For the first time in Reading and in a brand-new talk for 2025, David examines some of history’s missing chapters to uncover how and why some events and some people are remembered and others forgotten. Taking examples from the world wars, the Industrial revolution and other pivotal moments in global history David uncovers history’s missing persons. David is the author or co-author of eight books including Black & British: A Forgotten History (awarded both the Longman-History Today Trustees Award and the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize): The World’s War, Black & British A Short Essential History: The Kaiser’s Holocaust: Germany’s Forgotten Genocide and the Colonial Roots of Nazism. David's recent television programs include Union with David Olusoga and upcoming in 2025 Empire with David Olusoga. He also writes and presents the long-running BBC history series A House Through Time. Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester, and a columnist for The Observer, David also writes for The Guardian, The New Statesman, The Voice and BBC History Magazine. A recipient of both the British Academy’s President’s Medal and the Norton Medlicott Medal For Services to History David is a Fellow of the British Academy, The Royal Society of Literature, The Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Historical Society. His books will be available on the evening and he will be signing after his talk. Tickets: £31.50

Griff Rhys Jones is back on the road with the second tour of his much-anticipated brand new stand-up show, following a hugely successful run last year. Join Griff as he shares more funny observations and comic stories. The show always varies as Griff rambles on the developing national permacrisis. Age. Family. Fraud. Nostalgia. The Tik Tok generation. Crocodile smuggling and noodling in Australia. Travel, dogs, hotels, drink and midnight trains. He takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander. The Cat's Pyjmas follows Griff's last hugely successful international tour, All Over The Place, which saw him play to capacity crowds across the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Away from the stage, Griff is best known for his countless TV appearances, including as the star of ten series of Smith & Jones and one quarter of the ground breaking Not The Nine O'Clock News, whilst his multiple documentary series have been critically acclaimed ratings hits. PG Advised Ages 14+

AGE GUIDANCE: 14+, may contain strong language and sexual references Approx Running times: 45 mins, 15, 45 Approx finish 9:20pm

Over the years, Reading School has nurtured outstanding musical talent and this is your chance to experience it live. As part of Reading School’s 900th anniversary celebrations, this special edition of the House Music Competition brings together alumni from across generations in a unique musical event. First established as an inter-house tradition, the competition has long showcased the school’s musical talent - and this year, it returns with a very special edition, welcoming back former students to lead and perform. For one night only, former students from across the decades return to the stage to represent their Houses - East, West, County and School - in a dazzling musical showcase. Each House will present a 25-minute programme featuring Orchestra, Choir, Student Solo, Duet or Trio and Quartet to Sextet. The event is sponsored by the Reading Foundation, the Old Redingensians Association and the Sir Thomas Beecham Trust, which has supported music at Reading School for over 40 years, beginning during the tenure of Graham Ireland (Director of Music, 1982-2001). This edition is curated and led by accomplished alumni musicians: Harry Brokensha (OR 2006-2013, County House) Acclaimed composer and orchestrator whose credits include Wonka, Mission Impossible, Loki and more. Ehsaan Shivarani (OR 2006-2013, East House) West End Associate Musical Director (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical), multi-instrumentalist and pop-punk musical creator. Chris Poon (OR 2007-2014, School House) Award-nominated Musical Director with recent credits at Sheffield Crucible, Drury Lane, and the West End. Ewan Millar (OR 2012-2019, West House) BBC Young Musician Woodwind Winner (2020), and a rising soloist and orchestral oboist across the UK. George Chen (OR 2011-2018) - Organiser Sean Laing (OR 2012-2019) - Stage Production All ticket proceeds will support Reading School’s Beyond 900 Campaign, contributing to the redevelopment of Expressive Arts facilities, a new Sports Hall and improved Sixth Form provision. This is a rare opportunity to see Reading School’s musical legacy come to life, uniting alumni and students in a night of celebration, tradition and artistic excellence.

