Since opening in 1977, the Hexagon has been Reading’s leading entertainment venue hosting acts such as David Essex, Jimmy Carr and Simple Minds.

The bill for 2022 looks set to be no different, with big name comedy and music stars pulling into Reading in their droves.

Below we have listed 10 must see acts appearing at the Hexagon this coming year.

Fascinating Aida: February, 16

The trio of Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman have been performing their mixture of hilarious and topical tunes since 2004, although the group have been performing since 1984 in various combinations.

Nominated for three Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment, they have picked up a strong cult following and are not to be missed.

 

The Stanglers: February, 22

With a career spanning more than four decades, the English punk band have announced that this will be their final tour.

Big hits include ‘Golden Brown’, No More Heroes’ and ‘Big Thing Coming’.

The band had released their 18th studio album in September 2021, and it charted in the UK at number four, their highest position since 1983.

Originally announced in January 2020, the tour is dedicated to former keyboard player, Dave Greenfield, who tragically died with Covid-19 in May 2020.

 

Dara O Brian: March, 5

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Dara O'Brian (credit: Hexagon Reading)

 

The ‘Mock the Week’ host finished his last tour in March 2020 after 80 shows, over 2 years across 20 countries.

Now he is back and is performing his regular mixture of one-liners, audience messing, and tripping over his words.

The Irishman was voted the 16th best stand-up comedian in the Channel Four programme, ‘100 Greatest Stand-Ups’ and has been nominated for a British Academy Television Award for his role in ‘Mock the Week’.

 

Chris Ramsey: March, 10

North-East-born comedian Chris Ramey is embarking on his largest tour to date, and it rocks up in Reading in March.

Not only a highly acclaimed comedian, he is now also renowned for his podcast, Shagged. Married. Annoyed, which he hosts with his wife. 

With over 60 million downloads, Chris and Rosie won the Global Award’s Best Podcast Award, and British Podcast Award Listeners Choice in 2020.

 

Diversity: March, 18-19

One of the most successful acts to come out of television talent show, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, the dance group are embarking on another tour.

To date they have wowed more than nine sell out UK tours, with over 600,000 tickets sold, and showcased their abilities on countless television performances.

Ashley Banjo and his troupe will make it a night to remember for those lucky enough to attend.

 

James Morrison: April, 5

Reading Chronicle:

Above: James Morrison (credit: Hexagon Reading)

 

His first tour for over two years, the 2007 British Solo Artist of the Year BRIT Award winner is touring his ‘Greatest Hits Tour’.

With five UK top 10 singles in his repertoire, his debut album Undiscovered reached number one in 2007.

Collaborating with stars such as Jessie J and Nelly Furtado, the tour is not to be missed.

 

READ MORE: Comedian Jack Dee mocks Reading during Radio Four programme

 

An Audience with Harry Redknapp: April, 10

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is returning to the Hexagon for a second time to answer your questions on his 56 years in football.

Perhaps more known to a wider audience as King of the Jungle in the 2018 ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’, the loveable cockney is guaranteed to make you laugh with some of his stories from an exciting life in professional football.

 

The Hollies: June, 5

Reading Chronicle:

Above: The Hollies (credit: Reading Hexagon)

 

Celebrating an incredible 60 years together, iconic British band ‘The Hollies’ are appearing in Reading this summer.

With smash hits including ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’, ‘The Air That I Breathe’ and ‘Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)’, they have spent an astonishing 263 weeks in the UK top 40 official singles chart and have been performing continuously since their formation in 1962.

One of the most influential acts of the 1960s British Invasion, music royalty is far from an overstatement.

 

Alan Carr: June, 17-18

‘Chatty Man’ Alan Carr has been making his audience belly-laugh since winning the Best Newcomer at the 2001 BBC New Comedy Awards.

A regular on our television screens with shows such as ‘Alan Carr: Chatty Man’ and ‘8 out of 10 Cats’, the Dorset-born star has become a British institution.

With two British Comedy Awards, two National Television Awards and a BAFTA TV Award, he really is one of the very best that comedy has to offer.

 

10cc: October, 26

Reading Chronicle:

Above: 10cc (credit Reading Hexagon)

 

With eleven top 10 hits, and over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone, 10cc are one of the most inventive British bands of all time.

Having formed in 1972, they are perhaps most famous for 1975 smash hit ‘I’m Not in Love’, which landed the band a top five single in 10 countries.

Other hits include ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ and ‘Rubber Bulletts’, both of which secured UK number one for the Lancashire-born band.

 

Due to the pandemic, these dates are subject to change, however are correct as of time of publication.

Find more acts performing at the Hexagon here.