What's on in Reading this month

The sun is starting to shine and the choice of things to see and do in Reading in April is equally stellar! The month kicks off with plenty of Easter holiday fun for kids, and also offers up some tip-top tribute shows, homegrown theatre, bank holiday beats and plenty of food and drink too! So check out our highlights of What’s On in Reading in April – and, as always, don’t forget to check whatsonreading.com for so much, much more!

Easter Holiday Fun for kids | 28 Mar - 12 April

There’s plenty of school holiday fun for kids and teens all over town this Easter – from the cracking Reading Easter Trail in the town centre, to plenty of arts, crafts and activities to get stuck into, to live shows at The Hexagon and South Street and much more! The words “I’m bored” won’t ever slip from their mouths!

The Big Easter Weekend |  2 - 6 April

The bumper bank holiday brings all manner of entertainment and activities to get stuck into between mouthfuls of chocolate eggs! There’s live music from The Village Easter Festival all weekend long, The Butler holds a Beatles Bash with a film screening and live music from the Magical Mystery Four, Jake Quickenden stars in WHAM! The Show, take a guided walk with Walk Reading, browse the Rising Sun Arts Centre art market and much more.

Glitch, The True Story of the Post Office Scandal | 7 - 17 April

After a national tour, Rabble Theatre’s production about the injustices of the Post Office Scandal returns to the University of Reading for a final string of dates. Telling the story of Pam Stubbs, the sub-postmistress of Barkham Post Office who gets caught up in the biggest miscarriage of justice in English legal history, Glitch was created with sub-postmistresses and masters affected by the events, key members of the legal process and commissioned by the University of Reading.

Kream Cabaret | 10 April

Reading’s hottest new drag show returns to Reading Biscuit Factory for another night of fierce performances, gorgeous looks and unforgettable moments. Hosted by the fabulous Vanilla Fuzion, the night will also feature incredible performances from special guest star from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Black Peppa, plus local fave Miss Charley O’llocks.

Carmen: Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour | 10 April

Director Ellen Kent brings Bizet’s tale of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias to the Hexagon as part of her farewell tour. Starring international soloists Mariia Davydova (mezzo-soprano), Elena Dee (soprano) & Viktoria Melnyk (soprano) and featuring a live orchestra, the show features Bizet’s unforgettable melodies including ‘The Toreador’s Song’, Carmen’s enticing ‘Habanera’, and Don José’s lyrical ‘Flower Song’ in a setting evoking the stunning architecture of Seville.

Food & Drink Festivals | Various Dates

The precursor to summer festival season brings four tasty events to town! A French Food Market takes over Broad Street on 11 & 12 April with plenty of gallic delights. The following weekend Cheese Feast returns to Blue Collar Corner, featuring cheese-centric street food of all kinds – and cheesy music to match! South Street teams with Dolphin Brewery and plenty more craft beer makers both local and national for Stage Craft on 24 & 25 April. And the Reading Vegan Fiesta returns to Forbury Gardens on 25 April with plenty of vegan foods, produce and fun!

Private Lives | from 16 April

Reading Rep Theatre present Noël Coward’s wickedly funny comedy of manners. On the glittering shores of the 1930s French Riviera, two newlywed couples are enjoying their honeymoons. But when Elyot and Amanda—divorced for five years—discover they’re staying in adjacent rooms with their new spouses, sparks fly... again. Love. Lust. Laughs. And a dash of scandal.

Monty Don: A Journey Through British Gardens | 18 April

Britain’s best-loved gardener Monty Don returns to The Hexagon with a brand-new show celebrating his landmark book and BBC2 series, British Gardens. Using beautiful imagery and stories, Monty explores the landscapes, traditions, and tales that reveal who we are through the gardens we create. From Scotland’s northern tip to the Cornish coast, Monty uncovers what our gardens reveal about us as a nation: our ingenuity, eccentricity, and enduring connection to the natural world.

The Big Comedy Bash 2026 | 22 April

Joe Lycett is your host as another all-star line-up of comedians come to the Hexagon in this mammoth show supporting the Slapstick Comedy Festival. This time round, legends Jasper Carrott, Harry Enfield and Rory Bremner are joined by the razor-sharp Ria Lina in a night that will guarantee to put a smile on any face.

Jack & Sarah | from 23 April

Another world premiere production from The Mill At Sonning. Based on the much-loved 1995 film starring Richard E. Grant and Dame Judi Dench, Jack & Sarah is a heartwarming, witty, and unexpected romantic comedy about finding love, family, and second chances in the most unlikely places. With Rufus Hound, Corrie’s George Banks and Anya De Villiers.

Reading Brick Show | 25 & 26 April

The Reading Brick Show returns to Loddon Valley Leisure Centre for another weekend where everything is awesome! It’s one of the largest LEGO® shows in the UK, bringing together fantastic models made by the most talented builders, alongside lots of fun games and activities for visitors of all ages, from robot battles to race tracks and much more!

Reading Symphony Orchestra: Arctic Concert | 25 April

Reading Symphony Orchestra return to the Great Hall for a concert that will transport you to the Arctic Circle. Boasting an enchanting programme of Russian and Finnish composers – Rautavaara, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev – and featuring piano soloist Yazdi Madon, winner of RSO's Young Musicians' Competition 2025.