What's on - February 2023

February is a short month – but it’s not short on things to do here in Reading. From showcasing our great independent live music venues to big-scale musical theatre, digging deep into local history to celebrating international communities, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this month. So check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in February – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much more!

Independent Venue Week gigs – 1-4 February

Independent Venue Week (IVW) is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. It's back in 2023 for its tenth year, and of course Reading's independent venues are in on the action! Between them, promoters Club Velocity and Heavy Pop putting on four gigs at The Face Bar and The Rising Sun Arts Centre, with line-ups including touring acts Pet Needs and Pip Blom, and local headliners Cities In Dust and Tom Webber.

Cracking Comedy

Some big names and rising stars of the stand-up scene will be making their way to Reading this month. At South Street, you can enjoy Jen Brister on 3 Feb, Rhys James on 11 Feb (both seen on Mock The Week), deaf comic Ray Bradshaw on 18 Feb and the debut headline tour of Chloe Petts. Just The Tonic host Lloyd Griffith on 9 Feb, Phil Kay on 11 Feb and Milton Jones on 18 Feb, and Mate’s Rates Comedy Club welcome TV’s Ria Lina to the Double-Barrelled tapyard on 26 Feb.

Market Days at Blue Collar Corner

Reading’s renowned purveyors of street food markets are once again expanding their horizons this month. On 5 Feb they welcome back Reading’s Indie Market, with loads of local artists and artisans selling their wares. And 26 Feb sees the return of their Record Fair, which this time includes a DJ set and “In Conversation” with acclaimed Mod author Paul “Smiler” Anderson.

Fatherhood by Altered Skin – 8 February

Conceived and created by Shane Shambhu, Fatherhood brings together physical theatre, multilingual spoken text and sign languages, in a dynamic and original new work exploring the complexities of fatherhood across generations with humour and sensitivity. A wonderful example of the bold theatre South Street hosts all year round.

The Hidden History of Reading's War Graves and Memorials – 9 February

The Berkshire Family History Society host a new talk from historian Liz Tait looking at the large number of casualties Reading suffered as a result of the First World War. The talk will refer to Reading Old Cemetery’s WW1 war graves and commemorations as well as other war memorials in the town.

Mighty Musicals at The Hexagon

If you like to make a song and dance about things, but there’s some wonderful musical theatre coming to The Hexagon this month. Rare Productions bring Bugsy Malone - and a lot of talented local kids - to the six-side stage on 10-11 Feb. On 18 Feb, former Strictly pro Robin Windsor leads the cast of Come What May, the all-singing, all-dancing tribute to Moulin Rouge. And on 23 Feb, the likes of Mary Byrne (The X Factor), Jessica Martin (Copycats, Dr Who) and Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) will be “Cruising Through The Menopause” in Menopause The Musical 2.

Seven Last Words – 11 February

Reading Bach Choir present a rare opportunity to hear one of Haydn's oratorios, reimagined in a novel way for choir and string quartet. Seven Last Words reflects on the words of Christ on the cross, a fitting piece as we approach the season of Lent. They will also perform accompanied works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn, as well as a capella music by Antonio Lotti – all in the setting of one of central Reading's lovely churches, All Saints' in Downshire Square.

Prue Leith: Nothing in Moderation – 15 February

In her first ever live show, Prue Leith will take you through the ups and downs of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, businesswoman and Great British Bake Off judge – feeding the rich and famous, cooking for Royalty and even poisoning her clients. With an audience Q&A in the second half, nothing is off the menu in this frank, revealing and very funny all new show.

Bingo Party Nights

This is not your nanna’s bingo – these bingo party nights bring big games, big music, big prizes and a bonkers party atmosphere! Try Party Party Bingo at Reading Biscuit Factory on 15 Feb, with drag hostess Tizzy Von Tassel! Or head to O’Neills on 17 Feb for Bogan Bingo, a night of mullets, mayhem and air guitar solos with your Aussie hosts! Or there’s Bingo Loco at Sub89 on 25 Feb with a retro soundtrack, daring on-stage games and top, top prizes!

Arturo Castro Nogueras – 16 February

Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican guitarist, Arturo Castro Nogueras, draws on a rich cultural background that spans his diverse heritage. Born into a family of musicians, he has performed extensively across Europe and the Americas, including sold-out performances at the Düsseldorf Festival and Reading Fringe Festival. This concert at The Concert Hall includes a pre-concert talk about his life as a classical guitarist, and living in Reading's twin town of Düsseldorf.

Good Evening, We're from Ukraine! – 17 February

The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre and Reading Borough Council present this benefit concert for Ukraine at The Concert Hall, showcasing the beautiful richness of Ukrainian culture. BBC’s Matt Allwright will be your host, joined by acts including the outstanding dance ensemble “Prolisok” (as seen on The One Show); Mirage, performing a modern take on Ukrainian songs; and “Band Era”, playing the bandura (the national instrument of Ukraine).

Hedda Gabler – 22 Feb-11 Mar

Reading Rep Theatre and A Girl Called Stephen Theatre team up to present a new adaptation of the Ibsen classic Hedda Gabler, starring Reign and Chronicles of Narnia star Anna Popplewell. Directed by Annie Kershaw, this is a version steeped in queer rage and suburban monotony, exploring how the most famous female character of all time is trapped within a life chosen for her.

Hop Punk Festival – 25-26 February

A multi-venue festival brought to you by local craft beer phenoms Phantom Brewing Co., in collaboration with The Old Bike Store, Worthing. Celebrating all things craft beer and pop punk – live music, DJs, playlists – each venue will do something different, alongside really great beer!