Acclaimed traveller and Monty Python star visits Newbury
Sir Michael Palin will bring his new UK tour, Michael Palin: In the Philippines, to Newbury’s Corn Exchange on Wednesday 7 October at 7.30pm. The 13‑date tour accompanies his latest Channel 5 television series and promises a mix of film, photographs and previously unseen moments from the journey.
The tour is being promoted as a chance to hear the untold stories behind the television programme and to see material that goes beyond what viewers saw on screen. According to the publicity, the evening will include reflections on people Palin met in the Philippines and on the aspects of the trip that lingered with him after filming finished.
- Tour: Michael Palin in the Philippines
- Newbury date: Wednesday 7 October, 7.30pm
- Venue: Corn Exchange, Newbury
- Tickets: booking available via the Corn Exchange website
What the show will cover
The programme synopsis describes the Philippines as "one of the world’s most fascinating, politically charged and historically complex countries," noting that Palin’s film takes in locations from the bustling streets of Manila to the islands of Palawan and the communities of Mindanao. The tour intends to take audiences behind the camera to reveal "what really happened" during the filming process and will include memories from Palin’s near‑40 years of television travel.
"Warm, witty and endlessly curious, Michael Palin: In the Philippines is an evening that goes far beyond the television series,"
The publicity also notes Palin will reflect on contested waters of the South China Sea and the resilience of communities he encountered. The show is described as suitable for all ages and will also feature material from across Palin’s long career in television, combining anecdotes with film clips and stills.
Local context and likely impact
Newbury’s Corn Exchange is a regular stop for national tours and high‑profile speakers, and Palin’s visit is likely to draw a mixed audience of long‑time fans of his travel work and those who remember his earlier comedy career. For local residents, the event is notable both as a cultural opportunity and for the modest economic boost such evenings bring to nearby bars, restaurants and car parks.
For commuters and local transport users, the Wednesday evening slot should mean limited disruption to daytime travel, though attendees are likely to increase demand for late services on buses and car parks close to the venue. Tickets are already being made available via the Corn Exchange booking page.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Artist | Sir Michael Palin |
| Show | Michael Palin: In the Philippines |
| Date & time | Wednesday 7 October, 7.30pm |
| Venue | Corn Exchange, Newbury |
| Ticketing | Booking open via Corn Exchange website |
The tour includes 13 dates across the UK; the Newbury stop is part of that run and sits in the middle of a schedule that also includes a performance at Oxford Playhouse later in October. Promoters are emphasising the combination of travel filmmaking and personal memoir, positioning the evening as more than a standard screening or lecture.
For residents who are interested in attending, the Corn Exchange booking site is the point of sale. The presentation’s family‑friendly billing means it is being offered to a broad audience rather than a specialist travel‑documentary crowd, which could attract visitors from neighbouring towns in the commuter belt.
As with other headline events at the Corn Exchange, local businesses can expect a small uplift in footfall before and after the performance. For Newbury’s cultural calendar, hosting a figure of Palin’s profile reaffirms the town’s position as a capable venue for national touring shows and speaker events.
Further details and tickets are available from the Corn Exchange’s official booking page.
