HERITAGE: Art Installation: Casting Light, Mottisfont, Romsey, Sat 11 Jan – Sun 8 Nov

Herry Lawford Mottisfont Abbey Halloween Half Term If you’ve not had a chance to check out the brand new light installation at Mottisfont – Casting Light – it’s tipped to be very illuminating (sorry!) Located in the Red Room, this immersive experience is by renowned artists Heinrich & Palmer and uses modern technology to show the layers of history in Mottisfont unlike ever before.

nationaltrust.org.uk

COMEDY: Joel Dommett: Unapologetic (if That’s OK?), Shanklin Theatre, Fri 6

Jungle runner-up and baby-faced comic Joel Dommett is bringing his teen boy schtick to the Island this week. While I’m secretly hoping he’ll bring some of his wardrobe from his time on The Masked Singer (I’m telling you, the guy can rock a sequin), I’ll be content with plenty of gags and awkward anecdotes.

shanklintheatre.com

COMEDY: Tom Rosenthal: Manhood, G Live, Guildford, Sat 7 Mar

Recognise this face from Friday Night Dinner or maybe Plebs? Tom is a rising star in the comedy world and has taken his quick wit to the stage for his very own stand up tour. We predict giggles on tap! glive.co.uk

THEATRE: Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Thurs 5 – Sat 7

ShowImage_LadyChat Oooh, saucy. The pre-cursor to 50 Shades… Lady Chatterley’s Lover will be getting audiences hot and heavy with its tale of love – and lust – straight from the pages of Lawrence.

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

EVENT: The Vivienne, Quay Arts, Newport, Sat 7

The UK First Lady of Glam, aka The Vivienne, wowed audiences on RuPaul’s Drag Race and now is turning up the drag-vibes with a one-off show at Quay Arts.

quayarts.org

THEATRE: Educating Rita, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, Wed 9 – Sat 14 Mar

When married hairdresser Rita enrols on a university course, she has no idea where the journey will take her. Her tutor Frank isn’t enthusiastic about taking her under his wing, but they soon realise they can learn a lot from each other. This adaption of the multi award-winning film starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine is guaranteed to be a hit! yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

COMEDY: Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Sun 8

Gruff-voiced Welshman, Rhod Gilbert, is far from The Valleys this weekend as he heads to Southampton. His new show, The Book of John, is his first in six years and has been tipped as “volcanic, crusading odd-couple comedy” by The Guardian.

mayflower.org.uk

WORKSHOP: Yoga in the Museum, The Mary Rose, Portsmouth, Sun 8

mary rose from lower deck context gallery Johnny Black

©Johnny Black

As far as venues for yoga go, this one takes the chakra for quirkiness. Do your Sun Salutations with a side of the iconic, shipwreck at Yoga in the Museum at The Mary Rose this week.

maryrose.org

FOOD & DRINK: Cookery Class with Shelina Permaloo, Myers Touch, Winchester, Tues 10

Shelina Masterchef winner Shelina returns to Winchester for another session of her famous culinary mastery at The Myers Touch. With plenty of fresh tips and exciting dishes, plus the chance to ogle all those fine, fine kitchens, this is a good way to spend a Tuesday night.

themyerstouch.co.uk

COMEDY: Alex Edelman: Just For Us, The Forge, Basingstoke, Thurs 12

Up and coming on the comedy circuit, Alex Edelman’s latest show has got rave reviews and is apparently all about gorillas that can-do sign language and tribalism. Yep, I’ve got no idea either.

anvilarts.org.uk

THEATRE: Harpy with Su Pollard, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Thurs 12 – Fri 13

ShowImage_Harpy-1 Su Pollard and the Kings Theatre, in conjunction with Fringe First award-winner Philip Meeks (Kiss Me Honey, Honey!, Murder, Margaret and Me) have come together to stage the very witty, dark comedy – Harpy. The story follows Birdie, a hoarder, who has lost something dear to her. Laugh awkwardly, feel openly and enjoy Su’s stunning performance.

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

COMEDY: Sam Avery: Toddlergeddon, The Berry Theatre, Fri 13

The comedy king of being a dad, Sam Avery returns to Hampshire with his latest show – Toddlergeddon. With hilarious, insightful humour that is insanely relatable if you have kids, check out his Facebook and Twitter for his trials and tribulations of trying to keep small people alive (and your sanity intact).

theberrytheatre.co.uk

THEATRE: Friends the Parody Musical, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Sat 14

#I’ll be there for you when the rain starts to fall# Ahhhh the 90s were a golden era of coffee shops, high waisted jeans and sitcoms set in New York… so not much different from now. This parody show brings together some of the best-loved moments of a particular 90s phenomenon in rip-roaring musical chorus.

kingsportsmouth.co.uk

MUSIC: The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen and Les vêpres siciliennes, Welsh National Opera, Mayflower Theatre, Wed 18 – Sat 21

After a brilliant success last Autumn, the Welsh National Opera is heading back to Hampshire with three awe-inspiring productions. For any culture fans, book ‘em up quick!

mayflower.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK: Bombay Sapphire Distillery Cocktail Pairing Supper Club, Laverstoke, Fri 20

Gin AND food? Be still my beating heart. The Bombay Sapphire is putting on a one-off supper club with plenty of spirits. Matching amazing cocktails – featuring the famous drink – with a delicious menu provided by Muddy fave The Little Kitchen Company, this is a chance to see the distillery after dark and with great accompaniments.

