To mark their royal return to Mayflower Theatre in 2025, and yet another sell out run this year, Mayflower Theatre and SIX visited Tudor House in Southampton to visit the Bronze Cannon which is in situ in the house garden. The cast of SIX visited the bronze cannon which was made for Henry VIII in

Fans of a pre-historic world will be thrilled to learn that the award-winning interactive show, Dinosaur World Live is coming to Theatre Royal Winchester from Saturday 10 August. Direct from London’s West End – and nominated for Best Family Show at this year’s Olivier Awards – Dinosaur World Live invites audiences, young and old, to

Children will enjoy a charming musical adaptation of the beloved classic, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, when it comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Monday 5 August. The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a delightful family show, which tells the story of Sophie and her mummy as they sit down for tea and

Disney’s hit Broadway and West End musical, Aladdin, lands in Southampton as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour from Thursday 5 to Sunday 29 September 2024. Adapted from Disney’s 1992 animated film and centuries-old folktales, including One Thousand and One Nights, this smash-hit musical is brought to theatrical life in a unique

Fans of magic are invited to experience London’s longest-running theatre magic show, West End Magic, when it comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 4 August. West End Magic is a family-friendly show featuring magic, illusion, comedy and variety acts from British Champion of Magic, Oliver Tabor – who has performed around the world; appeared

For the first time ever, hit theatre tour Bluey’s Big Play will visit the UK following sell-out shows across Australia and the US, arriving at Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 August 2024. Audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, her younger sister Bingo and Mum & Dad Bandit and Chilli,

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent finalist, magician Cillian O’Connor, will be delighted to hear that he takes to the stage at Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 30 July. This year Cillian is touring his first ever live stage show, My Magic World – a show that promises to amaze audiences of all ages, and featuring

As Mayflower Theatre get ready to welcome Smash- hit family Favourite Madagascar the Musical to the stage from 21- 24 August, they announce a roarsome summer holiday offer of tickets for just £15 – if you book by the 21 July (T&C’s apply). Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main

Photo credit: Tom Wren Families searching for a show they can all enjoy should look no further than Mr Toad – performed at Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July. It tells the story of Mr Toad of Toad Hall, which is under threat from the sly Miss Weasel, and whose insatiable

Football fans – in particular those who root for the underdog – and others may be interested in The Giant Killers, which comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Wednesday 24 July. It tells the inspiring true story of a ragtag bunch of Lancashire mill workers in the town of Darwen who defied the odds to

Photos by Adrienne Photography Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts – celebrated its 50th birthday in style last weekend (Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July) – despite the patchy weather. The festivities began around lunchtime on the Friday – shortly after the first performances of the weekend had begun –

Children and their families, eager for some more ‘history with the nasty bits left in’, can delight in the return of the Horrible Histories gang, this time with their show, Rotten Royals, coming to Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 21 July. Britain’s favourite history show is back with revolting rulers and mad monarchs from the

By Anita Foxall. Between the 11 and the 13 of July, Southampton will be home to a new event – the Southampton Fringe Festival. It will include a variety of performances and events: musicals, plays, poetry readings, etc. Daniel Harris and Becky Birkett-Mills, the organisers, have been nurturing this idea for a while, and last

Young fans of pop music will be thrilled to get a ticket to the ultimate pop concert experience, Total Pop Party, when it returns Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 20 July. Total Pop Party: The Ultimate Concert Experience is packed with classic tunes from the likes of pop royalty including Taylor Swift, Pink, Ed Sheeran

Rock fans are invited to celebrate a rock line-up like no other when The History of Rock takes to the stage at Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 19 July. Audiences will be taken on a journey throughout the history of rock, showcasing classic hits from the likes of Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses and Queen

Maskers Theatre – Romeo and Juliet, Townhill Park House The Maskers Theatre return to Townhill Park House with ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Shakespeare’s story of love and loss. On the Sundial Lawn against the backdrop of the house Thursday 18 – Saturday 27 July 7.30pm each evening and 2.30pm on Saturday (grounds open early for picnics).

The team at Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios announce details of the exciting and broad mix of children’s entertainment shows that will be performing across both venues during the 2024 school summer holidays. With a variety of enjoyment for all young ages, audiences can enjoy the delight of live performances across both venues this

Actor Andrew Scott returns in another National Theatre Live screening – Present Laughter, at Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 23 July. Present Laughter tells of star actor, Garry Essendine, as he prepares to embark on an overseas tour – when his colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating

Adult audiences looking for an entertaining, funny and frank evening of song and chat are welcome at Girls Night Out at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 18 July. Girls Night Out is an award-winning cabaret of outrageous vocals, rip-roaring humour and unapologetic misbehaviour and cheeky chat – with no subject off limits! Girls Night Out

Fans of the rock band Dire Straits are invited to an evening celebrating their award-winning music when DS:UK perform at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 11 July. The band bring to the stage their highly anticipated The Alchemical Tour, which pays tribute to Dire Straits’ infamous live album – Alchemy: Dire Straits Live – their

Zog and the Flying Doctors, based on the bestselling sequel by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will fly into Southampton this summer, playing at MAST Mayflower Studios from Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 July 2024. Zog, super keen student turned air-ambulance, still lands with a bang-crash-thump. Together with his Flying Doctor crew, Princess Pearl and

A West End star and Dolly Parton impersonator takes to the stage in The Dolly Show at Theatre Royal Winchester on Wednesday 10 July. Kelly O’Brien appears as country music singer Dolly Parton – and the only Parton impersonator to be endorsed by the Parton family itself – capturing the voice, vigor and voluptuousness of

The smash hit, Pretty Woman: The Musical, will arrive at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 July 2024. Pretty Woman: The Musical is Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage, guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart. Once upon a time in the late ’80s, Vivian met Edward and her life

Photo credit: Shannon Shumaker Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls have announced details of a more traditional headline UK tour for July 2024 in celebration of his tenth album Undefeated, including a stop at the 1865 in Southampton on Thursday 18 July. “I’m bringing the tour, the new album, the Sleeping Souls, and my excellent

Celebrating 30 years on the road this year, The Bon Jovi Experience is MAST Mayflower Studios on Friday 19 July with a brand-new production. Get ready to rock your way through an unforgettable journey with the only show to be endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself! Immerse yourself in a phenomenal celebration of Bon Jovi’s

The Wickham Festival is moving home – but only a few hundred yards. The popular long-running event is switching to a different site for this year’s event from August 1-4 headlined by rock goddess Suzi Quatro, Curtis Stigers and the Levellers. Winchester City Council have just approved the transfer to a new field which organisers

Photo of Arthur L Wood Hat Fair, the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, which runs from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July, is ready to celebrate local and young talent with an extensive line-up of performances from youth theatre groups, drama students, local choirs, musicians, singers, dancers, and more. Playmakers Youth Theatre groups

Tomáš Hanus & WNO Orchestra – Prague Spring Festival Opening Concert – Photo Credit Pražské Jaro 2 The Welsh National Opera (WNO) Orchestra will embark on a musical journey through some of Central Europe’s finest masterpieces, for their summer concert tour, Crossing Borders,  presented by WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus. The tour will visit Turner

Back for its 55th edition, Southampton International Boat Show, Britain’s largest marine festival, is returning to Mayflower Park, Southampton. The show will be open from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 September, and promises to have something for everyone to enjoy. The biggest marine showcase in the UK provides the very best the industry has to

