What's on Reading Podcast: Recent Episodes
Atlantic Garden Media
This month we chat with Sarah from Reading Rising about this year's festival – back at the Facebar, bigger and better than ever, with a carefully curated line-up of of alt. rock, metal and punk. Plus we catch up with Dave from TFNation, who bring their unofficial TransFormers convention back to the Great Hall later this month, too. All this, and our other highlights of the month, from local choirs to national treasures!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in October 2025
Spooky season is upon us, so who better to talk to than Mojo Jones from the Scarlet Vixens, who have two creepy cabaret nights planned for you this month! We chat the pivot to cabaret, the fun of performing and more, plus pick our other highlights for the month – Halloween, Half-term, Black History Month and LOTS of local theatre!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in September 2025
This month we head to the top of One Station Hill, just one of the many locations hosting an event for this year’s Heritage Open Days, taking place in September. We chat with Alex from REDA about this year’s programme, from the architecture of Alfred Waterhouse to his hidden HOD highlights. Plus, our other picks for what’s on this month, from comedy at South Street to Oktoberfest at Double-Barrelled and more!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in August 2025
This month we catch up with Nick from Reading Rep Theatre about their new season starting in September – including mounting a musical on their new stage for the first time - and their remaining summer drama camps taking place this month (and filling up faster than we could get this thing recorded!). Plus we chat with Lauren from the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival about open air cinema in the Abbey Ruins, and round up our other August highlights, from kids activities to festivals!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in July 2025
This month we chat with Alice and Emily from Reading BID in Forbury Gardens – one of 12 locations where Shaun The Sheep will be popping up as part of a special trail for the summer! Learn all about it, how to take part and how it’s a great thing for Reading town centre. Plus – we round up our other highlights for July, including one of the biggest bands in music history making their only UK appearance this year in Reading!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in June 2025
This month we head east to Palmer Park to chat with Matt from East Reading Festival about this year’s event, including how it gives the local community a chance to shine. We also cover the other great festivals coming to Palmer Park in June, from big-name stars to local heroes! Plus our other highlights of what’s on this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in May 2025
With 2025 marking 250 years since Jane Austen was born, this month we head to the Abbey Gateway – where Jane went to school – to catch up with Guja from Reading Museum and talk about the programme of Austen-tatious events that they have planned, and to learn a little more about the Gateway and Jane’s time in Reading. Plus, we chat Shrek: The Musical with Stephen from Sainsbury’s Singers, and round up more highlights for what’s on this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What's on April 2025
This month, everything is awesome as we chat with Erica from the Reading Brick Show about the return of this two-day LEGO event that's packed with fun for all ages, from robot battles to some truly wonderful LEGO creations. Plus, Alex from REDA gives us the heads up on this year's Reading Walks Festival!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What's On in March 2025
This month we catch up with Wendy from Berkshire Music Trust to talk all about the mammoth Junior Music Festival at the Hexagon, featuring hundreds of pupils from local schools, and about the great work they do to help youngsters sing, learn instruments and generally learn to love music. Plus our other highlights of the month – birthday bonanzas, choral singing and the most unique tribute band you'll ever see...
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in February 2025
This month we’re hooked on classics as we head to the University of Reading’s Great Hall to chat with Andrew from the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra about their concert there this month, just why it’s a great (and historic) venue for these concerts, and how they work to make orchestral music accessible to all. Plus our other picks for this month – more orchestral concerts, stand up comedy, half-term and the postponed Reading Lantern Parade.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On in January 2025
This month we stopped by the Rising Sun Arts Centre to chat with Sid from Club Velocity about this year’s Independent Venue Week gigs, part of a national celebration of grassroots music venues, as well as his other shows coming up this month. Plus, our other highlights of the month – more gigs, New Year pantos and ways you can try something new for the New Year!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On In December 2024
It’s the bumper festive edition of the podcast – oh yes it is! And we headed to South Street where rehearsals for the Hexagon’s panto Cinderella are well underway to chat with Cinders herself Samantha Dorrance, Reading’s Favourite Dame™ Paul Morse, and director Steve Boden all about the new digital set and what makes Reading such a special place for panto! Plus, we head to Broad Street to talk Christmas lights, the Lantern Parade and more with Alice from Reading BID, and a few other folk sent us messages about their festive events too!
