Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight

HERITAGE: Art Installation: Casting Light, Mottisfont, Romsey, Sat 11 Jan &#8211; Sun 8 Nov
This month sees the launch of a brand new light installation at Mottisfont &#8211; Casting Light &#8211; and its tipped to be very illuminating (sorry!) Located in the Red Room, this immersive experience is by renowned artists Heinrich &amp; Palmer, and uses modern technology to show the layers of history in Mottisfont unlike ever before.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/features/casting-light-installation-at-mottisfont" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nationaltrust.org.uk</a>
EXHIBITION: Microsculpture, Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke, Sat 18 Jan – 18 Apr
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-18013 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock.jpg" alt="Microsculpture at the Willis Museum - Paris Peacock" width="1000" height="1000" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/Microsculpture-at-the-Willis-Museum-Paris-Peacock-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />These are bugs like you’ve never seen them before. If you&#8217;ve not had the chance yet, then definitely check out this fantastic exhibition of photography by Levon Biss zooms in on micro-beasties and all the unseen beauty they behold. From the beautiful duo chrome colouring of the humble fly to the intricacies of the dragonfly’s wings, this exhibit features work of Hampshire naturalist Gilbert White along with studies conducted with Oxford University Museum of Natural History will have you fascinated, rather than appalled at these insects.
<a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/microsculpture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hampshireculture.org.uk</a>
FAMILY: Surviving the Stone Age, Gosport Gallery, Sat 11 Jan &#8211; Sat 22 Feb
If the thought of the wi-fi cutting out gives you the cold sweats, then spare a thought for our poor old ancestors who didn&#8217;t even have dial-up. Surviving the Stone Age is a new exhibition at the Gosport Gallery looking at what life was like in Stone Age Hampshire, featuring artefacts that have lasted millennia and have-a-go activities.
<a href="https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/surviving-stone-age-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">hampshireculture.org.uk</a>
EXHIBITION: Comedy &amp; Commentary, Mottisfont, Sat 18 Jan &#8211; Sun 19 Apr
Who says cartoons are for kids? This new exhibition at Mottisfont features the works of respected and talented cartoonists, with a spin on modern events. With scathing wit and satire, this is comedy for grown-ups.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/36634019-bee3-45f0-a678-4044a42e6f34/pages/details" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nationaltrust.org.uk</a>
EVENT: Mindfulness Trail, The Vyne, until Mon 23 Mar
<div id="attachment_11555" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-11555 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/The-Vyne-Kabads.jpg" alt="the vyne" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/The-Vyne-Kabads.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/The-Vyne-Kabads-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/The-Vyne-Kabads-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/The-Vyne-Kabads-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
Photo: Kabadas via Wikimedia Commons
</div>
National Trust buildings and locations are known for being historically important and jaw-droppingly beautiful, so how about factoring this into some needed reflection? The Vyne is running a special Mindfulness Trail for the duration of January, giving visitors a chance to walk around its beautiful spots and take in some well needed mental clarity. This one has proved popular so they&#8217;ve extended it&#8217;s run.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/0953f43f-9dce-422e-bfb8-a22ca46ece1c/pages/details" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nationaltrust.org.uk</a>
THEATRE: Mama Mia!, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Tues 11 &#8211; Sat 29
<div id="attachment_17792" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17792" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-17792 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/1034-0978.cBrinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg" alt=".(c)Brinkhoff-Moegenburg" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/1034-0978.cBrinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/1034-0978.cBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/1034-0978.cBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/02/1034-0978.cBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />(c)Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</div>
Full of camp Abba numbers and a cheesy love story, Mama Mia is a show that is guaranteed to get you in a good mood. Heading to Southampton for a three-week run, you’ll be transported to the Greek Islands for a hilarious tale of baby daddies, fey laughter and plenty of singing.
