Arts: What's on in February
Take a look at what's coming up this February in our arts centres across Hampshire and the events at our new venue, The Arc Winchester.
The Arc Winchester
Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB
Coming up at The Arc Winchester, which opens on Friday 18 February, is a whole range of comedy, theatre and children’s activities, as well as courses in the new Digital Lab and two brand new art exhibitions in The Gallery and City Space.
Exhibitions
Extraordinary Everyday: The Art & Design of Eric Ravilious(18 February to 15 May)
The Gallery at The Arc opens with an ‘extraordinary’ exhibition of works by war artist Eric Ravilious (1903 – 1942). 80 years after his death, this dazzling new exhibition will guide visitors through his brilliant career, showcasing wood engravings, watercolours, books, ceramics and lithographs. Among the many highlights are stunning watercolours from public collections, such as Train Landscape, and rarely-seen works from private collections, including Room at the William the Conqueror.
Tickets: Adults £6, children £3, concessions £4.75, families £16.75
Turn and Return (18 February to 3 April)
This free exhibition in the City Space gallery showcases the astonishing work of textile artist, Deirdre Wood, and features IKAT and dip-dyed silk, linen and wool. Hand woven in her strip-weaving signature style, the cloths are twisted, turned and sculpted into unique textile architectural wall-hangings.
Comedy
"Fearless, brutal and beautiful” (The Scotsman), Channel 4 National Comedy Awards-nominee Shazia Mirza is coming to The Arc this February and is set to perform an evening of top tier comedy in her latest show, Coconut, taking on the burning (and infectious) issues of our time. The night will be delivered with personality, poignancy and plenty of comedic relief.
"Mirza has stepped up a gear… the bravest thing you’ll see on a comedy stage this year... remarkable" ★★★★ Sunday Times
Tickets: £15
Theatre
Zoo Co present Messy, a magical and visual story complete with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the Moon, all the while celebrating the stories that explode from "The Mess". Combining endearing family fun with valuable lessons for young children, this accessible children's theatre performance is perfect for families this half term.
"I can't think of a show more worth your time than this" - ★★★★★Daily Info
Suitable for: ages 3+
Tickets: £8 per person / £28 family of four
For children
Drop in to the new Children’s library for a familiar favourite, Storytime. The free session is run by Winchester Library and is held in the relaxed setting of the Children's Library in The Arc. Storytime is a wonderful way to help young children boost their listening skills, enrich their imagination, increase their cultural understanding and help them become better communicators through the experience of storytelling.
Suitable for under 5s, children must be accompanied.
Sensory Play Sessions (22 to 25 February)
Sensory Play at The Arc encourages little ones to get creative. Activities include a sensory walk, making nature soup, wildflower art and sorting stone puzzles. The sessions use the natural world as eco-inspiration to surprise and delight small people. Visitors are encouraged to drop in to one of the facilitated sessions during half term week, where there will be a helper on hand to inspire and guide as carer and child play together. The session is also packed with experiences which can be recreated at home.
Suitable for under 5s, children must be accompanied.
Tickets: £3
Let’s Start Printmaking (19 and 21 February)
Let’s Start Printmaking introduces children to the wonder of printmaking by making their very own, Eric Ravilious inspired print with artist and printmaker, Katherine Anteney. For the very young, Katherine will work with polystyrene blocks, pressing in images using a pencil and will teach how to print the image – creating a limited edition print.
Suitable for: ages 5 – 10 years, children must be accompanied.
Tickets: £18 per person.
Rhymetime (Every Thursday from 24 February)
Rymetime returns this February half term. The Arc’s Performance Hall is filled with a lively mix of rhyme and song which can be irresistible to babies and toddlers. These relaxed and free sessions invite little ones to dance and sing along to classic rhymes such as Row, row, row your boat and Wheels on the bus, helping to develop reading and speech.
Suitable for under 5s, children must be accompanied.
Digital Lab
Digital Lab Open Days (19 and 20 February)
The Arc is opening with a brand new, state-of-the-art digital suite with eight up-to-the-minute Apple iMacs featuring familiar Adobe suite programmes including Photoshop, Illustrator and Audition, alongside a host of other open-source design software. On 19 and 20 February, visitors are invited to drop in and talk to the Digital Lab facilitators: try out the new iMacs and their capabilities, test webcams which can be used for stop-motion and podcasting and learn more about the digital training courses and opportunities coming up in 2022.
Ashcroft Arts Centre
Osborn Road, Fareham PO16 7DX
Comedy
South Coast Comedian Competition (17 February – 15 December)
Ashcroft Arts Centre is home of the South Coast Comedian Competition this year, with heats beginning in February and running all the way until December, when the winner will be crowned. An hilarious and affordable night out, come along to Ashcroft Arts for this first heat, as comics from Cornwall to Kent battle it out for the title of South Coast Comedian 2022.
