Charlotte Tomlinson-White has scoured the county to bring you the top events taking place this month

Gangsta Granny

From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the world premiere of this amazing story by David Walliams. It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! It’s going to be sooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine.

• When: January 19-23

• Where: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SH, 02392 828282, www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Cirque on Ice

Cirque de Glace brings to life the story of the creation of our planet, man’s evolution and a journey to the limits of technology as a dazzling ice spectacular. Combining ice dance from the internationally renowned Russian Ice Stars with the world of cirque, made famous by Cirque du Soleil, Evolution promises a thrilling, breathtaking experience filled with music, colour, and incredible costumes! Marvel at jaw-dropping acrobatics and enjoy an evening of pure entertainment.

• When: January 6 – 10

• Where: Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE, 02380 711811, www.mayflower.org.uk

Attic Treasures

The violent storms of February 2014 literally blew the roof off Hinton Ampner, and historic items that had lain undisturbed in the attics for decades had to be quickly rescued. From now until 27 February, some of the quirky treasures found in the attic can be seen on show in Hinton’s Entrance Hall, including a fascinating portfolio of Grand Tour illustrations and the Tudor key to Hinton’s famously haunted original house. The rest of the house is closed until Valentine’s Day.

• When: Until February 27

• Where: Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, SO24 0LA, 01962 771305, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

Ponies and Places

In this major exhibition at Mottisfont from the private family archives of Norman Thelwell, the artist’s popular cartoons of little girls on plump ponies are joined by hilarious satires of 20th century life.

• When: January 16 – April 10

• Where: Mottisfont, nr Romsey, SO51 0LP, 01794 340757

Dishes of the sea

Seafood lovers cannot afford to miss this exciting new course focusing on cooking techniques of all varieties of fish.

• When: January 19, 10am–3pm

• Where: Newlyns Cookery School, Lodge Farm, North Warnborough, Hook, RG29 1HA, 01256 704128

A walk in the woods

Blow those Christmas cobwebs away with a guided winter’s walk around the Vyne’s beautiful 13th Century Morgaston woods.

• When: January 2, 11am–12.30pm

• Where: The Vyne, Sherborne St John near Basingstoke, RG24 9HL, 01256 883858, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne

Child’s play

From the earliest days of Muffin the Mule, generations of children have fallen in love with the characters and stories brought to life on the small screen. The Story of Children’s Television from 1946 to Today traces the fascinating history of children’s television, bringing together seven decades of iconic objects, memorabilia, merchandise, clips and images. The exhibition is packed full of interactives for both big kids and small - and also showcases original props and characters from the famous programmes. So wander down memory lane and celebrate children’s television, past and present.

• When: Until February 28

• Where: Portsmouth City Museum, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ, 02392 834779, www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk

Seasonal baking

Winchester Mill is well known for its baking demonstration days, and early in the New Year there are no less than four opportunities for you to discover how to make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats, all with special themes. Choose from Beating the January Blues, and delicious Burns Night baking days. Take home recipe cards (small donation) and try some baking at home using the Mill’s very own flour from the shop. Plus there’s live milling action too!

• When: January 23 and 24

• Where: Winchester City Mill, Bridge Street, Winchester, SO23 9BH, 01962 870057, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Direct from success in London’s West End, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back on the road! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th Anniversary celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits.

• When: January 9, 7.45pm

• Where: The Lights, West Street, Andover, SP10 1AH, 01264 368368, www.thelights.org.uk

Laugh your Ed off

One of the UK’s leading comedians is continuing his sell-out nationwide tour with a pit stop in Basingstoke! As an observational stand up, Ed Byrne is unrivalled, captivating his audience with stitch worthy humour every time. Outside, Looking In sees him reflecting on everything from life as a father and husband to feminism and transgenderism. This highly acclaimed, fabulously funny show is not to be missed!

• When: January 28, 8pm

• Where: The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR, 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk