Where popularity is a matter of life and death, a wickedly funny West End and Broadway smash hit will make somebodies of us all as Heathers the Musical heads the bill of new shows going on sale at Lighthouse Poole.
Elsewhere, the spotlight falls on the Sherling Studio with a characteristically diverse programme of small space theatre, music, comedy and cabaret. The smallest of the three performance spaces at Lighthouse, its uniquely intimate surroundings create a special atmosphere for performers and audiences alike.
Highlights include the touring production of Beckett’s one-act masterpiece Krapp’s Last Tape, directed by Oscar nominee Stockard Channing; Kristina Gavran’s timely play about finding home, Pepper & Honey; and the multi-story mix of music, dance and romance, Last Dance Saloon; while master magician The Great Baldini presents Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Musician.
Electroacoustic harpist/comedian Scarlett Smith brings her celebration of harp music, Any Objections? to Poole in February, while highly rated Cornish singer songwriter Hollie Rogers – who has opened for the likes of Suzanne Vega and KT Tunstall – showcases her new album, Everything’s Fine, recorded with five-time Grammy nominee James McMillan.
The studio is also home to the well-established monthly Studio Jazz sessions with forthcoming highlights including a long overdue hometown show in association with SoundCellar for drummer Jeremy Stacey who has graced studios and stages all over the world with Noel Gallagher, Tom Jones, King Crimson and many others.
Also on sale this week, the welcome return of Breakin’ Convention, the biennial festival of hip hop in a building takeover from Sadler’s Wells, along with exciting new shows in the Concert Hall with the return of The Unthanks, Symphonic Ibiza – a standing show – and the Poole debut of post-Britpop hitmakers Starsailor playing their classic album Love Is Here backed by a string ensemble.
On sale this week at Lighthouse:
Studio Jazz: Gary Crosby & Denys Baptiste present A Love Supreme
Friday 13 February, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
Bassist, band leader and co-founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Gary Crosby OBE teams up with Mercury Prize nominee and MOBO award-winning saxophonist Denys Baptiste to lead an all-star quartet for this celebration of what is widely regarded as the greatest jazz album of all time, John Coltrane’s’ A Love Supreme.
Last Dance Saloon
Thursday 17 February, 2pm, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Two people, no longer in the first flush of youth, find each other at a tango retreat in Buenos Aires. A spark is lit and their passion smoulders – this was meant to be. But one has work and family ties in South America, the other in North Devon. They settle into the frustrations of a long-distance relationship fuelled by regular tango sessions in Argentina, that include unexpected flights of the imagination. Then one of them weighs the ecological consequences.
Coastal Comedy
Friday 20 February, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Compere Adrienne Coles introduces three more top standups at our award-winning monthly comedy club.
Any Objections?
Saturday 21 February, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Scarlett Smith is an electroacoustic harpist and comedian. Tired of the harp’s demure, classical reputation, Scarlett’s debut solo show Any Objections? is a surreal quest to prove this instrument belongs far beyond the Orchestra pit. Age guidance: 14+
Studio Jazz: The Sound of Blue Note feat special guest Nigel Price
Friday 27 February, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
An homage to the music of the legendary record label, The Sound of Blue Note features some of the best jazz musicians in the South West accurately recreating the music that defines the classic Blue Note Records sound of the 1950s and 60s.
Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Musician
Saturday 7 March, 11am, 2.30pm, Sherling Studio
A brand-new Holmes and Watson magic show. When, in mid-show, the Masked Magician disappears, completely, magically and seemingly forever, Sherlock Holmes (with Watson in tow) plunges into a secret world of Edwardian Magic to solve the mystery of the missing Magi. A fresh Holmes and Watson adventure for all the family filled with mayhem, mirth, mystery and… magic.
Studio Jazz: The Breath
Friday 13 March, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
A magical blend of alt-folk and musical storytelling, with the odd jazz undertone, The Breath is Manchester-based guitarist Stuart McCallum (ex The Cinematic Orchestra) and previous BBC R2 Folk Singer of the Year winner, singer/flautist Ríoghnach Connolly.
Pepper and Honey
Thursday 19 March, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Ana is ready to start her new life in the UK. Her Grandma is baking the traditional pepper biscuits known to bring a loved one home. Will those be enough to reunite her with Ana? And where is her granddaughter’s home now? A play of love, loss, culture, heritage and new beginnings. (Biscuits included!)
Studio Jazz: Jeremy Stacey Quartet
Friday 27 March, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
Studio Jazz and SoundCellar Poole are collaborating to present a rare home town gig for world-class drummer Jeremy Stacey whose outstanding CV includes many icons from the worlds of jazz, rock and pop, including Jason Rebello, Noel Gallagher, Iain Ballamy, King Crimson, Jim Mullen and Tom Jones.
BSC: Black Lake
Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus are joined by the esteemed Salomon Orchestra to perform Richard Blackford’s new work, The Black Lake, inspired by the great Welsh novel One Moonlit Night.
Symphonic Ibiza
Saturday 11 April, 8pm, Concert Hall
Symphonic Ibiza redefines the island’s legendary sound, blending the world’s most iconic dance anthems with a DJ, full live orchestra and stunning vocalists. This electrifying production transforms timeless club classics into an epic symphonic experience that bridges generations of dance music lovers.
Studio Jazz: Lianne Carroll Trio
Friday 24 April, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
Liane is a vocalist and pianist whose amazing talent has been captivating audiences around the world for three decades.
Krapp’s Last Tape
Thursday 7 May, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Revel in Samuel Beckett’s riveting journey into the human soul as we enter Krapp’s world of solitude, memories, dreams, elation, and despair. This production, directed by Academy Award nominee Stockard Channing and starring David Westhead, transports us to a land of joy, sadness, lost ambition, love, madness, and hope.