Tickets: £10
Shazia Mirza (9 February)
"Fearless, brutal and beautiful” (The Scotsman), Channel 4 National Comedy Awards-nominee Shazia Mirza is coming to Ashcroft this February and is set to deliver an evening of top tier comedy in her latest show, Coconut, taking on the burning (and infectious) issues of our time. The night will be delivered with personality, poignancy and plenty of comedic relief.
"Mirza has stepped up a gear… the bravest thing you’ll see on a comedy stage this year... remarkable" ★★★★Sunday Times
Tickets £15
Music
Tom Ollendorff (25 February)
A highly recommended evening for jazz lovers, as the Tom Ollendorff Quartet, featuring Ben Wendel, take to the stage for a magical evening at Ashcroft Arts Centre. Tom is well-known within the music circuit, having been awarded the Yamaha Scholarship for Outstanding Jazz Musicianship in 2015, while saxophonist Ben Wendel received a Grammy nomination and has performed alongside artists such as Prince and Snoop Dogg. The two make a simply brilliant duo.
'Tom Ollendorff is one of the world's finest guitarists. His music is complex yet rooted in melody and feeling' - Gilad Hekselman
Tickets: £12 advance / £15 on the door
The Jeremiahs are an Irish folk band consisting of four musicians who have come together with the common goal of writing, composing and performing new folk songs and music. They have travelled extensively, bringing their music far and wide and are heralded as a live band not to be missed. With a wonderful mixture of newly composed songs and tunes in the folk genre plus a well selected catalogue of older folk songs, they are sure to rouse all of the emotions.
"One of the freshest bands in Irish traditional music" - Sean Laffey, Irish Music Magazine
Tickets: £12 advance / £14 on the door
Theatre
Jonny Donahoe (19 February)
This spring, Ashcroft Arts Centre welcomes Jonny Donahoe (of Jonny and The Baptist fame) for a comedic yet powerful theatrical performance in Forgiveness. Confronting his own childhood, Jonny shows how, despite an early life shattered by abuse, it can be possible to reach a place of peace. Becoming a father, he has worked hard to ensure the painful, generational cycle ends with him. In his words, "it’s a funny and uplifting show about things that are not always funny and uplifting” - reluctant fathers, bad life choices and one very unfortunate chicken…
“Painfully honest, funny, joyous... indeed, brilliant” – The Guardian on Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing
Tickets: £13 / £11 concession
Classes and Workshops
There are also lots of classes and workshops to discover in February at Ashcroft Arts Centre, including Drama for Adults with Learning Disabilities on Mondays (£3 per session), as well as Life Drawing, Pottery and many more craft opportunities such as Felt Jewellery Making and Lino Carving. To find out more about these and other classes and workshops visit www.ashcroft.org.uk/events.
For Children
Zoo Co present Messy, a magical and visual story complete with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the Moon, all the while celebrating the stories that explode from "The Mess". Combining endearing family fun with valuable lessons for young children, this accessible children's theatre performance is perfect for families this half term.
"I can't think of a show more worth your time than this" - ★★★★★ Daily Info
Suitable for: ages 3+
Tickets: £7 / £25 family of four
Create and Play Club – Upcycled crafts (24 February)
In a fun-filled craft morning, this family activity teaches the importance of reusing and recycling, . taking recycled materials to create unique, crafted creations like spaceships and headdresses.
Suitable for: ages 6 – 11
Tickets: £18
Forest Arts Centre
Old Milton Road, New Milton BH25 6DS
Theatre
This spring, Forest Arts Centre welcomes Jonny Donahoe (of Jonny and The Baptist fame) for a comedic yet powerful theatrical performance in Forgiveness. Confronting his own childhood, Jonny shows how, despite an early life shattered by abuse, it can be possible to reach a place of peace – becoming a father, he has worked hard to ensure the painful, generational cycle ends with him. In his words, "it’s a funny and uplifting show about things that are not always funny and uplifting” - reluctant fathers, bad life choices and one very unfortunate chicken…
“Painfully honest, funny, joyous... indeed, brilliant” – The Guardian on Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing
Tickets: £13 / £11 concession
Music
Green Room Live! - Around About Dusk + Erin Mansfield + Danny Tonks (3 February)
The first Thursday of each month at Forest Arts sees the return of Green Room Live gigs, celebrating the best of musical talent from across the region.
Kickstarting the fun in February are Around About Dusk, an adventurous musical conception playing original music with influences ranging from musette, New Orleans jazz, old time and European folk traditions with eclectic instrumentation and rich vocal harmonies to create a blend of warm, gentle and unique sounds. There will also be support from Erin Mansfield on whistles and vocals and Danny Tonks on guitar, really adding some extra folk flavours to the evening.
Comedy
"Fearless, brutal and beautiful” (The Scotsman), Channel 4 National Comedy Awards-nominee Shazia Mirza is coming to Forest Arts this February and is set to deliver an evening of top tier comedy in her latest show, Coconut, taking on the burning (and infectious) issues of our time. The night will be delivered with personality, poignancy and plenty of comedic relief.
