We’ve scoured the county to bring you the top events taking place this month. Compiled by Charlotte Tomlinson-White
From Corsets to Votes
How would a 20th-century Anne Elliot have made use of the vote? What highflying career would a modern Elizabeth Bennet have chosen? Join Lucinda Hawksley, author of March, Women, March, for a fascinating talk about her book, which looks at the changing role of women from the 18th to the 20th century. As well as examining the social changes that helped to make Britain a more favourable place for women.
When: April 25, 2pm
Where: Jane Austen’s House Museum, Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, GU34 1SD, 01420 83262
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Elves & the Shoemaker
After the BAFTA award-winning TV adaptation of Ugly Duckling for CBeebies, you don’t want to miss this enchanting new production from Northern Ballet. Retelling the famous Brothers Grimm story, Elves & the Shoemaker is the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to live ballet, music and theatre. With choreography by Ballet Master Daniel de Andrade, an original score by composer Philip Feeney and set designs by Ali Allen, it is sure to be a delight.
When: April 24, 11.30 & 1.30
Where: Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE, 02380 711811
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History Boys
Follow a group of bright, funny and unruly sixth-formers in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. Set in the 1980s, their maverick English teacher is at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher, whilst their headmaster is obsessed with results and league tables. Staffroom rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence overflow, provoking insistent questions about history and how you teach it.
When: April 22 – 25, 7.30pm. Thursday & Saturday, 2pm
Where: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ, 02392 828282, www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
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Lambing Days
Don’t miss your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at Nursted Farm. This busy working sheep farm only opens its gates to the general public once a year during the peak of the lambing season. With hundreds of sheep due to give birth, this is a unique chance to see the lambs being born, taking their first steps, and nursing from their mother. There are also working sheepdogs, chickens, ducks and more to go and see.
When: April 11, 12, 25 and 26, 2pm-4.30pm
Where: Nursted Farm, Nursted, Petersfield, GU31 5RW, 01730 264278
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Fifty Shades Of Beige
The critically acclaimed Grumpies are back to knock some sense into the nation with a jam-packed new show. Join Perrier Award-winning comedian and writer Jenny Eclair with fellow recruits Susie Blake and singer Kate Robbins and learn the art of ‘Grumpy Grooming’, the joy of large pants and how to get your own way without him even noticing.
When: April 15, 8pm
Where: Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, GU11 1NX, 01252 329155, www.princeshall.com
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Gilbert White’s Footsteps
Rosemary Irwin, Chairman of Trustees at Gilbert White & the Oates Collections, will be heading a team to follow in Gilbert White’s footsteps from his home in Selborne to his College Oriel, in Oxford. The week long walk will be split into sections where you can enjoy the picturesque countryside as well as interesting heritage sites.
When: April 27 – May 5
Where: Gilbert White’s House, The Wakes, Selborne, Alton, GU34 3JH, 01420 511275
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Eggcellent Adventure
Unleash your inner ‘eggsplorer’ and set out on a cracking Easter Egg Trail adventure around Hampshire’s most beautiful National Trust gardens. Mottisfont, The Vyne, Hinton Ampner and Winchester City Mill will be hosting trails, alongside lots of other Easter activities, from face painting to egg and spoon races. Winchester City Mill is also hosting a ‘Chocolate Indulgence Day’ (4 April).
When: For dates, visit Cadbury Easter Egg Trails: www.eastereggtrail.com
Where: See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details
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Big Band
80 years have passed since the formation of the Count Basie Orchestra, regarded by some as the most iconic Big Band of all time. And back by popular demand are the IJO Big Band who return with an evening of Basie’s greatest hits to celebrate the mastery of the Count and his musicians.
When: April 25, 7.30pm
Where: The Haymarket, Wote Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NE, 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk
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100 Museum Highlights
Don’t miss A Hard Choice at Portsmouth Museum, a new exhibit featuring 100 highlights from the city’s collection, handpicked by collections manager Rosalinda Hardiman. Amongst other things, witness a Second World War bomb, visiting cards used by Mr and Mrs Dickens, and works by Turner, Spencer, Sickert and Epstein.
When: Until September 27
Where: Portsmouth Museum, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ, 02392 826722
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Bringing Back the Bucks
More than thirty years after they stormed the charts, Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston are back to remind everyone that there is more to the trio, formerly of Bucks Fizz, than Making Your Mind Up! Like a good champagne, their performances have matured, yet they still manage to hold all the fun, vitality and passion of the record breaking tours of the 1980’s. Joined by a fourth vocalist - expect all the hits plus a few lesser known album tracks on this world tour.
When: April 17
Where: The Concorde Club, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, SO50 9HQ, 02380 613989, www.theconcordeclub.com
