What’s on in Stroud this week: 24 – 30 November
It’s the last week in November already, and that means it’s pretty much your last chance this year to enjoy local community events without having to get into the Christmas spirit.
Even so, the festive walls are starting to close in, but the result is a fine array of things to see and do in the Stroud district, from standup comedy and improv to live music and art.
Meanwhile the upcoming season brings the start of the Enchanted Garden by Night trail at Painswick Rococo Gardens, and a new exhibition at the Museum in the Park marking 25 years of folk carol singing at the Prince Albert.
Find out more in our regular look at things coming up in Stroud and the wider district. To suggest an event for inclusion, use this form.
Regular and one off events
- See Examined Expressions at Lansdown Hall – Tue 25 – Sun 30 Nov, 10am – 5pm
This exhibition showcases work from thirteen art psychotherapists living and working in Gloucestershire and beyond. The works are influenced by the artists’ professional lives, inspired by a range of related subjects including the experiences of clients, nature and the environment and our relationships with ourselves.
- Watch Mark Watson at the Sub Rooms – Thu 27 Nov, 7.30pm
Award-winning Bristol-born standup comic, Edinburgh Fringe veteran and TV panel show stalwart Mark Watson brings his solo show to the Sub Rooms for one night only. The show promises to cover a broad spectrum of topics, from the uncertain future of humanity to the current state of the UK sausage industry.
- See Daniel Inzani at the Albert – Thu 27 Nov, 8pm
Stroud based composer, pianist and band leader Daniel Inzani has spent the last 20 years performing with dozens of bands from Bristol’s underground alternative and avant-garde scene, blending classical, jazz, contemporary and improvisation. This show at the Prince Albert will see Inzani performing music from his acclaimed triple album Selected Worlds, which was listed in the top ten contemporary albums of 2024 by The Guardian.
- Visit Painswick Painswick Rococo Garden after dark – Fri 28 Nov – Mon 29 Dec, 4pm – 8pm
The best Rococo garden in the whole of Painswick invites us to celebrate winter evenings, as its Enchanted Garden by Night trail returns for a third year. We are told to expect a glowing garden full of playful illuminated woodland animals, and an opportunity to enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and snacks from the on-site cafe.
- Stay late at the Five Valleys food market – Fri 28 Nov, from 5.30pm
Though the food market at Five Valleys shopping centre is now open late every Friday, on the last Friday of the month they also lay on some live music from a talented local musician or group. This month acoustic guitarist and singer Mike Walsh entertains diners with covers of songs from the 1930s to the present day.
- Catch the Stroud Improv Show – Sun 30 Nov, from 5pm
Rebecca MacMillan’s Stroud Improv group returns to the stage at Lansdown Hall after a near-sellout show in the spring. We are told to expect a brilliant night of improvised hilarity with performances made up on the spot with inspiration from the audience.
Continuing this week
- Learn the history of the Prince Albert Carol Consort – Continues until Sun 21 Dec
The Prince Albert Carol Consort meets annually to sing carols in the Prince Albert in Rodborough and marks its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate, this year the Museum in the Park is hosting a retrospective display in the community gallery. The display features archive material, images and background exploring what makes the events special and why the seasonal sessions have endured.
Further afield
- Go ice skating at Gloucester Quays – Until Sun 4 Jan
The outdoor ice skating rink at Gloucester Quays is now open, with pre-bookable slots offering plenty of fun for all the family. Sessions include skate hire and available to all skaters aged three and above, with colourful Beluga Whale children’s skate aids also available to hire for those less steady on their feet.
For a full month of art, music, theatre, literature, film and comedy events, pick up a copy of Stroud’s popular listings magazine, Good on Paper.
