Charlotte Tomlinson-White has scoured Hampshire to bring you the top events taking place this April

Louise Jordan

Winchester born singer, musician and composer Louise Jordan brings her latest project ‘No Petticoats Here’ to Southampton for an historic performance at God’s House Tower, part of the city’s ancient defensive walls.

‘No Petticoats Here’ tells the real life stories of remarkable women of the Great War through song and was inspired by the story of Dorothy Lawrence, an aspiring author whose guardian lived in Salisbury Cathedral Close. Dorothy dressed as a soldier in order to visit the Western Front and pursue her journalistic ambitions. Louise quickly became fascinated by the stories of female ambulance drivers, scientists, footballers and spies.

It is the culmination of twelve months of research that has taken Louise to the battlefields of the Somme, the Belgian frontline at Pervijse and to countless museums and historic research centres. Through contact with the relatives and biographers of some of these extraordinary women Louise has been able to add greater depth and detail to their stories.

• When: April 21

• Where: God’s House Tower, Southampton, www.louisejordan.co.uk

Music treat from stage and screen

Southampton Inspiration Choir and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra present a stage and screen spectacular in this wonderful concert. With modern film scores and new musical theatre showstoppers running alongside classic compositions that have stood the test of time, there is something for everyone. Enjoy classics including a Beauty and the Beast medley, Hail Holy Queen, I Will Follow Him and Sail on Titanic, as well as Flashdance: What A Feeling amongst other stage and screen favourites.

• When: April 8

• Where: O2 Southampton Guildhall, West Marlands Road, Southampton SO14 7LP, 023 8063 2601, o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk

Tea and Austen

Set within 14 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside, 11 miles from her home in Chawton, it is perfectly possible the author herself could have taken tea at Langrish House.

As part of the Austen 200 event, savour a full afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches and sumptuous sweet treats, plus a complimentary glass of Prosecco as well as some quotes from Jane’s greatest novels. Quote ‘Jane Austen Tea’ when booking.

• When: April 1-30

• Where: Langrish House, Langrish, Petersfield GU32 1RN, 01730 266941, langrishhouse.co.uk

Just for Laughs

Join Dr Phil Hammond, NHS doctor, BBC broadcaster, Private Eye journalist and whistle-blowing comic, as he combines both of his sell-out Edinburgh fringe shows in what promises to be an unforgettable evening of laughter.

With adult themes and language, expect comedy for grown – ups only. Laugh, sort your life out, stay sane, plan your death and save the NHS, and all in only 90 minutes.

• When: April 29

The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, Hedge End, SO30 4EJ Box Office: 023 8065 2333, theberrytheatre.co.uk

Robin Hood is Back

Join Robin and Marian in arrow-slinging, tights-wearing panto Robin Hood. Starring Dani Harmer from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker as Maid Marian and Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson as Robin Hood.

• When: April 23

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

Classes in crime

Develop your own mystery, thriller or detective story at Murder at Forest Arts with former criminal barrister, criminologist and Hampshire crime novelist Diana Bretherick at this one day workshop.

• When: April 8

• Where: Forest Arts Centre, Old Milton Road, New Milton BH25 6DS, 01425 612393, hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/forest-arts-centre

Look at lives of Gurkhas

Covering over 200 years, witness the relationship between the Gurkhas and the British Army in The Gurkha Connection Project, an exhib iton developed by local young people.

• When: Until June 4

• Where: Aldershot Military Museum, Queens Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2L, 01252 314598, hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/aldershot-military-museum

Head for the mountains

Experience an evening of extraordinary short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.

Promising to ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel, the Banff Mountain Film Festival comes to Hampshire as part of its UK and Ireland tour.

Follow the expeditions of some of today’s most incredible adventurers, watch amazing footage of adrenaline-packed action sports and be inspired by thought-provoking pieces shot from far flung corners of the globe.

Ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel through an exhilarating collection of the latest films from the most talented adventure film makers of today.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will also feature free prize giveaways.

• When: April 27

• Where: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2SH, 023 9282 8282, kingsportsmouth.co.uk

Show is Far from usual

Inspired by the controversial Age of Enlightenment, Wayne McGregor’s Far features ten dancers confronting the distortions, sensuality and feeling of the 18th Century’s contemporary sensibility to a haunting score by critically-acclaimed composer Ben Frost. It is staged in a mesmerizing environment of shadow and light. With a Q&A session after the performance, reserve your space now to avoid disappointment.

• When: April 11

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

Adventures in Madagascar

In ‘Surviving Madagascar’, Ash Dykes recounts his daring expeditions, before recounting his latest adventure. Discover how he trekked 1600 miles in 155 days, and what climbing eight of Madagascar’s highest mountains was like. He overcame malaria, escaped bandits and hacked his way through near-impenetrable jungle, to become the first person to traverse the length of Madagascar’s interior.

• When: April 12

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

Laughs with the family

Meet The Hogwallops, a family unlike all others. Every day activities are extreme. Dressing is a game of flying aerial wardrobe antics, meal times are a nerve-wracking display of juggling food and crockery and teeth brushing involves a bungee and high level jet spray.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Twits, Lost in Translation Circus blends thrilling circus tricks seamlessly with comedy, juggling and theatrical storytelling.

• When: April 8

• Where: The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh SO50 9DE, 023 8065 2333, thepointeastleigh.co.uk

Big Valley Ramble

If you like walking, you’ll love the Big Valley Ramble, a 12-mile circular tour of part of the Blackwater Valley on Sunday April 23. It starts in Sandhurst and leads across Wildmoor, through Caesar’s Camp, past Broadmoor and Ambarrow and returns along the Blackwater Valley Path, visiting the highly wildlife haven and iron age hill fort at Caesar’s Camp, and Broadmoor Hospital.

• When: April 23

• Where: Blackwater Valley, bvct.org.uk

Tasting Menu Evening

Executive Chef and owner Martin Aslin of Keats Restaurant, Ampfield, Romsey, will host a nine-course Tasting Menu evening. It will showcase new and established local providers, with equal measures of fish, meat, vegetables and fruit.

Dishes such as beetroot macaroons with creamed goats cheese, pan fried curry spiced monkfish, roasted cauliflower, pak choi & coriander, carpaccio of beef, treviso, walnuts and gorgonzola and St Clements sorbet are all set to feature.

• When: April 28

• Where: Keats Restaurant, Ampfield, Romsey, www.keatsrestaurant.co.uk