Liberating stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption thrills at Wycombe Swan

Zoe Gater

Liz Nicholls reviews the liberating stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption, starring Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe and Bill Ward, at Wycombe Swan until Saturday 14 March 2026.

As a kid, I devoured anything by Stephen King. The man is unstoppable. From haunted hotels to killer clowns, his stories have terrified generations – yet one of his most beloved tales, the novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, contains no supernatural horrors at all.

Instead, The Shawshank Redemption is about endurance, friendship and the stubborn power of hope. The 1994 film is often named in film fans’ top three. So how to bring this beloved yet dark story to the stage and keep fans locked in?

After wowing critics around the UK, now Owen O’Neill & Dave Johns’ adaptation has arrived at Wycombe Swan Theatre. And it’s gripping from the start. Despite the bleak and brutal US prison setting, this production manages the tricky balance of darkness and warmth.

Performances are excellent across the board, with Joe McFadden delivering a wonderfully quiet and compelling Andy Dufresne, while Ben Onwukwe brings gravitas and dry humour to Red (Morgan Freeman’s character), the inmate who becomes Andy’s closest friend.

Bill Ward is suitably menacing as the bullying warden. Among the inmates, the deranged, echoing laugh from Rooster (Ashley D Gayle) becomes an oddly memorable moment – the kind that ripples through the audience and lingers in the air.

The prison set is stark and striking, with clanking metal that makes the audience feel almost incarcerated alongside the characters. Yet moments of humour are cleverly woven throughout.

With heavy themes including gang rape, injustice and despair, it’s never going to be a hoot but there are great funny moments, proper belly laughs. Small touches stand out too: fleeting snippets of music that feel like tiny sips of freedom in an otherwise oppressive world.

Like the beloved 1994 film starring Tim Robbins, this stage version reminds us why the story has endured for decades. It’s thrilling, moving and unexpectedly uplifting. For a tale set almost entirely behind bars, it proves remarkably exhilarating theatre.

Make sure to book in and catch the show during its stretch in Wycombe, and you will come out feeling unburdened.

Young entrepreneurs wanted for Newbury Young Traders Market

Zoe Gater

Aspiring entrepreneurs can test their business ideas, trade face-to-face with customers, and promote their products to a wider audience for free at the special Young Traders Market this May.

Newbury Town Council is inviting young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 who run a small business, side hustle, or creative venture to join the Young Traders Market for free this summer.

The event will take place on Saturday 30 May 2026 and runs in partnership with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF). It forms part of the nationwide Young Traders Market competition, which celebrates and supports the next generation of market traders across the UK.

Councillor Vaughan Miller, Chair of the Council’s Market Working Group, said: “We are excited to host a Young Traders Market in Newbury and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Markets have long served as a starting point for many successful businesses, and this event gives young people a fantastic opportunity to showcase their ideas and talents.”

The Young Traders Market initiative encourages more young people to try market trading and grow their businesses. Participants compete locally for the chance to advance through regional rounds and ultimately reach the national final later in the year.

For more information or to apply, email caroline.edmunds@newbury.gov.uk or call 07399 122946.

Experience the 2026 Spring Festival at Petworth House and Park

Zoe Gater

Enjoy a vibrant makers market, creative workshops, garden tours, family trails, and talks from leading horticultural experts in a scenic 700-acre deer park when Petworth House and Park’s Spring Festival returns.

Nestled in a 700-acre deer park, don’t miss Petworth House and Park’s annual Spring Festival, returning over Easter and running through mid-April.

Taking place from Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April 2026, expect an inspiring, jam-packed programme of talks, demonstrations, workshops, family activities, garden tours, and more throughout.

Kicking off the festival, visit a bustling Makers Market – hosted in partnership with Petworth Pop-Up – where you can browse stalls and purchase high-quality artisan gifts, including handmade jewellery, homewares, textiles, and artwork from talented makers.

