Six things to do in and around Kingston this November

At this time of year we all deserve a bit of healthy escapism: from drama to comedy to exercise, there’s a lot going on in Kingston this month that will help brighten up gloomy autumn afternoons. So stop doom-scrolling and check out our list of things to do in Kingston this November.

A View from the Bridge at Rose Theatre

A dimly-lit theatre stage with a bald, white man front and centre, holding a wooden chair up over his hand with his left hand. Behind him to his left: a woman and a man holding each other. Behind him to his right: red neon lettering. Further back up on a gallery is a person holding the railing and looking down at the scene — Arthur Miller’s drama is a timeless masterpiece. Credit: The Other Richard/ArenaPAL

Love drama? Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge might be just the right show for you. The production, starring Johnathan Slinger and Nancy Crane, runs at Rose Theatre until November 11. Reviews by The Guardian and The Stage promise a “thrilling” and “grippingly intense” play about belonging, justice, respect and, of course, love. Tickets start from £5 for under 30s.

Jazz Tuesdays at the Rose Cafe

A small crowd of people sitting around tables with their backs to the camera, listening to jazz musicians playing on a stage in the middle of the room. — The popular Jazz Tuesday returns to the Rose Cafe this month. Credit: Kingston University

Even if drama is not your thing, it might be worth paying a visit to the Rose Theatre this autumn if you enjoy live music on a rainy afternoon. The popular Jazz Tuesday returns to the Rose Cafe on November 7 and November 28 with exciting jazz artists, including pianist and singer Meredith White, versatile bassist John Jones and internationally renowned drummer Paul Cavaciuti. The event runs from 1pm to 2pm in the Rose Cafe on both days. Admission is free.

Nadia Sheikh at St John’s Church

Portrait of Nadia Sheik, a you British-Spanish indie artist. The white woman has wavy brown hair and is looking at the camera. The right side of her face is illuminated in red light. — Nadia Sheikh has a great live reputation is known for her meaningful songs. Credit: Nadia Sheikh

Staying on a musical note, British-Spanish indie rock artist Nadia Sheikh and her band will perform live at St John’s Church in Kingston on Friday November 10, where they will play songs from her new EP as well as old fan favourites. Sheikh has a great live reputation and is known for her mystifying presence and meaningful songs.

She will be supported by indie pop singer Alex Hall and the Irish singer-songwriter BLÁNID.

Doors open at 7:30pm and tickets can be purchased vie Banquet Records for £12 each.

RunUK Half Marathon

A frontal shot of the shoe and legs of white, male marathon runners on pavement. — The course will lead through the streets of Kingston and along the river path. Credit: Photo by Mark Large/ANL/Shutterstock

If you missed your chance to run the Kingston half marathon last month or you simply can’t get enough of running in the cold, then you can sign up for the RunUK half Marathon on November 26. The race will start and finish at the Kingston Hawker Centre on Lower Ham Road with the course leading through the streets of Kingston and along the river path. There will be medals as well as other goodies for all finishers and if you want to do some good, you can register to support the Kingston Hospital Charity with your run. There will also be a 10k run on the same day. Registration is open with tickets starting from £37.

Outside the Box Comedy Club 18th Birthday Show

A stool with a microphone in the foreground. Behind it you can see a small audience, clapping and laughing, but blurred. — Outside the Box Comedy Club is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Credit: Anton Ilchenko/Shutterstock

Outside the Box Comedy Club have something special coming up this month: their 18th Birthday show on November 27. The club is famous for showcasing both new talent and surprise appearances by big names. For this special occasion, they have invited their favourite comics from over the years as well as a surprise guest. Recognised in the industry for its warm and friendly atmosphere, Outside the Box Comedy Club should be able to lift your spirits this November.

The show will take place at The Fighting Cocks pub in Old London Road with doors opening at 7:45pm. General admission is £12 and you must be 18 to attend.

Richmond Park

Everyone knows that Richmond Park is a great destination for an autumn stroll, but sometimes we need reminders of the nice things that surround us. This is your reminder that Richmond Park is right on our doorstep: less than a 30 minute walk from Kingston town centre and open to pedestrians 24 hours a day.

Richmond Park is the largest of the royal parks and a National Nature Reserve, which makes it a haven for deer, birds, fungi and wildflowers. But the park offers more than autumn walks with pretty views: there are routes for joggers, roads for cyclists, trails for horse riding and even an 18-hole golf course as well as a historic Georgian mansion with tea rooms and picturesque gardens, Victorian woodlands, a playground and a cafe.

Food and drink is available at the park but you can also bring your own for an autumnal picnic.