'Christmas Spirit' by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What’s On November 2024
This month we head to the Purple Turtle to chat with Neil (and, to a lesser extent, Chester) about their packed events calendar – from international artists making tour stops, to Sunday sessions giving new young talent the chance to perform on a proper stage, to talks with Reading FC legends – and how this is all helping build new audiences and keep Reading on the map. Plus, our picks of what else is on #inrdg this November – comedy, choirs and conventions!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at jonathan@atlanticgardenmedia.co.uk
What's On in October '24
With October being Black History Month, we went to CultureMix Arts to chat with Mary and Nathifa about all the great events and activities they've got coming up this month (and all year round), from steel pans to Soca dancing. And we catch up with Jocelyn from Through A Different Lens to talk about their black filmmaker showcase and how they're forging creative connections all year round, too. Plus our other highlights of what's on #inrdg this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in September 2024
This month we head out of town to The Mill at Sonning to chat with Owner and Artistic (and Managing) Director Sally Hughes about the venue’s history, their world-premiere production coming up this month, and how you can definitely look forward to a White Christmas. Plus Alex from REDA gives us the lowdown on this year’s Heritage Open Days events, and we' have our highlights of what else is on #inrdg this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What's On in August 2024
This month we catch up with Tom from Reading Pride, talking about their plans for this year's Love Unites Festival and Parade on 31 August, from performances to just how inclusive the whole day is! And we chat with Alexa from Reading BID about the medieval models to be found all over town in the summer's Fantasy Trail Quest! Plus, more picks for what's on this month #inrdg!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in July 2024
This month we catch up with Paul from the Oxfam Music Shop, which has been at the heart of many of our music collections for two decades, to talk about their 20th anniversary gig and the world of historic audio-video artefacts! We also catch up with Steph from Progress Theatre ahead of this year’s open-air production of The Importance of Being Earnest, in the literal shadow of Oscar Wilde’s Reading residence. Plus our picks of what else is on this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in June 2024
Hooked on classics? This month we talk orchestral manoeuvres in the ‘Ding with Sally from Reading Symphony Orchestra – their upcoming summer concert, their 80th anniversary celebrations and just how an orchestra chooses its programme! Plus, our other highlights of what’s on this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What's On in May 2024
May is the month that festival season really kicks of here in Reading.
So where better to pop along to than the University of Reading, where we talk all about their upcoming Community Festival with Community Engagement Manager Molli – and how it's helping to bring the community and the campus together.
Plus we catch up with Alex from the Reading Walks Festival about what you can (still) enjoy this year – but hurry it's booking FAST!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On In April 2024
The month we head backstage at Progress Theatre to talk with Ali and Liz, director and producer of this month’s “Under Milk Wood” to discuss how this is a most inclusive production, putting people on the stage who might otherwise not have the chance. Plus we touch base with Paul from Reading Rep ahead of their 'Wilde' new show, “The Importance of Being Oscar”.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in March 2024
As spring will soon be rearing it’s head, we thought it was a good time to catch up with Kathryn from Green Feather Flowers (instagram.com/greenfeatherflowers), who tells us all about her foraged floristry workshops coming up this month, combining art with our natural heritage. Plus, we round up our other highlights for what’s on this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
This month we climb aboard The Narrowboat and chat with Kirsty about how the former Bel & The Dragon has become a welcoming pub with a real community spirit and lots of interesting things going on, from stand-up comedy to art workshops and much more! Plus our round-up of what else is on #inrdg this February.
PS: Sorry we're so late this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in January 2024
It’s a new year, and if your resolution is to try something new or meet new people, then our guest this month might be for you.
We catch up with Andrew from Reading Phoenix Choir who tells us all about two great opportunities for you to sing with the choir this month, in both a rehearsal AND a concert setting!
Plus, our picks of what else is on in Reading this January – it may be a quieter month, but it’s far from quiet!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
Christmas Special
Recorded live on-location at the big Christmas lights switch-on on Broad Street, this month's podcast is all about Christmas in Reading.