The critically acclaimed musical parody, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, will swim into Mayflower Theatre from 6 – 7 July 2024. Join everyone’s favourite Disney Diva, Ursula, as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark

Photo credit: Adrienne Photography Hat Fair, the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, is back for another summer – this year from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July – and to celebrate the festival’s 50th birthday, the programme features a host of familiar faces, ready to bring more outrageous street theatre, circus, comedy and

The team at Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios have announced details of the exciting and eclectic mix of musical tribute shows, which will be performing across both venues this July. With musical genres spanning the decades, audiences can enjoy the thrill of live performances across both venues this summer. Shows include: The Magic of

Comedy audiences are invited to an evening of stand-up with Winchester Comedy Festival’s Summer Gala at Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 28 June. This is a brilliant evening of top comedy from a host of award-winning comedians who have appeared on and written for national TV and radio, including Zoe Lyons who trained as an

Photos: Adrienne Photography Hat Fair, the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, is back for another summer – this year from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July. There will be bold street theatre, circus, music, dance and more taking over Winchester city centre for all ages to enjoy – and this year is extra

Play to the Crowd – the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers – is looking for support cast members for this year’s traditional family pantomime, Mother Goose, which will run from Saturday 30 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. The charity, which produces the theatre’s annual pantomime,

The team at Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios has announced an array of dance that will be performed across both venues during 2024 and 2025. From Ballet to Ballroom and Latin. Shows include: Nadiya & Kai: Behind The Magic 30 June 2024 at Mayflower Theatre During Nadiya and Kai’s debut tour, the Strictly Come

By Manthan Pathak. It’s a Monday morning like any other for most of us, but not for everyone. Outside Portswood police station dozens of men and women seeking refuge queue to ‘report’, a regular commitment they must make if they have claimed asylum. For many, they know that every reporting visit carries the risk of

Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, welcomed businesses from across Winchester to a Backstage Breakfast to mark the launch of this year’s Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, which this summer will run from Friday 5 – Sunday

By Paul Jenks – TriFest coordinator. TriFest is a free festival (run by volunteers) held on Riverside Park, next to Bitterne Park Triangle (TriFest) in Southampton. This year’s festival is on Saturday 27th July and it will be our 5th year. We’ve got a bit of everything. We have local bands playing, craft stalls, local

Devoted readers of Sir Terry Pratchett’s fantastical novels are invited to a celebratory evening exploring his life and work when The Magic of Terry Pratchett comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 15 June. Terry Pratchett was the author of over fifty bestselling books including The Colour of Magic – the first in his Discworld

By Anita Foxall. Southampton musician/drummer Charlie Brown has recently launched his own solo project with the track Lost Sun, which was released on the 3 May. Charlie is a music producer, songwriter and a familiar face in the Southampton live music scene. He is the drummer in the band Interesting Wallpaper, and collaborates/plays with other

Popular TV and radio presenter, Clive Anderson, presents an evening exploring a guest’s personal wonders of the world when Clive Anderson’s My Seven Wonders comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 14 June. For the first time, Anderson presents on stage the live version of his hit podcast, My Seven Wonders with Clive Anderson, whereby

Prepare to be swept off your feet as An Officer and  Gentleman the Musical comes to the stage of Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 June 2024. An Officer and a Gentleman the Musical invites you into a world where dreams and destinies intertwine. Don’t miss your chance to experience this captivating romance

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival, which takes place from 23 – 25 August 2024, announces a jam-packed bill of entertainment for all the family at this year’s bank holiday extravaganza. Brush off your best moves as TV presenter, Katy Ashworth, takes to the stage on Friday for the ultimate disco party,

Photo credit: Rotten Royals by Mark Douet Families looking for entertaining days and nights out during the British summertime – when the sunshine cannot be relied upon – can find something for everyone to enjoy at Theatre Royal Winchester this season – from music to comedy, magic and brilliant storytelling. This summer’s programme of family

Fans of Fleetwood Mac can enjoy the ultimate tribute to the iconic rock band when Fleetwood Unchained come to Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 8 June. Fleetwood Unchained bring to life the British-American band’s timeless hits from the early blues-infused classics to the pop-rock anthems that made the band international superstars and remain firm favourites

The organisers of Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts – are looking for volunteers for this year’s event, which takes place from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July. The festival, which takes over the city streets and green spaces of Winchester, is visited each summer by tens of thousands of

Followers of the shipping forecast can tune into Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast with Charlie Connelly at Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 7 June. This year the shipping forecast celebrates 100 years, and bestselling author Charlie Connelly presents an informative, funny, pacy and moving show about the quirky broadcast – asking

The UK’s most iconic retro festival series, Let’s Rock, will be coming to seven locations across the UK this summer, including new events in Northampton and Swansea, while Let’s Rock Scotland have partnered with Party at The Palace for a two-day event in August. The season kicks off on June 15 with Let’s Rock Northampton

Theatre fans will be swept away by The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary, which visits Theatre Royal Winchester from Tuesday 4 June. The play tells of a bored Emma Bovary – bored with her boring doctor husband, boring provincial village and boring role as a dutiful wife in nineteenth-century France. But Emma read novels and

Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, and based on the classic Hasbro board game, Cluedo is back at Mayflower Theatre with a brand-new comedy mystery, from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 June 2024. The hilarious whodunnit returns with a new story, a new house, new suspects and lots of new bodies.

Photo credit: Johan Persson The story of the man behind the NHS is told in new play, Nye – the next National Theatre Live screening to take place at Theatre Royal Winchester on Monday 3 June. Nye tells the story of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan who faced with death is taken on a surreal, mind-bending journey

MAST Mayflower Studios are co-producing the production of The Lion Inside, and look forward to it entertaining young audiences in Southampton from Wednesday 29 May to Saturday 1 June 2024. Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest,

Mesmerising magic and crazy circus stunts are promised from High Jinx: Magic, Illusion & Circus at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 26 May at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. High Jinx is a jam-packed show featuring incredible magic tricks, mind-boggling illusions, inspiring feats of juggling and daring circus stunts, which will leave audiences puzzled and amazed. It

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront from 23 – 25 August 2024, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has announced its full comedy line-up for this summer’s Bank Holiday extravaganza. Building on the success of last year’s expanded comedy offering, Victorious will welcome some of the biggest and best names in

Folk music fans are in for a treat when Steeleye Span return to the city and Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 18 May. The British folk-rock band will be celebrating 50 years together and a new album, The Green Man Collection, which features tracks from recent releases and new versions of three classics including a

Wicked, the spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically acclaimed production, is set to fly back to the Mayflower Theatre stage from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 16 June 2024. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women – the popular Glinda and a misunderstood Elphaba – who first meet

Theatre Royal Winchester is set to host a magic show for kids and childish grown-ups when world-renowned magicians Morgan and West return with their Massive Magic Show for Kids on Sunday 5 May. A brand-new magic show, Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show is packed with mysterious magic tricks as well as the duo’s trademark

Wicked, the spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically acclaimed production, is set to fly back to the Mayflower Theatre stage from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 16 June 2024. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women – the popular Glinda and a misunderstood Elphaba – who first meet

Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy the darkly comic Austen’s Women: Lady Susan, which comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 2 May. Lady Susan is a brand-new one-woman show about society and the women trapped within it – featuring the devil-may-care black widow character of Lady Susan, who is hunting down fortune, rebellious daughter Frederica,

 Cricket fans can be in for a humorous but insightful evening when one man show, Jack’s Ashes, comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Wednesday 1 May. Jack’s Ashes tells the story of former professional cricketer, Jack, as he steps up to give his team talk to motivate the players, but as the wickets fall the

