As a raft of new shows goes on sale at Lighthouse Poole, three major music legends and a host of old friends and favourites are looking forward to making their return over the coming months.
Having provided this year with one of its standout performances in African Rhapsodies, kora virtuoso Seckou Keita will be back in February with his own Homeland Band and their unique crossover sound, embracing Senegalese music, Afro-pop, urban sounds and hip-hop.
It has taken 80s pop legends Haircut One Hundred slightly longer to make their way back to Poole. By the time they play our Concert Hall in May, it will be more than 44 years since they first appeared there on their first tour in support of their debut album, Pelican West. The band’s recent renaissance will see a new album, Boxing the Compass, released in the new year.
Meanwhile, folk rock giants are also on their way back having been regular visitors throughout their long history, as have folk music’s more recently revered Spiers & Boden partnership both in and out of Bellowhead.
One of the biggest community events of the year, Big Sing returns in January with scores of local singers joining Bournemouth Symphony Chorus – under inspirational leader Gavin Carr – in a day-long workshop and afternoon performance of songs from the movies.
Lighthouse is also looking forward to return visits from long-standing favourite, poet Luke Wright with his new show Later Life Letter, and the brilliant London African Gospel Choir with the latest version of their Paul Simon’s Graceland Reimagined concert.
On sale this week at Lighthouse:
Big Sing 2026
Sunday 25 January, 4pm, Concert Hall
Join Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and singers from across the region in a singing workshop followed by an informal run through of songs from some great movies including Bond themes, Amadeus and My Fair Lady with Gavin Carr, inspirational director of the BSC. You don’t need to be in a choir – just keen to sing.
The Jane Austen Fan Club
Thursday 29 January, 8pm, Sherling Studio
It’s a special meeting of The Jane Austen Fan Club, and you’re invited! With books, bonnets – and a life-size cardboard cutout of Colin Firth, we’re celebrating everything we love about the original feminist icon. Created by Victoria Briggs and Lucy Mellors, you can expect high drama, breathless romance, and extremely proficient dancing (perhaps). Age guidance: 14+
Lunchtime Recital: Lewis Kingsley Peart
Tuesday 3 February, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
Lewis Kingsley Peart enjoys a busy life as a working musician and programmes a wide variety of music from the traditional classical canon, right through to jazz and the avant-garde. With a strong background in theatre, his appearances are never without verve.
Live & Unheard Legends 2026
Thursday 5 February, 7.30pm, Theatre
Our monthly night for unsigned grass roots music takes the next step up to our Theatre stage.
Seckou Keita Homeland Band
Friday 6 February, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Award-winning kora sensation Seckou Keita will be back on the road in 2025 with his Homeland band, an all-star line-up of Senegalese musicians, for a joyous and explosive live show!
Lucid Cabaret
Friday 6 February, 8pm, Sherling Studio
From the team that create Poole Pride’s Come On Out Cabaret and the infamous Tit For Tat nights comes a brand-new adventure. Featuring familiar faces and fresh reprobates, the Lucid Cabaret will seduce, scandalise and slay so strap in for giggles and mayhem with your host Thorn as they guide you through this night of the rip-roaring ridiculous. Age guidance 18+
Young Drummer of the Year
Sunday 15 February, 2pm, Theatre
Founded in 2002, Young Drummer of the Year offers contestants a platform to highlight their drumming talent on a national and international stage. Hosted, since 2023, at Lighthouse.
Jimeoin: Pandemonium
Wednesday 25 February, 7.45pm, Theatre
A not-to-be-missed evening with one of live comedy’s universally acclaimed true masters – we are delighted to welcome the stand-up legend Jimeoin to Poole with his brilliantly funny new tour Pandemonium!
Stolen Ram
Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 March, 8pm, Sherling Studio
From the makers of Pot licker… Zara is in deep trouble. She’s involved with shady, unscrupulous characters motivated only by greed and pursuit of power. Well, it was her choice to take that job in school senior management. Age guidance: 14+
Spiers & Boden
Thursday 5 March, 7.45pm, Theatre
Spiers & Boden have been at the forefront of the English traditional folk scene for 25 years both as a groundbreaking duo and as founder members of folk phenomenon Bellowhead. After a seven-year hiatus to concentrate on Bellowhead, they returned as a duo in 2021 and have been taking their brand of high octane, no nonsense acoustic folk song and music to packed venues ever since.
Stevie Martin: Clout 2026
Thursday 12 March, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Stevie Martin (Taskmaster, Mitchell & Webb’s Are Not Helping, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Horne Section TV Show) has been doing online comedy for a while (45 million views worldwide), but is now returning to live comedy with her latest show, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Age guidance: 16+
K-Pop All Stars
Friday 20 March, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
From stadium-shaking anthems to breathtaking choreography, K-Pop All Stars celebrates the global phenomenon redefining pop culture. With explosive performances of today’s biggest K-Pop hits from BlackPink, NewJeans, Katseye, and BTS and spectacular numbers inspired by the smash-hit film Demon Hunters, this high-energy tribute brings the thrill of Seoul’s stages to life.
Live & Unheard
Saturday 21 March, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Three more original artists line up in our monthly grass roots music night.
Rock & Roll Man
Monday 23 – Saturday 28 March, 7.45pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Sat mats), Theatre
The original musical about a musical original. DJ Alan Freed gave rock & roll its name, bringing music to the masses. Enjoy explosive original songs written just for the stage, alongside classics from legends such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Drifters. Age guidance: 7+
Pierre Novellie: You Sit There; I’ll Stand Here
Thursday 2 April, 8pm, Sherling Studio
It’s time for Pierre to do stand-up! It’s time for you to watch! Co-host of the Frank Skinner podcast, as seen on World’s Most Dangerous Roads (U&Dave), The Mash Report (BBC Two), Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), heard on The Now Show and The News Quiz and Breaking The News (BBC Radio 4). Age guidance: 14+
Lunchtime Recital: Gus McQuade
Tuesday 7 April, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
Classical guitarist Gus graduated with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music, where he received the Regency Award for his master’s degree. A former Musicians’ Company New Elizabethan Award holder, he made his Wigmore Hall debut in 2023.