We catch up with Alexa from Reading BID to talk what's on in the town centre, Paul and Carl from this year's Hexagon panto to talk about that, and bump into a few more familiar faces in the crowd to talk about what they've got on in our busiest Christmas EVER!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What's On November 2023
November in Reading means Dance Reading – the festival of performances and workshops that celebrates dance in all its forms. So we once again head to the home of Dance Reading (or at least the home of organiser Beth!) to chat about what's in store this year and the positive impact of dance on people of all ages. Plus other highlights for what's on this month, from live music to the return of Comic-Con!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in October 2023
This month we're in a dressing room at The Hexagon to catch up with Alex from Mad Monkey Improv ahead of their 10th anniversary show this month.
We talk improv inspirations, favourite improv games and how they’re making the big birthday show extra special! Plus other highlights of what’s on this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On September 2023
This month we headed to Reading Rep to chat with Nick and Chris talk us through what’s coming up in their new season – new classes, new comedy and, of course, new theatre productions! – and how they’ve settled into the theatre now that it’s not so new. Plus we catch up with Alex Brannen about this year’s Heritage Open Days programme taking place throughout September.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in August 2023
This month we check-in with Reading Libraries, chatting with Katie and Craig about the great activities they’ve got going on throughout August, from the Summer reading challenge and crafts for kids to events for adults too. And we talk about the other great things they have to offer all year round, and how you can have your say on the new Central Library.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in July 2023
This month we head to Readipop Studios to talk with Molly and Eva about their big event of the summer, Readipop Festival! We talk about the line-up of big names, the opportunities for local and young talent, and that astonishing first day of ticket sales! Plus what else Readipop have lined-up for the summer, and what else is happening in Reading this month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On In June 2023
This month, the world comes to Reading – or, at least a wonderful replica does! We talk about Luke Jerram’s Earth Artwork Gaia, coming to The Concert Hall as part of this year’s Reading Climate Festival with Luke himself, and with Zsuzsi from Reading Borough Council who also covers the various satellite events orbiting the installation. Plus more picks of what’s on this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business or charity please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On May 2023
May is very much the start of Festival Season here in Reading, so this month we catch up with Nick, one of the organisers of the inaugural Reading Indie Comedy Festival to hear all about what he and his fellow local laughmakers have lined-up.
And we also touch base with Alex from REDA to talk about another inaugural festival for this year – the Reading Walks Festival… and the newly-rebranded Reading Food Festival!
Plus, our other highlights for the month!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What's On April 2023
This month we get set for a Thames river cruise with Laura from Thames Rivercruise!
As they get ready for a new season of trips up and down the river, we talk about the unique way you can enjoy our local waterways and natural heritage, plus the fun you can have on board – including a very special birthday disco for the queen of their fleet, the Caversham Princess.
Plus! Highlights of what else you can enjoy this month in Reading.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On in March 2023
As Blue Collar Corner celebrates one year of being open, we catch up with Glen and Pete to talk about how it all came about, the great events they’ve got coming up this month (and beyond) and Reading’s love of street food! Plus picks and highlights of what else you can enjoy this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On Reading February 2023
This month we talk all things jazz in Reading with Trevor and Jim from… Jazz In Reading! From national names coming to Progress Theatre once a month to the jam nights at the Fisherman’s Cottage where anything goes and lots more smooth, swinging and funky stuff happening in Reading this month.
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On January 2023
A new year means trying something new – so where better to go for our January 2023 podcast than New Directions, the home of adult education in Reading for 65 years! We chat with Rossella about the great creative classes and courses they have coming up, as well as the other great things they do for the community as a whole. Plus! Highlights for other new classes you could sign up for elsewhere, and more January highlights too!
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What's On December 2022
Christmas is definitely coming – so we popped down to Forbury Gardens to chat about the great events being put on there this month with Alexa from the Reading Business Improvement District. We also chat about some of the other great highlights coming up this month – shows, Santas, stars from the Seventies and more!
