The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines
Jan
17
to 28 Feb

The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines

The Art of Keeping Well is a free community art exhibition in the top floor gallery of Lighthouse, Poole, centred on caregiving, memory loss and ageing well. The exhibition also showcases Beyond the Lines, a black-and-white portrait series created by members of In Jolly Good Company groups.

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Stolen Ram
Mar
4
to 5 Mar

Stolen Ram

From the makers of Pot licker… Zara is in deep trouble. She’s involved with shady, unscrupulous characters motivated only by greed and pursuit of power. Well, it was her choice to take that job in school senior management.

Age guidance: 14+

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Spiers & Boden
Mar
5

Spiers & Boden

Spiers & Boden have been at the forefront of the English traditional folk scene for 25 years both as a ground breaking duo and as founder members of folk phenomenon Bellowhead.

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Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of The Masked Magician
Mar
7

Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of The Masked Magician

A brand-new Holmes and Watson magic show. When, in mid-show, the Masked Magician disappears, completely, magically and seemingly forever, Sherlock Holmes (with Watson in tow) plunges into a secret world of Edwardian Magic to solve the mystery of the missing Magi. A fresh Holmes and Watson adventure for all the family filled with mayhem, mirth, mystery and… magic.

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Tunde
Mar
10

Tunde

Experience the unique sound and timeless songs of former Lighthouse Family lead singer/songwriter, Tunde, as he opens a new chapter in his music career by celebrating an exciting new songbook, as well as the 30th anniversary of the debut Lighthouse Family album, Ocean Drive.

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Banff World Mountain Film Festival
Mar
11

Banff World Mountain Film Festival

A brand-new collection of short films filled with extreme journeys, untamed characters and captivating cinematography. Join the world’s top adventure filmmakers and thrill-seekers as they climb, ski, paddle and ride into the wildest corners of the planet.

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Our Little Hour
Mar
11

Our Little Hour

Following its critically acclaimed, sell out success in 2024, Our Little Hour comes to Lighthouse as part of its 2026 revival tour. It tells the inspirational story of how Walter Tull rose to prominence as the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army.

Age guidance: 11+

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Studio Jazz: The Breath
Mar
13

Studio Jazz: The Breath

A magical blend of alt-folk and musical storytelling, with the odd jazz undertone, The Breath is Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum (ex The Cinematic Orchestra) and previous BBC R2 Folk Singer of the Year winner, singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly.

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Pepper and Honey
Mar
19

Pepper and Honey

Ana is ready to start her new life in the UK. Her Grandma is baking the traditional pepper biscuits known to bring a loved one home. Will those be enough to reunite her with Ana? And where is her granddaughter’s home now? A play of love, loss, culture, heritage and new beginnings. (Biscuits included!)

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Cerys Hafana
Mar
25

Cerys Hafana

Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. They explore the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and are also interested in found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing.

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The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins
Mar
27

The Eternal Shame of Sue Perkins

You may know her as Bake-Off Sue, Taskmaster Sue, Just A Minute Sue, or the Sue that gives you travel envy, but stand-up Sue is full of surprises. In this brand-new show, she shares the unlikely happenings from a career in the spotlight.

Age guidance: 16+

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Daoirí Farrell
Mar
28

Daoirí Farrell

A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his solo live career at Celtic Connections in 2016, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength and can boast numerous honours from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Folk Award nominations, to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.

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An Evening with Nimsdai Purja
Jan
10

An Evening with Nimsdai Purja

Famous for climbing the 14 highest peaks in the world in six months and six days - a feat captured in the global Netflix sensation 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible - Nims’ story is one of inspiration, determination, and giving back. His first live event in the UK, this is a one-off show not to be missed.

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Moscow Drug Club
Dec
16

Moscow Drug Club

Combining original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Eartha Kitt, Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience.

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Dick Whittington
Dec
11
to 4 Jan

Dick Whittington

Prepare yourself for a feline-good adventure paved with gold this Christmas as our traditional family pantomime returns with Dick Whittington. Written and directed by CBeebies and pantomime legend Chris Jarvis, with production design by James Smith, Poole-born West End star Bernadette Bangura features as Fairy Bowbelles with last year’s fiendish villain Sarah-Louise Young coming back as King Rat and our very own Corben Heward-Mills makes the leap from ensemble to principal cast as Tommy the Cat.

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Mark Steel: The Leopard In My House
Nov
29

Mark Steel: The Leopard In My House

Mark Steel returns to Lighthouse with his new tour, The Leopard in My House. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle the multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Age guidance: 14+

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Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone
Nov
22

Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone

An extraordinary celebration of Nina Simone’s timeless legacy, Lady Nade – acclaimed for her unique and award-winning vocal talent – stands as a shining star in the UK music scene. This high-octane performance, coupled with a heartfelt homage to Nina Simone, promises an unforgettable show.

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Little Robin Red Vest
Nov
22
to 14 Dec

Little Robin Red Vest

Based on the timeless Christmas classic by best-selling, award-winning author, Jan Fearnley. Join us for this brand-new adaptation aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, our playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.