Multi-award-winning South African-New Zealander Urzila Carlson is one of Australian and New Zealand's biggest comedy stars, and she's bringing her trademark cheeky wit back to UK stages in 2025 with the ''You Don't Say'' Tour. "You Don't Say" is a show born out of sarcasm and storytelling from the mind of a woman who might be slightly out of her mind! Earlier this year, Urzila was cast in the Netflix and Happy Madison's rom-com Kinda Pregnant, in an ensemble cast alongside Amy Schumer, Alex Moffat, Damon Wayans Junior and Will Forte scheduled for release in 2025. After filming the movie in New York, Urzila travelled to Los Angeles to perform her first-ever show in the USA at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival, selling out the iconic Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. An undeniable tour de force of the comedy world, Urzila hasn't stopped since first taking to the comedy stage in 2008. In 2025, Urzila will be doing her first national tour of the USA and her biggest tour of the United Kingdom. Www.Urzilacarlson.Com

Join the Two Mr Ps as they take their award-winning podcast back on the road with "Let That Be A Lesson..." Prepare for an evening filled with laughter as they share more hilarious stories and anecdotes about the challenges teachers, parents, and school staff face while working with the most unintentionally funny comedians of all-children. Drawing from their uproarious classroom experiences, as well as the most embarrassing, cringeworthy, and downright hilarious tales from educators across the UK, the Two Mr Ps will have you laughing until your cheeks hurt. And just like in school, audience participation is encouraged! You can submit your own stories, confessions, dilemmas and embarrassing moments to be read anonymously during the show HERE Mr P has been a primary school teacher for over 17 years and is one of the leading voices for teachers and school staff in the UK. He continues to work part-time in school and delivers training nationwide and internationally. With his unique blend of practical tips and humorous insights into classroom life, he has become one of the most followed teachers on social media. Since launching their podcast in 2018 with his younger brother Adam, Two Mr Ps in a Podcast has become the UK's number one education podcast, amassing over 7 million listens (take a listen HERE). They've penned three books, "Put A Wet Paper Towel On It, This is Your Own Time You're Wasting and How To Survive The School Year." All of which have been Sunday Times Best Sellers. Don't miss this chance to see the Two Mr Ps live-it's a lesson in laughter you won't want to miss! "Had a great night even though I’m not a teacher. Laughed so much my cheekbones are hurting!" "Absolutely loved it!! Some of the stories" "Thank you for a great night! Laughed so much & a few snorts too!" "What a night! My face still hurts from laughing so much!" Ages 18+ Only

20 years in stand-up for the Taskmaster cheeky texts icon, multi-award winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor: Watson returns after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals. A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.

Geoffrey Frank Norcott is an English comedian, writer and political commentator. He first performed in 2001 and has appeared on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and Question Time, and written for The Daily Telegraph, The Independent and Spiked.

Horror author Nick Steen is having visions… A sinister Black Steeple; eerie lights in the sky that look like a Catherine wheel but are not remotely a Catherine wheel… Plus a giant skeleton with a moustache. Are they omens? Auguries? Portenderings of things to come? (Spoiler – yes, they are). For Nick Steen’s imagination is bursting out of his brain and threatening to burst in turn the entirety of Stalkford. Can Nick stop the aforesaid bursting? Or have things already slightly burst regardless? And will there ultimately be a grand finale to this three-book series (aka a trilogy) or a more open-ended conclusion in order to leave potential room for further sequels? (That, btw, will ultimately be Garth’s decision.) From the fevered imaginata of Horror Fiction’s Grand Frightener Garth Marenghi, author of Sunday Times Bestselling Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome and Garth Marenghi’s Incarcerat, come three freshly rancid tales of… …This Bursted Earth…

Georgie Carroll is back with her brand-new show, Infectious. An undeniable live comedy powerhouse and a natural storyteller, she’s razor sharp and riotous. Nurse turned comedian, Georgie Carroll is not only brilliantly funny, she is unstoppable on the comedy circuit having performed her smash hit award winning show Sista Flo 2.0 for three solid years of sold out seasons. Don’t miss her brand-new show!

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Eliza Marshall, Flute Nick Ellis, Clarinet Camilla Pay, Harp Haydn Sonata in E major H.XVI No.32 Debussy 2 Arabesques L.66 Villa-Lobos Choros No.2 Saint-Saens Danse Macabre Harty In Ireland Frances-Hoad Vocalise Tournier Au Matin Arnold Grand Fantasia de Falla Ritual Fire Dance Comprising the beautiful and unusual combination of Flute, Clarinet and Harp, the Korros Ensemble has been performing together since its formation in 2001 during the musicians’ studies at the Royal Academy of Music. With a strong vision of introducing something new and original to the chamber music world, Korros continues to cleverly rework its favourite repertoire - creating an exciting and fresh way of listening to beloved orchestral, chamber and solo works. The group performs with dynamism and flair, and the sound world they produce is lush and mesmerising.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Bach Partita No.5 Beethoven Sonata No.17 'Tempest' Chopin Ballade No.3 & No.4 Still Summerland Debussy La Fille & Bruyers Price Fantasie Nègre No.1 Already captivating audiences with the maturity of her performances, Jeneba’s debut at the 2024 BBC Proms was heralded by the press as “demonstrating musical insight, technical acuity, and an engaging performing persona” (Music OMH). A Classic FM ‘Rising Star’, Jeneba’s career now takes her to major venues worldwide, and her TV appearances have seen her play at the BAFTAs and the Royal Variety Performance. An exclusive Sony Classical Artist, Jeneba’s debut solo album Fantasie was released in early March. We are delighted to welcome Jeneba back to The Concert Hall with a programme that includes works by Chopin, Debussy and Florence Price that are featured on her album, together with music by J.S. Bach (Partita No. 5) and Beethoven (Sonata No. 17, ‘The Tempest’).