<a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/mamma-mia-2020/">mayflower.org.uk</a>
EVENT: Festival of Light, West Quay, Southampton, Fri 14 &#8211; Sun 23
To celebrate 400 years since The Mayflower set sail, West Quay is brightening up with its fantastic festival of lights. Perfect for “oooohing” and “aahhhhh”ing at, the free event has brand new installations this year and is also conveniently by alllll the shops.
<a href="https://www.west-quay.co.uk/events/festivaloflight">west-quay.co.uk</a>
FAMILY: Love Week, Monkey Haven, Newport – Thurs 14 – Sun 24 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-10815 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/02/jamie-haughton-1120556-unsplash.jpg" alt="monkey haven newport" width="1000" height="662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/02/jamie-haughton-1120556-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/02/jamie-haughton-1120556-unsplash-300x199.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/02/jamie-haughton-1120556-unsplash-768x508.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/02/jamie-haughton-1120556-unsplash-720x477.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />It’s the start of Love Week at the Island’s <a href="https://www.monkeyhaven.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monkey Haven</a> and all the simians are getting involved in the action. With heart-warming animal rescue stories, plenty of fluffy monkeys and feathery owls to meet and coo over, plus Love Shakes in the cafe you’ll be all aflutter with these cute little critters.
<a href="https://www.monkeyhaven.org/valentines/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">monkeyhaven.org</a>
OUTDOORS: Love Birds Trail at Gilbert White’s House, Selborne, until Thurs 20 Feb
<a href="https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gilbert White’s House</a> is getting into the swing of February with an event that the kids (and grown ups) will love. The home of the famous naturalist gets all swoony well into half-term week itself, Love Birds gives kids a chance to take a look at real-life bird nests and find out more about the ornithological world of the UK.
<a href="https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/?event=penguin-trail-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk</a>
HERITAGE: Half-Term at The Vyne, Basingstoke – Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb
The National Trust always comes up trumps when it comes to the school hols and this half-term is no exception. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne/features/visiting-the-vyne-during-february-half-term" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Vyne in Basingstoke</a> is a Tudor palace that is bursting with things to do with the kids. From the Garden Discovery Trail which is perfect for exploring the gardens, Dress Like a Victorian where you can suit and boot like its 1869 and the chance to earn a Conservation Award (ideal for any budding Greta Thunberg ), you’ll make the most of that membership or just have a fun-filled day out.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne/features/visiting-the-vyne-during-february-half-term" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nationaltrust.org.uk</a>
FAMILY: Hands-On Half-Term, Beaulieu, New Forest – Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-12603 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Beaulieu.jpg" alt="Beaulieu" width="1000" height="665" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Beaulieu.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Beaulieu-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Beaulieu-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Beaulieu-720x479.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Brrrm brrrrm, it’s Hands-On Half-Term at <a href="https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/february-half-term/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beaulieu</a>. Put them to work with the interactive Medieval Builder exhibition, or put on your detective cap and work out what the weird and wonderful gadgetry is contained within the Palace House Kitchen. Then if the kids start to tire of all that grafting (ha!) you have full roam of all the exhibits. Race ya!
<a href="https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">beaulieu.co.uk</a>
FAMILY: Shipwreck Explorers: Royal Romance, The Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth, Sat 15 &#8211; Sun 23
<div id="attachment_11603" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11603" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-11603 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/Mary-Rose-Photo-by-Michael-Brace.jpg" alt="Mary Rose Photo by Michael Brace" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/Mary-Rose-Photo-by-Michael-Brace.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/Mary-Rose-Photo-by-Michael-Brace-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/Mary-Rose-Photo-by-Michael-Brace-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/03/Mary-Rose-Photo-by-Michael-Brace-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Photo by Michael Brace</div>
Henry VIII was known for his erm… love affairs and this month sees a very special Shipwreck Explorers all about Tudor lurvveeee. Find out about the love tokens they gave each other, how they celebrated V. Day and what was the best way to keep your head if you were married to the King (Clue… it involved having a son).
