8.1 Cultural Events
If you want to know what’s on in terms of cinemas, musicals, theatre performances, exhibitions etc., buy the “Evening Standard” newspaper on Thursdays with its “What’s On” magazine, or the weekly “Time-Out” magazine.
The nearest Tourist Information Centre with information about local cultural events and shows, are:
RICHMOND
Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1TP
Tel: 020 8940 9125/Fax: 020 8940 6899, information.services@richmond.gov.uk
GUILDFORD
14 Tunsgate, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3QT
Tel: 01483 444 333/Fax: 01483 302 046, tic@guildford.gov.uk
8.2 Theatres
Society of London Theatre, for West End Shows www.officiallondontheathre.co.uk
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon (0208 543 4888), www.polkatheatre.co
Richmond Theatre (0208 940 0088), www.theambassadors.com/richmond
Ambassadors New Victoria, Woking (01483 545 900) www.theambassadors.com,/woking. Lots of West End type shows at good prices and great seats.
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford (01483 440 000), www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Epsom Play House, 01372 742 555.
Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, 0208 940 3633.
River House Barn, Walton-on Thames, 01932 253 354.
8.3 Cinemas
Larger screens in the area include:
ABC Cinemas, Kingston upon Thames, tel. 0208 549 0388
Odeon Esher, tel. 01372 465 639 or 0870 505 0007
Ambassadors Cinema, Woking, tel. 01483 545 945, www.theambassadors.com
Odeon Kingston, the Rotunda, tel. 0870 505 0007
Odeon, Hill Street, Richmond, tel. 0208 948 3069 or 0870 505 0007
Screen Cinema Theater, 85-89 High Street, tel. 01932 252 825
Vue Cinema, Staines, tel. 08712 240 240
Check www.surrey-online.co.uk or directly www.odeon.co.uk, www.screencinemas.co.uk, www.uci.co.uk for further information on viewing times, films etc. or consult the yellow pages for other cinemas in Greater London area.
For alternative, international/foreign films check Richmond Filmhouse, tel. 0208 332 6435 or also www.surrey-online.co.uk.
8.4 National Trust
As a member of the National Trust you can be part of Britain's most successful conservation charity, looking after beautiful and precious places. Joining the Trust entitles you to free entry to over 300 houses and gardens in the country (including Bodiam Castle). It's a great thing to do plus you are supporting a good cause. The National Trust cares for a large part of Great Britain's countryside, coastline and more than 200 buildings and gardens of interest. You can join online. The website is www.nationaltrust.org.uk
8.5 The National Art Collection Fund
A Membership of The National Art Collection Fund is available for around £ 50. Subscriptions and donations provide support for museums and galleries throughout the country. As a member you receive a great package of benefits, including free or reduced price entry to over 200 museums and galleries. Check their website www.nacf.org or call 0870 848 2003, lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm weekdays.
8.6 English Heritage
English Heritage is the Government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. As a member of English Heritage you can visit free of charge over 400 historic properties (including Stonehenge). English Heritage conserves and enhances the historic environment (historic buildings, monuments and landscapes), broadens public access to the heritage and increases people’s understanding of the past. They also organize lots of children’s activities, such as historical craft, events re-enactment etc. It is well worth your time. The website is www.english-heritage.org.uk.
