Presented by Little Wander.
Following her killer debut tour, Riawakening ('Top Ten Best Stand-up Shows of 2024' Telegraph), the wickedly funny Ria Lina realised she wasn’t just awake, she was ready to rebel. Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules.
Much loved in the industry, this multi-award winner commands the stage with a whirlwind of energy and leaves audiences breathless with laughter. Her extensive list of credits includes Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You?, Mock the Week, cohosting Pointless, Lovestruck High, Richard Osman’s House of Games, The Last Leg and Celebrity Mastermind.
Ria Lina is a highly accomplished comedian, writer and actor. After a critically acclaimed stand-out debut on Mock The Week (BBC), Ria has quickly become a household name. A hugely admired act on the UK comedy circuit, this multi-award-winning artist commands respect from the moment she walks onstage and delivers with natural ease, energy and fierceness. Ria is the most prominent Filipina comedian in British stand-up.
She has a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science and a PhD in Virology under her belt, so it’s not only Ria’s comedy that’s highly intelligent.
'There isn’t a comedy venue in the country that shouldn’t be fighting for her' The Scotsman
'Ridiculously gifted' The Evening Standard
'Engaging, endearing and eye-opening' Time Out
'I have no doubt she will hold her own so easily that she’ll have a hand free to hold someone else’s too' The Guardian
Photo credit: Rachel Berkowitz
Age guidance
16+ years
Courtyard Theatre
£19
Little Wander website
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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.
Mark 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.
'A genius-level comic doing what he does best' ★★★★★ Time Out Melbourne
'Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe...witty, warm, perfectly judged' ★★★★★ Telegraph
'One of the most genuinely joyous presences in comedy' ★★★★ The Times
'This is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game' ★★★★ Independent
Courtyard Theatre
£22.50
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Being loud, brazen and a little bit lairy was all Matt needed to propel himself onto the comedy circuit aged 18 and be presenting national telly by 22.
But faster than you can say ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ he suddenly finds himself in his 30s, so what’s next for the lad?
Matt has moved to the countryside, settled down and is trying his hardest to not make rude jokes. It’s not going as well as he’d hoped…
Attempting to navigate a world of mate’s kids, mortgages and village life is proving a challenge for the guy who can't resist causing a scene. How do you age with grace and dignity when it’s at odds with all the personality traits that got you this far?
As seen on Dancing on Ice, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Love Island: Aftersun, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and many more.
‘High wattage stand-up’ The Guardian
‘Hilarious and charming’ The Mirror
Age guidance
18+ years
Courtyard Theatre
£16
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Led by Creative Eye
Norden Farm's Crafternoons are relaxed crafting sessions for older people.
Get crafty with a range of activities, or bring along your own projects to work on with support from tutor Kayleigh Robinson.
You can learn new skills, meet new people and try something new, a cup of tea is included with the ticket price. Come either Tuesday or Wednesday and join in that week's craft. If you are unable to attend in person you can log on from home to chat and join in the session.
Spring Season
Tues 11 Mar - Felt Keyring / Brooch
Tues 18 Mar - Woven Basket
Tues 25 Mar - Wool Hoop Art
Tues 1 Apr - Book Folded Sheep
Tues 8 Apr - Fabric Flower
Tues 15 Apr - Cube Bunny
Tues 22 Apr - Embossed Foil Decorations
Tues 29 Apr - Iris Paper Folding
Summer
Tues 6 May - Stencilled Hoop Art
Tues 13 May - Cupcake Case Flowers
Tues 20 May - No Session
Tues 27 May - Abstract Square Art
Tues 3 Jun - Glass Magnets
Tues 10 Jun - Mini Decoupage Sign
Tues 17 Jun - Quilling
Tues 24 Jun - Yarn Wrapped Vases / Jars
Tues 1 Jul - Dotty Tote Bags
Tues 8 Jul - Dried Flower Art
Tues 15 Jul - Wood Slice Nail Art
Tues 22 Jul - No Session
Tues 29 Jul - Bird Seed Ornaments
Tues 5 Aug - Yarn Canvas Art
Tues 12 Aug - Air Dry Clay Candle Holder
Social Arts Crafternoons is a partially funded project run by Norden Farm with support from The Berkshire Community Foundation.
Local transport can be provided as part of the ticket price for those attending on a Wednesday.
If you need transport to Norden Farm for the Wednesday sessions please contact Jess Thompson at [email protected] / 01628 682563 to talk through your requirements.
Suitable for ages 60+ years.
2pm - 3pm
£6.50 per session, including a cup of tea
Led by Seann Wilkinson
A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!