<a href="https://maryrose.org/events/2020/02/15/shipwreck-explorers/shipwreck-explorers-royal-romance/">maryrose.org</a>
FAMILY: Talk to the Animals Show, Tapnell Farm, Freshwater, Mon 17 &#8211; Sun 23
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-12252 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Tapnell-Farm-Park-Easter-Lambs.jpg" alt="Tapnell Farm Park - Easter - Lambs" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Tapnell-Farm-Park-Easter-Lambs.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Tapnell-Farm-Park-Easter-Lambs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Tapnell-Farm-Park-Easter-Lambs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/04/Tapnell-Farm-Park-Easter-Lambs-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />
If animals could talk… well, now they can! This fantastic family-friendly event get the words right from the animal’s mouth, courtesy of Terry Antular and his crew. With interviews with the local wildlife and fun activities for all, it’ll be eye-opening to say the least.
<a href="https://tapnellfarmpark.com/events/talk-to-the-animals-show">tapnellfarmpark.com</a> 
FAMILY: IoW Story Festival, Riverside Centre, Newport, Fri 21 &#8211; Sat 22
I’m not sure who will be more excited about this one, the kids or the grown-ups. The Island gets a magical, fairytale makeover this weekend as the IoW Story Festival returns for another year. With top names on the roster including illustrator Nick Sharatt and Sarah McIntyre, there’s story games, activities and workshops for kids of all ages.
<a href="https://www.iwstoryfestival.com/">iwstoryfestival.com</a>
MUSIC: Jack Up the 70s, Lower Hyde, Sat 22
Get ready to disco! The Island is stepping back to the groovy 70s with the latest Jack Up event this February. You can jive, hustle and do the funky chicken to your heart’s content accompanied by The Zoots.
<a href="https://jackupthe70s.co.uk/">jackupthe70s.co.uk</a>
THEATRE: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Sat 22
Forget scripts and forget planning, this show is all about winging it. Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is an Oliver winner, Edinburgh Fringe mainstay and absolutely guarantees that no two shows are the same.
<a href="https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/showstopper-the-improvised-musical/">kingsportsmouth.co.uk</a>
COMEDY: Suzi Ruffell: Dance Like Everyone’s Watching, The Berry Theatre, Hedge End, Sat 22 
Hampshire’s very own Suzi Ruffell has made a name for herself on the comedy circuit and her latest stand-up show is all about being happy. The Pompey girl talks marriage, babies and a little bit about her local roots in a night that will have you giggling in the aisles
<a href="https://www.theberrytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spring-20/suzi-ruffell-dance-like-everyones-watching/">theberrytheatre.co.uk</a>
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FURTHER AFIELD
LONDON
THEATRE: Cabaret,New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon, Tues 18 – Sat 22 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24198" src="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2018/02/Cabaret-production.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />
Snap up this chance to see Mr Jazzhands himself, EastEnder-turned-West-Ender John Partridge, as the Emcee in Cabaret this February after its two smash-hit runs in London. Anita Harris also joins the line-up for an extra sprinkling of star power. Grab your lipstick (loving your look there, John) and get ready to head to 1930s Berlin.
<a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/cabaret/new-wimbledon-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tickets</a>
SUSSEX
KIDS: Brighton Science Festival, various venues, Sat 15 – 23 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-21592 size-full" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/02/child-scientist-.jpg" alt="What's On in Sussex in Feb, What's On in Sussex, Things to Do n Sussex, what's on in Sussex for Half Term, What's On this weekend in Sussex" width="1000" height="668" />
This February half term will be the 15th instalment of Brighton Science Festival which aims to get tweens excited about science. Across the festival, there’ll be heaps of family-friendly makes, workshops and brilliant (and gross) experiments, generally at low cost.
<a href="http://www.brightonscience.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">brightonscience.com</a>
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This weekend

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