All the best in music, theatre and events in Kent and London
The Kent Life Diary for February Kent
Theatre
Jeckyll & Hyde
20 to 29 Jan
Tickets: �26.50 to �34.50
Tel: 08448 717 620
Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Former pop star and now West End star Marti Pellow will be taking the title role in the Churchill’s deliciously sexy and wicked musical adaptation of the classic gothic novella. Produced by Bill Kenwright, the production is sure to delight and enthral the crowds. Make sure you hurry, there might still be some tickets left.
Out and about
Hellebore Tours at Hadlow College
Throughout Feb and March
Tickets: �3 (for guided tour)
Tel: 01732 853211
Hadlow College, Hadlow
This leading agricultural college will be staging a number of tours throughout February and March that are designed to highlight the college’s collection of Hellebores. Contained within the collection are around 45 different species and strains. Visitors can either wander around the collection free of charge or join a paid-for guided tour, where experts will be on hand to answer any questions you might have concerning the bloom.
The Snowdrop Trail at Half-term
21 to 27 Feb
Tickets: Contact venue
Tel: 01732 865224
Hever Castle, nr Edenbridge
Young and old visitors to the castle can get out and about and follow the snowdrop trail through the grounds, and spot some of the early blossoms of camellia and quince. For the younger explorers in your party, The Lady of the Wildwoods returns, and she will weave wondrous stories to keep them entertained while on the trail. Blow away those winter cobwebs and enjoy the first hints of the approaching Spring season.
Kent & Sussex Railway
Kids for a Quid
22 and 25 Feb
Tickets: See website for full details
Tel: 01580 765155
Kent & Sussex Railway, Tenterden
The Kent & Sussex Railway has teamed up with Bodiam Castle to offer a wonderful offer. For just �1 per child (and a full paying adult or senior citizen), you can enjoy a ride on the Kent & Sussex Railway and also enjoy a free children’s Sir Edward’s Quest activity in the castle. You can pick up the steam train at the picturesque station of Tenterden, which will take travellers along a 10.5-mile journey to the castle. Check out the Railway’s website for more details on the offer.
Enjoy a fun day out with Thomas
19, 20 and 26, 27 Feb
Tickets: �10 per child, 12.50 per adult
Tel: 01580 765155
Kent & Sussex Railway, Tenterden
Fancy a fun family day out this February? Well, look no further than this opportunity to meet everyone’s favourite steam engine, Thomas the Tank Engine. Along with Thomas, some of his friends will also be appearing, including Sir Topham Hat, The Fat Controller. In addition to being able to meet Thomas, visitors will be able to see the Thomas Model Railway Layout, and buy Thomas-related souvenirs from the gift shop.
Musicals
Annie
18 and 19 February
Tickets: �11 (�9 concessions)
Tel: 01732 450175
The Stag, Sevenoaks
The timeless tale of little orphan Annie is back, giving a new generation the chance to fall in love with this little girl and enjoy some incredibly wonderful songs, including ‘It’s a Hard-Knock Life’. This is the perfect opportunity to take the whole family and enjoy musical theatre at its best and most catchy.
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story
1 to 5 February
Tickets: �20.50 to �27.50
Tel: 01322 220000
The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
A slice of the West End is coming to Kent, as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story kicks off its 2011 UK tour in the county. Having played to sell-out audiences in London, the show is now hitting the road. Packed full of hits, such as Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave on and That’ll Be The Day, this production is a must-see and celebrates the short life of one of rock’n’roll’s pioneering musicians. Book early to guarantee your place.
Concerts
The Kast Off Kinks
24 Feb
Tickets: �15
Tel: 01732 450175
The Stag, Sevenoaks
Definitely not a tribute band, The Kast Off Kinks actually boast three actual members of The Kinks – original drummer Mick Avory, Jim Rodford, who was the bass player for 20 years and keyboard player Ian Gibbons. Come along and enjoy alternative versions of some of the greatest (and catchiest) pop hits of all time, such as Waterloo Sunset, that paint a picture of a fantasy England that we all secretly wished we lived in.
The Blockheads
12 Feb
Tickets: �18.50
Tel: 01732 450175
The Stag, Sevenoaks
A legendary live show from a legendary live band - this evening promises to offer a healthy dose of English eccentricity inserted in a unique and toe-tapping take on satirical ska-punk. All profits made by this show will be donated to Hospices of Hope, Help for Heroes and to The Stag Community Arts Centre.
Dance
The Johann Strauss Gala
23 Jan
Tickets: �23.50 to �28.50
Tel: 01892 532 072
Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells
The Johann Strauss Gala is the perfect tribute to the ‘Waltz King’ Johann Strauss. Celebrating the most popular music, dance and song from the Strauss family, audiences will find themselves swept back in time to the glittering ballrooms of the 19th century, where luxury and opulence abounded. The orchestra that provides the musical accompaniment to this extravaganza will be directed from the violin in a traditional Viennese manner by musical director David Juritz.
Open evening
Farming career opportunities
10 Feb
Tickets: Free
Tel: 01732 853266
Hadlow College, Tonbridge
Ever fancied a career in the agricultural industry? Bored with what you are doing at the moment and want a challenge? Want to change your career? Hadlow College could be the place for you to go. The college is hosting an informal evening designed to explore some of the career opportunities open to you. In addition to finding out more about some of the avenues available, there will also be a light buffet served as well. Pop along, you’ve got nothing to lose.
London
MCN London Motorcycle Show
3 to 6 Feb
Tickets: Varies
Tel: 0844 581 0752
ExCel London Exhibition Centre
For all those who prefer life on two wheels, this is a must-see show. Wander among hundreds of stands, and get a glimpse of some of the new bikes coming your way from some of the biggest motoring names in the biking world. Try them out for size, or find out how you get your licence, this exhibition has something for all levels of biker. New this year is Revolution, a 60-minute live-action extravaganza, where some of the world’s best stunt riders perform some death-defying tricks.
Colin Jones: Fifty Years of the Royal Ballet
Until 27 Feb
Tickets: Free
Tel: 020 7349 0822
Proud Chelsea
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Royal Ballet School? Well, wonder no more, because this exhibition features some of the most candid shots, from this most exclusive of educational academies. Leading lights in the ballet world, such as Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Ninette de Valois are featured in this photographic treasure trove.
Compania Aida Gomez: Carmen
11, 12 and 13 Feb
Tickets: Contact venue
Tel: 0844 412 4300
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
As party of the Flamenco Festival and accompanied by a score by Bizet and original music by Jose Antonio Rodriguez, one of Spain’s most prominent and innovative dancer and director presents her company’s energetic and passionate dance work. Experience the passion and dedication first-hand by attending one of the performance’s at the Sadler’s Wells.
