WiFi Wars is a very different type of theatre show: they want you to spend the event glued to your phone.
The live comedy game show is coming to South Street Arts Centre on Saturday, December 14, for a festive special.
There are two shows: in the afternoon, the event is for children aged six and upwards, while an evening show is for ages 12 upwards.
Those attending log in to the WiFi Wars site using their smartphone or a tablet, and then compete in a series of games, quizzes and challenges. A promotional video on its website includes shots of games such as Space Invaders, Blockbusters, and Pac-Man.
A leaderboard shows who is winning, and there will be opportunities to sing Christmas songs.
There will be entirely different games and quizzes at the 3pm and 7.30pm show, so people can attend both and it won’t be like that episode of Not Going Out where Lee watches Pointless an hour ahead of Lucy so he looks brainy when he knows all the answers.
The event is hosted by comedian and videogames commentator Steve McNeil. He was a team captain on Dara Ó Briain’s Go 8 Bit, and appeared on Challenge TV’s Videogame Nation.
He will be joined by Guinness World-Record-Breaking tech whizz, the award-winning Rob Sedgebeer.
Wi-Fi Wars has received recommendations from national media including The Times, Den of Geek, Radio Times, and The Guardian, who said it was ‘not to be missed’.
The Reading date comes ahead of an appearance at the Royal Institution in London.
Those taking part are asked to ensure that the smartphone or tablet is fully charged as it will be used during the show.
How do I get tickets for WiFi Wars at South Street?
The 3pm matinee show lasts an hour and has no interval. It is suitable for ages six upwards, and these tickets are £12.50.
The evening show starts at 7.30pm and comprises two 45-minute sessions with an interval. Tickets for this show are £15.50, or £13.50 for South Street members.
In both cases, they can be reserved by calling the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or logging on to: whatsonreading.com
Are there any other festive shows for families this Christmas in Reading?
Wi-Fi Wars is the last show at South Street before the Christmas holidays, but there are other Christmas events taking place.
The big one is Cinderella at The Hexagon theatre. This pantomime features Justin Fletcher, the CBeebies superstar and resident dame Paul Morse. But the big star this year is the all-new digital set.
The pantomime runs from Saturday, December 7 through to Sunday, January 5.
For more details, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/cinders
The Snow Queen is the festive show from Reading Rep Theatre, and this is currently being performed. It continues through to New Year’s Eve.
For more details, log on to: https://www.readingrep.com/the-snow-queen/
Read more about Reading’s festive shows
The Reading Lantern Parade, known as GLOW, will take place in Broad Street in the early evening of Saturday, December 7.
For details on this, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-business-improvement-district-bid/whats-on/reading-lantern-parade-glow
The Cunning Man pub in Burghfield is holding a Breakfast with Santa event on Sunday, December 8 and 15, from 9am.
Booking will be essential. For more details, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/cunning-man/whats-on/breakfast-santa
Sunday, December 8 is the same day that De Vere Workefield Estate holds a festive afternoon tea featuring The Snow Sisters. A week later, they will be welcoming the Grumpy Green Villain who wants to steal Christmas. A Mermaid Princess and an American Captain will be present on Monday, December 23.
Details and to book: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/de-vere-wokefield-estate/whats-on/snow-sisters-festive-family-afternoon-tea
Trinity Concert Band is to hold a Merry Christmas carol concert for all ages also on Sunday, December 8.
See: https://www.trinityband.co.uk/christmas-concert/
A Victorian Christmas will take place at Reading Museum, including a visit from Santa, on Saturday, December 14. There are multiple sessions across the day, and places need to be booked. A make and take event takes place on the same day.
Log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/performances_modal/415602
Woodley Concert Band will give its annual Children’s Christmas Concert in the afternoon of Sunday, December 15, with a Christmas concert in the evening.
Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-zzmoqxv
On Sunday, December 22, Saint Laurence Church in Reading Town Centre will hold its annual Experience The Nativity event. Running from 2pm for 90 minutes, this interactive event reflects on the events of the first Christmas.
Entry is free.
For more details: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/st-laurence-church/whats-on/experience-nativity
Double-Barelled Brewery in Tilehurst will hold a Festive Family Fun Day on Monday, December 23.
Tables should be booked. https://double-barrelled-brewery-1664551479.resos.com/booking
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