Here is this week's list of the best events happening in the area:

Music

The Romantic Tenor
This exciting event marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2017. Neil Simon, the 'Romantic Tenor' has generously waived his fee to raise funds for Youth Concern, Aylesbury's counselling department. He will be singing romantic songs from around the world in St Mary's church, located in Old Town, Aylesbury. During the interval a glass of wine and refreshments will be available (included in the ticket price) to accompany a short presentation from Youth Concern. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Please note there is no parking at the church but there are free public car parks nearby and some limited parking at the Whitehill Surgery. Tickets can be purchased online at youth-concern-concert.eventbrite.co.uk. Tickets: £12.50, email fran@youthconcern.org.uk for information.
19 May, 7:30pm, St Mary's Church, Church Street, Aylesbury.

National Jazz Youth Orchestra
As part of the Cookham Festival, some of the most talented young jazz musicians in the UK will perform arrangements by current and ex-members of the NYJO as well as music by the great legends of jazz: Basie, Coltrane, Davis and Ellington. A Cookham Festival highlight for all jazz enthusiasts. For further details of all music events and how to book tickets, visit www.cookhamfestival.org.uk. Tickets: £15, email sue.yerburgh@yahoo.com for information.
19 May, 8pm, Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham, Maidenhead.

Mozart and Salieri plus A Night in Vienna
The opera follows the apocryphal legend that Antonio Salieri poisoned his rival and fellow composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart out of jealousy over his talent. Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) used the short story Mozart and Salieri by Alexander Pushkin as libretto, which also inspired Peter Shaffer’s famous stage play and film Amadeus. Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera is a character study, it is a close-up of Salieri’s tormented mind, torn between admiration for his fellow composer and his jealousy. In a new English translation and staged by an award-winning team, this innovative production will captivate its audience, making us witnesses, if not conspirators, of Salieri’s plan to poison Mozart. After the performance of Mozart and Salieri, you are invited to A Night in Vienna with famous arias and duets from Mozart’s best-known operas Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute and others. Call 01491 575698 for tickets, which are £16 for adults, £15 concessions.
20 May, 7:30pm, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley.

Music concert
An hour-long concert with Pal Banda, international cello soloist, also with Zsuzsa Berenyi on violin and piano. Refreshments will be available afterwards. Please call 01494 876594 to register your interest in attending. Donations accepted.
21 May, 3pm, Jordans Quaker Meeting House, Jordans Lane, Jordans.

Billy Delaine
Billy is back – join The Riverside Club for an evening of song and laughter. Everyone is welcome. Call 01494 448800 or email theriversideclub@btconnect.com for information.
21 May, 4pm, The Riverside Club, Legion Hall, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Tring Chamber Music 2017 - Mozart's Clarionet
This programme features one of Mozart's most serene and best loved works, his quintet for clarinet and strings which explores the full range of the instrument and reveals Mozart at his most personal. Herbert Howells described his Rhapsodic Clarinet Quintet as having a mystic quality. Both Stravinsky and Rebecca Clarke share neoclassical genes and Schnittke must have had fun writing a violin duet based on a fragment of Mozart. His tricks are typical of this Russian's dry and biting humour and amplify Mozart's own love of the playful in music. Call 01442 822732 or email jehorder@aol.com for information. Tickets £16, £14 concessions, Under 18's free.
21 May, 7:30pm, Hastoe Village Hall, Church Lane, Hastoe, Tring.

Belshazzar's Feast
Folk duo extraordinaire Belshazzar’s Feast comprising Paul Hutchinson (Hoover The Dog) and Paul Sartin (Bellowhead, Faustus). In their 22nd year together, this unique duo mix traditional folk music with a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall and top it off with their own brand of wry humour. It all adds up to an unforgettable live show experience. Tickets £15.50, available at www.nordenfarm.org, by calling 01628 788997 or email boxoffice@nordenfarm.org.
24 May, 8pm, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead.