"Mirza has stepped up a gear… the bravest thing you’ll see on a comedy stage this year... remarkable" ★★★★Sunday Times
Tickets £15
Catherine Bohart (20 February)
At the beginning of 2020, Catherine Bohart was busy writing a stand-up show about moving into a new home with her long-term partner and about how life in general was going pretty well.
This is not that show.
An hour of new material at Forest Arts Centre from the star of BBC2’s The Mash Report. As seen and heard on Mock The Week, Roast Battle, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show and The Guilty Feminist Podcast.
Tickets: £10
For Children
Zoo Co present Messy,a magical and visual story complete with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the Moon, all the while celebrating the stories that explode from "The Mess". Combining endearing family fun with valuable lessons for young children, this accessible children's theatre performance is perfect for families this half term.
"I can't think of a show more worth your time than this" - ★★★★★ Daily Info
Suitable for: ages 3+
Tickets: £7 / £25 family of four
Workshops and Classes
There are also lots of classes and workshops to discover in February at Forest Arts Centre, such as Parkinson’s Dance on Mondays (£4 per session), Varied Yoga on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as dance classes, craft and art workshops and many more opportunities on offer. To find out more about these and other classes and workshops visit https://www.forest-arts.co.uk/events.
West End Centre
Theatre
Jonny Donahoe (17 February)
This spring, the West End Centre welcomes Jonny Donahoe (of Jonny and The Baptist fame) for a comedic yet powerful theatrical performance in Forgiveness. Confronting his own childhood, Jonny shows how, despite an early life shattered by abuse, it can be possible to reach a place of peace – becoming a father, he has worked hard to ensure the painful, generational cycle ends with him. In his words, "it’s a funny and uplifting show about things that are not always funny and uplifting” - reluctant fathers, bad life choices and one very unfortunate chicken…
“Painfully honest, funny, joyous... indeed, brilliant” – The Guardian on Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing
Tickets: £13 / £11 concession
Music
Independent Venue Week: Bicurious + Let's Swim, Get Swimming + Shtëpi 2 Februaryand Independent Venue Week: Polymath + Bloodhounds (4 February)
It'll be guitar pedal to the metal this February as the West End Centre celebrates Independent Venue Week with performances from experimental two-piece Bicurious (2 February) and dark prog/math band Polymath (4 February).
For those not ready to return to gigs but who are missing the charm of live music, there will be a live stream of the Bicurious gig.
Bicurious + Let's Swim, Get Swimming + Shtëpi Tickets: Tickets: £7 advance /£10 on the door/ £5 live stream
Polymath + Bloodhounds Tickets: £10 advance / £12 on the door
Public Address (Redwood / Bridges / Red Vanilla) (12 February)
The West End Centre willbe turning up the volume as a new, regular music night is launched, Public Address. This gives audiences the chance to see rising stars on their way to success for affordable prices, only £5 when booked in advance. The fun starts with Redwood, Bridges and Red Vanilla (12 February), a triple bill of alternative rock, thought-provoking lyrics and perfectly-balanced pop hooks.
Tickets: £5 advance, £7 on the door
Comedy
Hecklers Comedy Club (10 February)
Always a fan favourite, January saw the return of Hecklers Comedy Club to the West End Centre bringing the buzz of live comedy nights was back. Hecklers Comedy Club is on at the West End Centre every month, with February's line-up including Gareth Richards, Sam Serrano and MC Russell Arathoon.
Tickets: £10
For Children
Children’s Half Term Festival (21 to 25 February)
The West End Centre’s half term Children's Festival kicks off with two Glass Painting sessions (22 February). The kids will get creative and decorate their own vibrant pieces, making something to take home to show their friends and family whilst having a fantastic time. It's a fun, relaxing and friendly environment and is a great way to discover new talents and abilities. At 10.30am there will be a lantern jam jars session and at 1.30pm - mini mirrors!
Suitable for: ages 8+
There will also be an Amazing Art Afternoon (24 February) - a free session, open to all, where children can get really hands on creating art.
There are plenty more creative sessions on offer, including Sock Monsters (23 February), Pottery (25 February, ages 3+ and 8+), Paint Your Own Bird Box (25 February) and Creative Printing (25 February).
Young minds will be inspired by the Create Your Own Story workshop (23 February). Led by local writer Stella Wiseman, children will learn the ropes on how to write their own story.
Suitable for: ages 8 – 11.
Zoo Co present Messy, a magical and visual story complete with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the Moon, all the while celebrating the stories that explode from "The Mess". Combining endearing family fun with valuable lessons for young children, this accessible children's theatre performance is perfect for families this half term.
"I can't think of a show more worth your time than this" - ★★★★★ Daily Info
Suitable for: ages 3+
Tickets: £7 / £25 family of four