Pick of the best arts&ents events this week in and around Newbury

Susie Dent

On Sunday (April 13), Countdown’s Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent is in conversation at The Watermill a collaborative fundraising event with The Hungerford Bookshop. You can hear Susie talk about her debut crime novel Guilty By Definition, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and the Rev Richard Coles. When an anonymous letter is delivered to the Clarendon English Dictionary, it is rapidly clear that this is not the usual lexicographical enquiry. Instead, the letter hints at secrets and lies linked to a particular year. For Martha Thornhill, the new senior editor, the date can mean only one thing: the summer her brilliant older sister Charlie went missing… Gyles Brandreth says the book is “Huge fun and, as you’d expect, also beautifully written.” Susie will also be talking about her time on Countdown and her previous books.She will be signing copies of her books after the event. It’s guaranteed to be an entertaining evening! The fun starts at 6pm and tickets are available exclusively from the theatre box office: www.watermill.org.uk

Goring murder

IT’S murder in Goring this week and it’s not the roadworks! The Gap Players production Murder at Midnight a new and original play written by Rita Butler and joint-directed by her and Helen McCutcheon, runs to Saturday 12, at Goring Village Hall. Curtain up at 8pm. A newcomer to a peaceful country village is brutally murdered. But why? And by whom? Will there be more killings? Detective chief inspector Postlethwaite, ably assisted by his sergeant, unravels the many motives and opportunities that come to the surface as villagers are questioned... Tickets (£12) are available via www.goringgapplayers.co.uk and from Inspiration at The Arcade, Goring or phone Jean Betteridge on (01491) 873530.

World Voice Day

POPULAR Newbury musician and voice coach Maia Hendrickx leads local singers for Sing Your Heart Out with Community Soul’s One-Day Choir – A Celebration of World Voice Day on Saturday. This uplifting one-day choir event, My Love Mine All Mine, features Mitski’s song encapsulating the realisation that love, being an “unlimited resource”, remains steadfast, even when everything else fades away. 1.30pm-4.30pm at ACE Space, St Nicholas Road. Maia said: “This event reflects everything that Community Soul stands for; connection, creativity, and the sheer joy of singing without fear or judgment.” £8-16 pay less/ pay more – you choose. https://bit.ly/CommunitySoul

Piaf

BE drawn into the extraordinary world of Édith Piaf, at The Watermill, Bagnor, until May 17. Pam Gems’ play, starring Audrey Brisson, charts The Little Sparrow’s dramatic rise from the squalor of the streets of Paris to the glamour of international stardom. Piaf intertwines the great loves, losses and questionable decisions of this complex and fragile star with her raw, spellbinding songs, performed live by an ensemble cast of actor-musicians. Still revered as an icon, decades after her untimely death, she lived a life of no regrets. http://watermill.org.uk

Pooping dinausaur musical

Based on the best-selling book by McFly's Tom Fletcher & Dougie Poynter and illustrated by Garry Parsons, The Dinosaur That Pooped stage show is at The Haymarket, Basingstoke, for two performances full of fun and adventure on Saturday. When Danny and Dino's favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino's rumbling tummy save the day? With colourful costumes and sets, and new songs by Tom and Dougie, the hilarious and heart-warming show is suitable for all the family! Visit https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/ for booking details.