Right then lovelies — I’ve finally dusted off my satchel after a week gallivanting around Yorkshire (don’t ask how many Yorkshire puddings I managed — let’s just say I needed a lie-down). But now I’m back on my route, and today’s delivery is a belter from Corn Exchange Newbury, who’ve gone and announced a spring 2026 season that’s bursting at the seams. We’re talking homegrown gems, big-name tours, comedy, circus, dance, science, dinosaurs — basically the artistic equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
First up, circus is rolling back into town as Ockham’s Razor bring their intimate and beautifully bonkers show Collaborator on 11 March — all about relationships told through movement (which is far classier than analysing your ex’s WhatsApp habits). Then on 10 February, Rendez-Vous Dance whirl into Newbury with The Monocle, an atmospheric and stylish tribute to a 1930s Parisian nightclub where women danced, sang and lived freely. Mathieu Geffré’s choreography is enough to make even the most stubborn Yorkshire lad sigh with romance.
And speaking of swooning — Strictly legend Vincent Simone lands on 27 February with Tango Passions, promising enough Argentine heat to fog up the Corn Exchange windows. Meanwhile, ACE dance and music’s TWAWSI: The World As We See It (22 April) celebrates African Diaspora culture with bold, explosive movement.
If comedy’s more your thing, the Early Doors Comedy Nights (18 Feb, 19 Feb, 12 Mar) are back to warm up your ribs. Pete Firman mixes magic with mischief in Tricks & Giggles (7 March), Ivo Graham brings Orange Crush (18 March), and Joel Dommett gives us his new show Happy Idiot (25 March). Scummy Mummies roll in with Hot Mess (14–15 April), and Mark Simmons completes the line-up with Jest to Impress (17 April), armed with enough punchlines to leave even the bar staff giggling.
The classics are having a moment too. Blackeyed Theatre return with Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty (27–28 January), promising intrigue, pipe smoke and probably a fistfight or two. Box Tale Soup take on 1984 (4 March), using their trademark puppetry to bring Orwell’s dystopia to eerie life. And if you’ve ever wondered what The Lord of the Rings would look like as a chaotic comedy sketch, Parody of the Rings (26 March) has you covered.
Family shows? Oh, they’ve got you. Tom Gates Epic Stage Show (14 February) bursts onto the stage with music, scribbles and silliness, while The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show (28 March) brings Danny and Dino on a rambunctious quest for rock concert tickets.
Corn Exchange Newbury continues to champion young talent too, with their Intermediate Youth Theatre performing Fishville (24–25 February) as part of NT Connections — a murder mystery that has a whole community scratching their heads.
Science fans, don’t worry — your satchel delivery includes you as well. Wonders of Our Universe (7 February) offers a jaw-dropping night of visuals, cosmic facts and a mesmerising live score. Then the Rude Science team bring The Utterly Revolting Science Show (31 March), covering burps, farts and edible experiments. Brace yourselves.
Music lovers get a full feast: Beautiful Crazy: The Luke Combs Collection (31 January), Live Forever (12 February) covering Oasis hits, legendary soul/funk band The Real Thing (13 February), and The Ultimate Mod Revue (21 February). Female icons shine in The Spice Girls Experience (20 March), Whitney celebration Saving All My Love for You (21 March), The Eras Experience (29 March) for all the Swifties, and The Shoop Shoop Show: The Cher Collection (16 April), honouring the Goddess of Pop as she approaches her fabulous 80th.
If talk events are your jam, buckle up: true crime fans get The Makings of a Murder 3: The Undercover Detective (26 February), Susie Dent dives into the history and mischief of words in Word Perfect (27 March), Michaela Strachan shares heartfelt and hilarious wildlife tales (29 April), and Gyles Brandreth refuses to stop talking (as advertised) on 26 April.
Corn Exchange Director Jessica Jhundoo-Evans says 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year, especially with the Old Library reopening as a new arts and wellbeing hub. And with a spring season packed with circus artistry, bold contemporary dance, gripping classics and family favourites, she’s not wrong — there’s honestly something for everyone.
Right — that’s your bundle for today. Straight from Newbury to my satchel to your doorstep. If that doesn’t brighten a dreary British morning, nowt will.
http://www.cornexchangenew.com/
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