Lolita Chakrabarti’s dazzling Olivier Award winning stage adaption of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, Life of Pi, will journey to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 May 2024. Based on one of the best-loved works of fiction – winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide – Life of Pi is

Photo Credit: Jimmy Parratt Three pioneering female choreographers are honoured in contemporary ballet show, California Connections, which visits Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 23 April. California Connections is a powerful mixed bill that highlights the ground-breaking work of three icons of contemporary dance – Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Bella Lewitzky; – celebrating the performing

Fans of singer songwriter Neil Diamond can enjoy a celebratory tribute that forms part of a charity fundraiser when A Beautiful Noise Show visits Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 19 April. A Beautiful Noise Show: The definitive tribute to Neil Diamond celebrates more than five decades of the pop and rock icon’s exceptional musical career

Contemporary dance enthusiasts will get the chance to experience exciting new works by established and emerging international choreographers when Mapdance visits Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 18 April. The company’s show will feature three newly commissioned works showcasing gritty dance-theatre and athletic and fast-paced choreography. With 14 dancers taking to the stage, Swiss born dance

Mayflower Theatre announces that this year they have awarded a total of £36,500 to nine deserving rising stars, to help them fulfil their ambitions, as part of the Higher Education Bursary Scheme. The Higher Education Bursary Scheme is open to individuals between the ages of 18 – 25 who reside in Hampshire. Support is prioritised to

Comedian Rosie Holt explores the link between politics and entertainment in her brand-new show, That’s Politainment, at Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 13 April. The acclaimed comedian, actor and satirist’s show claims the worse the political career, the more lucrative the subsequent entertainment opportunities – for example, Matt Hancock – and asks if Holt’s own

Mayflower Theatre announces the renewal of Paris Smith’s long-standing 30 plus year partnership. A number of years ago, Paris Smith also extended its support to MAST Mayflower Studios, which fosters artist development and promotes youth engagement. The new arrangement follows the fusion of these two wonderful and different venues under Mayflower’s banner, underscoring Paris Smith’s

Children and their grown ups can enjoy this puppetry packed story –The Singing Mermaid, which comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from Saturday 13 April. Based on the children’s story by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, the show tells the story of a singing mermaid who is tempted to join a travelling circus with

Jerk Jam Festival returns in this year in June. The festival is set to take place Saturday 8th June, 2024 at Pinkmead Farm, Botley, Southampton from 11am to midnight.  This year David Rodigan, Goldie Lookin Chain, Fabio & Grooverider, Altern8, and more join the line up.  Jerk Jam Festival has been presenting a selection of

The deliciously naughty and outrageously silly timeless comedy, The School for Scandal, visits MAST Mayflower Studios from 8 to11 May 2024, as part of a major UK tour this spring. The School for Scandal is one of the greatest comedies ever written, featuring an unforgettable cast of larger-than-life characters, each armed with a lacerating wit.

Image:Jane Robinson. Photo by Bruce James. Acclaimed author and public speaker, Jane Robinson, is coming to The ARC, Winchester on Thursday 23rd May to discuss Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon – the fascinating subject of her latest book ‘Trailblazer: The First Feminist To Change Our World,’ for the latest Wire Wool event. Jane Robinson has a

Graham Norton, the nation’s favourite talk show host and author, is celebrating the release of his latest novel Frankie, published by Coronet, with a brand-new tour this autumn. An Evening with Graham Norton sees Graham discuss Frankie and share hilarious tales from his star-studded sofa, and turns the tables on himself to answer the audiences

The most fantastic magical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, opens at Mayflower Theatre Southampton on 30 April 2024, where it will play until 12 May 2024 ahead of its UK tour. In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help

Image by Charlie Clift. The bestselling children’s author David Walliams and the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company have teamed up for a brand-new production of the family adventure Awful Auntie, touring the UK 14th March – 7th December, coming to Poole this weekend and Southampton in November. This is their latest collaboration in a series of

Loyle Carner will headline the first ever TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions on Saturday 29 June. He is the latest to join an unmissable collection of world-class talent, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Tom Jones, Madness, Placebo, Paloma Faith, and Kaiser Chiefs set to headline Guildhall Square for Southampton Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. One of the leading voices in British rap, Loyle

Victorious Festival is organised by a team of locals who are passionate about Portsmouth and enjoy spreading positivity through their Victorious in the Community arm and charitable contributions. This year saw Victorious in the Community donate over £150,000 to good causes, bringing the total since 2014 to £711,426.53. But it’s not just about the numbers,

Pink Floyd fans can celebrate the anniversary of one of the rock band’s ground-breaking albums when the tribute act, All Floyd, visits Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 5 April. This year marks three decades since the release of Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell album, which sold more than an estimated 10 million copies worldwide –

Adventurers and film enthusiasts alike can enjoy an evening of award-winning films, capturing the very best of the planet, when Kendal Mountain Tour 2024: A Night of Adventure Films comes to Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 4 April. Audiences are invited to enjoy an evening of films that take in the world’s most breath-taking landscapes

Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage, as the beloved Who’s in Your Book? series, makes its debut as a brand-new musical show – There’s a Monster in Your Show will play at MAST Mayflower Studios from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 April 2024. A group of performers are

Lucy Porter is set to embark on a national tour from this September, with her brand-new show – all about regrets – bringing her to The Attic in Totton next spring. Frank Sinatra had too few regrets to mention, but Lucy’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them.

Come From Away, the multi award-winning Best Musical across the globe, will tour to Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 April 2024. Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community

The bestselling children’s author David Walliams and the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company have teamed up for a brand-new production of the family adventure Awful Auntie. This is their latest collaboration in a series of shows which includes the Oliver Award-nominated Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy. It comes to Poole’s Lighthouse this month, from March 21

Little ones can enjoy another Julia Donaldson classic coming to Theatre Royal Winchester – Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book, which is with the venue from Tuesday 2 to Wednesday 3 April 2024. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book tells the story of Charlie who loves reading – especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it and finds

Image credit: Rachel Sherlock. Award-nominated online sensation Morgan Rees is set to embark on his first UK stand-up comedy tour with his brand-new show ‘Turning Thirsty’ from 1st May to 27th June 2024, including dates at iconic venues such as the Bristol’s Old Vic, Glasgow’s The Stand and London’s Hackney Empire and coming to The

Southampton  gardeners are being asked to sow extra seeds, take cuttings and grow plants on for a charity plant sale in the city this spring. Communicare is hosting the event in May at CommuniBakes and is asking for plant donations to sell to raise money to help vulnerable and isolated people in Southampton. Fundraising and

Image credit: Dean Chalkley. Following the acclaim for the award-winning musical based on his songs, ‘Standing At The Sky’s Edge’, which opened earlier this month for a six-month run in London’s West End, today Richard Hawley recently released new single: “Two For His Heels”. It is the opening track on Hawley’s forthcoming album, ‘In This City They

Image by: Emilyn Cardona. Ireland’s Cardinals have returned with “Unreal”, their much-anticipated follow-up to last year’s debut single proper, “Roseland”, a song saw them heralded across press for the maturity and fully-formed nature of their sound. The 7″ vinyl, released on tastemaker label So Young, went on to hurriedly sell out within only two hours

Omid Djalili, is set to take his brand-new show Namaste on the road this autumn, bringing him to The Point, Eastleigh, for two nights. Namaste is typically a word associated with peace and tranquillity, but the word – which comes from Sanskrit – literally means “bowing to you”. And as he watches a world on