Studio Jazz: Pete Roth Trio feat Bill Bruford
Friday 8 May, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
A band that will likely reshape your perspective on what the guitar trio format can achieve, this hugely talented, creative outfit mixes originals and unusual reinterpretations with legendary ex-Yes drummer Bill Bruford.
Skinshape
Saturday 16 May, 7.45pm, Theatre
The studio project of musician and producer William Dorey, Skinshape grew out of a love for old music and the way it sounded. The sound has roots in many genres, but in particular 1960s-70s funk, reggae, library music, psychedelic rock, African music and folk.
The Unthanks
Friday 22 May, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
A welcome return for The Unthanks whose latest record, Sorrows Away, has been described as “a masterpiece of nuanced drama” (9/10 Uncut Albums of the Year), “a landmark album by an extraordinary band that will resonate for generations to come.” (Album Of The Month – Record Collector) and “a comfort blanket in daunting times” (For Folk’s Sake).
Studio Jazz: Dele Sosimi
Friday 22 May, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
Starting out over 40 years ago with Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 band, Nigerian-British Afrobeat Ambassador, musician and educator, Dele Sosimi has performed everywhere from the Montreux Jazz Festival to Morocco’s Mawazine Festival.
Breakin’ Convention
Saturday 30 May, 2.30pm, 7.30pm, Theatre
The groundbreaking festival of hip hop is coming back to Poole with high-energy performances from world-class poppers, lockers, b-boys and b-girls. This year’s line-up features Femme Fatale (France/Mexico/South Korea), a mesmerising female trio known for their musicality, the trailblazing ILL-Abilities (Netherlands/Brazil), a crew comprising of some of the world’s best b-boys who have a disability, plus incredible local talent. The evening performance also features the mighty TRAPLORD, the Olivier Award-winning creation from Ivan Blackstock – a powerful fusion of movement and storytelling which challenges racial stereotypes of Black men. Age guidance: 12+
Hollie Rogers
Friday 29 May, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Hollie Rogers is a singer, songwriter and guitarist, known for her powerful voice, sharp lyrics, and percussive, acoustic guitar-led sound. Drawing influence from artists like Joan Armatrading, Carole King and Blondie, she creates music that balances emotional depth with playful charm.
Fiona Bevan & Adam Beattie
Thursday 4 June, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Adam Beattie and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Fiona Bevan return to Lighthouse on their double headline tour.
Studio Jazz: Tess Hirst
Friday 19 June, 7.45pm, Sherling Studio
Providing thought-provoking lyricism and drawing inspiration from observations and the environment, Tess has collaborated extensively with bassist Daniel Casimair fusing traditional jazz sounds into beautifully composed compositions, narrating their way through a political and cultural landscape.
A Night of Blues and Boogie
Saturday 20 June, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Three distinctly different acts at the top of their respective fields covering New Orleans boogie-woogie, acoustic country blues and contemporary electric Hammond-driven blues.
Coastal Comedy
Friday 26 June, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Compere Adrienne Coles introduces three more top standups at our award-winning monthly comedy club.
It’s Not a Game
Wednesday 1 July, 7.30pm, Theatre
Award-winning illusionists Jay & Joss, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and Lorraine, present a brand-new live experience where magic, technology, and storytelling collide. It’s Not a Game is more than a show – it’s a world you step into, where the audience shapes what happens next.
Sing-Along-A-Musicals Live!
Friday 18 September, 7.45pm, Theatre
The show where you get to belt out all the big Broadway bangers and tear-jerkers from Les Mis to Wicked. With West End singers, dynamic dancers and giant karaoke-style lyrics, you won’t miss a beat!
Waterloo A Tribute to ABBA
Friday 25 September, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Waterloo A Tribute to ABBA looks back at the sensational rise to stardom of the Swedish pop group ABBA, capturing their unique sound and feel with incredible attention to detail. Featuring a full live cast and band, stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography.
Heathers the Musical
Monday 28 September – Saturday 3 October, 7pm (Mon-Thu, Sat), (2pm Wed, Sat mats), 5pm (Fri), 8.15pm (Fri), Theatre
Following smash hit runs in London and New York, the WhatsOnStage Best New Musical winner, Heathers the Musical is coming to Poole. Based on the iconic movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers the Musical is wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun!
Alfie Moore: Apocalypse Now
Friday 9 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
The Four Horsemen of Rising Crime, Global Warming, AI and Culture Wars are galloping towards us. Are we on the road to hell? And can we avoid the potholes? ‘Fair Cop’ Alfie has the antidote to the breakdown of law and order, fake news and the price of baked beans. Age guidance: 14+
Starsailor
Thursday 22 October, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Having marked their 25th anniversary with a sellout tour, post-Britpop hitmakers Starsailor are heading back out on the road to play their multi-platinum selling album Love Is Here backed by a string ensemble.
Brainiac Live!
Thursday 29 October, 2.30pm, Concert Hall
Following its 2025 Olivier Award for Best Family Show, Science’s greatest and most volatile live show is back with a vengeance. More mischievous than ever before, Brainiac Live! Is the UK’s original and favourite family science show.
With the exception of Symphonic Ibiza and Breakin’ Convention (already on sale); Skinshape and Waterloo A Tribute to ABBA (general sale Friday 21 November); and Starsailor, (pre-sale all Lighthouse Friends on Wednesday 26 November) priority booking opens for Lighthouse Best & Great Friends only on Friday 21 November, and to Lighthouse Good Friends on Tuesday 25 November before going on general sale from Friday 28 November 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/.