Presented by Damien Passmore - editor of whatsonreading.com
The What's on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - if you'd be interested in a podcast for your business please contact us at info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On November 2022
It’s the third anniversary of What’s On Reading and the What’s On podcast – but more importantly, we’re celebrating the 45th anniversary of The Hexagon. So we talk with General Manager Sarah and Classical Programmer Jules, to talk all about the history of the theatre, it’s ties with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and what’s coming up in this anniversary year – including a full Christmas programme for November and December! Plus highlights of what else is on #inrdg this month.
Podcast produced by Atlantic Garden Media
Contact: info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
What’s On October 2022
This month we head to the Jolly Anglers in Newtown, home of the latest exhibition of “art in unique spaces” from Gas Tower Community Art (readinggastower.co.uk), to catch up with co-curator Leslee Baron and find out just how an art exhibition ends up in a pub – and why that’s very much a good thing! Plus our picks of what else is worth your eyes and ears for the rest of the month!
What’s On August 2022This month we take a trip through history with TimeTrap Escape Rooms! We chat with Andrew about how they came about, their attention to historical detail with their game rooms, and Reading’s place as one of the top destinations for escape room experiences in the country – plus our picks for what’s coming up in the coming weeks!
What’s on in July 2022
This month we stopped by The Biscuit Factory to catch up with Sid from Club Velocity to talk about how he’s bringing music history to Reading – and his usual gig of, well, putting on gigs! Find out what Club V has coming up as well as Sid’s and our other picks of what’s on in the coming weeks!
What’s on in June 2022This month we’re joined by Berzerk’s Aundre Goddard, one of the co-creators of the new Huntley & Palmers Audio Trail (whatsonreading.com/reading-biscuit-town-2022) lunching on 21 June. He gives us a few teasers about what you can expect to hear and how fascinating it was to create. We also talk about the show-in-a-week Summer Schools coming up from Berzerk, and each share our picks of what else you can enjoy this month!
This podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media (info@atlanticgardenmedia.com)
May 2022Welcome to the new-style What's On Reading podcast, as we take a look at some of the highlights coming up in May... and the first week of June as we talk Jubilee, Children's Festival and helping people put on events all over town with Lucy from Reading Borough Council. And Editor Damien picks out some of his highlights and hidden gems for the month, too.
April 2022 – A Hundred Years (Or More)
This year’s big anniversaries don’t quite span the 900 years of Reading Abbey, but we are celebrating 100 years of the Berkshire Organists Association, 150 years of Reading Football Club, and 200 years of Reading’s biscuit heritage. So we sat down with Brendan and Matthew from Reading Museum (readingmuseum.org.uk) and David from Berkshire Organists (berkshireorganists.org.uk) to talk about how we’re celebrating, and why these great pillars of Reading are still talked about today!
This podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media - contact info@atlanticgardenmedia.com for information.
Mar 2022 – Creative Communities
There’s something unique about coming together and creating together. So this month we talk learning new skills, staying connected, welcoming new faces and sharing creative passions with three guests who are each at the heart of their respective creative communities – Kenny from CosXPo (cosxpo.com), Suzanne from Jelly (jelly.org.uk) and Richard from Dreading Poetry Slam (whatsonreading.com/venues/dreading-poetry-slam).
The What's On Reading Podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media and presented by Damien Passmore from the What's on Reading website.
February 2022 – Campus Culture
The University is big part of Reading – and has a lot to offer the town’s cultural community, too. We chat with Amanda from the Cole Museum of Zoology (collections.reading.ac.uk/cole-museum), Maddy from the University Rock Society and Sarah from the Reading University Drama Society (rusu.co.uk/student-activities/societies/) to talk about the exciting things they’re doing on – and off – campus.
The podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media and presented by Damien Passmore
Jan 2022 – Everybody dance
From hip-hop to ballet, from the under 5s to the over 50s, there’s so much dance happening in Reading. So went to the home of dance – or, at least, the home of Dance Reading’s Liz (www.dancereading.com) – where we were joined by Josie from Reading School of Dance (www.readingschoolofdance.com) and Sonia from …with Sonia Brown (www.withsoniabrown.com) to talk about the opportunities, benefits and challenges of dance right now.