For families and young explorers, venture around the buggy-friendly Pleasure Garden, pick up a complimentary Tilly Plants a Tree trail map, and take part in engaging games and activities along the way.

Other child-friendly drop-in activities include make-your-own newspaper pots and seed planting at Petworth’s Garden Theatre marquee.

Gardening enthusiasts can look forward to a series of free talks from horticultural experts in the Garden Theatre marquee – with speakers such as best-selling author Arthur Parkinson, Professor of Biology Dave Goulson, National Trust Senior Gardener Robyn Booth, and many more.

Brand-new for 2026, green-thumbed visitors can join live 20-minute gardening demonstrations covering practical topics, including creating a wormery, beekeeping, composting, and plant staking.

Other activities across the festival include hands-on creative workshops such as glass-making, botanical drawing, foraging basket making, and willow birdhouse crafting; free guided tours of the Pleasure Garden; and a striking handcrafted floral display in the marquee, created by members of the local community and dedicated volunteers.

For full event details and timings, visit the Petworth House and Park website.

Eden Shopping Centre marks 18 years with ‘Faces of Eden’ community exhibition

Zoe Gater

To mark its 18th anniversary, Eden Shopping Centre presents Faces of Eden, celebrating 18 local people whose contributions shape the character and community spirit of High Wycombe.

Situated in the centre of High Wycombe, Eden Shopping Centre marks its 18th anniversary in 2026 with its special Faces of Eden exhibition celebrating the people who bring the centre and community to life.

Running from Saturday 28 March until Sunday 5 April 2026, the project shines a light on the diverse faces that live, work and visit the town centre – from students and families to local business owners, creatives and long-time residents.

Displayed throughout the centre, stretching from Skechers to Hotel Chocolat, the curated showcase features 18 portraits capturing the people behind the campaign. Each portrait highlights the personality, stories, and everyday moments that make Eden more than just a shopping destination. 

Alongside each image, visitors will be able to discover the personal stories and connections that link these individuals to the centre and the town.

Visitors are invited to explore the installation as they move through the centre, discovering the faces and stories that represent the community Eden has been proud to serve for nearly two decades. 

Rebecca Gomme, Marketing Manager at Eden Shopping Centre, said: “Faces of Eden is about celebrating the people and moments that make Eden the place it is.

“This exhibition brings those stories to life and gives visitors the chance to see and connect with the individuals who make our community so special.” 

For more information, visit edenshopping.co.uk.

14 artisan food producers to try in the South East this spring

Zoe Gater

Spring’s here, and the South East is bursting with local flavour. From vineyards and pick-your-own farms to artisan cheeses and small-batch spirits, these are the must-visit producers this season.

This spring, explore the region’s best artisan delights – wander blossoming vineyards, pick fresh seasonal produce, savour award-winning cheeses and taste honey, crisps and small-batch spirits straight from the source.

Round & About highlights some of the best across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Berkshire

Open for spring tours and tasting experiences, Stanlake Park Wine Estate invites visitors to explore scenic vineyard walks and enjoy the sights and scents of spring in full bloom, while sampling their award-winning English wines, including crisp whites and sparkling favourites from their seasonal collection.

Fan favourites include crisp white, Madeleine; barrel-aged Chardonnay, King’s Fumé; Pinot Noir Rosé; and Stanlake Brut – perfect for sipping on sunny afternoons.

The Marlow Cheese Co, Buckinghamshire

A family‑run artisan cheesemaker, The Marlow Cheese Co crafts small‑batch cheeses from locally sourced milk, ranging from soft lactic styles to blues and hard varieties.

Many of their cheeses have won national awards, and you can find them at farmers’ markets in Marlow, Henley and Reading — ideal for tasting or taking home a slice of Buckinghamshire.

Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire

A flagship pick-your-own farm and shop, Rectory Farm in Stanton St John starts spring with fresh asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, and seasonal veg. Visitors can pick produce themselves or grab it from the farm shop.

The on-site café serves home-baked treats, seasonal soups and coffee with countryside views. The farm expects to welcome visitors from April 2026.

