Corn Exchange Newbury marks the inaugural season of the Old Library with an extraordinary autumn programme

We have unveiled an exciting autumn season for our main venue and the newly opened Old Library, packed with outstanding theatre, comedy, dance, live music, circus, magic, family entertainment and creative participation.

Marking the first live programme to span both venues, the season celebrates a new chapter for arts and culture in Newbury, following the successful completion of a capital fundraising campaign to transform the historic Old Library into a permanent creative hub. 

The opening weekend of performances at the Old Library welcomes audiences of all ages to experience the new venue for the first time. Under-5s and their grown-ups can enjoy Filskit Theatre's interactive music show Wonder Gigs (11 September, 6 November), while acclaimed Artistic Director of Ockham’s Razor Charlotte Mooney returns with her enchanting one-woman show Comb (12 September). Inspired by Celtic, Slavic and Siberian folklore, Comb weaves together traditional tales with contemporary narratives. 

Comedy takes centre stage this autumn, with a range of established favourites, rising stars and fresh voices from the UK scene. Ria Lina: Riabellion (10 October) and James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex To My Mum) (22 October) offer an array of witty stand-up comedy sets. Award-winning comedian Michael Akadiri: Don't Call Me Uncle! (13 November) explores the frustrations of unwanted name-calling, while Daniel Foxx: How Lovely (21 November) shares his critically acclaimed and infectiously funny exploration of dating in your 30s. 

Exploring the life of a fashion icon, The Essence of Audrey (18 September) shines a light on the story of Audrey Hepburn in a powerful biopic play, while the award-nominated In the Land of Eagles (2 October), follows the true story of a young woman as she spends precious time with her dying grandfather on an epic journey through Albania. Anthem For Dissatisfaction (12 November) brings real insights into growing up in austerity Britain, scored by Oasis, The Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender. 

Alex McAleer: Mind Reader (19 September) astonishes audiences with his mind-boggling psychological tricks, while multi-award-winning Darryl J Carrington’s Out of the Box (24 October) transforms everyday objects into an award-winning circus and clowning extravaganza. A Tale of Us (16 October) offers a combination of storytelling for parents with a multi-sensory relaxed play experience for babies. Families can also put their detective skills to the test in The Mystery Of The Old Library (7 November), a board-game style theatrical adventure making its debut this autumn. 

Reflecting Corn Exchange Newbury's ongoing commitment to engaging audiences at every stage of life, the Old Library's creative programme also places particular emphasis on the wellbeing of older communities, Dare to Dance, Sing 55 and Tai Chi offer vital social and creative connection for over-55s. While weekly Youth Theatre and Youth Dance Company sessions nurture the next generation of performers aged 4 – 19.

As well as the events at the Old Library, this autumn the Corn Exchange Auditorium brings together some of the UK's most exciting names and powerful performances.

An annual staple for the Berkshire area, Newbury Sounds (4 September) platforms emerging talent in an exciting evening of original music from local bands and performers. Exceptional vocals will follow later in the month with Jacqui Dankworth: The Sondheim Songbook (17 September), Seth Lakeman (15 October) and TV-regular Ore Oduba: The Vintage Boys Rock 'n' Roll Show (8 October). Halloween in Concert (23rd October) brings ghoulish entertainment, while Creedence Clearwater Revived (29 October) covers American rock classics. In aid of the Corn Exchange Newbury's Future Fund, The Zoots: The Sounds of the 60s (5 November) will create a toe-tapping evening of 60s hits for audience members to enjoy with all proceeds helping to support all the work the Corn Exchange does. 

Continuing the music programme, is A Tribute to Sting & The Police: Starring The Rozzers (16 October) which shares hits from the 70s and 80s, Copacabana Magic: The Barry Manilow Tribute (24 October) delivers powerful vocals, and the energetic Mercury (7 November) is a nostalgic celebration of Queen. The Glam Rock Show: Get It On (17 October) brings fan favourites from T. Rex, Bowie, Slade and more to the stage and swinging audiences out of the season is The Crooners Christmas Special (14 November), blending Big Band swing with hilarious, razor-sharp one liners.

Two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Seann Walsh: This is Torture (6 September) kicks off the comedy season with his trademark razor-sharp set, followed by ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show (10 September), with a hilarious reimagining of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays. The Comedy Network (11 September, 9 October, 6 November) returns throughout the season, bringing its trademark belly laughs to Berkshire. Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous (14 October) takes a wickedly sharp look at her incredible life rubbing shoulders with celebrities.

Dance also lights up the programme, as Adam Garcia's Emerald Storm (16 September), featuring Britain's Got Talent finalist Tom Ball, fuses Irish dance with urban tap in a high-octane spectacle of thunderous footwork and soaring live vocals. JV2 (23 September) from Jasmin Vardimon Company showcases bold new work from the next generation of leading dancers and Srishti return to Newbury with Play Ball (13 October), an electrifying triple bill of classical Indian dance, choreographed by Nina Rajarani MBE. Newbury favourites Queenz: Battle of the Divas (10 October) also return to the Corn Exchange this season, seeing drag royalty take to the stage as the audience decides who claims the ultimate diva crown. 

A highlight of the family programme this season, There's a Monster in Your Show (19 - 20 September), featuring music by Olivier Award winner Tom Fletcher, returns with its ever-important message of kindness. During October half-term, there’s plenty to spark creativity for families. Illusion Impossible (25 October) combines magic and circus to create a thrilling spectacle, while Dinosaur World Live (27 & 28 October) stomps onto the stage with a roaring prehistoric adventure for youngsters. Crown Ballet presents The Nutcracker (30 October), an ethereal dance experience perfect for all ages. 

Down to Chance (22 October) offers a heartwarming retelling of the Great Alaskan Earthquake and its impact on a community. Degrees of Error presents an improvised murder mystery Murder She Didn't Write (20 & 21 October), a spontaneously clever whodunnit, and beloved poet Pam Ayres brings Doggedly Onward (12 November), a warm and entertaining reflection on her life through poetry and storytelling. 

For more information about the listed performances, and other events, visit our What's On page, or contact the Box Office on 01635 522733. To view the whole season, you can download the brochure here.