Corn Exchange Newbury has unveiled a packed summer season running from April to August 2026, offering an eclectic mix of world class theatre, live music, circus, comedy, dance and family events.
The programme also marks a major milestone with the opening of the historic Old Library as a new creative hub and the permanent home for the venue’s workshops and courses.
Highlights of the new season include Sisters360 on 25 April, a new play by Asif Khan inspired by real life skateboarding sisters. The Reduced Shakespeare Company brings The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) to the venue for two riotous nights on 5 and 6 May.
Following a successful London run, The Importance of Being Oscar appears on 2 and 3 June, while Bryony Kimmings presents her acclaimed Bog Witch from 17 to 19 June.
Music lovers are treated to a range of tribute concerts including The Ultimate Boyband Party (18 April), The Shoop Shop Show: The Cher Collection (16 April), Someone Like You – The Adele Songbook (23 April) and Sky Full of Stars: A Tribute to Coldplay (2 May). Further musical celebrations follow with ABBA Forever (6 June), K Pop Live (20 June), Legend: The Music of Bob Marley (17 July), The Rocket Man (18 July) and The Rolling Stones Story (24 July).
Circus and dance feature strongly throughout the season. Wes Peden and Gandini Juggling present Rollercoaster on 3 May, while Circomedia showcases emerging talent in The Curtain Calls on 23 June. Ballet Cymru marks its 40th anniversary with Sleeping Beauty on 1 July, and London Studio Centre’s INTOTO Dancers perform three new works on 4 June.
Comedy fans can enjoy Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit on 27 June, four Comedy Network nights across the season, Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess (14 to 15 April), Danny Bhoy: Dear World… (21 June), Rich Hall: Chin Music (24 June) and Michelle Wolf’s Best Job in the World on 22 July.
Families are well catered for during May half term with Take Flight (27 May), Sir Charlie Stinky Socks and the Really Big Adventure (29 May) and Dino Tales: Jurassic Rescue (31 May), featuring some of Europe’s largest animatronic dinosaurs. Pre show craft workshops are available for selected performances.
Free outdoor performances also return, including BLOCK on 21 June and Watchful on 25 July.
Corn Exchange Newbury Director Jessica Jhundoo Evans said, “we’re thrilled to welcome visitors to a brand-new season at the Corn Exchange, with a fantastic mix of entertainment for all ages. From vibrant family theatre and live music to playful circus, comedy and classic storytelling, there’s something to delight every audience. We’re also delighted to present free outdoor performances across Newbury this summer from both UK and international companies. After two years of incredible support from our community, the Old Library is ready to open its doors with a fresh programme of workshops, courses and creative opportunities for everyone to enjoy.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