Honest Honey, Buckinghamshire

Nestled in the Chilterns AONB, Honest Honey produces pure, natural honey straight from hives in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chenies and Latimer.

Their bees forage on gardens and fields across the Buckinghamshire countryside, and the honey is simply extracted, filtered lightly, settled and jarred. Each jar is labelled with its local source, giving a real taste of spring blossoms and summer blooms from the Chilterns.

North Aston Dairy, Oxfordshire

Step onto this family-run organic farm just north of Oxford and discover fresh spring flavours straight from the pasture. Their herd produces organic milk, thick natural yoghurt, kefir and creamy ice cream, all available in reusable bottles and jars.

You can also pick up pasture-fed lamb, beef and rose veal, sausages and burgers, either from their honesty shop or at local farmers’ markets. Spring is the perfect time to wander the farm, grab a veg box or taste the fresh dairy delights while enjoying the Oxfordshire countryside.

Beechwood Farm Free Range Eggs, Berkshire

Family-run for over 60 years, Beechwood Farm produces free-range eggs from hens roaming pastures and woodland in Hampstead Norreys.

Their rich, golden-yolked eggs are sold at local farmers’ markets, farm shops and direct from the farm, making them a true taste of Berkshire this spring.

Chiltern Charcuterie, Buckinghamshire

Discover Chiltern Charcuterie, making hand-crafted salami, bresaola, pancetta, coppa and more from free-range pork, grass-fed beef, lamb and seasonal venison. Their meats are available at farmers’ markets across the Chilterns, local farm shops and via direct order.

Make the most of the season by sampling the flavours of the Chilterns, exploring the markets, and picking up small-batch cured meats made with care and locally sourced ingredients.

Fungi Farmer, Berkshire

Based in Swallowfield near Reading, Fungi Farmer is a locally grown mushroom producer bringing both edible and medicinal mushrooms to markets across the region – including Reading and Henley.

They offer artisan mushrooms and mushroom products (fresh and dried) at farmers’ markets and local food events — a great spring stop for seasonal fungi and mushroom snacks.

Brown Bag Crisps, Surrey

A true Surrey family‑run crisps maker, Brown Bag has been perfecting its hand‑cooked potato crisps since 2010.

Still independent and never stocked in big supermarkets, their small‑batch crisps come in award‑winning flavours like lightly salted, rosemary & sea salt, and oak smoked chilli — all made with British potatoes and seasoned by hand.

Cold Pressed Oil Co., Hampshire

Located on Clare Park Farm in the Hampshire countryside near Crondall, this family‑run producer crafts multi‑award‑winning extra virgin cold‑pressed rapeseed oil from seeds grown on the farm itself.

The range includes pure rapeseed oils alongside infused dressings and mayonnaises, all made with care and designed to showcase the region’s vibrant spring harvest.

The Henley Distillery

Tucked into an 18th‑century threshing barn on the edge of Henley, this award‑winning craft distillery specialises in hand‑made gins and rums with bold character and rich botanical profiles.

Visitors can join distillery tours and tasting experiences that show how their spirits are made, sampling Henley Classic Dry Gin, Henley Pink Gin and Henley Rum, while soaking up the historic barn setting — ideal for a spring outing with a local twist.

The Oxford Cow, Oxfordshire

A true farm‑to‑cone producer, The Oxford Cow offers luxury ice cream made right on the farm at Kingston Hill, near Kingston Bagpuize.

The Christensens milk their own free‑range herd and turn that fresh milk into small‑batch ice cream on site, with staple flavours such as creamy fior di latte, mint stracciatella, salted caramel, chocolate, raspberry ripple and more. You’ll find their artisan tubs available locally and can even order direct for home delivery — a truly local scoop that celebrates the Oxfordshire countryside.

Bee Friends Honey, Surrey Hills

From apiaries around Guildford and the Surrey Hills, Bee Friends produces raw local honey, along with beeswax candles, wraps and more.

