It’s finally here. Tennis starts on Monday, and Wimbledon is in its spell for a fortnight.
Tennis
Watch the championships on the big screen; the most dedicated fans can queue for ground tickets at the AELTC and watch the action inside the hallowed gates while picnicking on Murray Mound, but anyone with a few minutes to spare can stop by the screen erected in The Piazza by Love Wimbledon, and watch for free. There’s also an indoor big screen in Centre Court mall.
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for the live action, read my guide to parking during the tournament.
Comedy
June 30: Stand up Seann Walsh, who once had to cancel a gig because he mistook Hertford for Hereford, is among eight comedians trialling new material ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at the Laughing Boy Comedy Club on Friday night. From 8pm in the New Wimbledon Studio Theatre, tickets £11.
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Film
There are two huge releases this week; Despicable Me 3 will get the family vote, but the most talked about film of the summer so far is getaway movie Baby Driver. Directed by self-taught Somerset filmmaker Edgar Wright and starring Angel Elgort and Lily James, with support from Kevin Spacey and Jon “Mad Men” Hamm, Baby Driver scores a seismic 98% on the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator, which makes it a must-see.
Theatre
I saw The Ferryman this week, the new play by Jez “Jerusalem” Butterworth which has just transferred from the Royal Court to the West End, and I can report it is worth every one of its five star reviews, even if it does end with too much of a bang. Read my review here and buy, beg or borrow tickets if you can.
June 30: The RSC’s critically acclaimed, sold out production of Queen Anne opens in the West End on Friday with the brilliant Romola Garai as Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough.
July 1: Closer to home, be challenged and educated by Refuge – a night of theatre and debate about the refugee crisis that has faded from our front pages but remains as acute as ever. In association with Merton-based Attic Theatre. 7.30pm, St Saviour’s Church, Raynes Park.
Music
June 30: It’s Youth Gig Night at Raynes Park Festival, with a headline set from singer-songwriter Jasmine Jones. If you’re between 12 and 18, come and check out the local acts. Free, 8-10pm at The Bash, 496 Kingston Road, SW20 8DX.
July 1: Cable Street Collective, veterans of Bestival, play the Raynes Park Cavern. Free, from 8pm at 100 Coombe Lane, SW20 0AY.
June 30 onwards: tickets are still available to see Phil Collins, Green Day, Justin Bieber or the Kings of Leon at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park.
Got an event you’d like us to publicise? Email: whatson@ladywimbledon.com
By ‘Culture Vulture’ Jenny Booth
Twitter: @culturevult
Facebook: @culturevult
Visit: mediastarsite.wordpress.com
About The Author
Jenny Booth
Jenny was a news journalist for The Times. An ex-teacher, mum, gardener and art lover, there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the local culture scene…