The best in theatre, dance, comedy and music - plus half-term treats for the kids - throughout the county
1 Feb
It’s a Long, Long
Way to Tipperary
Katapult Theatre Company presents a commemoration review that explores the songs and poetry of the First World War, with a special focus on the way women were changed by and involved in the war. There will be a retiring collection in aid of Help For Heroes.
Tickets: £14; £12 01474 337774 Woodville Theatre, Gravesend Satnav: ME13 8PW
2 to 7 Feb
One Man, Two Guvnors
The National Theatre’s award-winning comedy, directed by Nicholas Hytner, sees Gavin Spokes in the central role of loveable chancer Francis Henshall who must keep his two guvnors apart.
Tickets: £10 to £29.50 0844 871 7620 Churchill Theatre, Bromley Satnav: BR1 1HA
2 to 7 Feb
The Forbidden Planet
Twenty five years after Captain Tempest and his crew first journeyed into hyperspace and 14 years after the last UK tour, this Olivier award-winning rock spectacular explodes onto stage in a major new 25th anniversary production. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest it’s packed with rock classics such as Great Balls of Fire, Good Vibrations, Heard It Through the Grapevine and Born To Be Wild.
Tickets: £15 to £30 01322 220000 Orchard Theatre, Dartford Satnav: DA1 1ED
7 Feb
Sheet Music/10CC
Art-pop pioneers 10cc perform their defining album Sheet Music in its entirety, complete with a special video contribution by Kevin Godley. The band is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its highly inventive album Sheet Music, which boasts such tracks as The Wall Street Shuffle and Silly Love. The second half of the show includes Dreadlock Holiday, I’m Not In Love and I’m Mandy Fly Me.
Tickets: £29.50; £32.50 01303 228600 Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Satnav: CT1 2AS
7 Feb
Davy Jones’ Locker
This show culminates in a performance bringing all the musicians who have been involved in the concert season together with their living room audiences, as well as offering the chance for others to join in. The promenade concert of contemporary classical includes Tansy Davies’ Troubairitz, Eleonora Rosca’s What Has Been and Depart by Rolf Walling. No need to pre-book.
Tickets: Free 01227 862162 The Galleries, The Beaney Museum, Canterbury Satnav: CT1 2RA
7 Feb
Beautiful Damned
James Hyde brings his F. Scott Fitzgerald adaptation to Kent. A live jazz piano illustrates this lusciously adapted piece, taking the audience firmly back to the hedonistic era of jazz as they watch this poignant course of events unfold in a cabaret-style setting within the sumptuous surroundings of the Ballroom.
Tickets: £12.50; £10 (concs) 01227 831355 Charlton Park, Canterbury Satnav: CT4 5JA
7 to 8 Feb
Cirque Berserk
One of Britain’s favourite contemporary thrill circuses, combining cirque-style skills with thrilling stunt action, this is a danger-filled spectacle that will amaze audiences of all ages. In the legendary Globe of Death three motorcyclists speed at over 60mph inside a steel cage, which splits open as they ride. See competition details opposite.
Tickets: £24; £28 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tun Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
13 Feb
Comedy Dinner Show
Derek Trotter, the crème brûlée of Peckham is your host, with Rodney and Uncle Albert, as you enjoy a three-course meal.
Tickets: £39 01322 220000 Orchard Theatre, Dartford Satnav: DA1 1ED
14 Feb
Valentine’s Night
Romantic night at the theatre? Why not treat your loved one to a three-course meal, served in The Restaurant, along with live music to serenade you both.
Tickets: £34 01322 220000 Orchard Theatre, Dartford Satnav: DA1 1ED
14 to 22 Feb
Living with Birds
Help celebrate National Nest Box Week this half term. Learn about birds and their nesting habits as nature expert Tim Christian leads a bird box-building workshop (there is an extra charge for this).
Tickets: £8.50 to £42.50 01732 865224 Hever Castle, nr Edenbridge Satnav: TN8 7NG
14, 15 and 21 and 22 Feb
A Perfect Day Out
It’s 70 years since the birth of The Railway Series by the Rev. W Awdry and the release of his first book, The Three Railway Engines. Meet the Fat Controller and take a ride in Annie and Clarabel behind Thomas at Tenterden Station.
Tickets: £13 to £51.50 01580 765155 Kent & East Sussex Railway Satnav: TN30 6HE
14 to 22 Feb
Half-term family fun
Have fun outside with a winter activity pack including some of the Trust’s most popular ‘50 things’ ideas, or practise crafts based on a carnival of colours.
