Theatre as part of its UK Tour. The show stars Ivano Turco (Get Up, Stand Up!, Cinderella) as Jamie New, Rebecca McKinnis (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Dear Evan Hansen, We Will Rock You, Les Misérables) as Margaret New, Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie West End, Bend It Like Beckham West End) as Ray, Talia Palamathanan (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Tour and film) as Pritti, with X-Factor winner Sam Bailey as Miss Hedge, and Strictly Come Dancing professional and series 16 winner Kevin Clifton as Hugo/Loco Chanelle.
Bonnie & Clyde
18-22 June
MK Theatre
Winner of Best New Musical (What’sOnStage Awards 2023), Bonnie & Clyde heads to Milton Keynes this month. The cast of this fan-favourite show is led by Heathers and Newsies star Alex James-Hatton, who will play the role of Clyde Barrow, and Katie Tonkinson, who will play Bonnie Parker after wowing audiences in the West End and International Tour of Bat Out of Hell. Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is the story of two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became America’s biggest folk heroes. They craved adventure – and each other. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, this is the electrifying story of love, adventure, and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation.
Music
Graham McGregor-Smith
4 June
The Old Court, Windsor
Local singer-songwriter Graham McGregor-Smith and his band return to The Old Court in Windsor to play his superb debut album, Road to Anywhere. Graham will be accompanied by his all-star band, featuring some of the UK’s finest jazz musicians, promising a night of awesome music and good vibes. Together, they will perform songs from Road To Anywhere, along with a handful of cover songs that have influenced and inspired Graham throughout his life. Graham has alluded to a potential preview of new material to complete a thrilling set.
Events
Blue, Boyzlife and Scouting For Girls
16 June
Palmer Park, Reading
Tickets
Reading will host three of the top bands of recent times. Blue, AKA Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe, are back and are quickly regaining their place as one of the UK’s biggest and best pop bands. When Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden first went on the road as Boyzlife – the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members – they never imagined that they would be preparing to release an album of original material six years later. Throughout Scouting For Girls’ immensely successful career, they’ve sold over two million albums and two million singles.
Between The Covers
6 June
Reading Concert Hall
For the first time ever, Between The Covers, the nation’s favourite TV book club, is taking to the road with a live version of the hugely successful BBC Two series that brings books to life. The live show will feature three of the best-loved stars from Between The Covers: Kacey Ainsworth, Jo Brand, and Stephen Mangan, who will form the fantasy book group alongside the bestselling author of Star of the Sea, Joseph O’Connor, who will tell all on his books and writing habits. The tour will be hosted by Amanda Ross, TV’s ‘Queen of Books’.
Comedy
Ed Byrne
9 June
Reading Hexagon
One of the UK’s favourite TV household names has extended the nationwide tour of his best-reviewed show at this year’s Fringe, and his most personal show to date. From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Join one of our leading laugh specialists as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.
Art
Cara Gordon
Throughout June
Discover Bucks Museum
Portrait artist Cara Gordon’s residency recently ended at Discover Bucks Museum, but an exhibition of her work runs throughout the month. Her portraits are really engaging and striking, and she has been capturing the faces of Aylesbury residents over recent months. Cara is a renowned and award-winning artist, including winning the RUA Gold Medal at the 2021 exhibition at the Ulster Museum.
