A selection of Dorset events this month
Exhibitions
Until 5 April
A World of Dreams
Bridport Arts Centre showcases over a century of artefacts related to the adaptation, from magic lantern to blockbuster films.
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Until 5 April
Art on Top
The Top Floor Gallery at Poole Lighthouse plays host to the collective talents of Poole & East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS) which counts Augustus John amongst its founding members.
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12 – 30 April
The Observant Eye
Exhibition at Jerram Gallery, Sherborne featuring Bridget Lansley’s flower paintings, still life, and scenes of racing and shooting and Fiona Millais’ landscapes inspired by walks on the Surrey/Hampshire border.
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13- 27 April
Kaleidoscopic
Poole artist Kathryn Thomas’ world travels exposed her to all sorts of weather phenomenon. From violent Singapore thunder storms to the sun-drenched landscape of the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France.
The Studio, West Quay House, West Quay Road, Poole
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Performance
2 - 3 April
Peppa Pig’s Big Splash
Join Peppa and her friends for an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles. At 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Lighthouse Poole 0844 406 8666
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8 April
Tap Factory
Tap dance, urban dance, hip hop, comedy, acrobatics and even aerial moves combine with percussion in this thrilling show.
Lighthouse Poole 0844 406 8666
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10-12 April
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Shakespeare’s comedy of jealous husbands and mischievous wives perfromed by the Amateur Players of Sherborne.
Digby Hall, Sherborne
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12 April
Hammer & Tongs
Theatre Alibi’s comedy about arguing. From tiffs and debates to farcical fisticuffs at a wedding disco. (artsreach.co.uk)
The Exchange, Sturminster Newton. 01258 475137
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18 - 20 April
Easter Special
The Glad Rag Production Company entertain us with their lavish Easter Parade.
Regent Centre, Christchurch 01202 499199
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24 April
An Evening with Rich Hall
Grouchy, deadpan Hall is the master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid fire wit.
Lighthouse Poole, 0844 406 8666
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28 April
Omid Djalili
The ‘thinking person’s Iranian comedian’ comes to Dorset.
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 01202 885566
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Music
5 April
Sing-A-Long-A-Grease
Learn to hand jive at this sing along screening of the high school classic. Fancy dress encouraged.
Lighthouse Poole 0844 406 8666
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11 April
I Love to Boogie Show
The music and style of the greatest glam rocker of them all Marc Bolan is celebrated by tribute group T-Rextasy.
Bournemouth Pavilion 0844 576 3000
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14 April
Tinie Tempah
As one of the UK’s most authentic and innovative artists this multi Brit award-winner proves that he’s a music Lover Not a Fighter.
BIC Windsor Hall 0844 576 3000
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25 April
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Classical, punk, rock ‘n’ roll and indie classics performed by an orchestra of ‘bonsai guitars’. How can you resist such a heady combination of musical styles?
Lighthouse Poole 0844 406 8666
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30 April
Kyle Eastwood
Thanks to his jazz-loving father Clint, Kyle’s childhood had jazz as its soundtrack. Today he is a virtuoso bassist and talented composer of great jazz tunes.
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 01202 885566
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Best of The Rest
1 April
Connoisseur Art Tour
See Kingston Lacy’s magnificent art collection in the company of their very own resident expert on paintings. 2.30pm-4pm. Booking essential 01202 883402
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12 April
Dorset Ramble
Join Dorset Ramblers for a 5 mile walk from Pine Lodge Farm at Higher Bockhampton. Meet at 1pm. More details 01202 315320
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12 April
National Beanpole Day
As well as the sale of beanpoles and peasticks, Dorset Coppice Group at Bonsley Wood, near Blandford will be demonstrating and selling many wonderful coppice crafts.10am-5pm dorsetcoppicegroup.org.uk
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11-13 April
Portland House Opening
A rare opportunity to peek inside this stunning 1930s art deco holiday villa, not usually open to the public. Belle Vue Road, Weymouth, DT4 8RZ. 11 Apr: 2-5pm; 12-13 Apr: 11am-5pm
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14-20 April
Big Bournemouth Beer Festival
Try over 200 beers from the UK.
BIC Purbeck Hall 0844 576 3000
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17 April
Dame Laura Knight: In Peace and War
Illustrated talk by Catherine Wallace on one of the most prolific female British artists of the 20th century. Organised by the Blandford Art Society. 2-4pm Pimperne Village Hall.
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Editor’s choice
5 April - 1 November
The Chideock Egg Lady: One Woman’s Role in World War One
There are plenty of exhibitions featuring aspects of 1914-1918 conflict during this centenary year, but none perhaps as unusual as the one at Bridport Museum. Inspired by a small archive collection known as the ‘egg letters’, it tells the story of Chrissie Squire from Chideock who got involved with the National Egg Collection. During the four years of war they distributed in excess of 20 million eggs amongst wounded soldiers in France to provide much needed sustenance. Some 64,000 passed through the collection centre in Bridport Town Hall alone, including Chrissie’s eggs which she decorated with intricate little pictures and encouraging words. In return she received many letters from soldiers thanking her, and giving her snippets of information about their lives. Who knows maybe this exhibition will reveal one of Chrissie’s decorated eggs (none have been found so far) - blown and preserved by a grateful soldier, then passed down through his family. Free entry. Open Mon – Sat 10am -5pm
Bridport Museum, 25 South Street DT6 3NR 01308 458703 bridportmuseum.co.uk