TV dance sensation and international champion Johannes Radebe is thrilled to be presenting a brand-new production, Johannes Radebe: House of JoJo, at Mayflower Theatre on Sunday 7 April, following the phenomenal success of his first two sell-out UK and Ireland tours. Join Johannes Radebe and a host of eclectic characters in this brand-new theatrical celebration

The organisers of Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts – are looking for volunteers for this year’s event, which takes place from Friday 5 – Sunday 7 July. The festival, which takes over the city streets and green spaces of Winchester, is visited each summer by tens of thousands of

REWRITES – the showcase for new musicals started by The Lowry, Salford in 2017 presents Nel’s Place at MAST Mayflower Studios on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 March. Trapped in a hoard of memories and music, Nel yearns to make space for granddaughter Molly’s 16th birthday celebrations. Can Nel find a way through grief to

Young science enthusiasts and their families are invited to a brand-new production at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 17 March. Science Museum: The Live Stage Show is an unmissable family show aimed at inspiring audiences in new and exciting ways, fuelling their imaginations, capturing their fascination and igniting their curiosity. The show is by London’s

Victorious Festival is thrilled to announce one of the most iconic stages, the Seaside Stage, is back for 2024, presented by Beats and Swing. Back with a huge line-up for the weekend, including Australian artist Dub FX – known for revolutionising the concept of a one man band with live looping and samples – is guaranteed

Fan-favourite and winner of Best New Musical (What’s On Stage Awards 2023), Bonnie & Clyde The Musical comes to Mayflower Theatre from 2 – 6 April 2024. Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is the story of two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in all America. They craved

New single, The Serpent and the King – from the album, Invincible Shield, released on 8 March –  sees Judas Priest at their heavy metal best, with what is without doubt the most fist pumping track on their much-anticipated forthcoming new album. The new single launched as Apple Music’s New Music Daily, along with an

Mayflower Theatre has announced further star casting for this year’s giant pantomime spectacular, Jack and the Beanstalk. Joining the previously announced Britain’s Got Talent winners and street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo and Diversity, will be award-winning actor and stand-up comedian, Kev Orkian – who will be returning to Mayflower Theatre after a sensational season appearing

Young fans of children’s book writer Julia Donaldson’s beloved stories will love Zog and the Flying Doctors, which visits Theatre Royal Winchester from Friday 8  to Sunday 10 March. Zog and the Flying Doctors tells the story of Zog, a super keen student turned air-ambulance who, with his Flying Doctor crew of Princess Pearl and

Image by Georges Antoni. Royel Otis will support headliners Kaiser Chiefs, for this year’s inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions series on Sunday 30 June. They join previously announced Tom Jones, Madness, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the growing lineup of unmissable acts who will take over Southampton’s Guildhall Square for Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. The vibrant Australian duo Royel Otis, comprising Otis Pavlovic

Playmakers are offering local talent the chance to perform at this year’s Hat Fair festival – and there are two ways for them to get involved. Playmakers are calling upon local singers, musicians, comics, choir members, dance troupes and others with a short performance to apply now to be part of Hat Fair – the

Following his sixth consecutive year on the hit BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing favourite Graziano Di Prima and his wife Giada Lini will take to the stage in a brand-new dance show, Believe: My Life on Stage, which visits MAST Mayflower Studios on Friday 15 March 2024. Joining this dynamic duo will be a company

By Mabel Wellman. Trans Pride Southampton is returning to Southampton this year on the 29th June. Last year Trans Prids was a small and intimate event at Watts Park. The event started with a march through City Centre, then a picnic in Watts Park. Trans Pride Southampton this year will be at Edmund Kell Unitarian

Contemporary dance enthusiasts will delight in new production, LORE, which visits Theatre Royal Winchester on Tuesday 5 March. LORE takes audiences on a folklore inspired journey into a pagan world of gods, demons and humans. The show explores a connection with nature and the energy that flows from the ground through our bodies and back

by Michael Coveney. After their initial success with an early, twenty-minute version of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1968, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were taken up by producer David Land, given a weekly wage of £20 a week each, an office, and encouraged to write anything at all with just one

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cowes, the Fringe Festival will take place from the 24 – 26 of May 2024, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of music and performances. The much-anticipated return of the Cowes Fringe Festival is set to dazzle audiences with an array of performances from an eclectic

By Diane Parkes Welsh National Opera and director Olivia Fuchs are joining forces with contemporary circus company NoFit State for a bold new production of Benjamin Britten’s Death in Venice this spring. The production, which comes to Mayflower Theatre on March 20, will use a range of circus skills to re-tell the classic tale of

The incredible Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and Showstoppers’ Kids Show are coming back to MAST Mayflower Studios on Saturday 16 March 2024. Spontaneous musical comedy at its finest, this is the first ever long-form improv show to have a full West End run and to be nominated and win an Olivier Award! Completely improvised and genuinely

Little Angel Theatre’s major new adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book will run from Friday 8 – Sunday10 March at MAST Mayflower Studios. Alongside this puppet-filled musical, which at its core celebrates the joy of reading, Little Angel Theatre will deliver a ground-breaking literacy project aimed at creating a supportive

Hampshire Star, Frank Turner, is set to release his 10th album, Undefeated, on 3 May, which includes recently released single, Do One. Undefeated follows his first UK  number one album, 2022’s FTHC, and is the result of his decision to step away from the major label world to re-embrace the liberation of working as an

The final season of Southampton’s grassroots cultural stalwart The Art House is in full swing with every week packed with gigs as artists queue up for “one last show” in the much loved venue. The Art House will no longer have a permanent, bricks and mortar home but will still very much be a presence

The organisers of Hat Fair, the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, are looking for market traders for the festival weekend. The festival, which takes place throughout the streets and green spaces of Winchester over the first weekend of July, will have pitches available for traders on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. Market traders will have the opportunity to

Buckinghamshire’s biggest and best music festival PennFest have announced a host of exciting additions to their summer 2024 line-up! Ella Henderson, Professor Green, Newton Faulkner, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, East 17 Christmas Special, DJ Hype, Grooverider, Oxide & Neutrino and Matt Jam Lamont will join headliners Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft and Jess Glynne in the first

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds announce that their first show of 2024 will take place at Poole Lighthouse on Sunday17 March. The intimate gig will mark Noel’s second appearance at the venue, after first performing there 20 years ago with Oasis (on 23 June 2004 – a warm up show ahead of the band headlining

Direct from the West End, and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners will perform at Mayflower Theatre on 8 March 2024. In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s – the place where it all started for The Dubliners back in 1962

Fans of a classic Victorian ghost story are in for a treat with The Signalman at Theatre Royal Winchester from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 March. The Signalman tells of a terrified signalman who unburdens himself on to a young student who chances upon his railway cutting, telling him a chilling tale of a spectre

The casting team of Dear Evan Hansen, in collaboration with TikTok, are searching for the next generation of talent to star in the first ever UK tour of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning Best Musical. Today is going to be a good day. And here’s why Meet Evan: an anxious high school kid who

Sugababes, Razorlight, The Kooks, James Bay, Groove Armada, Professor Green, Tom Walker and more added as second wave artist additions for this year’s Victorious Festival in Southsea. The multi-award-winning Victorious Festival (23/24/25 August 2024) – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has today announced a fresh round of acts to this year’s already monumental line-up,

It’s back! Last year saw the launch of Road To Victorious, an exciting competition open to bands based within the PO postcode area. Crystal Tides were the worthy winners, shortlisted from hundreds of talented applicants within the PO postcode, and went on to win your votes! Their prize saw them participate in a huge festival

Friends fanatics will be delighted to hear that the award-winning parody, Friend (The One with Gunther), is coming to Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 9 February. The show, which celebrates the much-loved 90s TV series – all ten seasons, 236 episodes – retells the stories of everyone’s favourite characters, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica and

Rock Goddess Suzi Quatro is set to headline a star-studded line-up at this year’s Wickham Festival. The American legend will join the Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Tony Christie and many more at the popular event which runs from August 1-4. The Detroit-born singer will top the bill on the Friday night when she will be belting

N’Faly Kouyaté will be bringing his Ré-Génération Tour to the UK for a series of special live shows this month, beginning at Southampton’s Turner Sims on 8 February. Best known as the frontman of Afro Celt Sound System, the Belgium-based artist will be hitting the road for nine intimate shows with his new solo project.

