Charlotte Tomlinson-White has scoured Hampshire to bring you the top events taking place this May
Soaraway success
Sky Hunters at Sunset gives you the chance to marvel at the skill of the birds in the Hawk Conservancy Trust’s African-themed Savannah Arena as they soar against the backdrop of the setting sun.
During the evening you will see a variety of birds fly, including falcons, vultures, owls and kites. Explore the grounds with one of the conservancy’s falconers and find out about their work.
Then enjoy a flying demonstration in the Woodland Arena showcasing the skill of owls at dusk.
With hog roast and salad followed by a home-made chocolate brownie.
• When: May 27
• Where: The Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover SP11 8DY, 01264 773850, hawk-conservancy.org
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Comic Relief
Milton Jones is back on the road with another tour, but unfortunately it isn’t quite ready yet. Don’t panic though, he’s a professional. The guy with the loud shirts and messed up hair from Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow and multiple series on Radio 4, can pull it together. Guaranteed to have you laughing your socks off, expect an entertaining evening in the company of an ‘idiot’.
• When: May 1
• Where: Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB, 01962 840440, theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
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Beer and Bricks
Bursledon Brickwork’s first beer festival has 15 real ales, cider and soft drinks as well as hot and cold food, plus live music. Doors open at midday and entry price includes a special glass, programme, access to key parts of the museum plus a free ride on a heritage bus if you go by train to Swanwick Station. A shuttle service runs on the day to coincide with the Southampton to Portsmouth local train service.
• When: May 13
• Where: Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Coal Park Lane, Swanwick, SO31 7GW, 01489 576248, bursledonbrickworks.org.uk
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Giving you the Blues
Sari Schorr’s voice is rich with emotion and her blues come from the heart. Experience songs sung with honesty and be surprised by her cover of Black Betty’ from her new album Force of Nature.
• When: May 27
• Where: West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD, 01252 330040, hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
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When Ads Were Art
Witness more than 40 posters and original paintings commissioned by Shell for their advertising campaigns from the 1920s to the 1950s. The works reflect a diversity of styles emerging after the First World War. Artists featured include Paul Nash, Graham Sutherland, and Vanessa Bell.
• When: May 6 – July 2
• Where: Mottisfont, near Romsey SO51 0LP, 01794 340757, nationaltrust.org.uk
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A Classic For Kids
The CBeebies’ animated series Sarah and Duck comes alive on stage in Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday. Join Sarah and Duck, plus friends from the BAFTA award-winning show as they plan a party.
• When: May 31
• Where: New Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DD, 023 9264 9000, newtheatreroyal.com
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It’s all about Austen
Don your stout footwear, dress for the outdoors and explore the estate of Chawton House Library. Join garden manager Andrew Bentley and discover the history of the grounds, including the ‘wilderness’, the ‘ha-ha’ and additions made by Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Austen, later Knight, which include the walled kitchen garden, shrubberies and parkland. Enjoy the Elizabeth Blackwell herb garden, views across the south lawn and tuck into a full English breakfast in the Old Kitchen.
• When: May 7
• Where: Chawton House Library, Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ, 01420 541010, chawtonhouse.org
Presented in partnership with Jane Austen’s House Museum, this landmark exhibition The Mysterious Miss Austen explores the intriguing question: Who is Jane Austen?
It will examine the author’s work, life and relationship to Hampshire, the county that provided inspiration for her novels. Witness five portraits of Jane, and with only a handful of her items surviving today, don’t miss this rare opportunity to marvel at her silk pelisse coat, purse and sewing materials case, plus the manuscript of an alternative ending to Persuasion in Jane Austen’s own hand.
• When: May 13 – July 24
• Where: Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB, 01962 873603, hants.gov.uk/wdc
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See a Pasta Master Live
Fresh from a hugely successful fourth series of Gino’s Italian Escape on ITV, Gino D’Acampo brings his passion for Italian cookery to live audiences. With a little help from audience members, see him demonstrate how to cook some of his favourite dishes from his ‘Italian Escape’ series. Packed with humour, expect a memorable evening of food and fun, with a few surprises along the way! Suitable for adults only..
• When: May 10
• Where: Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB, 0844 847 2362, portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
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Classy thriller
Written by Brian Clemens (The Avengers), Strictly Murder is captivating. In April 1939, English couple Peter and Suzy live in Provence, far from rumblings of the coming war. Their peace is shattered when she discovers he is not the man he claims to be.
• When: May 3-6
• Where: 7pm, Saturday 2pm, The Haymarket, Wote Street, Basingstoke RG21 7N, 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk
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Branching Out
After twelve years as the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead, Jon Boden is heading out on his own, for the first time.
A master on fiddle, guitar and concertina, as well as his trademark ‘stompbox’, the new show combines elements from the broad span of his career, featuring material from his debut solo album Painted Lady through to his A Folk Song A Day project.
• When: May 13
• Where: The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke RG21 7QR, 01256 844244 anvilarts.org.uk