Distillery.bombaysapphire.com

DANCE: Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, Mayflower Theatre, Tues 24 – Sat 28

Credit: Johan Persson

He’s done it again! Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red Shoes danced its way into existence in 2016 and has since won two Olivier Awards and dazzled audiences and critics across the UK and the USA. Even better? We have a Reader Treat to give away tickets. Woohoo!

mayflower.org.uk

CULTURE: The Russian State Opera: Aida, Shanklin Theatre, Wed 25

Verdi’s tale of ancient Egypt heads to the Island with a brand-new production and fabulous scenery and costumes… Oh! And the Russian State Opera. This is a rare chance to catch some super high international culture in a really intimate setting. Grab those tickets and swoon at the love story.

Facebook event

FOOD & DRINK: Cook School: The Perfect Steak, Thompsons, Newport, Thurs 26

thompsons-2 Steak is one of those things that seems super easy to cook, but rarely is (ho ho ho). Robert Thompson, one of the Island’s most famous culinary experts, will teach you to prep, season and sizzle your cut to perfection at this special masterclass. I’ll have mine rare with a bottle of red, please!

robertthompson.co.uk

TALK: Lord Digby Jones, Chewton Glen, Mon 30

ChewtonGlenExt Politics, business and an amazing dinner from Chewton Glen, not too shabby for a Monday night. This cozy lunch with the former Minister of State and life peer Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham, is a great way to forget that its Monday and also learn a few things from the corridors of power in the process.

chewtonglen.com

EXHIBITION: Unto This Last: Two Hundred Years of John Ruskin, Watts Gallery, near Guildford, Tue 10 Mar – Sun 31 May

Two centuries after his birth, this exhibition featuring works by J. M. W. Turner, John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones and other leading artists of the nineteenth century, examines art critic Ruskin’s legacy as a social reformer, ecological thinker, and educator. wattsgallery.org.uk

WORKSHOP: Design talk – we start with ‘Why?’….what’s your story?, Myers Touch, Tues 31

myers touch external The kitchen is the heart of the home and Keith Myers knows a thing or two about kitchens. This special talk is all about where to start with the hardest working room in the house, with great design ideas, nods to the latest trends and plenty of expert insight.

themyerstouch.co.uk

FURTHER AFIELD

EXHIBITION: Herstory, Maddox Gallery, London, 2 – 24 Mar

To mark International Women’s Day, this new exhibition aims to redefine the conversation around women in art and raise awareness for brilliant female artists that champion women in their work. Artists exhibiting include Coco Davez, Sophia Tea and Lauren Baker.

EXHIBITION: Andy Warhol, Tate Modern, London, 12 Mar – 6 Sept

This major new exhibition chronicles the life and work of the pop art icon Andy Warhol and offers a rare insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Images on display include his renowned pop images of Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola and Campbell’s soup cans, plus work never seen before in the UK, including the largest ever grouping of Warhol’s Ladies and Gentlemen series. A must see.

EXHIBITION: BMW Tate Live, Tate Modern, 20 – 29 Mar

For the fourth annual BMW Tate Live Exhibition, three artists are taking over Tate Modern’s Tanks (the gallery’s dedicated space for live exhibits). Each artist’s work will be themed around how history is held in the body and explore questions about shared memory. Very cool.

EVENT: London Dog Week, various locations, 23 – 29 Mar

Have pooch, will travel? This week long takeover of London will feature puppy street food pop-ups, a Pet Gala (like the Met Gala but for stylish pooches!), music events and cuddle clubs. Awwww. Money raised will go to to Hearing Dogs, the event’s official partner, so it’s all for a good cause.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

COMEDY: Kojo Anim: The Taxi Tour, The Anvil, Basingstoke, Sun 1 Mar

He gave the audience stitches when he appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, but funnyman Kojo Anim is just getting started. Recipient of Cowell’s golden buzzer, he’s appearing this weekend in Winchester for one-night-only. Get ready to laugh until your sides split.,

anvilarts.org.uk

KIDS: Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids, Theatre Royal Winchester, Sun 1 Mar

A spot of yoof culture for the younguns this weekend as Shlomo brings his Beatbox Adventure to Winchester. While it’s probably a bit more complicated than saying “Boots” and “Cats” (honestly, listen to beatboxers!), drop the kids here and enjoy a lull of peace before they come home and start making plenty of noise with their newfound talents. 3

theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

THEATRE: Ladykillers, Ventnor Exchange, Tues 3

There’s been a murder in Ventnor. Ok, not really, but Ladykillers is tipped as a “blood-soaked morality tale about power, privilege, and tearing up the gender rule book on psychopathy; a jet-black comedy for the age of the gig economy.” Following a sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe 2018, the Island is in for a treat.

ventnorexchange.co.uk

DANCE: Acosta Danza – Evolution, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Tues 3 – Wed 4

Ballet wunderkind Carlos Acosta brings his acclaimed Cuban company Acosta Danza to perform a programme of new and existing works. Along with beautiful music and movement, there’s also an audio descriptive performance embracing accessibility in modern dance.

mayflower.org.uk

CULTURE: Swan Lake, The Anvil, Basingstoke, Wed 4

More dance now with a performance of Swan Lake by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia, accompanies by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra. You’ll be moved by the moves and enjoy Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.

anvilarts.org.uk

This month

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