Judas Priest have announced plans to delight fans with a new world tour in 2024, including a visit to Bournemouth International Centre on 17 March. Over the past 50 years Judas Priest have sold more than 50 million albums worldwide and headlined the world’s biggest stages. Their evolving music and live performances also saw the

By Diane Parkes. Theatre audiences can look forward to some Brazilian sunshine this spring when São Paulo Dance Company tours the UK and Ireland for the first time. The company comes to Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on 13 and 14 February with a triple bill of contemporary works by some of the world’s leading Spanish and

Theatre Royal Winchester is looking forward to the return of drama – from award-winning theatre companies to shows that will inspire the little ones. In February, New Old Friends return with Houdini’s Great Escape (22 – 24 February) about the world’s greatest entertainer who is framed for murder. From the company that brought Crimes on

The Freemantle and Shirley Amateur Theatrical Society’s pantomime this year is set way back in the past, in the times of the Roman’s invasion in fact, in 55 BC (Before Covid!) The scene is set in the ‘Prologue’ by Lurkio Ludicrous, a poor downtrodden Roman slave. He will help you along with the story, and

Theatre Royal Winchester audiences have delighted in the National Theatre Live screenings of theatre productions captured live in London. Last year local theatre-goers enjoyed the likes of The Crucible, Life of Pi and GOOD and this year the theatre is hosting more screenings featuring well-known actors and by critically acclaimed and award-winning playwrights. So popular

Playmakers want to hear from local community groups interested in taking part in this summer’s Hat Fair Carnival. The theme of the procession will be Look Back, Look Forwards, Look Up and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, which takes place in Winchester city

A ‘Queer & Quantum’ Science & Arts Day comes to The Stage Door, Southampton on Sunday 31st March 2024 for Trans Day of Visibility, celebrating  STEM subjects, the arts and trans/non-binary visibility in both.   The event will feature talks from LGBTQIA+ scientists across quantum physics,  astrophysics and more, supported by charity Pride In Stem, who

Theatre Royal Winchester has a brand-new programme packed full of family shows guaranteed to entertain young and old, creating plenty of opportunities for the generations to come together to enjoy lots of quality time. The fun starts with an evening of circus, magic and comedy in the Hat Fair Cabaret (21 January) – all the

Comedy fans who missed out on tickets to see Viggo Venn perform at Theatre Royal Winchester next month will be pleased to hear that an additional show date has been added, and he will take to the Winchester stage this month on Wednesday 24 January. The Norwegian clown – who moved to the UK with

Theatre Royal Winchester is not only looking forward to a new season of professional shows, but also shows performed by local community members and for special causes. The new year begins with An Evening with Alan Titchmarsh (Wed 17 Jan) when the gardener, writer, novelist and broadcaster will talk about his life as part of

The team at Mayflower Theatre have announce that their 2024 Mayflower Tours Open Day will take place on Saturday 3 February. The Open Day will launch An Inspiring Place – the new and improved public venue tour programme, which will see tours tailored to different groups of attendees, including private family interactive tours, student focused

Famed for his star turn as a pop-star in the 80s with the Communards, as well as his long stint presenting Saturday Live on BBC Radio Four and (until he very recently retired) his full time job as a Church of England priest; The Reverend Richard Coles embarked on his first UK Tour in autumn,

By Charlotte Ndupuechi. A glamorous and vibrant celebration to mark the 18th anniversary of Unity 101 Radio took place at the Novotel Southampton on Friday the 5th of January. This is an annual awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of the station’s volunteers and partners.  If you haven’t already heard of Unity 101, where have

Fans of magic are in for a treat when the UK’s leading comedy magician, Pete Firman, brings his show, TrikTok, to Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 20 January. TrikTok, is an evening of jaw-dropping magic and hilarious comedy, which sees the critically-acclaimed magician take his magic from the small screen and transport it on to

The City’s Mayflower venues, Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studio, are celebrating a record-breaking run of festive shows. Over 80,000 people saw Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, A Christmas Carol and Counting Down to Christmas across both venues. Mayflower Theatre had over 74,000 people attending Snow White, making it the highest attended pantomime for the

Cornerstone of Southampton’s grassroots cultural scene, The Art House CIC, will be leaving its Above Bar home in March this year. The arts venue, cafe, meeting place and much more, which has been at its present location for 15 years, will no longer have a permanent physical home. They made the announcement at 5pm on

Fans of jazz and swing are invited to an evening with ‘the UK’s hardest swinging band’, Down for the Count All-Stars, as they celebrate A Century of Swing at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 14 January. A Century of Swing is a whistle-stop tour of the best swing music – from its origins in 1920s

No stranger to crafting hits for the stage and screen, BAFTA and Emmy award-winning writer and director, Debbie Isitt, is bringing the iconic songbook of Stock Aitken Waterman to life in the new musical, I Should Be So Lucky, which comes to Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 January. Best known for her

Adult audiences are in for a second bite of the cherry when the sexy circus show, Forbidden Nights, returns to Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 18 January. Forbidden Nights is a sensational live stage show featuring world-renowned circus performers and acrobats, fire acts and aerial artists, performing unforgettable routines with plenty of tease and ripped

The Wizard of Oz, the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, will be arriving at Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 16 to Sunday 21 January 2024. Here, we talk to The Vivienne, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West. What can audiences expect when they come see this version of The

Fans of the TV gameshow, Countdown, are in for a treat when the Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent, pays a visit to Theatre Royal Winchester on Saturday 13 January. Susie Dent will take audiences on a journey into the curious, unexpected and surreal origins of the words we use every day – sharing the

Musical I Should Be So Lucky arrives at Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 January 2024. The Wedding is off, but the Honeymoon is on! Head from the aisle to the isles in the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical featuring the soundtrack of a generation with music from pop royalty including Kylie Minogue

The Wizard of Oz, the musical based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum, will be arriving at Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 16 to Sunday 21 January 2024. Michael Harrison, the producer of the smash-hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which thrilled audiences on its UK Tour in 2022, now presents Curve’s brand-new production

By Vicky Greer. Image: Shed Seven by Barnaby Fairley. January is always a slower time for live music, but there’s still plenty to do in Southampton this month. Whether you’re looking for an intimate in-store or a high-energy rock gig, there’s something for everyone to celebrate the start of 2024 in the city. Monday 8th