Gary Potter's Hot Club Quartet
Marlow Jazz Club are once again proud to be staging the jazz event in this year’s Wycombe Arts Festival, and have booked the brilliant Liverpudlian guitarist Gary Potter and his Hot Club Quartet. Widely acknowledged as the number one guitarist playing in the Django Reinhardt tradition, his swinging band revives memories of the original Hot Club of France with Django and Stephane Grappelli. Alongside Gary will be the Riverdance violinist Noreen Cullen, second guitarist Nils Solberg (who also contributes a few vocals), and bass player Andy Crowdy. Tickets are £10 at the door, but, as a full house is confidently expected, seats can be reserved in advance by phoning 01628 486571.
23 May, 8pm, Marlow Jazz Club, The Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach, Marlow.

Theatre

Some Enchanted Evening
Don't miss out on this spectacular show, as a cast of the industry's most talented professionals perform favourites from Broadway and West End musicals. Including songs from The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Les Miserables, Fame, Chicago and many more, this outstanding musical experience has previously been acclaimed as a ‘must see spectacular’ by theatre goers around the country, and is touring again this year. Audiences leave with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts, as they are taken on a journey of beloved musical theatre classics both old and new. This show is not to be missed. Performance 120 minutes - including interval. Call 01491 575698 for tickets, which are £16 for adults, £15 concessions.
19 May, 7:30pm, Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley.

Fourways Presents: The Merchant of Venice
Set in 1944, this fast paced production is direct and un-fussy in style. The musical backdrop includes Basie, Glen Miller and Benny Goodman as the G.I.s sweep into Venice and Shylock emerges from the rubble of war and the last Venetian Jews are taken from the ghetto. They present the play faithfully; the setting and time within the Holocaust giving added poignancy to the inherent anti-Semitism within the play. It is, after all, a 'comedie'; with a well-structured 'happy ending' to the love stories that are intertwined with the story of Shylock's demise. There are laughs along the way. The serious themes speak for themselves in this unique production. All audience seating is covered for this open-air production. Book online at www.fourways.org.uk or call 01494 522722. Tickets: adults £24, concessions £12, family tickets £40.
Until 27 May, 7:30pm, Pipers Corner School, Pipers Lane, High Wycombe.

The All-Star Stand-Up Tour
The All-Star Stand-Up Tour is back in 2017 with three more top comedians alongside returning compere Jarred Christmas. This year's line-up includes Canadian one-liner king and star of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo Stewart Francis, from Phoenix Nights and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Justin Moorhouse and the BAFTA award winning Jim Tavare, as seen on The Sketch Show, three Royal Variety Performances and in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This team of top comedians will combine forces for a comedy show like never before. Tickets: £23.50, email boxoffice@wycombeswan.co.uk for tickets.
24 May, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Talks and exhibitions

Grandma Flew Spitfires
A total of 168 women were among more than one thousand civilian pilots to deliver over 300,000 aircraft from factory to airfield during World War Two, flying everything from Tiger Moths for training to heavy bombers. They also supported the RAF and Fleet Air Arm by ferrying aircraft between maintenance units and operational bases. Training was done at Haddenham. Speaker John Webster is from the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, where a permanent exhibition tells the forgotten story of courage, skill and sacrifice and an archive provides a lasting memorial to these little-known men and women. Buckinghamshire Family History Society welcomes non-members - a small donation is appreciated.
20 May, 2pm, Southcourt Community Centre, Prebendal Avenue, Aylesbury.

Tooth and Claw - a writer's expedition to the Natural History Museum at Tring
Creative writing workshop. Be inspired by the museum's collection of weird and wonderful animals; retell stories of intrepid Victorian collectors. A day of activities, tips and approaches led by experienced creative writing tutors. Friendly and supportive atmosphere - all levels of writing experience welcome. Tickets: £45, email lesleycaellis@gmail.com for information.
20 May, 10:30am, Tring Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring.

Art Exhibition
Sisters Jane Miller and Diane Riddy will be exhibiting their artwork at the newly opened Italian Fashion Boutique Madam Spotlight in Beaconsfield. Their own individual work and joint work they produce under the name of JADI will be available for sale. Please come along and meet the sisters and browse. Your name will be entered into a free draw to win a limited edition JADI print.
20 May, 10am to 4pm, Madam Spotlight, Beacon House, Warwick Road, Beaconsfield.

