1. Review - Blitz! at The Hexagon

The Sainsbury Singers begin their 2009 with a staging of Lionel Bart’s follow up to Oliver!, Blitz! – a tale of typical East End families during the Second World War.

2. Review - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

There’s plenty to like about the show – it’s high-octane, has wonderful dancing, no let ups, good singing and some catchy tunes.

3. Birdwatching at South Street

Comedian Alex Horne was heading towards 30, had recently married, but was still feeling as if he didn’t have the necessary gnarliness to be a ‘dad’.

4. Review - Paul Merton’s Silent Clowns at The Hexagon

One of the saddest consequences of knocking down the ABC Cinema in Friar Street is that there is in Reading little possibility of enjoying an evening like this one except on the rarest of occasions.

5. Review - Macbeth at the Progress Theatre

This production of the Scottish play by Progress Youth Theatre is better than some of the ‘adult’ productions that have occurred in the area in recent years, in fact it’s got a lot going for it.

6. Review - Francesca Beard – Animal Olympics at South Street

Francesca Beard’s first full-length family show is a wonderful blend of funky poetry, furry animals and Chinese folk tale – three things that are sure to get kids involved and engaged.

7. Review - I, Bertolt Brecht at the Progress Theatre

Brecht is a bit of a staple at the Progress Theatre, with both The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the Good Woman of Setzuan being produced in recent years.

8. Review - Totally Looped at The Hexagon

The thing about improvisation is that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

9. Review - The Frog Princess at South Street

10. Review - Josie Long at South Street

Josie Long shares her recently acquired love of science with the audience.