Lessons From Teacher x
Wednesday 15, Thursday 16 April, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Cam is a hopeless romantic, a secondary school teacher falling for a handsome stranger. Crystal is an online model, punishing men for money. One has pupils, the other only fans. But they share a shameful secret… Barbara Smith (EastEnders) brings 15 unique characters to life in a gripping new play from Erin De Frias and Dorsetborn. Age guidance: 14+
Psychology of Serial Killers
Thursday 16 April, 7.45pm, Theatre
Expert forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees explores one of Forensic Psychology’s most troubling topics revealing how serial killers are classified and debunking common serial killer myths. Age guidance: 14+
John Smith
Friday 17 April, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Born in Essex, raised by the Devon seaside and making his bones in the bars and clubs of Liverpool, England’s one and only John Smith has been at the pioneering forefront of British folk guitar music for 20 years. He has amassed over 100 million Spotify streams and played his songs all over the world.
Luke Wright: Later Life Letter
Saturday 25 April, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads, and the one he might have done. Wright navigates his audience through a warm and honest hour of poems and stand-up with the wit, pathos, and silliness that has made him one of the most popular live poets in England. Age guidance: 14+
Labyrinth In Concert
Thursday 30 April, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Travel into the goblin city at a screening of Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, Labyrinth, with a live band playing David Bowie and Trevor Jones’ score. Age guidance: 7+ (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult)
Lucid Cabaret: MAYDAY
Saturday 2 May, 8pm, Sherling Studio
The Lucid Cabaret returns for a special emergency broadcast. In the wake of our last cabaret, disaster has struck. Each and every performer in this message is sending you their own special signal from beyond the apocalypse so buckle in, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride! Thankfully, your favourite divine monster, Thorn, is here to guide you through. Pay close attention to every act – your vote will decide who gets a coveted slot at this year’s Poole Pride Come on Out Cabaret!
Haircut One Hundred
Sunday 3 May, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The 80s teen pop minstrels return to Poole for the first time since 21 March 1982.
Lunchtime Recital: Hannah Shilvock & Viola Lenzi
Tuesday 5 May, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
Hannah and Viola are a dynamic and virtuosic duo of bass clarinet and piano, presenting lyrical and virtuosic music for bass clarinet and piano to diverse audiences. Their mission is to get people to fall in love with the bass clarinet.
Ice Age Adventure Live
Tuesday 26 May, 2pm, Theatre
Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission in the frozen world of Ice Age Adventure Live! Journey back in time to meet incredible prehistoric animals in the coolest family show this side of the Arctic Circle!
Live & Unheard
Thursday 28 May, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Three more original artists line up in our monthly grass roots music night.
Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s Déjà Vu Performed by The Wandering Hearts
Wednesday 3 June, 7.45pm, Theatre
The British folk-Americana band’s version breathes new life into the original songs with their signature harmonies and heartfelt energy, creating a loving companion to the classic album without being a mere copy.
Forbidden Nights
Thursday 11 June, 7.45pm, Theatre
Brace yourself for something truly spectacular… Forbidden Nights is here, celebrating over 10 years of muscles, mayhem and over 11,000 shirt rips! Were you excited by the show-stopping performance on Britain’s Got Talent? If you were left craving more, then get ready to experience their live stage show where you can be the ultimate judge!
Nikita Kuzmin – Supernova
Friday 17 July, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Strictly Come Dancing finalist and fan favourite Nikita Kuzmin takes centre stage in Supernova, the explosive new dance spectacular from Burn the Floor. Expect an evening of electrifying entertainment where artistry meets innovation, and Nikita’s trademark charm, power and charisma shine brighter than ever.
Daniel Foxx: How Lovely
Wednesday 16 September, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Daniel was determined to handle his Big Break up with the grace of Julia Roberts. He didn’t. Join him as he navigates dating in your 30s, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines, all while trying to emanate love and light. Age guidance: 14+
Live & Unheard
Thursday 24 September, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Three more original artists line up in our monthly grass roots music night.
The London African Gospel Choir: Paul Simon’s Graceland Reimagined 2026
Saturday 26 September, 7.30pm Concert Hall
After an astonishing show with us back in 2024 and hot off the back of multiple sell-outs across the UK, the 23-strong London African Gospel Choir make a welcome return with their critically acclaimed, totally uplifting re-imagining of Paul Simon’s iconic Graceland album.
Lindisfarne
Saturday 31 October 2026, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Legendary 70s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me on the Corner, Fog on the Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, their power to galvanize concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet.
Young Drummer of the Year, Jimeoin: Pandemonium, Spiers & Boden, Stevie Martin: Clout 2026, K-Pop All Stars, Labyrinth In Concert, Rock & Roll Man, Pierre Novellie: You Sit There; I’ll Stand Here, Haircut One Hundred, Ice Age Adventure Live, Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s Déjà Vu Performed by The Wandering Hearts, Nikita Kuzmin: Supernova, Daniel Foxx and Lindisfarne are already on sale.
For all other show, priority booking opens for Lighthouse Best & Great Friends only on Friday 24 October, and to Lighthouse Good Friends on Tuesday 28 October before going on general sale from Friday 31 October 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/.