Days out

Day Trip to Southend
Enjoy a day trip to Southend – all are welcome. Tickets are £15, available to pick up from the club office. Pick up will be outside the club at 9am. The pick up from Southend will be 5:30pm. Email theriversideclub@btconnect.com for information or call 01494 448800.
20 May, 8:30am, The Riverside Club, Legion Hall, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

An Afternoon of Pampering
An afternoon of pampering with health and beauty products by Aloe Vera Healthier Living, unique ladies clothing by No 9 Boutique, luxury handmade cakes by Poundies Bakes, lots of parking, free prize draw. The afternoon runs until 3pm. Free entry.
20 May, 12pm, Rossetti Hall, New Pond Road, Holmer Green.

Chiltern Hills Vintage Vehicle Rally
More than a thousand vehicles will be on display this year, including classic cars, vans, buses, lorries, scooters, motorcycles and stationary engines and tractors. There will also be children’s rides, a fun dog show, licenced bar, food stands and craft and trade stands. Free public parking. Entry is £7, children under 14 go free. There will be a Road Run from Aylesbury Tuck to Chiltern Hills rally - meet from 7:30pm, have a breakfast and then a drive in convoy to the Chiltern Hills rally. Visit www.chilternhillsrally.org.uk for information. For any queries, contact Adrian on 07961 121347 or adrian@ajf.clara.co.uk.
21 May, 10am, Chiltern Hills Rally, Weedon Hill Weedon Park, Aylesbury.

Open Garden for charity Combat Stress
This three acre hill top garden commands views over the River Thames towards Marlow. It is a lovely garden with mature beech trees, many shrubs, a gently sloping lawned area, an orchard and large curved herbaceous borders with an abundance of colour. There is a large working fruit and vegetable garden and also an attractive lily covered pond with waterfall. Dogs welcome on leads. Call 07710 098 667 or email contactus@combatstress.org.uk for information. Tickets £5.
21 May, 2pm, Little Paddocks, New Road, Bourne End.

Cholesbury Church Cream Teas
Cream Teas will be served alongside a huge variety of cakes including spiced apple, coffee, and chocolate fudge slices, which have all been baked in the village. There will be a plant and produce stall with locally grown plants including lupins and penstemons, as well as face painting, bric a brac and a Buckingham Palace Treasure Map with the chance to win a limited edition commemorative coin. Free parking and free entry. Call 01494 758035 or email lizzyb@bellosborne.com for information.
21 May, 2pm, Cholesbury Village Hall, Cholesbury Lane, Chesham.

Cliveden Entertains: The Cliveden Set
The year is 1934 and you're invited to a tea party with the jewels of society. Mix with royalty, politicians and celebrities of the age by mingling with costumed interpreters: 'The Cliveden Set'. Meet Lord and Lady Astor at their family home, the grand Cliveden Estate. The hosts and their glamorous guests are visiting, so come along and mingle with an Asquith or a Roosevelt in our spectacular setting. Booking not needed.
20 May, 12pm to 4pm, Cliveden Manor, Taplow, Maidenhead.

Sales and fairs

Cactus and Succulent Plant Show
The High Wycombe branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society hosts its annual show at Great Kingshill Village Hall with hundreds of fascinating plants from the world's arid regions on display. Also plants for sale, a raffle and light refreshments available. Free admission.
20 May, 11am, Great Kingshill Village Hall, Missenden Road, Great Kingshill.

Car Boot Sale
A great way to clear out your unwanted items and get yourself something back as well as helping a local lad in need. Fifty per cent of the pitch fees will be donated to Jason Narraway’s fund to help towards getting him to Florida for vital cancer treatment. Reserve now and pay on the day – car pitches £10, van pitches £15.
21 May, 10am, Flaunden End Farm, Ashridge Lane, Ley Hill, Chesham.

Children’s events

Enchanted Museum
As part of the national after-dark experience ‘Museums at Night’, the Chiltern Open Air museum will open for a unique and exciting family evening event. Enjoy exploring the museum’s historic buildings lit up by candle, lantern and firelight, take a magical walk through the woods (look out for the Princess on her unicorn and Robin Hood and his men) and fairytale crafts and activities. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fancy dress competition with prizes for the best ones. Treat yourself to a burger, hot dog or bacon roll from the barbecue on the Village Green. Jacket potatoes, sandwiches, snacks, cakes, ice creams and hot and cold drinks will also be available, along with a selection of premium local beer and tasty cider, as well as Pimms. Last admission at 7:30pm. See www.coam.org.uk for admission costs.
20 May, 4pm, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles.