The Whats on Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden media info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
December 2021 – The 3Bs of Christmas
This Christmas, Reading’s 3Bs are Biscuit Town, Beauty And The Beast! We went on-site in Forbury Gardens as the Twilight Trail was being set-up to talk to the creative people making it happen. And we also grabbed some Covid-safe time with some of the cast and crew of this year’s Hexagon Panto to find out what they’re excited about this year, too!
The Whats On Reading Podcast is presented by Damien Passmore with production by Atlantic Garden Media.
Nov 2021 – Setting the Stage for Christmas
Get ready to unwrap a mix of the traditional and eclectic items on Reading’s Christmas list with Alex from RABBLE Theatre (rabbletheatre.com), Stephen from Trinity Concert Band (trinityband.co.uk) and Martin from Shinfield Players Theatre (shinfieldplayers.org.uk), Reading Male Voice Choir (rmvc.net) and Royal Berks Charity (royalberkscharity.co.uk) – and find out just why a seasonal show is so important after the last 18 months.
October 2021: New SpacesThis month we catch up with Matthew from Reading Biscuit Factory (readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk), Chris from Bar 77 (facebook.com/Bar77Reading/) and Tamalia from Creativ.Spaces (madebytamalia.co.uk) to talk about opening new creative venues and ventures for Reading, the reasons for doing so and what’s to come!
September 2021 – Heritage Open Days
These days, September means Heritage Open Days – a chance to take a look behind the curtain at our town’s hidden heritage and history. And we’ve got an early peek at what’s coming up this year with Isabel from The MERL, Richard from Reading Civic Society, and Rev'd Dr Liz Ratcliffe of Tilehurst St Michael - whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days-2021
This podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media and presented by Damien Passmore.
August 2021 – Local arts, national names
August is traditionally a month where national names descend on a certain field in Reading. So we thought this month we could catch up with three organisations who bring big-name acts to town all year round, while also giving a platform to local artistes, too - John Luther from South Street (whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street ), Dave Maul from Heavy Pop (www.heavypop.co.uk) and Carl Richard from Mates Rates Comedy (www.matesratescomedy.co.uk)
The What's on Reading podcast is presented by Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media.
July 2021: Out in the open air
This month, we stepped out to talk about the wonders of al fresco arts and heritage – Tony from Progress Theatre (progresstheatre.co.uk), who present their open air Shakespeare in the Abbey Ruins, Rhodri from Stand and Deliver Comedy (standanddelivercomedy.com), who's brought stand-up to Reading's most interesting beer garden, and Terry of Terry's Reading Walkabout(facebook.com/terrysreadingwalkabouts), whose walking tours take in sights and stories - as well as sites and storeys!
And we shouldn't forget to mention official tours of the Abbey Quarter are bookable via
whatsonreading.com/venues/abbey-ru…y-quarter-tours
The What's on Reading Podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media: info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
June 2021: Unlocking new doors
This month we were lucky enough to be some of the first people to visit Reading Rep (www.readingrep.com) at their new theatre where Nick was more than happy to talk about their shiny new digs. And we were joined by Amy from Readipop (www.readipop.co.uk), who’ve also just moved into a brand new home, and Kevin from the Retreat (www.theretreat.pub), who’ve just undergone a massive refurbishment, to talk about new spaces, new events, new opportunities – and the smell of new paint!
What's on Reading is presented by Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media
This month we met up in the grounds of Reading Abbey to talk about the biggest birthday party in town – the celebration of its 900th anniversary as part of this year's Water Fest. Our guests are John from the Friends of Reading Abbey (readingabbey.org.uk) who talks about the great history of the site, Graham from the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust (katrust.org.uk) who helps put the "water" in Water Fest, and Lucy from Reading Borough Council (reading.gov.uk/leisure/things-to-do) who talks about bringing the event together. Book your free tickets now whatsonreading.com/waterfest900.
The What's on Reading Podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media
April 2021 – Art Attack
With Banksy making public art the talk of the town, we decided to meet up a stone’s throw away in Forbury Gardens to talk about art in Reading with Dr Naomi Lebens, Curator of the University of Reading Art Collections (collections.reading.ac.uk/art-collections), and Pavlo Keresty from Open Hand Open Space and their new 571 Oxford Road Gallery (ohos.org.uk). We cover Reading’s history as a place of “art” and the forthcoming “Rubens to Sickert: The Study of Drawing” at Reading Museum, the importance of public artworks and getting more people involved in making art in Reading. All while surrounded by the sound of children playing after the latest relaxation of lockdown regulations.
