There’s something for everyone as Lighthouse Poole announces its latest round of new shows on sale this week.
Appearing in Poole for the first time, British acting royalty Sir Derek Jacobi talks about his life and career with long-time partner actor Richard Clifford; and Lighthouse is delighted to present Theatre Royal Bath’s new adaptation of Noël Coward’s celebrated satire of theatrical celebrity, Present Laughter, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman; as well as the new touring production of classic comedy series Horrible Histories.
Alongside Top Ten music artists including KT Tunstall and The Shires, the music programme also includes a welcome return for BBC Radio 3’s long-running Friday Night Is Music Night; as well as Illuminated Orchestra’s spellbinding celebration of gothic and fantasy cinema.
Also announced this week is English Youth Ballet’s highly acclaimed production of The Nutcracker, which will feature local dancers in the corps de ballet, and a new date for top comedian Ed Gamble, the self-proclaimed Crown Prince of Visualised Companion Podcasts after the runaway success of both The Traitors: Uncloaked and Taskmaster: The Podcast.
On sale this week at Lighthouse:
KT Tunstall
Friday 19 June, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The legendary Scottish artist is ready to make her Poole debut as she celebrates 20+ years of her debut album, Eye to the Telescope.
Friday Night Is Music Night
Friday 18 September, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Join the BBC Concert Orchestra and guests for an evening of unforgettable music for the BBC’s much-loved, long-running radio show. Enjoy a mix of nostalgic melodies, popular favourites, and orchestral classics… and perhaps discover a few new tunes along the way, in a live recording for BBC Radio 3. It’s sure to be a night to remember!
Lucid Cabaret
Saturday 19 September, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Ahoy there me hearties! This International Talk Like a Pirate Day swing down to the Studio to see the Lucid Cabaret crew get up to some thoroughly nautical naughtiness! Expect hijinks, drunken sailors and belly laughs.
Illuminated Orchestra: Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy by Moonlight
Sunday 20 September, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
A spellbinding live concert celebrating the music from cinema’s most whimsical and eerie masterpieces – from Tim Burton’s gothic fantasy films to cult classics of the dark and magical.
Via Dolorosa by David Hare
Saturday 3 October, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
David Hare’s dramatic account of his travels through Israel and Palestine in 1997 with unique access to a range of public and private figures. Passionate and topical, this is a must-see performance of Hare’s compelling drama which lays bare the history, complexities and tensions of the region. guidance: 14+
Buena Bristol Social Club
Thursday 8 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
A collaboration of top-notch Cuban and Bristol-based musicians in the Latin music scene. Cuban musician, Michel Padron has carefully crafted a band that faithfully preserves the distinctive sound and flavour of Buena Vista Social Club’s music, blending traditional Cuban rhythms, jazz, and folk, with a unique Bristol twist.
Present Laughter
Monday 12 – Saturday 17 October, 7.45pm (2.30pm Wed, Thu, Sat mats), Theatre
Tracy-Ann Oberman stars as Geri Essendine in Theatre Royal Bath’s new production of Noël Coward’s celebrated and hilarious portrayal of the temptations and pitfalls of theatrical celebrity.
Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford
Wednesday 28 October, 7pm, Theatre
We are delighted to welcome BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Award winner Sir Derek Jacobi to Lighthouse for an unforgettable evening of his glittering life and career. An icon of stage and screen, Sir Derek was given a Knighthood for his services to theatre by Queen Elizabeth II. Hosting this spectacular evening is actor and producer, and Derek’s partner since the 1970s, Richard Clifford.
Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors & Awful Egyptians
Thursday 5, Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8 November, 10.30am (Thu TT, Fri AE), 1.30pm (Thu AE), 6.30pm (Fri TT, Sat AE), 2.30pm (Sat TT), 11am (Sun AE), 3pm (Sun TT) Theatre
History with the nasty bits left in. Using actors and eye-popping 3D special effects, these astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips! The two tours are running concurrently, and each show requires its own ticket.
Behind Enemy Lines
Wednesday 11 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Louise Jordan uncovers the lives of the extraordinary women of Special Operations Executive whose courage, daring, ingenuity and sacrifice defeated Nazi terror. Who were they? How were they selected and trained to commit acts of sabotage, subversion and silent killing? Did they ultimately evade capture, torture and execution? Age guidance: 12+
English Youth Ballet: The Nutcracker
Friday 13, Saturday 14 November, 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Sat only), Theatre
EYB’s acclaimed full length production of The Nutcracker will include dancers recruited at local auditions in the corps de ballet. The 208 costumes have been designed by Keith Bish who is working on the new costumes for Phantom of the Opera.
The Shires
Sunday 15 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
British country duo Ben Earle and Chrissie Rhodes return to the live stage performing fan favourites and new songs from their joyous new album, Bonfire, which celebrates togetherness, escapism, and positivity.
Blazin’ Fiddles
Thursday 19 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
One of the most celebrated and best-loved acts of the Scottish music scene, Blazin’ Fiddles features the mastery of three Highlands and Islands fiddle virtuoso –Jenna Reid (Shetland), Kristan Harvey (Orkney) and Rua Macmillan (Highlands)- grounded by the second to none, driving accompaniment of Angus Lyon (piano) and Anna Massie (guitar).
The Magic of Motown
Friday 8 January 2027, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Celebrate the sound of a generation with the hits of The Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and more.
The ELO Show
Friday 22 January 2027, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The world’s greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and ELO, featuring a band of amazing musicians complimented by a female string section and playing hit after hit from ELO’s vast back catalogue.
Sherlock Holmes: The Death and Life!
Saturday 6 February 2027, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
David Stuart Davies’ one-man play is a light-hearted fantasy, illustrating the conflict between Conan Doyle’s intentions and the rebellious personalities of his literary creations.
The Illegal Eagles
Friday 5 March, 7.30pm Concert Hall
In their 30th anniversary year, The Illegal Eagles return to Lighthouse to showcase their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail, and incredible showmanship. Age guidance: Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult
Ed Gamble: Fresh Hell
Thursday 15 April 2027, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Ed’s brand-new tour, Fresh Hell, follows his biggest ever sold-out world tour across Europe, North America and Australasia.
With the exception of KT Tunstall, The Shires and Ed Gamble, which are already on sale, and Illuminated Orchestra: Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy By Moonlight, for which priority booking is already open ahead of general on sale on Friday 20 March, priority booking opens for Lighthouse Best & Great Friends only on Friday 20 March, and to Lighthouse Good Friends on Tuesday 24 March before going on general sale from Friday 27 March at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
To gain access to priority booking, Friends memberships are available from just £50 a year at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/support-lighthouse/.