Some of the top events from across Dorset for February 2014
Event of the month
14 & 15 February - Ripping Yarns and the Tale of the Forgotten Author
Wareham celebrates its very own literary icon Percy F. Westerman with a one day exhibition of his life and work at the Corn Exchange (14 Feb midday – 5pm, free entry). Voted Britain’s most popular children’s author back in the 1930’s Westerman’s exciting tales of derring-do were written from his floating houseboat home ‘The Barge’ moored alongside the River Frome, just a few minutes walk from South Bridge. For those who want to know more the Westerman Seminar (15 Feb) offers a day of talks, discussions and material relating to the life and works of both Percy F. Westerman and his son John F. C. Westerman. The seminar runs from 10am to 4pm, in the Council Chamber, Wareham. Tickets £15 including lunch. Advance booking essential, call Nigel Gossop on 023 92375594 or email westermanyarns@gmail.com.
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Exhibitions
Until 15 February - Modern British and European Prints
Exhibition featuring works by some of the most famous names of the 20th century art scene ranging from Paul Nash and Edward Ardizonne to Mervyn Peake and Prunella Clough.
The Art Stable, Child Okeford
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Until 9 March - British Wildlife Photography
Moors Valley Park near Ringwood host this exhibition featuring 90 award-winning and commended images from last year’s prestigious British Wildlife Photography Awards.
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Until 9 March - Angels, Faeries and Femmes Fatales
From Dadd to Discworld - this exhibition explores the Victorian obsession with the supernatural and the spirit world and features work by Terry Pratchett’s Discworld illustrator Paul Kidby and 2012 Turner Prize nominee Spartacus Chetwynd.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
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Music
8 February - New Elizabethan Singers
The singers perform Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man; a Mass for Peace which blends 15th-century French folk song, the Islamic call to prayer and the Christian Mass.
St Mary’s Church, Bridport.
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9 February - Fandango to Tango!
Classical guitarist John Mills and wife Cobie Smit perform works by Boccherini, Piazzolla and Granados.
Dorchester Arts Centre; 01305 266926
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10 February - Sadie and the Hotheads
Better known as Downton Abbey’s Lady Cora, Countess of Grantham actress Elizabeth McGovern reveals her inner rock chick ‘Sadie’ drawing influence from Victorian Parlour Ballads, tango rhythms and country beats.
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne; 01202 885566
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15 February - Kodo
The limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum is explored by world class players.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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21 February - Concerts in the West
Polish mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, and Neapolitan pianist Emma Abbate perform Poulenc, Berio, Britten and de Falla (11am)
Bridport Arts Centre
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22 February - Abbamania
It’s time for all you Super Troupers to take on the role of Dancing Queen before the Winner Takes it All. Regent, Christchurch 01202 499199
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Performance
4 February - Motionhouse: Broken
Dancers negotiate the cracks and craters of a world of illusion where nothing is quite as it seems.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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5 February - The Bible
The Good Book just got better and shorter in this irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgement by the brilliant Reduced Shakespeare Company. Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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7, 8, 26,27 & 28 February - The Fossil Lady of Lyme
Alison Neil’s one-woman play tells the extraordinary story of Mary Anning and her struggle to make her mark in the male dominated world of science (artsreach.co.uk)
7 Feb Portman Hall Shillingstone;
8 Feb Buckland Newton Village Hall (VH)
26 Feb Langton Matravers VH
27 Feb Melbury Osmond VH
28 Feb Bourton VH 1 March Thorncombe VH
2 March Winfrith VH
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11-15 February - Moscow City Ballet
With a new version of Swan Lake on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and The Nutcracker on Friday and Saturday, this world class ballet company are sure to dazzle. Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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12 February - Under My Skin
Sadhana Dance takes us into the heart of an operating theatre. Followed by post-show Café Scientifique debate with BBC Radio 4’s Quentin Cooper
Dorchester Arts Centre; 01305 266926
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13 February - Stephen K Amos
An evening of fun, laughter and audience interaction from a comedy master.
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne; 01202 885566
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19- 20 February - The Girl and the Shoes
An enchanting fairytale which reveals what happens when you put on magical shoes (artsreach.co.uk).
19 Feb 10:30am Cerne Abbas VH; 4pm Durweston VH 20 Feb 10:30am Sturminster Marshall Memorial Hall; 4pm Gillingham High School
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21- 23 February - Charlie and Lola’s Extremely New Play
The dynamic duo is joined by Sizzles the Dog on a magical journey which promises pirates, treasure and plenty of adventure. Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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23 February - Ballroom to Broadway
Strictly’s Anton Du Beke is joined by West End star Summer Strallen for this star-spangled programme of music and dance inspired by the great musicals.
Bournemouth Pavilion; 0844 576 3000
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27 February - War Horse
National Theatre Live broadcast of the international smash hit adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel which goes from the heaven of rural Devon to the hell of France’s battlefields. Further screenings 6, 8, 13, 18 March.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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Best of the rest
20 & 21 February - Owl Day
The RSPB together with Sharandys Birds of Prey, bring a parliament of owls to Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester (20 Feb) and Castle Gardens, Sherborne (21 Feb).
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23 February - Shaftesbury Walk
Enjoy a guided 4 mile walk with Dorset Area Ramblers around the quiet lanes and backwaters of Shaftesbury. Meet outside Co-Op supermarket in Bell Street car park at 11am. For more details call 01202 315320