This month, we’re talking about the history and heritage of the Oxford Road with three artists who are helping to bring it to life as part of the new High Street Heritage Action Zones project (reading.gov.uk/hshaz). Look forward to specially-commissioned audio histories, a unique portrait and a collection of recipes.
The Whats On Reading podcast is produced by Atlantic Garden Media: Podcasts & Social Media Curation
This month, we’re joined by local poet and author Claire Dyer (clairedyer.com) and local DJ Tim aka DJ Dubious (facebook.com/dj.dubious) to give us a bit more of a personal approach of how individual artistes are performing during the pandemic, from getting that audience reaction to giving people something to look forward to.
This month we’re joined by Jamie Read of READ College (www.readcollege.org), Matt Foster from the Rock Academy (www.therockacademyfoundation.org) and Seamus Allen of What’s The Game?! Improv (www.facebook.com/WhatsTheGameImprov) who discuss the changes, challenges and new possibilities that come from teaching classes under lockdown. And Damien barely gets a word in…
This month, we were 'live' on location at the preview night of the Reading Twilight Trail in Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins. As well as doing our best to describe this fantastic experience, we also caught up with some of the people who made the event a reality, and some of the other VIP guests who were in attendance.
This month we're joined by Liz from Dance Reading (dancereading.com), Danny from Readifolk (readifolk.org.uk) and Steph from Progress Theatre (progresstheatre.co.uk). Together we talk about the challenges and successes of going from stage to screen, from trying out new ways of being creative, to recreating the same sense of community found at live events. This episode was recorded at the start of the second national lockdown.
As both great institutions have recently reopened their doors, we sat down with Matt from Reading Museum (readingmuseum.org.uk) and Isabel from The Museum of English Rural Life (merl.reading.ac.uk) to catch up on their history and talk about the changes to museum life – pre-, post- and mid-pandemic. Recorded in the garden at the Merl!
Following the massively successful (and fun) "Reading World Cup of Arts, Culture & Heritage" that was run on Twitter last month, we invited the "final four" onto the podcast this month to talk about their success in the tournament, the support of the community and a pair of VERY tense semi-finals. So join Stephen from the Sainsbury Singers (sainsburysingers.org.uk), Josie from Reading School of Dance (readingschoolofdance.com) and Joe from Reading Abbey Quarter (readingabbeyquarter.org.uk), plus a special appearance from John of South Street (whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street). Replica kits are optional.
This month, we caught up with Toby from RABBLE Theatre (https://rabbletheatre.com/), Mel from Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (https://www.aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/) and Alex from Mad Monkey Improv (https://whatsonreading.com/venues/mad-monkey-improv) to talk about what they’ve been doing during the pandemic and the way they’ve had to re-plan for the future – including radio plays, professional camera set-ups and online orchestral workshops.
The What's On Reading podcast is presented by Damien Passmore, editor of WhatsOnReading.com
Something a little different this month as we talk all things Reading Fringe Festival with the people behind the shows – Steph, one of the Fringe organisers; Fiona, an artist and curator based in our twin-town of Dusseldorf; and Reading-based comedian Preet. Together we discuss the challenges of putting on a digital festival, why the Fringe brings something different to our arts calendar and learn a bit more about some of the shows you can enjoy online this year via www.readingfringefestival.co.uk
The What's On Reading podcast is presented by WhatsOnReading.com editor Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media - email: info@atlanticgardenmedia.com
As lockdown continues, we speak to three guests who’ve had to get creative and learn new skills in order to continue to BE creative and TEACH new skills! We’re joined by Rachel from StrikeUp Theatre (https://www.strikeuptheatre.co.uk/), Dawn from Berkshire Maestros (https://www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk/) and Catherine from the Centre for Heritage and Family History (https://berksfhs.org/) who talk about the new – and, indeed, older – methods they’ve adopted to reach their communities. The podcast is presented by WhatsOnReading.com editor Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media (email: info@atlanticgardenmedia.com)
As lockdown continues, Reading's arts, culture and heritage community have learned to find ways to virtually connect with their audiences and ensure that they keep doing what they do so well.
