Discover the top things to do in Reading this month, from the enchanting musicals to spectacular fireworks. With a rich selection of events, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some of the best restaurants in Reading for an exceptional dining experience.
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical
12-16 November | MK Theatre
It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives – the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?
Elf The Musical
6-10 November | MK Theatre
The stage show Elf The Musical features Santa’s magical flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, amongst many spectacular scenes all set against amazing video-film backdrops on a large LED screen. With a large cast and live orchestra, the winter spectacular will star one of the UK’s most exciting rising comedy talents, Jordan Conway, who will step into the big floppy shoes of Will Ferrell.
Fireworks Spectacular
2 November | Ascot Racecourse
The annual Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday returns to Ascot with a bang, promising an action-packed day filled with an array of activities for racegoers of all ages. Featuring a high-quality card of jumps racing, finishing with one of Berkshire’s most impressive fireworks displays, this event is designed to light up the sky and create unforgettable memories for the entire family.
Get your tickets at the Ascot Racecourse
Midge Ure
14 November | Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Having celebrated his 70th birthday with a sold out show at the historic Royal Albert Hall in October 2023, Midge Ure is keen to continue the celebration of his life in music and this tour will give him the opportunity to showcase the musical breadth and versatility of his extensive song catalogue written during the past 50 years; giving old and new fans alike a truly remarkable night of hits and rarely heard gems.
Colin Hoult
2 November | South Street Arts Centre
Nominated for Best Show at the 2022 Edinburgh Comedy Awards, acclaimed comedian Colin Hoult is set to embark on a national tour in the autumn, after a full run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His new show Colin sees him set aside his trademark characters to perform as himself for the first time. After years of playing characters, Colin is finally showing the person behind them in a hugely joyous stand-up show. Colin explores his relationship with his father (also named Colin) and his son, and how more than just a name can be handed down through a family.
Get tickets at What’s On Reading
Steam into Christmas
From 30 November | Didcot Railway Centre
There’s been a disaster! Santa has lost all his reindeer and needs you to help him find them so he can deliver the presents on Christmas Eve. Find all his reindeer and fill your stocking with presents along the way. Visit Santa in his toy workshop with his mischievous elves, take unlimited train rides and explore over 200 years of railway history at Didcot Railway Centre. Gerald Dickens also returns for a second year performing the classic tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ on 17 December.
Jools Holland/Imelda May
10 November | Hexagon, Reading
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Imelda May will be joining Jools Holland and his renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on their 2024 autumn/winter UK tour. One of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Imelda May’s first major career break came when she was discovered by Jools, who invited him to support her on tour. Since then, she has performed alongside legendary artists such as Lou Reed, Bono, Tom Jones, Noel Gallagher, and Robert Plant.
Book your tickets at What’s on Reading
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, be sure to explore our guide to the best winter walks in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