The legendary football host Jeff Stelling will be at MAST Mayflower Studios in 2024! Jeff Stelling will be performing an evening of entertaining anecdotes and football fun on Wednesday 10 January at Southampton’s cultural hub,(edited: now sold out}. With over 30+ years with Sky Sports, Jeff has been described as ‘synonymous with football,’ and

Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, sold out UK & Ireland Tour and Amazon studios award-winning film, the smash-hit and critically acclaimed musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, visits Mayflower Theatre from Tuesday 9 to Sunday 14 January 2024. Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit

By Neil Glasspool He’s making his list. He’s checking his twice. And he’s somewhat taken aback at the remarkably eclectic mix of events that are on offer in this week’s Southampton listings. This week’s big news is A Christmas Carol at MAST. Billed as ‘a youthful musical to raise your spirits’, it’s on all week

Liverpool four-piece Courting have shared a new single titled “Emily G”. The track follows the band’s recent return with details of their highly anticipated new album “New Last Name”, which was recorded in collaboration with indie heroes Gary and Ryan Jarman of The Cribs. The album is due for release on 26th January. They band

Photo credit Jonathan Turton. The Zutons are embarking on a full UK tour next year, in support of forthcoming album The Big Decider, which arrives on 26th April 2024. Having sold out their run of intimate live shows set to take place from January to March of next year, they have added a string of

Image by Danny Clifford. To celebrate their momentous 50th anniversary, British music legends Squeeze have announced a massive UK tour for 2024 including a show at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre on the 27th October.  With a half-century distinguished by some of the smartest and sweetest guitar-pop made during the rock & roll era, Squeeze will be performing an

The Art House in Southampton City Centre is inviting everyone to join them  for a laid back, fun, family friendly New Year’s Eve. On Sunday 31 December (of course)  from 8.30pm  there will be an evening of food, music and more.An organiser said: “Come and clap your hands, stamp your feet and make a joyful

Image by Matt Crockett. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds today announce their first UK live performance for 2024 with an intimate headline show at Portsmouth’s Guildhall on Wednesday 20th March. Tickets will be on sale from Friday 15th December at 9:00am GMT here. The Portsmouth show will take place ahead of four huge outdoor performances in summer 2024, including Wigan’s Robin

Paul Weller has announced a full UK tour for 2024 with 14 dates lined up through April, including Poole Lighthouse on the 4th April. This year has seen Paul’s tour schedule taken up with extensive travels around Europe peppered with a handful of UK Forest Live shows and a special guest slot to Blur at

MAST Mayflower Studios is hosting an enchanting variety of shows this festive season. From a enchanting adventure for little ones and their grown-ups, to the mystery of a shark in the snow, MAST Mayflower Studios has you covered for a trip to the theatre. Shows are as follows: Counting Down to Christmas Date: 8 –

Hampshire FA has signed a joint agreement with Mayflower Theatre and MAST Mayflower Studios as its official Culture & Arts Partners. Mayflower Theatre is the largest theatre on the South Coast boasting a 2,271-seating capacity in their auditorium, hosting an impressive range of richly diverse shows from large scale touring productions, including musicals – many

Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Jamie T and Biffy Clyro have this morning been  announced as headliners for Victorious Festival 2024, on Southsea Common. Courteeners, Pixies, Becky Hill, Wet Leg, Idles, Louis Tomlinson and Jess Glynne will also join the bumper line-up for next summer. There will also be comedy from Russell Howard and Frankie Boyle.

By Hugh Montgomery. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie comes to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre in January. Ivano Turco who stars in the title role talks about the affinity he feels for the role. In his short career so far, super-talented musical theatre star Ivano Turco has already demonstrated formidable range: having made his professional debut playing Prince

Southampton residents are being asked to help revive the Regency meal of ‘nuncheon’ by entering a recipe competition run by a community bakery in the city. Shirley-based CommuniBakes wants ideas for cake or bread it doesn’t already make that would be suitable as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. The best two will win two novels

Theatre Royal Winchester has announced its New Year programme packed with music, National Theatre film screenings, well-known names, dance, stand-up, local talent and community performances, Fringe favourites, family shows, drama and comedy. The season begins with music and The George Harrison Project on 6 January 2024 – the UK’s leading tribute to the beloved Beatles

Christopher Biggins stars as the Man in the Mirror in The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. He talks about his fondness for the city, Christmas traditions and more   What does doing pantomime mean to you?  It means a joyous time when parents, carers, grandparents, aunties, uncles, children, nieces, nephews,

Southampton-based young people’s charity, No Limits, is concerned about the rising number of young people facing issues with housing and homelessness, the cost of living, and their mental health, in the run up to Christmas. Demand for help is increasing. In the last year, the number of young people asking for support with money has increased by

Theatre Royal Winchester has released a selection of production photos from this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella. Cinderella is the rags to riches story of a servant girl magically transformed into a beautiful princess to go to the ball to meet the handsome prince. The theatre celebrated the pantomime’s opening performance last night (Thursday 30

Let’s Rock has announced that synth-pop legends The Human League will headline Let’s Rock Southampton 2024 on Saturday July 6th. Also performing at the much-loved event on Southampton Common next summer will be Level 42, Peter Hook & The Light, From The Jam, eXTC, Jason Donovan, Kim Appleby, Altered Images, China Crisis, Dr & The

Southampton musician Charlie Smith has put out a new EP and is rounding 2023 off with two events at The Art House in the city centre.  ‘Southampton Sessions’ is a 6-track live EP. “This year has been extremely busy for me, performing countless local gigs and embarking on a northern England tour in October (Leicester,

Tom Jones and Madness are the latest headliners to be announced for next year’s inaugural Southampton Summer Sessions series. They join previously announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Kaiser Chiefs on the growing lineup of unmissable acts who will take over Southampton’s Guildhall Square for Summer Sessions from 15 to 30 June. Tickets go on general sale on Friday 01 December at 9am via smmrsessions.com

Author, musician, journalist, presenter and pundit John Robb has shared details of a UK tour, celebrating his life in music bringing him to The Attic in Totton, near Southampton, in April. Discussing everything from his recently released book ‘The Art Of Darkness – The History of Goth’ to his experience being the first person to

Research from national charity Family Action reveals the stark reality many families face this Christmas. Families across the UK are facing increasing financial hardship and new research from Family Action reveals that 1 in 7 parents/carers surveyed, said they won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas due to financial

MAST Mayflower Studios’ third annual Christmas youth production, A Christmas Carol, will open at the city centre venue on Tuesday 19 December 2023. Featuring a cast of 50 young people performing a new festive musical based on the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge – a classic from the past with the music of the present,

By Vicky Greer.  Hello, and welcome to your new monthly guide to Southampton’s ever-vibrant live music scene! Every month, I’ll be scouting out the best gigs in the city, from the massive headliners to the unmissable emerging acts. I’ve been attending gigs across the city since I moved here five years ago, and Southampton’s live

Just one week to go until the opening night of this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella, which arrives at Theatre Royal Winchester on Thursday 30 November and runs until Monday 1 January 2024. Cinderella tells the story of a servant girl whose Fairy Godmother transforms her into a beautiful princess to go to the ball

The fairest pantomime of them all, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, comes to the stage of Mayflower Theatre from Saturday 9 to Sunday 31 December. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, and stunning scenery. Throw in a

Hull-based shoegaze quartet bdrmm will play The Joiners, Southampton, on 15th March 2024. News of the UK and European tour comes hot on the heels of their new 7″ single ‘Mud’. It’s the latest single from their widely acclaimed second album “I Don’t Know”, which was released in late-June to critical acclaim with Rolling Stone