We are joined – virtually – by:
Jenn from Reading Swing Jam (readingswingjam.wordpress.com/)
Dave from The Free Radicals Improv (www.freeradicalsimprov.co.uk)
Simon from Reading Libraries (www.reading.gov.uk/libraries)
They tell us about the challenges - and successes - of doing things digitally.
Don't forget you can find a frequently updated list of online events and activities at whatsonreading.com/online-events-and-creative-activities
We'll be back in June - feel free to get in touch and tell us about how your group is coping in these challenging times.
The What's on Reading podcast is presented by Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media (info@atlanticgardenmedia)
Join us for a very different edition of the What’s On Reading podcast as we talk about how Reading’s arts and cultural organisations are coping with the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.
We’re joined by three guests who have been impacted in different ways – Dave Maul talks about having to move the Are You Listening? Festival (https://areyoulistening.org.uk/) from its prime April slot; South Street (https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street) artistic director John Luther talks about how to re-schedule an entire season - and the other ways he’s helping the community right now; and Rhodders from the Stand & Deliver Comedy Club talks about how he’s taken his shows online via their YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/S-Dvid) to keep us all laughing through lockdown.
And don’t forget #TheShowMustGoOnline – you can see all the virtual events and workshops happening across Reading at https://whatsonreading.com/online-events-and-creative-activities
The What's on Reading podcast is presented by Damien Passmore and produced by Atlantic Garden Media info@atlanticgardenmedia
This month we took the podcast on the road!
We were put up by the fine folks at the Purple Turtle (purpleturtlebar.com), where we were also joined by Reading Film Theatre (readingfilmtheatre.co.uk) and Basildon Park (nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park).
Why? Because the three wonderful Reading institutions are all celebrating big birthdays this year – 30, 50 and 125 years respectively!
So join us for our big birthday bash and learn a little about this history of these great places – and the birthday celebrations they have in store this year!
This month, we’re talking about Reading’s “Hidden Gems” – the people and places doing great things in the arts, culture and heritage community that more people need to know about.
And we’re joined by three shining examples - Katie from the university’s Music at Reading (www.reading.ac.uk/music), Rosie from the Berkshire Record Office (www.berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk) and Stephen from Sunday Assembly Reading (www.sundayassemblyreading.uk) – who each shine a light on just what makes each organisation worth seeking out.
We also have a bonus catch-up with Pete from Readipop Festival who reveals the first names in this year’s line-up.
For even more of Reading’s Hidden Gems, check out:
whatsonreading.com/themes/hidden-gems
It’s January, the time so many of us think about trying something new.
So we invited three guests from arts organisations in Reading that welcome newcomers to get involved in singing, art, dance and much more – Nikita from the Rising Sun Arts Centre (www.risingsunartscentre.org, Carole from Reading Guild of Artists (www.rga-artists.org.uk), and Juliette from School of the Arts (www.sota.uk.com) and the Reading Community Choir.
With a wealth of classes, activities and volunteering opportunities, hopefully we can inspire you to try something new.
This podcast looks at the launch of the new one-stop listings site http://www.whatsonreading.com
Discussing the development and launch of the project are Alex Brannen - Reading UK, Damien Passmore - Editor of whatsonreading.com, Sarah Cox - Reading Arts, Suzanne Stallard - Jelly, and Nick Thompson - Reading Rep. The podcast is hosted by Jonathan Richards.
Developed by Reading UK and Reading Council’s Reading Arts, whatsonreading.com is available free to all arts organisations in Reading to promote their events, classes and workshops and will provide residents, workers and visitors with a comprehensive view of Reading’s vibrant cultural scene, all in one place.
The website has been developed to support arts organisations across Greater Reading, who have long felt a single online platform to showcase their work was needed.
Being able to provide a shop window onto the diverse arts, cultural and heritage events taking place every day across Reading will also have a positive impact on attracting visitors, retaining and attracting staff to Reading and keeping residents up to date with things to do locally.