The Corn Exchange Newbury, one of Berkshire’s leading arts and entertainment venues, is set to deliver an exceptional Summer Season for 2025. With a rich mix of artistic brilliance, audiences can look forward to a vibrant array of performances, from celebrated music tributes and thrilling paranormal experiences to comedic gems and captivating theatre. This summer, the Corn Exchange promises an unforgettable season, brimming with talent that will leave Newbury inspired and entertained.
Kicking off the theatre programme will be Duck (30th April), which comes from award-winning playwright maatin and looks at the intersection between racism and cricket within the pivotal environment of schools. Sell-out Edinburgh Fringe hit Bonding: The Myth, Legend and Legacy of James Bond (8th July), journeys through 60 years of Bond and is directed by two-time OFFIE winner Matthew Parker.
Much-loved tales from children’s books take centre stage this summer in the hilarious adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s tale The Baddies (27th – 29th May), where audiences can join the adventures of trolls, ghosts and witches. Returning to the Corn Exchange for 2025 is Top Secret: The Magic of Science (1st June), which brings together the wonder of magic and the power of science in an interactive experience, making science fun for all ages.
Comedy fanatics can enjoy returning favourite, The Comedy Network (4th April, 9th May, 4th July), which has seen the likes of comedic geniuses Ed Gamble, Russell Howard and Jenny Éclair. This summer, Avalon’s line-up includes Horatio Gould, Katie Norris and Chloe Petts. These evenings packed full of laughs will showcase upcoming comedic talent to watch out for.
Relive the joy of Sweden’s greatest band, ABBA, with the incredible Waterloo Live (6th June) and rock on with the female-led Women in Rock (28th June), which celebrates hits from iconic women in music like Cher, Blondie and Janis Joplin. Fastlove: the George Michael Tribute (11th July), is a heartfelt show dedicated to one of the world’s greatest musicians and more titans of the music world are celebrated in Dreams of FM – Fleetwood Mac Tribute (12th July), featuring legendary hits like Go Your Own Way. Rounding off the summer of music is a must-see show for all country music fans, Country Superstars (19th July), fronted by impressionists Sarah Jayne and Andy Crust, who have been endorsed by country legends Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
Corn Exchange Newbury will offer mesmerising dance performances this season starting with INTOTO Dance (4th June), a contemporary dance company made of students in their final year of training at London Studio Centre, and will showcase their talent in three new works. Witness the seamless combination of Flamenco and live electronic music in Blue Ghost (10th July), presented by Luz & Mannion Dance. This breathtaking show sheds light on the overlooked beauty of the insect world and celebrates the importance of these creatures in our environment, and how we need to look after all creatures on Earth, no matter how small.
Cabaret comes to the Corn Exchange with Tease (27th June), an unforgettable evening of burlesque, led by award-winning West End burlesque icons Lady Lust and Miss Temptation. Their famous cohort of dancers will bring everything to the stage, from circus to variety acts, all set to the backdrop of hit tracks from Chicago and musical legends like Cher and Christina Aguilera.
A highlight of the summer season will be Gorilla Circus: RPM (12th July), a phenomenal new outdoor show which will take place in Newbury’s Market Place, on the doorstep of the Corn Exchange, all set on a giant moving treadmill. Combining acrobatics, impressive roller skating and street dance this spectacular show employs circus skills to explore the UK’s colonial past.
Award-winning magician and the BBC’s most broadcast magician from the last decade, James Phelan showcases his clever tricks in his new show, The Dreamer (17th July). This unbelievable show will have you questioning reality, as James defies the impossible in this debut that will leave you laughing and questioning how he pulls it off.
A spooky night of fundraising, Spirit Chasers (25th July) will take place with all proceeds going to the Old Library campaign. Throughout the evening audiences will be invited to take part in a paranormal investigation at the Corn Exchange, which dates back to 1861. The building is full of history and the perfect setting for a night full of hunting ghosts, using specialist equipment to get spooky spirits to reveal themselves.
Corn Exchange Director, Jessica Jhundoo-Evans comments, We are extremely excited to present our brand-new summer season at the Corn Exchange! As an arts venue with community at our core, we aim to create a varied programme to entice a wide range of people to enjoy and be inspired by what is currently on tour. There is a huge mix of genres and the highest quality of shows touring this summer season, I feel sure that everyone will find something to take their fancy and we can’t wait to welcome people to our venue.
