What's on in Hampshire this August...

Theatre on the Lawn - August 18

This summer, Norton Park Hotel, near Winchester is launching Theatre on the Lawn. As part of the series, Heartbreak Productions will be presenting Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Why not make a night of it with Norton Park’s exclusive overnight package which includes accommodation, full breakfast, picnic dinner, glass of champagne and a ticket to the show. Tel. 01962 763000

Big games Weekend - August 6 to 7

Following last year’s success, the Big Game Weekend is back by popular demand. Once again the National Museum of the Royal Navy will transform Victory Arena at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard into a house of nautical fun and games. Enjoy a giant game of Battleships, quoits and bowls plus a massive version of ‘From Sailor boy to Admiral’. Tel. 02392 727582

Men in Tights - August 20

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Vyne, near Basingstoke. Join the all male cast as they unfold this magical comedy about four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and their interactions with the fairies who inhabit an enchanted forest.

Tel. 08442 491895

MUSIC & THEATRE

Regency Wonderment - August 5

Join the Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Chawton House for an evening of Regency wonderment with their adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility. Follow Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they make their first forays into the decadent world of eighteenth-century high society. Tel. 01420 83262

Polish Culture - August 29 to 31

Slask will soon be dancing its way to the Mayflower, Southampton. Celebrating the cultural legacy of Poland, this song and dance act features 90 dancers, musicians and singers, and over 1,200 hand-made costumes. Expect a colourful kaleidoscope of movements and sounds from 15 regions of Poland. Tel. 02380 711811

Wartime Memories - August 3

Having wowed audiences since 1995, Forces Sweethearts returns with a brand new programme for 2011. Guaranteed to have audiences singing along from beginning to end, the show features all the old favourites including Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields, plus some new surprises. Kings Theatre, Southsea.

Tel. 02392 828282

Children’s Theatre - August 24

Bob the Builder is heading to the Theatre Royal, Winchester. With Fixham Theatre set for a grand re-opening, local talent Dickie Olivier needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand new musical. Find out what happens when Spud decides he wants to be the star of the show and the job doesn’t exactly go to plan. Tel. 01962 840440

Comic Timing - August 23

Promising to be bigger, better and even funnier than his last tour, Lee Nelson is bringing his new show Well New Tour to The Lights, Andover. With a little help from his best mate Omelette, expect strong language and adult themes from this comic genius.

Tel. 01264 368368

ARTS & EXHIBITS

Needle work - August 6 to 26

The Allen Gallery, Alton will be showcasing ‘Threading through History’, an exhibition from textile artists Force 8. Inspired by the Gallery’s collection, it features printing, painting, slashing, burning and stitching on paper and fabric, along with traditional embroidery and felt-making. Tel. 08456 035635

New Forest Art - Until September 2011

Having worked in pencil and watercolour for many years, Evelyn Bartlett has revived a style she first developed at college, using gouache. See her latest works, inspired by the New Forest, in The Bold and the Beautiful Forest at the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst.

Tel. 02380 283444

Flower Power - August 6 to 7

August welcomes the return of the largest horticultural show on the Isle of Wight. Now in its 88th year, the Chale Show features over 1200 exhibits. Attractions include a farmers market, arts and crafts and live music, plus a stunt show from MotoStunts International. Don’t forget children go free! See www.thechaleshow.co.uk

From Trash to Treasure - Until September 25

This summer Aspex, Portsmouth is transforming unwanted domestic and small-scale industrial items into beautiful and definitely different art in its project – ‘Working Title’. Wander around the main gallery, which will be acting as a workshop and talk to the artists while witnessing their creations. Tel. 02392 778080

Fancy a cuppa? - Until September 11

How much do you know about the nation’s favourite brew? Discover Tea’s history at Winchester’s Discovery Centre. The Tea Tales Exhibition explores the dark episodes of Tea smuggling as well as the high pressure world of tea trading. Visitors will learn how tea is grown and blended, and witness Hampshire’s finest collection of all things tea from teapots and caddies to tea cosies and tea gowns, plus meet characters at the Mad Hatter’s tea party table.

Tel. 08456 035631

OUT & ABOUT

Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fanatics - August 6 to 14

Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Hampshire on the Watercress Line. Visitors can travel all day on steam trains such as Henry the Green Engine. Enjoy live entertainment, a bouncy castle and miniature railway. Tel. 01962 733810

Get a belly full - August 27 and 28

Located just outside of the New Forest, Festibelly is here for one night only. Expect an intimate, carefree and friendly vibe, an essential summer date for passionate festival goers. Tickets, �36 via festibelly.com

Picnic Time! - August 3

Perfect for all ages, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic will be taking place at Stansted Park. Come and see the Bears helping upstairs and downstairs in the Big House and the walled garden. Don’t forget your picnic and teddy bear to get reduced price entry to Stansted House and Maze!

Tel. 02392 412265

Flying High - August 27 to 29

The largest International Kite Festival in the UK is taking place at Southsea Common. Celebrating its 20th year with an amazing line up of kites and kite fliers from all corners of the world, expect to see Giant Sumo Wrestlers, flying works of art, stunning synchronised flying displays to music and a world record attempt for a Mega Revolution Kite team fly.

Tel. 02392 826722