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Tom Aldren, Violin Gemma Sharples, Violin Christine Anderson, Viola Anna Menzies, Cello Bach Art of Fugue Contrapunctus XIV Sofia Gubaidalina Reflections on B-A-C-H Beethoven String Quartet Op. 59 No.3 Shostakovich Quartet No. 8 The Gildas Quartet is praised for its ‘energy, verve and refreshing approach’ and has performed to critical acclaim at major venues including the Barbican, Kings Place, Wigmore Hall and on BBC Radio 3. The Quartet, known for its bold and engaging performances, was recognised with the Audience Engagement Award first prize at the International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition, Graz. Passionate advocates of music from all periods, the quartet enjoys frequent collaborations with renowned musicians and composers. They have worked closely with Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Colin Matthews, Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Philip Cashian among others.

Mark Brafield (Concert Organist) Programme to include music by Stanley, Franck & Bach. The Concert Hall and the Berkshire Organists' Association present a series of lunchtime organ recitals by locally and nationally renowned organists. All recitals begin at 1pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Andrew Prior Programme to be confirmed. The Concert Hall and the Berkshire Organists' Association present a series of lunchtime organ recitals by locally and nationally renowned organists. All recitals begin at 1pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Poulenc & his Friends Auric Preludie Durey Romance sans paroles Honegger Sarabande Milhaud Mazurka Poulenc Valse, Les Soirées de Nazelles & Sonate Honneger Pastorale Tailleferre Valse Triste Durey Neige Poulenc Trois Novelettes & Mouvements perpétuels Satie Deux Gymnopedies, Deux Gnossiennes & La Belle Excentrique Pascal Rogé and Elena Font recently formed a duo by uniting their common passion for sharing music and emotions. Often side by side, sometimes face to face, they like to use their complicity to explore the different facets of their instrument and the richness of this intimate and poetic French repertoire as well as, the colorful and harmonious Spanish music, two worlds that correspond perfectly with their sensitivity... and with their origins! Sharing the keyboard of a piano is a very special musical experience, which requires great intimacy between the performers and a deep knowledge of the two personalities, but it is also an intense pleasure to exchange ideas, sounds and emotions to transmit them to the public thanks to two hearts and four hands.

Inversion (Flute & Organ Duo) Programme to include music by Bach, Widor and Saint-Saëns, plus Fantasias on two hymn tunes. The Concert Hall and the Berkshire Organists' Association present a series of lunchtime organ recitals by locally and nationally renowned organists. All recitals begin at 1pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Romance of the Guitar An intimate evening with MILOŠ including works by John Dowland, Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Regondi, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Granados, Debussy, Lennon/McCartney and more... MILOŠ is one of the world’s most celebrated classical guitarists. His career began its meteoric rise in 2011, with the release of his international best-selling Deutsche Grammophon debut album ‘Mediterraneo’. Since then, he has earned legions of fans, awards, and acclaim around the world through his extensive touring, six chart topping recordings and television appearances. Born in Montenegro in 1983, MILOŠ moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 17. He continues to live and work in London, while keeping close ties to his homeland. He performs on a 2017 Greg Smallman guitar. (Please note: There will be no interval in this concert)

