What's on in Reading this month

Happy 2025! This January, there’s oodles of new events, classes and activities to get stuck into this month. Reading is starting the year off with some of the best and biggest music from the past 100 years performed live in the centre. There are also fantastic opportunities to indulge in the creative arts, from poetry and dance to Superslam wrestling! As usual, these are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to What’s On in Reading this January - do head to whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Gigs at Sub89 – various dates 
10 January is a date for your diary as UK Subs are back at Sub89! For nearly forty years they’ve graced the British punk scene, releasing over 20 studio albums. Not only that, bu the following week, The Smyths are bringing the music of The Smiths back to life in Reading after more than 900 shows across the world, including festivals such as Glastonbury, The Isle of Wight and Bestival. 

Jane Austen's School Days in Reading – 9 January
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, so how better to kick off this celebratory year than with a talk by local historian and dedicated Janeite Joy Pibworth, exploring Austen’s connections with Reading?

Poet’s Cafe – 10 January
Reading's longest running poetry night continues into 2025 with the much-loved open mic section for local writers alongside a specially invited guest poet. This month’s poetry night will be joined by Nia Broomhall! With an MA with distinction in Creative Writing, Broomhall is known for her debut collection Backalong which won the 2023 Mslexia Women's Poetry Pamphlet Competition. 

Mitch Benn: The Point – 18 January
Like all those who spread mirth for a living, Mitch ("the country's leading musical satirist" - The Times) has been wondering if he's really making a difference, and if there is - yes - a POINT to what he - or anybody - is doing. Well the good news is he's had a long hard think about it and he's figured it out, and he's coming back to South Street to tell us all what the POINT of comedy - and much else besides - might be…

Music Performances at the Hexagon – various dates 
The Hexagon is proud to present a great selection of iconic music tributes this January. The Magic of Motown is celebrating its 20th anniversary tour on 16 Jan, performing songs from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Temptations and Jackson 5! You can also check out Oasis tribute, Live Forever - The Rise of Britain’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band on 18 Jan and the Ultimate Tribute to Abba, Thank You for the Music on 30 Jan, combining unmistakable harmonies and colourful costumes with dazzling performances from their all-star cast. 

Try Something New In The New Year - various dates
If your resolution is to try something new - from getting fit, picking up a new skill or hobby, or meeting new people, we've got plenty of opportunities for you! From open rehearsals with local choirs to beginners’ dance classes, instrument lessons, wine tastings and more, there's plenty of new things to try this new year, whatever your age or level of experience. And we've also got play auditions, volunteering opportunities and more ways to find something new on our Get Involved page, too.

Breakfast Bookclub: Onyx Storm - 21 January
Onyx Storm is the third book in the hit Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. And to mark its release on 21 Jan, Waterstones Reading are hosting a special Breakfast Bookclub for young fans starting at 8am! There’ll be refreshments, activities, discussions about theories, goodies, and an exclusive video from Yarros herself!

Katona Twins: From Bach to The Beatles – 21 January
The Classical Music Alive In Reading season continues with a concert from Peter and Zoltán Katona. These twin guitarists have given recitals in major concert venues throughout the world including performances at Carnegie Hall, and The Konzerthaus in Vienna – and this month, they come to the Concert Hall in Reading! Besides Bach and the Beatles, they’ll also perform works by Handel, Django Reinhardt and some of their own compositions to make this programme as unique as possible.

Giovanni: The Last Dance – 22 January 
With a career rooted in passion and dedication, Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice returns this year with his tour The Last Dance. The BAFTA winner will be taking to the stage once again with his company of world class performers for a mesmerising production that’s not to miss! 

Wreckin' Ball: Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band - 24 Jan
Get ready to experience a night that will take you straight to the heart of rock 'n' roll, from the anthems that filled stadiums to the heartfelt ballads that touch your soul. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of Springsteen's music, you're in for a ride you won't forget.

White Christmas – until 25 January 
There’s still time to catch Irving Berlin‘s classic Broadway musical based on the beloved film. This heartwarming show, follows two World War II veterans as they team up with a sister act to save a local inn and discover the true meaning of Christmas. Treat yourself to a showing at The Mill at Sonning Theatre, all tickets include a two-course meal! 

New Year Pantos – various dates
Think panto is (ahem) behind you? OH NO IT ISN’T! Three of our local amateur theatres bring their annual New Year pantomimes this month, all with a sleepy theme to keep you wide awake! In the south, Shinfield Players Theatre present Sleeping Beauty from 17 Jan; in the east, Twyford Drama brings original script Buttons’ Dream to the stage, also from 17 Jan; and in the west, Triangle Players stir up their own Sleeping Beauty from 30 Jan.

American Superslam Wrestling - 26 January 
Nothing will liven up January quite like an afternoon of high-flying, non-stop action. Fun for all the family, All Star Wrestling returns to The Hexagon on 26 January. 

Black Ball Final - 28 January
Snooker legends Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor mark the 40th anniversary of the historic 1985 World Championship Final with chat… and a rematch!

Independent Venue Week – 28 Jan - 2 February
The UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. And of course Reading's independent venues are once again taking part, with four gigs in two venues courtesy of Club Velocity: at The Face Bar, your headliners are Gemma Rogers on 28 Jan, Funke & The Two Tone Baby on 30 Jan and Tom Webber on 2 Feb, while Eat Daddy Eat headline the show at The Rising Sun Arts Centre on 31 Jan.

Off the Block #13 – 31 January
RABBLE Theatre’s now legendary "writers relay" event returns to South Street for a terrifying 13th time. Four short plays, written in a week, rehearsed in a day and performed for one night only.

Dry Sense of Humour: Sober Comedy Night - 31 January
Laughter Craft Comedy are launching a sober comedy night in Woodley, supported by The Sober Club and Sober Sixty. There's an incredible line up of comedians, including Cally Beaton (Live at the Apollo and QI) and Steve Williams (Russell Howard Hour). No booze but loads of laughter and a full Alcohol Free Bar will be provided!