Chiddlers’ hour: The Enormous Crocodile and The Twits
Thirty minutes of songs, storytelling and adventure and 30 minutes of free play and crafts based on The Enormous Crocodile and The Twits. Cost: £3 per child. Price does not include Museum entry which you don't need to buy to enjoy this workshop. Call 01494 892192 to book.
23 May, 10am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Sports and hobbies

Walking Netball
Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level. From those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury, to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago, it really is for everyone. It can give those who feel isolated an outlet, provide an activity for those who don’t deem themselves fit enough to run anymore and offer a stepping stone for those looking for a pathway back into netball. .Tickets: £3 for members, £4 non-members.
Tuesdays until 25 July, 6pm, Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Guttmann Road, Aylesbury.

Knit and Natter
Would you like to knit or crochet and have a natter in a friendly and informal atmosphere on Floor 1 of the library? Feel free to bring a lidded drink to sip. It is free to attend. Email lib-hiw@buckscc.gov.uk or call 08452303232.
Every Thursday until 19 July, 1:30pm. High Wycombe Library, 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe.

SCUBA Diving with High Wycombe Sub-aqua Club
If you have ever thought about having a go at scuba diving why not try a dive session with High Wycombe Sub-aqua Club? During the session you will be taken through the basics of snorkelling and scuba diving and will end up diving with scuba kit alongside a fully trained instructor. High Wycombe Sub-aqua also run Try Dives for groups and organisations so you can experience the underwater world accompanied by friends and colleagues. For further information have a look at www.wycombesubaqua.com. Tickets: Try Dives cost £25, reductions for groups.
Every Thursday, 9pm, Wycombe Leisure Centre, Handy Cross, High Wycombe.

Top five things to do

Let’s Rock the Moor
The popular retro festival returns for the ninths year, featuring a strong of eighties stars including A Flock of Seagulls, Go West, Howard Jones, Sister Sledge, OMD, Tiffany and Kid Creole and The Coconuts. As well as top bands, the family-friendly festival will feature the Let’s Rock! Playpen for kids, as well as circus workshops with the BigTopMania Circus and Carters Steam Fair. For more details and to book tickets, visit www.letsrockthemoor.com.
20 May, 11am, Marsh Meadow, Cookham.

Pub in the Park
The highly anticipated gastro-music festival brought to you by celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge. The 14,000 ticket holders will experience dishes cooked by some of the best pub kitchens in the country including The Hand & Flowers, The Coach, The Pony & Trap and many more. Every session will also be packed full of entertainment including riverside games, the Artisan Food and Drink Market, and a selection of masterclasses including wine tasting. There will also be talent such as Tom Odell, James Morrison, The Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, playing live.
19, 20 and 21 May, Higginson Park, Marlow. 

The Elvis Years
With a top line-up of actor-musicians, multiple costume changes and nostalgic film footage, this glittering two-hour production charts the musical and emotional highs and lows of Elvis’ amazing journey from poor truck-driving teenager from Tupelo, Mississippi through the army, Hollywood and finally the legendary Las Vegas concerts. Tickets are £25.50, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
19 May, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Wycombe Orpheus Choir
Join Wycombe’s very own renowned Male Voice Choir in an exciting programme of musical entertainment for their annual concert. With foot-tapping arrangements of great pop classics from the Beatles, Queen, Coldplay and Abba, as well as powerful traditional “big sing” numbers, the programme brings together great music across a wide span of genres. Winners from the Choir’s recent Young Musicians Festival add their talented performances and never cease to inspire with their sheer brilliance. Tickets are £20, available online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk or by calling 01494 512 000.
20 May, 7:30pm, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Open Day
Open to the public for the first time this year, this private collection of rare and specimen trees welcomes tree enthusiasts, families and friends to see the wide variety of trees young and old in a delightful six acre woodland setting. Managed and maintained by dedicated volunteers, happy to share their love for this special place with free guided tours throughout the day. Admission £2. Guidebook available. Regret uneven terrain not suitable for disabled. Contact Coralie Ramsey on 01344 774620 or email curator@priestfieldarboretum.org.uk for information.
21 May, 10:30pm to 4pm, Priestfield Arboretum, Stony Lane, Little Kingshill.