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Terje Isungset Ice Quartet
Nov
19

Terje Isungset Ice Quartet

The ice music pioneer, Terje Isungset, with his exquisite quartet featuring voice, ice harp, ice horn, iceophone, ice percussion and ice bass. This ice concert is a tribute to the most important thing in the whole world – nature – and is played on instruments made during Isungset’s annual Ice Music Festival in Norway. They are carved and crafted using only natural frozen ice from the lakes. Prepare to be transported by the extraordinary, beautiful and ethereal sounds of ice.

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Stevie Martin: Clout
Nov
15

Stevie Martin: Clout

Stevie Martin (Taskmaster, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown) has been doing online comedy for a while (45 million views worldwide), but is now returning to live comedy with her latest show, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Soho Theatre this year.

Age guidance: 14

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Making a Killing
Nov
13

Making a Killing

Nuremberg, 1590. Europe teeters on the edge of modernity but, in the shadow of the gallows, executioner Frantz Schmidt has more immediate concerns. Torturer, hangman and - most unusually - meticulous diarist, Frantz wrestles with a family curse that haunts his every step. When a brash new assistant arrives, tensions ignite and the stage is set for a clash that could tear their brutal world apart.

Age guidance: 12+

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Emma
Nov
10
to 15 Nov

Emma

This new 250th anniversary stage production of Jane Austen’s classic comedy of manners is adapted by Ryan Craig, whose recent works includes the world premiere of Charlotte and Theodore in Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio and 1984 in the Main House.

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Milton Jones: Ha!Milton
Nov
8

Milton Jones: Ha!Milton

This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. A whole new show of daftness. You know it makes sense.

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Winter Food Fair
Nov
8
to 9 Nov

Winter Food Fair

Head to the Dorset Food & Drink Winter Food Fair at Athelhampton House on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November! Expect award-winning Dorset producers, artisan crafts, live music, and hearty bites from wood-fired pizzas to hog roasts. Sip mulled drinks or hot chocolate as you explore the twinkly marquee and festive stalls. It’s the perfect blend of seasonal cheer and winter magic.

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Ellie Gowers
Nov
7

Ellie Gowers

Emerging onto the UK folk scene with her debut album, Dwelling by the Weir (2022), Ellie explored folklore and stories of her hometown, Warwick, through ecological, sociological, and personal themes. It connected with wider audiences and secured her a place on the UK touring circuit. Ellie marks her return this summer with long-awaited new music.

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The Psychology of Dogs
Nov
7

The Psychology of Dogs

Get ready for a tail-waggingly good evening with expert dog whisperer, Paula O’Sullivan. As a specialist canine behaviourist and advanced trainer, Paula has spent over a decade helping thousands of dogs (and their humans) understand each other better.

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Shock Horror
Nov
5

Shock Horror

A nightmare is about to break free… Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights, Shock Horror is full of shivers, shrieks and shocking revelations. Take a chilling journey into an unravelling, haunted past. Age guidance: 12+

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Cranborne Chase - Droves & Downs Exhibition
Nov
5
to 18 Nov

Cranborne Chase - Droves & Downs Exhibition

  • Shaftesbury Arts Centre 11-13 Bell Street Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8AR (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Droves & Downs is a brand new exhibition from four artists who were awarded bursaries by Dorset Visual Arts to create a body of work inspired by the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Via an open call, artists were invited by Dorset Visual Arts to submit proposals to explore the different facets of the Chase’s ecology and heritage - meadows, river systems, and byways as well as aspects of its communities, human history and importance now as a National Landscape.

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Lewis Plays Mozart
Oct
29

Lewis Plays Mozart

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.25 is the biggest, grandest and most sonorous of all of them and represents the C major summit of the 30-year-old composer’s Viennese style. A true masterpiece, it is not only magisterial but moving – broad and splendid, yet keenly detailed. Paul Lewis is internationally regarded as one of the leading musicians of his generation and takes on this mighty work.

Tchaikovsky identified deeply with Manfred, the lonely, heartbroken wanderer at the centre of Byron’s epic poem. This is a piece which is often overlooked due to its long and technically challenging nature – yet it has so much to offer with bountiful drama, colour and a memorable series of melodies.

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It’s a Living Thing: The music of Jeff Lynne's ELO
Oct
18

It’s a Living Thing: The music of Jeff Lynne's ELO

Formed in 1970 in Birmingham UK, the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) was a band that fuses pop music with classical overtones. It’s creator, Jeff Lynne, added violins, cellos, string basses, horns and woodwind to the standard rock line-up.

This special BSO concert celebrates the unique aura of ELO, expanding the classic sound with a full symphony orchestra and band, with 6 singers to replicate the glorious wall of vocal sound. The concert celebrates ELO’s catalogue of classic chart hits – not re-imagined, but like you’ve never heard them before!

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Colour and Light
Oct
15

Colour and Light

Join Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Gergely Madaras for a concert of music which includes Elgar’s magnificent showpiece Bach’s Fantasia & Fugue in C minor. 

More than just a mere transcription of Bach’s mournful organ Fantasia, layer upon layer of orchestral colour are built up until the full-throttle climax.

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