Spring
Tues 14 Jan - 1 Apr (excl 18 Feb)
7.30pm – 9pm
Summer
Tues 22 Apr - 22 Jul (excl 27 May)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £130 per 13 week term
Led by Julie Potter
This class is particularly suited to beginners, those returning to yoga having had a break, those with specific injuries or conditions or even those that consider themselves to be of a certain age that might need a less challenging approach. We will cover general breathing practises, the basic and gentler postures, together with general information and possible discussion around movement and the potential difficulties we might come up against.
The aim will be to relax and enjoy.
The yoga I teach is an evolution of nearly 30 years of practice and study, with a broad experience of many styles and teachers. In recent years I have been moving away from ‘external’ evaluation of the postures and moving towards an internal sense of the postures, moving away from the more used traditional approach of systemised yoga to a more experiential and felt approach, influenced by teachers who have been inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli.
Please bring a blanket, a Yoga / Pilates mat, and wear loose comfortable clothing
Spring
Wed 19 Feb - 19 Mar (5 weeks)
Wed 26 Mar - 30 Apr (5 weeks)
Summer
Wed 7 May - 11 Jun (6 weeks)
Wed 18 Jun - 23 Jul (6 weeks)
Please note that Susan Bett will be covering the session on Wed 16 Apr. The sessions on Wed 11 and 18 Jun will also be covered by a different teacher.
11am - 12.15pm
£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course
This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.
You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email.
Led by Emma Duncan
In each session children take part in a series of drama games and activities that develop their confidence as well as teaching them drama skills. These include focus, communication, developing a character and voice projection.
As the weeks go on the group will each have a part with some lines to learn in a small-scale show. They will rehearse as a team and share what they have learnt during the last session, more details to follow on this after half term.
Suitable for school years 2 - 6.
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Timothy, age 7
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Summer
Wed 30 Apr - Wed 23 Jul
5pm - 6.30pm
Junior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'The youth theatre is a nice place and I’ve only been here a short time and I Love it!' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'It is cool and welcoming' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the most professional classes I’ve enrolled in' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best drama clubs, everyone is so friendly and we do amazing games' Junior Youth Theatre Student
'We have absolutely loved the drama classes, we have seen a tremendous improvement with our daughter's confidence, she enjoys the sessions as there is a mixture of techniques and games and has made friends along the way! Emma is great at adapting the lessons and I have only seen improvements, we Look forward to the end of summer show combined with the senior class!!! Love Norden Farm as the venue!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
'This is my daughter’s first experience of a drama club - and it has been such a positive, confidence-boosting, creative experience for her. I particularly love that there is no pressure on the children - there is plenty of time and practice to get ready for the end of season Sharing Session, and the level of performance is just enough to stretch them, without making them worry. It’s pure joy and excitement! You can see how far the group has progressed from term to term - they are becoming a very confident and capable group of Thespians!' Junior Youth Theatre Parent
Led by Emma Duncan
Each term we will be focusing on developing the participants confidence and well-being through a series of drama games and activities.
This term the Senior Youth Theatre group are focusing on developing drama skills. They’ll learn a deeper understanding of performance and managing their nerves as well as some more specialised techniques including comedy and physical theatre.
Suitable for school years 7 - 12.
'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Youth Theatre Seniors Student
'Norden Farm is my favourite after school club, it always keeps me moving and relaxed. It is a great place to go for drama and within a short time, I have become far more confident and expressive' Youth Theatre Student
'We have sent both of our children to Youth Theatre at Norden Farm and have seen dramatic improvements in there ability, confidence, social awareness and expressiveness generally and specifically. The environment is safe and developmental in a broad and exciting sense' Alex - parent
Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 2 Apr (12 weeks)
6.05pm - 7.30pm
£156
Summer
Wed 23 Apr - 23 Jul, exc 28 May (13 weeks)
6pm - 7.30pm
£169
Senior Youth Theatre Booking Form
'Drama has upped my confidence remarkably and I’m getting better every time, it’s my favourite club and I look forward to it each week' Senior Youth Theatre Student
'The youth theatre is one of the best dramas clubs ever, we can express ourselves' Senior Youth Theatre Student
'The instructor is very supportive and everyone is very respectful' Senior Youth Theatre Student
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2 - 5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Join us for our exciting Lion King themed term. I Just Can't Wait to be King! so, come and join other little lion cubs, as we get ready for our Morning Report and sing Hakuna Matata.
The classes take the children on an adventure, exploring the music and story of The Lion King. Learning a dance to help with their coordination, singing songs and playing drama games to help with their confidence. Each class ends with our mini theatre and story song, written especially for ShowstopperUk, by fabulous West End composers.
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents / carers who attend with their little ones.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre.
Led by a professional West End performer and director.
Summer
Course 1: Lion King
Thur 24 Apr - 22 May (5 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £40 (5 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 24 Apr - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£32 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the rest of the remaining 4 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Course 2:
Thur 5 Jun - 17 Jul (7 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £56 (7 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 5 June - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£48 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the remaining 6 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Age guidance: 2 - 5 years
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