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>
EVENT: Mindfulness Trail, The Vyne, Sat 11 Jan &#8211; Sun 9 Feb
<div id="attachment_11555" style="width: 1010px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11555" 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.
<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/0953f43f-9dce-422e-bfb8-a22ca46ece1c/pages/details" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nationaltrust.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>
DANCE: Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake, The Mayflower, Southampton, Wed 29 &#8211; Fri 31
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-16993 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/12/Southampton-Swan-Lake-NEW-2020-620x490px.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="790" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/12/Southampton-Swan-Lake-NEW-2020-620x490px.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/12/Southampton-Swan-Lake-NEW-2020-620x490px-300x237.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/12/Southampton-Swan-Lake-NEW-2020-620x490px-768x607.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/12/Southampton-Swan-Lake-NEW-2020-620x490px-633x500.jpg 633w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Best foot forward! The Birmingham Royal Ballet brings the timeless classic of Swan Lake to the stage this month with a three day run at The Mayflower. If you&#8217;ve promised yourself to be more cultural this year, or just want to dip your pointed toe into ballet, then this will rivet and astound even the most apprehensive theatregoer.
<a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/swan-lake-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mayflower.org.uk</a>
THEATRE: Wind In The Willows: The Musical, Nuffield Southampton Campus, Wed 29 Jan &#8211;  Sat 1 Feb
Old Toad of Toad Hall is up to his old tricks again with this production of the classic book by Grahame. This production is glittering with a story created by Oscar winner and creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and the new Half a Sixpence).
<a href="https://www.nstheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-wind-in-the-willows/book" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nstheatres.co.uk</a>

MUSIC: Chorister for a day, The Pilgrims School, Winchester, Sat 1 Feb
Bit of a quirky one but if you&#8217;ve got a son that has a pretty sweet singing voice, then this taster session with The Pilgrims School might be worth checking out. Parents, guardians and kids can find out more about what choral singing entails, try out some of the robes and have the chance to sing at Winchester Cathedral for Evensong.
<a href="https://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/be-a-chorister-for-a-day?fbclid=IwAR1fOOggulbJC2Pu0xb2i6Ez9DBxqBfmeTvxt5oUsmjAGWf0wkuM7bbKsL8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">thepilgrims-school.co.uk</a>
FAMILY: Raymond Briggs&#8217;: The Bear, Theatre Royal Winchester, Sat 1 &#8211; Sun 2 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-17595 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/The-bear.jpeg" alt="The bear" width="1000" height="573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/The-bear.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/The-bear-300x172.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/The-bear-768x440.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/The-bear-720x413.jpeg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Tilly has a bit of a bear problem. The girl has made friends with a cheeky polar bear who is going to get her into ALL sorts of trouble. This tale by Raymond Briggs (yep, the guy who wrote The Snowman) brings puppetry, theatre and music together for a captivating show that will enchant and delight. The Guardian even compared it to er&#8230; War Horse.
<a href="https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/raymond-briggs-bear" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk</a>
WORKSHOP: A Cappella &#8216;Come Try It&#8217; Session, Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Sat 1 Feb
If you&#8217;re still on the hunt for a new hobby, then this taster session with Rooksdown A Cappella Singers might be worth a punt. Give your lungs a workout and channel all that karaoke practice from boozy nights out by singing with this group.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/857406904702253/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook Event</a>
FOOD &amp; DRINK: Vegan Fiesta, Festival Place, Basingstoke, Sun 2 Feb
So, Veganuary is just about over but whether you&#8217;re now a full plant-based convert or just want to be a little bit flexitarian Basingstoke Festival Place has their monthly Vegan Fiesta this weekend. As well as yummy ethical food, you can also check out cruelty-free beauty, gifts and more.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/festival-place/vegan-fiesta-basingstoke/1377705122405269/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook Event</a>
EVENT: St Valentine&#8217;s Fayre and Jane Austen Talk, NST City, Southampton, Sun 2 Feb
It&#8217;s the month of lurveeee and this weekend sees the NST City in Southampton transform into a lovey-dovey artisan fair. As well as foodie bits and local crafters, there&#8217;s plenty of free activities for the kids to try out as well as a talk all about Hampshire&#8217;s very own Jane Austen.
<a href="https://www.nstheatres.co.uk/whats-on/next-month/st-valentines-fayre-and-jane-austen-talk?fbclid=IwAR3wk9KRqMGB-gcl4XB8BJN_DfvhCOa9g5fMW-zwni4AHk7vLTvj2pdeURU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nstheatres.co.uk</a>
OUTDOORS: Foxbury Equestrian Open Day, Foxbury Enclosure, Sun 2 Feb
If you like to gallop with the best of them, check out this horsey event in beautiful Foxbury. Taking into consideration the soggy Winter weather this organised ride-out is a chance to explore the beautiful National Trust area and give your pony a good old plod.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/584270982117676/?event_time_id=584271002117674" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook Event</a>
THEATRE: The Adult Panto, Peter Panties, Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Sun 2 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-17594 size-full" src="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image.jpg" alt="Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image" width="1000" height="656" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image-300x197.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image-768x504.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/Peter-Panties-640x420-web-image-720x472.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />Yeah, ok Christmas is VERY much over but&#8230; we do LOVE panto and this isn&#8217;t just any old panto. Leave the kids well and truly at home for a raucous, rude and raunchy retelling of Peter Pan&#8230; with added saucy bits. Oooh errrr!
<a href="https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/peter-panties/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kingsportsmouth.co.uk</a>
&nbsp;
FURTHER AFIELD 
SURREY
COMEDY: David Baddiel – Dolls Not The Trolls, Dorking Halls, Fri 31 Jan
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23863" src="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/David-Baddiel-press.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="779" />
David has stories to tell of the dark, terrible and hysterically absurd cyber-paths that interacting with trolls has led him down. All with a comedic twist, naturally!
<a href="https://www.dorkinghalls.co.uk/whats-on/all-events/">dorkinghalls.co.uk</a>
THEATRE: Jane Eyre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, Tue 28 Jan – Sat 1 Feb
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23874" src="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/12/Jane-Eyre-landscape.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" />
Blackeyed Theatre’s brand new stage adaptation of one of the greatest works of English fiction comes to Guildford. Jane Eyre is the famous portrayal of one woman’s quest for equality and freedom.
<a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on">yvonne-arnaud.co.uk</a>
BERKSHIRE
COMEDY: John Luke Roberts, South Street Arts Reading, 31 Jan
Possibly the longest show name in history – After Me Comes the Flood (But in French) drip splosh splash drip BLUBBP BLUBBP BLUBBPBLUBBPBLUBBP!! – courtesy of critically acclaimed idiot John-Luke Roberts (pictured above). In a brand-new hour of extraordinary daft-hearted comedy, expect to not know why you are laughing once more…even when he gives you the punchline first.
<a href="https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street/whats-on/john-luke-roberts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">whatsonreading.com</a>
SUSSEX
EVENT: Northern Lights, South Downs Planetarium, Chichester, Fri 31 Jan
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-30952 aligncenter" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/10/Northern-Lights-image-from-rawpixel-id-428404-jpeg.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="750" />
Chichester’s planetarium has one of a series of seasonal astronomy shows at the end of the month, looking at the wonderful Northern Lights, (Fri 31 Jan). Tickets are £7 adults, £5 children.
<a href="http://www.southdowns.org.uk/Events.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">southdowns.org.uk</a>

This Weekend

You may also like