Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="956" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Glorious-Florence-Foster-Jenkins.jpg" alt="Glorious! The Story of Florence Foster Jenkins at The Haymarket, Basingstoke Hampshire April 2026 Theatre" class="wp-image-39890" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Glorious-Florence-Foster-Jenkins.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Glorious-Florence-Foster-Jenkins-800x510.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Glorious-Florence-Foster-Jenkins-1000x637.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Glorious-Florence-Foster-Jenkins-768x489.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Glorious! The Story of Florence Foster Jenkins at The Haymarket, Basingstoke</figcaption></figure>



An annual highlight at Kings Theatre Portsmouth, <a href="https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/chitty-chitty-bang-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</a> returns (9–19 April) with its magical mix of adventure, nostalgia and show-stopping songs. Flying cars, family fun and all the classics – from Toot Sweets to Hushabye Mountain – in this much-loved, feel-good favourite.



Love a power ballad? Get your tickets pronto for for the smash-hit musical <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/the-bodyguard-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bodyguard</a> at Mayflower Southampton (21–25 April). Starring Sidonie Smith and Adam Garcia, the classic romantic thriller is packed with Whitney Houston classics. Big vocals, high drama and all the hits – from I Wanna Dance With Somebody to I Will Always Love You – in a seriously feel-good night out.



Prepare for big laughs and even bigger notes as <a href="https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/glorious" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glorious! The Story of Florence Foster Jenkins</a> hits Basingstoke&#8217;s The Haymarket (23–25 April). Starring Wendi Peters, this feel-good comedy tells the true story of the “worst singer in the world” – gloriously off-key, utterly charming and impossible not to love.



And on the Island, Bake Off fans won’t want to miss <a href="https://www.shanklintheatre.com/events/the-island-savoyards-present-the-great-british-bake-off-musical/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great British Bake Off Musical</a> at Shanklin Theatre (2–5 April), brought to the stage by the Island Savoyards. Packed with catchy songs, larger-than-life characters and plenty of baking mishaps, this feel-good show is a delicious celebration of friendship, community and cake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opera-amp-ballet">OPERA &amp; BALLET</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1082" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Don-Quixote-BRB.jpg" alt="Don Quixote by Birmingham Royal Ballet" class="wp-image-39891" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Don-Quixote-BRB.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Don-Quixote-BRB-800x577.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Don-Quixote-BRB-1000x721.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Don-Quixote-BRB-768x554.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Don Quixote by Birmingham Royal Ballet </figcaption></figure>



Bring some Spanish sunshine to your spring with <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/brb-don-quixote-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Don Quixote</a> at Mayflower Southampton (15–18 April), as Birmingham Royal Ballet returns with Carlos Acosta’s vibrant, feel-good production. Packed with dazzling dance, romance and comedy, this 19th-century classic is a joyful treat for ballet lovers and newcomers alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Northwood Park Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-26212" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/03/Northwood-Park-Isle-of-Wight-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



A proper Easter weekend crowd-pleaser, <a href="https://northwoodhouse.org/event/the-2026-isle-of-wight-spring-art-garden-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Isle of Wight Spring Art &amp; Garden Fair</a> at Northwood House (3–4 April 2026) blends blooming gardens, local art and laid-back lawn vibes. Plants, Pimm’s, live music and plenty for the kids – fingers crossed for some spring sunshine and you’ve the perfect family day out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">COMEDY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1157" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Lucy-Porter-Let-yourself-go.jpg" alt=" Let Yourself Go! Lucy Porter comedy basingstoke hamsphire" class="wp-image-39898" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Lucy-Porter-Let-yourself-go.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Lucy-Porter-Let-yourself-go-800x617.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Lucy-Porter-Let-yourself-go-1000x771.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Lucy-Porter-Let-yourself-go-768x592.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Sharp, smart and seriously funny, Matt Forde brings <a href="https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defying Calamity</a> to Theatre Royal Winchester on 9 April. Blending political satire with personal insight, this laugh-a-minute show takes on modern life with wit, resilience and razor-sharp impressions.



Have a laugh and embrace the chaos with <a href="https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/lucy-porter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Let Yourself Go!</a> as Lucy Porter heads to The Haymarket, Basingstoke on 19 April. Expect sharp, relatable comedy on midlife, reinvention and not taking it all too seriously – perfect for a feel-good night out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/11/glass-of-wine.jpg" alt="glass wine red " class="wp-image-8950" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/11/glass-of-wine.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/11/glass-of-wine-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/11/glass-of-wine-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2018/11/glass-of-wine-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The flavours of South America &#8211; right here in Hampshire. Head to Southsea for a one-night-only <a href="https://www.thebriny.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening in Argentina</a> (15 April 2026) at The Briny – a four-course feast paired with Kaiken wines and hosted by Julieta Piccolella. Think bold flavours, fine wines and a stylish seaside setting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