Their Surrey honey reflects spring blossom flavours, and the bee farm runs guided tours April–October to learn about beekeeping and pollinators.

The Real Jam & Chutney Company, Hampshire

Based in the heart of the New Forest, this inclusive social enterprise crafts handmade jams, chutneys and marmalades using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from their walled garden and local growers.

Every jar — from zingy chutneys to classic jams — is made the traditional way and supports people with learning disabilities to gain real work skills and confidence in a purpose‑built kitchen. Look for their vibrant preserves at local farm shops and markets this spring.

The Bartholomew Players’ to stage classic Agatha Christie’s whodunit

Zoe Gater

Who’s behind the murder? Join the Bartholomew Players for Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, this May 2026 at Eynsham Village Hall.

The Bartholomew Players are trading the familiar for the fiendishly mysterious with their upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s classic Miss Marple whodunit, A Murder is Announced, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon.

This year’s choice feels extra special – 2026 marks 50 years since Christie’s death, most of which she spent in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and the Players themselves celebrated their 50th anniversary just last year: two milestones, one perfectly mysterious coincidence.

Christie’s influence is unmatched; apart from the Bible and Shakespeare, she is one of the world’s most published authors, with her works translated into numerous languages. The timeless appeal of her stories makes them a perfect fit for local theatre enthusiasts.

The plot of A Murder is Announced begins with a surprising notice in the local Chipping Cleghorn Gazette: “A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.”

What the neighbours initially believe to be a playful “Murder Mystery” game quickly turns deadly. Enter Miss Marple, whose keen powers of observation unravel a complex web of identities, motives, and secrets in a performance guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The production runs from Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 at Eynsham Village Hall, with doors opening at 7pm and performances starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £14 and can be booked online at TryBooking, from Denise Santilli (07721 744020, bart.players@gmail.com), at Evenlode DIY in Eynsham, or on the door.

For more information, visit www.bartholomewplayers.co.uk.

Henley Arts Trail celebrates 20 years in 2026

Zoe Gater

Explore hidden corners and uncover a treasure trove of creativity from 300 exhibitors across 36 venues at the 20th anniversary of Henley Arts Trail 2026.

Celebrating two decades of creativity, the Henley Arts Trail returns over the May Bank Holiday weekend, inviting visitors to explore one of the region’s most popular open-studio events.

Running from Saturday 2 to Monday 4 May 2026, the trail offers the chance to experience artworks in artists’ studios, galleries, vineyards, a distillery, the world-famous Leander Club and, for the first time, a stately home on the banks of the Thames.

Founded in 2006, the trail has grown into a vibrant showcase for local talent, bringing together more than 300 artists and makers across Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding villages.

From painters and sculptors to ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists, the event offers a diverse snapshot of contemporary creativity in the Thames Valley.

What makes the Henley Arts Trail special is the chance to step inside working studios and unusual venues – from riverside locations and village halls to historic buildings and gardens – and meet the artists behind the work.

Artists announced for this year include Tim Slatter, who creates bold landscape etchings and prints and gained wider recognition from his appearance on Landscape Artist of the Year; Esté MacLeod, known for vibrant floral and still-life compositions that have attracted an international following from her studio in Charvil; and Shelagh Casebourne, a plein‑air landscape painter whose expressive work captures the British countryside.

Many venues host demonstrations, giving visitors an insight into techniques and creative processes, while most exhibitions offer the opportunity to buy original pieces directly from the maker.

Alongside established artists, the trail also supports emerging talent through ArtSpark, a competition for young artists aged 16 to 18 that includes mentoring from professional artists and the chance to exhibit during the event.

Spire Thames Valley Hospital awarded gold for commitment to patient safety

Zoe Gater

The National Joint Registry (NJR) has awarded Spire Thames Valley Hospital with Gold Level status after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.

Part of the leading independent healthcare group Spire Healthcare, Spire Thames Valley Hospital has earned Gold Level status from the National Joint Registry (NJR) through its Quality Data Provider programme.