Electro duo Orbital will play O2 Southampton Guildhall on April 25th 2024 as part of their Green Album 2024 celebration tour. Speaking about the tour, the duo said they are are excited about bringing the album to audiences old and new. Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll says: “The way we perform is always free and full of

Mayflower Theatre’s Higher Education Bursary Scheme has been designed to support individuals in the local community who want to progress in a career within the arts, whether that is as a performer, a technician or an arts administrator. Mayflower Theatre recognises particularly in the current climate, how key it is to support young people with

Kaiser Chiefs will perform a headline show in Southampton, as part of the Southampton Summer Sessions series, at Guildhall Square on Sunday 30 June 2024. They join previously announced Nile Rodgers & CHIC on the growing lineup of impressive acts set to play the Summer Sessions’ very first year in Southampton. British indie rockers Kaiser Chiefs are renowned for their

Image by Jon Sturdy. Hot off the release of their critically acclaimed third studio album “Aces Are High”, award-winning rock duo When Rivers Meet, comprised of husband-and-wife Aaron and Grace Bond, have announce their “Aces Are High” Spring 2024 UK Tour. The tour takes in eight concerts and starts at The Brook, Southampton on April

Antisemitism artwork by Lily Ash Sakula New show Antisemitism: a (((musical))) comes to Southampton on November 1st. Creator, Uri Agnon, a PhD student and outreach fellow at the Parkes Institute for the Study of Jewish non-Jewish Relations at the University of Southampton talks to Sally Churchward about its background and significance. Composer and playwright Uri

Scotland’s long-running live music series Summer Sessions are set to come south, to Southampton’s Guildhall Square in summer 2024. Nile Rodgers & CHIC are the very first headliners to be revealed, playing Sunday, 23 June 2024, with special guests, Brit singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis Bextor and 80s-inspired contemporary pop band Deco. Founded back in 2013 by DF Concerts, Summer Sessions has become a much-loved and highly anticipated

Paloma Faith has returned with the release of her new single ‘How You Leave A Man.’ The single precedes the 16th February release of Paloma’s sixth studio album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ via RCA Records. She will head out on an extensive UK tour in April, bringing her to Bournemouth International centre in May. She excitedly heralds

Image – Mark Almond at Let’s Rock 2023, Southampton Common, by Ian Cumming The iconic retro festival series Let’s Rock has announced the dates of four of their festivals for 2024. A celebration of all things pop and ‘80s, Let’s Rock will be returning to Leeds ( June 22), Exeter (June 29), Southampton (July 6)

By Charlie Hislop Fundraisers are being organised across Southampton in the next two months by musicians, and others, to help the Platform Tavern get back up and running after a night-time fire in the bar. A number of local bands have already signed up… Chicago 9, the Platform Posse, and the Pete Harris Blues Band

Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, are pleased to announce that the much-loved city centre pub, The Wykeham Arms, is supporting the charity’s work through sales of its homemade pie. For every sale of its famous Wyke Pie, the pub on Kingsgate Street

Image: Isabelle Baafi – Winchester Poetry Prize 2023 winner. The first full Winchester Poetry Festival weekend since the pandemic  proved that poetry still excites and delights people of all ages. Almost 1000 tickets were sold, with many events reaching capacity. This year attendees travelled to Winchester from all over the UK, and from all over

Image by Paul Husband. Black Grape return this year with a  new album ‘Orange Head’, which will be released on DGAFF Recordings on 3rd November. The album arrives  ahead of a  small UK tour, with  Shaun Ryder and Paul “Kermit” Leveridge and the band due to headline venues in Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, London, and Southampton this November/December, alongside a festival appearance

Cosy up for winter at The Greyhound on the Test, a 16th century characterful retreat with seven dog-friendly en-suite rooms and three accessible cottages. Looking ahead to the festive season, guests will find crackling fires, twinkling lights, and delicious food, whether they’re enjoying a relaxed festive gathering with family or a lively Christmas party with

Theatre Royal Winchester has announced its cast for its 2023/24 pantomime, Cinderella – which opens on Thursday 30 November 2023 and runs until Monday 1 January 2024. Cinderella is the rags to riches story of a servant girl whose Fairy Godmother transforms her into a beautiful princess to go to the ball to meet the

Photos by Stuart Martin. This year’s Christmas pantomime at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Britain’s Got Talent winners and street dance sensations, Ashley Banjo and Diversity, alongside panto royalty, Christopher Biggins. Diversity shot to fame in 2009 when they won Britain’s Got Talent and since then under the leadership

Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of MAST Mayflower Studios and the whole team are thrilled to announce details of the new Associate Artists for 23/24 as part of the Propel scheme – a programme designed to support companies and artists, local to Southampton and the surrounding areas, telling Southampton stories – in developing and creating new

The Good Enough Mums Club – a new musical written, produced, directed and performed by mums based on real life, moving, funny tales of motherhood – is coming to MAST Mayflower Studios on Wednesday 22  and Thursday 23 November 2023. Not perfect? Join the club! From peeing on sticks to drooping tits, The Good Enough Mums

Hot on the heels of his totally sold-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 season, which saw him add 2000 extra seats to what was only his second-ever Edinburgh Fringe, Scottish comedian Connor Burns is set to embark on a debut national tour with his critically acclaimed show Vertigo, bringing him to The Attic in Totton in

Play to the Crowd, the charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, has announced that the theatre will undergo a number of refurbishments to further improve the building for its audiences and other visitors. Theatre Royal Winchester will undergo work to upgrade its Circle level toilet facilities upstairs and install bi-fold doors at the Tower Street

Photo by Jamie MacMillan. O. – the London-based duo of baritone saxophonist Joseph Henwood and drummer Tash Keary – have announced details of their debut EP, “SLICE” which will be released on 24th November. They’ll be backing this up with a tour, hitting the road in October and coming to Heartbreakers, Southampton, in February. The

Picture by Paul Stuart Hollingsworth. FM have announced their “Old Habits Die Hard” 40th Anniversary UK Tour 2024, bringing them to Southampton’s The 1865 in May. FM will perform songs from their past 13 albums including their 1984 debut album Indiscreet, plus Tough It Out, Metropolis, Synchronized and many more, plus songs from their forthcoming highly anticipated 14th studio

Take That have announced they are hitting the road with a massive stadium tour next year, bringing them to Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium  on June 1st. The tour will follow the release of their ninth studio album This Life, on 24th November, and a new single Windows which is out now. This Life On Tour

Following his recent return with new tracks ‘Blindside’ & ‘A Year Ago’, James Arthur has announced his fifth, brand new studio album Bitter Sweet Love – out  on January 26th. James also announced his return to the stage with a huge UK and European tour that hits the UK in March next year for a run of

A historic church near Winchester has established itself as a centre for high quality music events. St Mary’s Church in Twyford started putting on shows in 2022 and among the artists who have already performed are Mary Gauthier, Plainsong, The Delines and blues maestro Aynsley Lister. The purpose of these shows is to raise funds

Its been a long journey for the dedicated team of volunteers, but we after their recent Community Action Day,the only specifically designed Allotment s for residents with disabilities in Southampton is open. A spokesperson for the group said, “its been a real achievement by a team of volunteers who deserve huge thanks. The fact that

Playmakers Youth Theatre is back this month for a new term and a new year of drama and musical theatre sessions that offer young people the chance to create and perform their very own, original pieces of work and develop their confidence. It offers members the chance to take part in exciting practical sessions that