Yee, haw! Cowboy boots at the ready for <a href="https://www.countryonthecoastfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Country on the Coast</a>, a laid-back seaside country fest, packed with live Americana, rising stars and feel-good vibes coming to The Gaity Southsea this 17-19 April. Expect line dancing, acoustic sets by the sea and a proper toe-tapping weekend with a salty breeze.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exhibitions">EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="899" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Bees-Willis-Museum.jpg" alt="Bees! Hampshire's Hive of History &amp; Nature exhibition. Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke " class="wp-image-39889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Bees-Willis-Museum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Bees-Willis-Museum-800x479.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Bees-Willis-Museum-1000x599.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/03/Bees-Willis-Museum-768x460.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/bees-bees-hark-bees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bees! Bees! Hark to the Bees!</a> Complementing the fascinating <a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/bees-hampshires-hive-history-nature" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bees! Hampshire&#8217;s Hive of History &amp; Nature</a> exhibition at Basingstoke&#8217;s Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery (on now until 28 Jun 2026), head downstairs to the Basingstoke Gallery this 11 April – 20 May 2026 and take a quirky, craft-led deep dive into the world of these awesome and essential insects, from hive life to the evolution of beekeeping gear. Expect fascinating details, global stories and a gentle buzz of sustainability running throughout.



Over in East Hampshire, discover the work of local artist Flora Twort at <a href="https://www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk/events/flora-twort-draw-life" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draw from Life</a> at Petersfield Museum &amp; Art Gallery (29 April–26 September). Featuring rarely seen sketches and sketchbooks, this intimate new exhibition celebrates her keen eye for everyday life and deep connection to Petersfield and its people.



And if you’re on the Island, enjoy a lively West Gallery taster of the island’s creative scene at The <a href="https://www.quayarts.org/event/isle-of-wight-open-studios-showcase-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isle of Wight Open Studios Showcase</a> at Newport’s Quay Arts (18 April – 30 May 2026), spotlighting artists ahead of May’s Open Studios event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-literary">LITERARY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="644" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House.jpg" alt="Chawton House Hampshire" class="wp-image-20915" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House-300x193.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House-720x464.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House-768x495.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/12/Chawton-House-815x525.jpg 815w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you’ve never been, a <a href="https://chawtonhouse.org/whats-on/guided-tour-jane-austen-at-the-great-house-5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen at the Great House Guided Tour of Chawton House (</a>21 April) is a brilliant way to discover this magnificent East Hampshire literary heritage site. Step into Austen’s world in an intimate, story-filled tour of the elegant rooms, complete with literary snippets and a very civilised cup of tea with your fellow guests.



Bookworms, this one’s for you – the <a href="https://winchesterbooksfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Books Festival</a> returns (17–19 April) with a packed weekend of inspiring author talks, lively discussions and family-friendly events across the city. Expect big literary names including Lynda La Plante, Tony Robinson and Mary Portas, plus creative workshops, storytimes and plenty to spark your imagination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">KIDS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour.jpg" alt="Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour mayflower Southampton hampshire" class="wp-image-39895" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Matilda-The-Musical-UK-Tour-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Easter in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight always brings plenty of family fun, from Egg Hunts and outdoorsy fun at National Trust trails at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont/events/a56bb65c-6046-40ca-8603-c04239f8ecad" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mottisfont</a>, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner/visiting-hinton-ampner-with-family#rt-easter-adventures-at-hinton-ampner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hinton Ampner</a> and <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events/d5824423-bec1-42c1-b542-188603de9b98" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vyne</a> (now until 6-12 April) to the grandeur of <a href="https://highclerecastleshop.co.uk/categories/easter-egg-trail-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highclere Castle</a> (11 April), it’s all blossom, bunny trails and fresh-air fun. Over at <a href="https://www.marwell.org.uk/plan-your-visit/zoo-events/easter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marwell Zoo</a> (until 12 April) and <a href="https://wellington.co.uk/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellington Country Park</a> (until 12 April), expect crafts, animals and full-on Easter extravaganzas, while <a href="https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/whats-on/lets-go-bunny-hunt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Science Centre</a> (until 19 April) mixes story-led trails with hands-on science.



Across the water, it’s jam-packed egg-citement on the Isle of Wight, too. Quest your way around <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/carisbrooke-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carisbrooke Castle</a>. Meet newborn animals and have some <a href="https://tapnellfarm.com/play/events/easter-cuteness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easter farm fun at Tapnell Farm</a>&nbsp;(until 12 April). And go full steam ahead for&nbsp;<a href="http://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/event/the-great-railway-easter-hunt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Railway Easter Hunt</a> at The Isle of Wight Steam Railway (until 12 April).



We, are, REVOLTING! A multi award-winning family theatre highlight coming later this April, <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/matilda-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matilda the Musical</a> (29 April–17 May), brings Roald Dahl’s much-loved story to Mayflower Southampton. Packed with Tim Minchin’s brilliant songs it’s a proper treat of magic, mischief and heart.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more">Want more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/easter-holiday-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50+ cracking Hampshire Easter holiday ideas</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-places-spring-flowers-hampshire/">10 gorgeous gardens in Hampshire and Isle of Wight for spring flowers</a></li>



<li><a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/spring-supper-hampshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spring supper clubs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight</a></li>
</ul>

What’s on this April around Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

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