The National Joint Registry collects and monitors high-quality orthopaedic data on hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement procedures.

This information helps improve patient safety, raise standards of care and deliver better outcomes in joint replacement surgery. It also provides valuable feedback to orthopaedic clinicians and implant manufacturers.

The NJR introduced the Quality Data Provider certificate scheme to help hospitals achieve and maintain high standards in patient safety and data reporting.

The programme recognises hospitals that meet the registry’s strict targets for data completeness, accuracy and quality.

Each year, the NJR carries out a Data Quality Audit. It compares the number of joint replacement procedures hospitals submit to the registry with those recorded in their local Patient Administration System (PAS).

This process helps ensure the registry receives the most complete and accurate data possible from hospitals performing joint replacement surgery, including Spire Thames Valley Hospital.

Sue Holliday, Hospital Director at Spire Thames Valley Hospital, said: “Improving patient safety is of the utmost importance and something all staff at Spire Thames Valley Hospital take very seriously.

“We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work to improve clinical outcomes for joint replacement patients, and we are delighted to be recognised as an NJR Quality Data Provider.”

GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Zoe Gater

Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

Want to go to the biggest party in Guildford this summer? Join disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and legendary Scottish duo The Proclaimers as they headline the 26th Guilfest.

You won’t need to walk 500 miles and there certainly won’t be any ‘crying at the discotheque’ at the party of all parties – you won’t want to miss out on this hit with tickets available now for the perfect start to your summer.

Alongside Sophie on the bill on Saturday are Rudimental, The Lottery Winners, ABC, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Echobelly, Elvana, Old Time Sailors, Uncle Funks Disco Inferno, Phats and Small, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Daft Funk Live, Tankus, Bob Marley Revival and The Rock Choir.

Bringing the music before The Proclaimers on Sunday’s lineup are Kula Shaker, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, The Bootleg Beatles, Hugh Cornwell, The South, The Smyths, Letz Zep, Gavin Thomas, The Dolly Show and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, huge beer tent, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing and drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Oh, and did we mention it has been voted Best Family Festival in the UK? Proving that it really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

If Guilfests of previous years have been anything to go by having featured Simple Minds, Pulp, Madness, Aha, Paul Weller, Motorhead and James, you won’t want to miss this year’s musical extravaganza!

A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets are available now and will only be available until they run out. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be.

Payment plans options are available.

Book your tickets at guilfest.co.uk.

The Ivy Collection reveals special menu for Mother’s Day 2026

Zoe Gater

From breakfast to dinner, treat your mum – and mother-figures – to an exclusive set menu at The Ivy, with a complimentary box of chocolates and tulips to take home.

This Mother’s Day, The Ivy Collection celebrates mums and mother-figures with a special three-course menu, as well as a brand-new breakfast option at venues including Oxford, Marlow and Windsor.

Available on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026, the set menu features seasonal produce and vibrant flavours, perfect for sharing with a loved one.

Starters include favourites such as buffalo burrata with pesto; crab and avocado tian; and The Ivy classic crispy duck salad.

Tuck into lemon butter roast chicken, oven-baked sea bream with Gigantes beans, and a plant-based asparagus courgette and broad bean linguine for mains.

And those with a sweet tooth can look forward to raspberry bloom parfait, a black bee honey and white chocolate cheesecake, as well as the oh-so-decadent signature Ivy chocolate bombe.

Alternatively, the breakfast menu offers up mini pastries with butter and preserves for the table, with mains such as truffled poached eggs, eggs royale with The Ivy Cure smoked salmon and caviar, or Eggs Benedict with pulled ham.

The Mother’s Day Set Menu is priced at £38.95 per person, while the Mother’s Day Breakfast costs £27.50 per person.

Plus, mums dining over the weekend will also receive a bouquet of tulips and a box of chocolates.

For more information or to book, visit ivycollection.com.