Image by Ed Miles. After the recent announcement of their forthcoming new studio album, synth pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) have revealed details of their return to the stage, with the band taking to the road next year, bringing them to Portsmouth in March. Across February and March 2024, OMD will play 22 dates

Image by Julian Broad Following a triumphant, stand out performance on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, which The Independent described as “one of Friday’s most memorable performances”, Texas will return to the stage for a run of UK Arena shows in September 2024, bringing the band to the BIC,  Bournemouth, on September 10th Kicking off at

On 1st December 2023, Beans on Toast will return with an all-new studio album,  ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’, and from November he embarks on an extensive UK tour, including dates in Oxford, Cardiff and on the Isle of Wight, bringing him to The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, in March.   The latest Beans on Toast

Image by Alex Lake. Keane are set to release a special remastered version of ‘Hopes and Fears’ on May 10th 2024 exactly 20 years after its initial release. On the same day, the band play London’s 02 Arena as part of a world tour that kicks off April 1st in Mexico City before reaching Europe

Theatre Royal Winchester has announced the first members of its cast for this year’s traditional family pantomime, Cinderella – and it’s a double act reunion! Pantomime duo, Julian Eardley and Ed Thorpe, are back together after last appearing as a pairing in the theatre’s production of Aladdin in 2021 – when they played the characters

Despite nearly nine in 10 (89%) Brits believing being by the coast has a positive impact on their mental health, over two million people are missing out on the positive benefits having never visited the seaside recreationally. The new research, conducted by the Southampton International Boat Show ahead of its 54th year, shows that 3% of

Image by Michael Clement. James Blunt returns to the road next year in support of his new album Who We Used To Be – out October 27th on Atlantic Records. James and his band will play 12 dates across the UK next Spring kicking off March 30th at Leeds First Direct Arena and finishing April

No Limits, a Southampton-based charity supporting young people across Hampshire, has been nominated three times for the 2023 Children and Young People Now Awards – the gold standard for work with children, young people and families. The awards cover 24 categories and are the highest recognition for organisations across the country that support young people on a day-to-day basis.   The Preventing Homelessness Project, which supports young people

Miles Kane has announced fresh UK headline tour dates for January and February 2024, coming to Southampton’s Engine Rooms on February 6th. The  announcement arrives ahead of his brand new album One Man Band – out August 4th on Modern Sky Records, and follows the release of its superb latest tracks The Wonder  and Baggio.

South London roots-futurists Alabama 3 have announced a show in Southampton for November.   Heading to The 1865 on 30 November in support of their upcoming release ‘Cold War Classics Vol.2’, tickets for the show are on sale now.   Born at an all-night squat party during the ‘90s, the group formed when charismatic frontman

Photo Credit: Sian Trenberth Photography Theatre Royal Winchester is getting ready for an autumn winter programme of music, comedy, family entertainment, song, dance, drama, a sprinkling of magic, ghost stories, puppets, big names, talks, Christmas shows and, to round it up, panto! The season starts with music and A Celebration of Celine Dion – with

Image: Far From Saints full band colour L-R Dwight Baker, Patty Lynn, Kelly Jones, credit: Sophia French. After earning a No.5 chart position in the UK Official Albums Chart as well as widespread critical acclaim for their self-titled debut album, Far From Saints today (July 19th) announce details of their first full UK headline tour,

Photo: Ed Byrne by Roslyn Gaunt An exciting autumn season of events and experiences awaits theatre-goers as The Point and The Berry Theatre announce their new schedule. Tickets for the majority of the programme, which runs from September until the end of the year, are now on sale. At The Point, Eastleigh Crowd-pleasers at The

Image: The Ocean at the End of the Lane company with cake. Credit Stuart Martin Photography. Neil Gaiman, the author behind the best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane which was adapted for stage by Joel Horwood, directed by Katy Rudd visited the National Theatre’s smash-hit production at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on

Mayflower Theatre has launched Elevate Ensemble, a ground-breaking new initiative aimed at providing young underrepresented performers in Southampton and the surrounding areas with exceptional training opportunities. Elevate Ensemble is a free two-year-part-time comprehensive training program, which has been developed with a commitment to nurturing talent, fostering creativity and empowering artists aged 16 – 25 who

The smash-hit musical, Shrek the Musical, will arrive at Mayflower Theatre on Tuesday 20 February 2024, for one week only. Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film, the Broadway and West End hit show, Shrek the Musical, is a fun filled and hilarious musical comedy with a cast of vibrant characters and a ‘shrektackular’ score.

image by Steve Gullick.  Ash have announced their first new album together in more than five years,  alongside news of an upcoming UK / EU tour. Race The Night, the band’s eighth studio album, will be released on 15th September 2023 via one of their earliest label homes Fierce Panda. With 29 years, 18 hit

Folk-punk rabble Skinny Lister are back with a new track “Down On The Barrier” plus details of two extensive tours in North America and UK and Ireland throughout Autumn/Winter 2023, bringing them to Southampton’s Engine Rooms in December. Blending pogo-primed percussion, punk hooks, and a chorus that demands to be roared-out loud and proud, “Down

Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, has been awarded the inaugural Creative and Cultural Award at this year’s Winchester Business Excellence Awards. The awards, organised by the Winchester Improvement District (BID), The Hampshire Chronicle and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, recognise the best and

In 2024, The Stranglers, one of the most iconic and influential bands in British music history, are celebrating their 50th year anniversary with a following UK and Irish tour. The tour will bring them to Portsmouth Guildhall on March 24th. Since playing their last full-scale UK tour in 2022, the band has turned their minds

A new writing group, The Portswood Writers Circle, has recently launched at independent bookshop October Books. The group will next be meeting on Monday 22nd May. The aim of the group is to create a welcoming and encouraging environment in which local writers of all genres, styles, and experience can explore the creative process together.

South London roots-futurists Alabama 3 have announced a show in Southampton this autumn, and are heading to The 1865 on 30 November in support of their upcoming release ‘Cold War Classics Vol.2’.   Born at an all-night squat party during the ‘90s, the group formed when charismatic frontman and co-founder Rob Spragg started singing the lyrics

People in Southampton looking to connect with others in the community can attend a new multigenerational group which has recently launched. Meeting Place, set up by Saint Mary’s Church and supported by Communicare, will take place every Wednesday during term time at October Books in Portswood from 2.30pm.  The new group to provide somewhere for

The volunteers at Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton have released details of the ship’s 2023 sailing programme. Commencing on Friday 16 June, with a final sailing on Sunday 17 September, there are a variety of 2hr, 3hr, 3 1/2hr, 4hr and all day sailings to choose from, including some returning favourite cruises and some all-new trips. 

The producers of the smash hit, Pretty Woman: The Musical, are delighted to announce that the show will arrive at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 July 2024, with on-sale dates to be announced soon. Pretty Woman: The Musical is Hollywood’s ultimate rom-com, live on stage, guaranteed to lift your spirits and

by Martin Brisland, amateur dramatics editor. In Common has been featuring professional theatre previews and reviews for some years now. As a community based online publication, we are expanding to working with local amateur companies in 2023 for a new Applause! section. This region has an excellent reputation for quality amateur productions. After all the

Wicked, the spectacular, multi-record-breaking and critically acclaimed production, is set to fly back to the Mayflower Theatre stage from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 16 June 2024. Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women – the popular Glinda and a misunderstood Elphaba – who first meet