Sacro-Profano (Jeremiah Stephenson, organ & Massimo Modoni, baritone) Programme to be confirmed. The Concert Hall and the Berkshire Organists' Association present a series of lunchtime organ recitals by locally and nationally renowned organists. All recitals begin at 1pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Piers Adams, Recorders Julia Bishop, Violin Angela East, Cello David Wright, Harpsichord A thrilling programme of baroque masterworks performed in Red Priest’s inimitable, high energy style. The group - now in its 29th year - explores some of the highlights of its glittering international career at the cutting edge of baroque performance. The programme will include: Vivaldi Concerto in G minor ‘La Notte’ Telemann ‘Gypsy’ Sonata in A minor; Fantasia for Violin Bach Preludio in E major; Toccata and Fugue in D minor Handel Recorder Sonata in B minor; The Harmonious Blacksmith Variations and works by Purcell, Cima, Cazzati, Ortiz, Couperin and others. Recently described in the New York Times as ‘the wildly virtuosic little band’ - has been at the cutting edge of baroque music performance for over a quarter of a century. Formed in 1997 by recorder virtuoso Piers Adams, together with violinist Julia Bishop, cellist Angela East and the late Julian Rhodes, harpsichord (a role filled since 2011 by David Wright) - and named after the original ‘red priest’ Antonio Vivaldi - the quartet has developed a truly unique style, combining high-energy performance, boundary crossing arrangements and theatrical presentation, delighting audiences across the globe. Always a favourite with Reading audiences, we are delighted to welcome them back to The Concert Hall.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER "The Choir of Royal Holloway has attained standards of musicianship and technical refinement high above the reach of most student ensembles." Classic FM Lighten mine eyes: from darkness to light Purcell Hear my prayer Blow Salvator mundi Tallis In manus tuas Gibbons Drop, drop slow tears Leighton Drop, drop slow tears Coleridge Abendlied Harris Bring us, O Lord God Gjeilo Agnus Dei Holst Nunc Dimittis Hansson Lighten mine eyes Dearden Now the bright morning star Arthur All angels Trad. Norwegian Ingen Vinner frem (arr. Ola Gjeilo) Locklair O light of light Ben Parry Lighten our darkness Wood Hail gladdening light The Choir of Royal Holloway is considered to be one of the finest mixed-voice collegiate choirs in Great Britain, with their recordings attracting top reviews from all major music publications. Created at the time of the foundation of Royal Holloway in 1886, the choir was originally only for women’s voices. The mixed choir now comprises 24 Choral Scholars who undertake a busy schedule of weekly services, as well as concerts, international tours, recordings, and TV and radio broadcasts. They are the only choir to give a weekly concert performance and during an average year give around 40-50 concerts with a particular specialism in contemporary music.

Early Bird Offer 10% off ALL tickets if booked before midnight on MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Bruckner Locus iste (arr. Knight) Gabrieli Exultavit cor meum in Domino (arr. Knight) Bruckner Os justi (arr. Hicks) Gabrieli Canzon II a 4 (arr. Knights) Bruckner Ave Maria (arr. Cox) Plus music from the Gershwin song book, including I Got Rhythm, Fascinating Rhythm, ‘S Wonderful and more... Following on from their sold-out concert at The Hawth, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Ensemble returns for another evening of beautiful music. This concert weaves together the sacred grandeur of Bruckner’s motets (Locus iste, Os justi, Ave Maria) and the joyous Renaissance polyphony of Gabrieli (Exultavit cor meum in Domino, Canzon II a 4). Then, revel in the timeless swing of the Gershwin songbook, featuring beloved classics like I Got Rhythm, Fascinating Rhythm, and ‘S Wonderful.

Eton College Organ Student Programme to be confirmed. The Concert Hall and the Berkshire Organists' Association present a series of lunchtime organ recitals by locally and nationally renowned organists. All recitals begin at 1pm and last approximately 45 minutes.

Aye aye! Ahoy hoy! The unstoppable talking panjandrum is back in town! Celebrating 50 years afloat on the showbiz seas! Dead men tell no tales – so might as well get ’em all told now! Avast! Two thundering hours guaranteed!

Described as ‘the funniest dad on Instagram’, stand-up comedian George has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life, like owning an air fryer, watching a David Beckham documentary, and the excruciating experience of trying to do a jigsaw with your kid. Now he’s bringing his brand new stand up show to the stage. It won’t just be about parenting though, because he has done loads this year. He’s bought a new hoover, watched some more stuff on Netflix… loads. Between #makingmemories with his kids, George has also appeared on The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live, written a best selling book (Don’t Panic! All the stuff the expectant dad needs to know) and has supported Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Russell Kane and Josh Widdicombe on their national tours. So, activate the parents’ WhatsApp groups, dump the kids with whoever is willing to have them, and join George for a brilliant night out.