What's on in May

May marks the beginning of the summer season – and that’s as true for events in Reading as it is for the weather itself! Our sister site, WhatsonReading.com, picks  a few of the top things to do this month, including summer festivals kicking off in style, visits from some wonderful touring acts, local theatre companies taking to all manner of stages and 200 years of Reading as Biscuit Town!

Catch-22 - 2-7 May

Progress Theatre transforms into the Italian island of Pianosa in this satirical play based on the 1961 novel of the same name. The folly of war is seen through the eyes of Yossarian, a nihilistic pilot convinced his number is up. Every time 'Yo-Yo' reaches his quota of missions, the requirements are increased. He'd like to get out but there's always a catch...

Eat Reading - 7 & 8 May

A two-day festival of street food with over 35 different food stalls, live music and a giant dining table down the middle of Broad Street in central Reading. Food and music every day from 11am til late.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever - 4 & 5 May

Peppa Pig is coming to the Hexagonfor a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever! This brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter. 

70s legends rock into town!

Two very different sounds of the 70s will be heard in Reading this month. Hersham’s favourite punks Sham 69 will rock up to Sub89 (6 May) with the original 1977 line-up. And you can thank your “Lucky Stars” that singer-songwriter Dean Friedman (14 May) will be playing an intimate show at the Rising Sun Arts Centre.

Are You Listening? Festival - 7 May

Reading’s much-loved one-day music festival returns again to raise money for Reading Mencap. This year’s line-up boasts big names like Alfie Templeton and Bob Vylan, plus loads of local acts including The Mirror Pictures, Limpopo Groove and Readiophonics – over 60 acts in total performing in eight locations all over town! 

The Guilty Feminist Podcast – LIVE! - 8 May

Less of a podcast and more of a global phenomenon, The Guilty Feminist is part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism. Hosted by Deborah Frances-White it features a different array of world class guests each night, examining our noble goals as 21st century feminist – and the insecurities that undermine those goals. 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream - 11 May - 5 June

Reading Rep Theatre bring Shakespeare’s classic comedy bang up to date, with a new adaptation where a professional acting troupe arrives in Reading to perform in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Mistakes, potions and a couple of pints are sure to make the event one to remember. 

Ana Silvera - 11 May

It’s not often we get a non-classical gig at The Concert Hall, but folk and bluegrass-tinged singer Ana Silvera will be taking to the stage this month. This concert marks the release of Ana’s new studio album, ‘The Fabulist’, recorded with award-winning producer Gerry Diver (BBC Folk Awards, Mercury Prize).

Take a tour of Caversham Court Gardens - 12 May

Reading’s other great outdoor centuries-old outdoor space, Caversham Court Gardens also has a rich history. Enjoy a guided tour courtesy of the Centre for Heritage & Family History, and expert guides from the Friends of Caversham Court.

Reading Children’s Festival kicks off with a Forbury Fiesta! 14 May

Reading Children’s Festival celebrates its 33rd anniversary with three wonderful weeks of fun, mayhem and madness for children all over the borough! The festival gets off to an action-packed start with Forbury Fiesta  where there will be something for everyone to get involved with – live performances, workshops, activities and so much more.

New dinosaurs from the Isle of Wight (and old mammals from Wales) - 18 May

The Cole Museum of Zoology is based at the University of Reading, but they regularly hold public talks on all things “animal”. This month’s guest speaker is Dr Neil Gostling from the University of Southampton who has named three new species of dinosaur! Join Neil for an evening of discussion and discovery.

Chess The Musical - 18-21 May

After a pandemic-enforced delay, the Sainsbury Singers finally bring their production of Chess to the stage. With songs like “I Know Him So Well” (from Tim Rice and Benny & Bjorn of ABBA), this highly acclaimed musical uses the game of chess as a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political intrigue during the Cold War. 

SITELINES presents The Land's Heart is Greater Than Its Map - 25-29 May

SITELINES is South Street’s award-winning programme of “theatre in unusual spaces”, which has sited work around Reading. And their first show for 2022 does just that –  listen via headphones as you walk a pre-planned route around Reading, doubling as your journey to a far away city which cannot be named. Its people are silenced and its landscape is disappearing...

And don't forget that Reading's celebration of 200 years as Biscuit Town kicks off this month too.