Tickets: Normal admission charges, plus additional charges 01732 810378 Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks Satnav: TN15 0NT
14 to 22 Feb
Sailors’ Academy
The Historic Dockyard Chatham welcomes families to its Sailors’ Academy this half term, when children and grown-ups can go aboard the Victorian naval sloop HMS Gannet and and earn a certificate after learning how to tie knots, whistle commands, signal with flags and much more. Also visit the new exhibition HMS Victory: The Untold Story, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the launch of HMS Victory at Chatham (14 Feb-31 May, No. 1 Smithery: The Gallery).Tickets: £18.50; £11.50
01634 823807 Historic Dockyard Chatham Satnav: ME4 4TY
16 to 20 Feb
Winter Craft
Enjoy indoor fun in the Mulberry Room with craft activities and games inspired by Churchill, including painting your own picture inspired by the great man .
Tickets: Normal admission charges apply, plus £3 per child 01732 868381 Chartwell, Westerham Satnav: TN16 1PS
20 Feb
Dirty Dancing
An all-new, spectacular stage show featuring all the hits from everyone’s favourite film. Take a trip back to the summer of 1963 to relive Patrick Swayze’s and Jennifer Grey’s sizzling original.
Tickets: £19.50; £17.50 (concs) 01474 337774 Woodville Halls, Gravesend Satnav: DA12 1DD
22 Feb
Snowdrops & hellebores
The Kent Hardy Plant Society’s Snowdrop and Hellebore Extravaganza is by invitation of Lady Fitzwalter, with a talk by Val Bourne. Nurseries will sell a wide range of plants, with a members’ bulbs display too.
Tickets: Contact venue 01304 840107 Goodnestone Park Gardens, Goodnestone, Canterbury Satnav: CT3 1PL
24 Feb
Steeleye Span
Following a collaboration with Discworld author Sir Terry Pratchett, folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span led by Maddy Prior will unveil new gems alongside classics that made them such a successful folk rock band.
Tickets £19.50; £17.50 01843 292795 Theatre Royal, Margate Satnav: CT9 1PW
26 Feb
Welcome to the Machine
Celebrating 40 Years of Wish You Were Here, the Australian Pink Floyd Show’s 2015 tour promises all the spectacle and legendary music you expect from one of the world’s premier tribute acts.
Tickets: £29.50 to £40.50 0844 871 3015 Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Satnav: CT20 2DZ
26 Feb
My Dog’s Got No Nose
Starring Damian Williams, journey through the events surrounding a stand-up comic’s first-ever live performance.
Tickets: £14; £12 (concs) 01843 292795 Theatre Royal, Margate Satnav: CT9 1PW
28 Feb
Favourite Music
Concert in aid of The Heart of Kent Hospice with Simon Proctor on piano, The Heart of Kent Youth Orchestra and Henry Clay on oboe. An eclectic selection includes the Warsaw Concerto, James Bond Piano Concerto, The Simpsons, Liszt and Grieg.
Tickets: £10; £7 (child) 01622 790195 Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone Satnav: ME14 5DS
28 Feb to 1 Mar
Build It Live! 2015
Find out all you need to know about building your own home or taking on a renovation project, and what you can and can’t do without planning permission. Learn how to add space, value and light into your home.
Tickets: £12 0844 545 0062 Glow, Bluewater, Geeenhithe Satnav: DA9 9ST
2 Mar
Fleetwood Mac
Replicating Fleetwood Mac at the group’s best, let timeless classics such as Black Magic Woman, Albatross, Go Your Own Way, Dreams and Little Lies take you on a nostalgic evening of great musicianship. See below for details of how you can win a pair of tickets to see the show.
Tickets: £22.50; £32.50 01892 530613 Assembly Hall, Tun Wells Satnav: TN1 2LU
4 Mar
Rock the Runway
After the success of 2013’s Rock the Runway, personal stylist Lynne Meek and event organiser Katy Beatton this year present a charity lunch followed by a fashion show, all in support of Tunbridge Wells charity The Pickering Cancer Drop In Centre. Some of the town’s best-loved retailers, including Bod & Ted, Ilse Jacobsen, Minimaya and Kitch will showcase their SS15 collections, while jewellery and accessories modelled on the catwalk will also be on sale. The fashion show features 24 local women (including Kent Life editor Sarah Sturt) and the event sponsor is Purity Bridge.
Tickets: £75 event.bookitbee.com/2311/rock-the-runway For more details email lynne@stylingmatters.co.uk or katybeatton@gmail.com High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells Satnav: TN3 9JJ
