April in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire is filled with unmissable events that cater to every interest, from world-class theatre to immersive exhibitions. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to Milton Keynes Theatre for its 30th anniversary, while the Science Museum’s new stage show in Windsor offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Also not to be missed are Bolt Events’ Comic Cons, with retro gaming, cosplay, movie cars, workshops, and a fantastic selection of comics and memorabilia. This month offers an exciting mix of entertainment, culture, and must-see events , making it one you’ll want to enjoy.
Your April Guide to Theatre and Events in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire
House Re-Opening
Dates: Throughout April
Venues: Waddesdon Manor
The Manor at Waddesdon re-opened on 26th March, welcoming visitors to enjoy and explore the exceptional collection located within once again. After being ‘put to bed’ for important cleaning and conservation work over the winter, Waddesdon’s stewards will be reinstating the rooms ready for another season. Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain his friends. It is now open to the public and we welcome thousands of visitors each year who come to appreciate the exceptional architecture, art collections and gardens.
View at Waddesdon
Drive It Day
Dates: 27 April
Venues: Castle View Windsor
For those with a treasured classic vehicle, National Drive It Day is one of the first opportunities after the long winter to get it out for a run, and Castle View is again providing a coffee stop for participants to build into their itinerary. Last year there was a wonderful assortment of over 45 classic sports and saloon cars, plus some tasty cakes on the side. Buckle up.
Swan Lake
Dates: 15-19 April
Venues: MK Theatre
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to Milton Keynes Theatre as part of its 30th anniversary tour. This groundbreaking production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece caused a sensation when it premiered almost 30 years ago and has since become the most successful dance theatre production of all time. In celebration of that ongoing impact, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake will take flight once more in this major revival, as the next generation of dancers brings it to new audiences across the UK.
Making their debuts as The Swan/The Stranger are rising New Adventures stars, Harrison Dowzell, Jackson Fisch and Rory Macleod, alongside James Lovell, Leonardo McCorkindale and Stephen Murray as The Prince, Nicole Kabera and Ashley Shaw as The Queen, Katrina Lyndon as The Queen and the Girlfriend, and Bryony Wood as the Girlfriend.
Matthew Bourne says: “It’s hard to believe that our Swan Lake is now 30 years old and even harder to acknowledge that we are now casting most Swans and Princesses who were not even born at the time of the show’s premiere! Many dancers have grown up with this production and dreaming of one day dancing in it, so I am particularly excited to announce this line-up of young performers.”
Thrilling, bold, witty and emotive, this genre-defining event is still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered convention, turning tradition on its head. First staged at Sadler’s Wells in London in 1995, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake took the dance theatre world by storm becoming the longest running full-length dance classic in the West End and on Broadway.
Get your tickets at Milton Keynes Theatre
Science Museum Live
Dates: 9th April
Venues: Theatre Royal Windsor
The Science Museum is heading to Windsor. Experience the brand-new stage show from Mark Thompson Productions that will ignite your curiosity, fuel your imagination and inspire you in new and exciting ways. This unmissable family production is sure to capture the imagination of young and old alike, and teach you something new and exciting too.
Get your tickets at the Theatre Royal Windsor
Craig Revel Horwood
Dates: 27 April
Venues: The Hexagon
Craig Revel Horwood is a national treasure. The longest-serving judge on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing is the master of the Glitter Ball. After starting as a dancer, he worked on the nation’s biggest musicals and became a choreographer, director, and best-selling author. Craig’s also a remarkable singer, and to celebrate the release of his debut solo album, Revelations, he’ll reveal his own, hidden talent during a night of big songs, tall tales, and glamour.
Get your tickets at What’s On Reading
Josh Widdicombe
Dates: 26 April
Venues: Corn Exchange Newbury
Join Josh as he warms up ahead of his brand-new nationwide tour later next year. ‘Ace observationalist’ (The Guardian) Josh is a household name. He has starred in 30 series of the multi award-winning Channel 4 series The Last Leg, team captain on Sky Max’s brand new show Rob Beckett’s Smart TV and alongside Nish Kumar on Hold The Front Page which will return for a second series this year. Josh has also had multiple appearances on Hypothetical, QI, Live at the Apollo, A League of Their Own, Have I Got News for You and Taskmaster to name a few, as well as performing onstage at the Royal Albert Hall for The Royal Variety Performance.
Reserve your spot
The Return
Dates: 9-13 April
Venues: South Hill Park Arts Centre
Get ready for a film of epic proportions starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. After 20 years away, Odysseus (Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognisable. His wife Penelope (Binoche) waits, fending off suitors and threats to her son. A gripping drama that digs into the psychological underpinnings of Homer’s epic, fuelled by the spellbinding performances of Fiennes and Binoche.
Book at South Hill Park
Gyles Brandreth
Dates: 13 April
Venues: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
He’s back – and he’s unstoppable. Gyles Brandreth just can’t stop talking. The jumper-loving This Morning star, who keeps popping up on Pointless, QI, Would I Lie To You?, Sunday Brunch, and The One Show, has been burbling and babbling since he was a baby, and in his hilarious new one-man show the award-winning raconteur (and holder of the world record for the longest-ever after-dinner speech – 12 and a half hours!) is trying to work out why.
Get your tickets at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Light Fantastic
Dates: Until 21 April
Venues: Discover Bucks Museum
Hands-on science is back at the museum with another brilliant exhibition from Science Projects Ltd. This time exhibits explore the science of optics – the way we see things and how light behaves. Have fun experimenting with lenses, mirrors, reflections, lightning and luminosity. Discover eye-boggling and brain-baffling exhibits, investigate optical illusions and find out how images merge into moving pictures and how your brain influences what you see.
Book your spot
Maidenhead Comic Con
Dates: 6 April
Venues: Braywick Leisure Centre
Bolt Events’ Comic Cons are for everyone. You can expect a retro gaming zone, cosplay competitions, green screen photo opportunities, face painting, fantastic movie cars to take selfies with, workshops and more. There is plenty of memorabilia and handmade crafts, with everything from high end comics and action figures to gifts and trinkets suitable for all ages.
Reserve your spot
How Absolutely Picks The Best For You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
