Arts: What's on in February

Take a look at what's coming up this February at the West End Centre in Aldershot, Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham, Forest Arts Centre in New Milton and The Arc in Winchester.

West End Centre

48 Queens Road, Aldershot GU11 3JD

L-R: Finn Collinson Band; Jessica Fostekew; Rob Auton

Coming up at the West End Centre in Aldershot this February: a range of comedy, music and half term fun for all the family.

Comedy

Rob Auton: The Rob Auton Show

Saturday 10 February, 7:30pm

£12

Award-winning writer, comedian and actor Rob Auton presents his most autobiographical show to date, 'The Rob Auton Show.' Having written nine hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy/theatre/spoken-word shows on specific themes, Rob turns the pen on himself to explore the memories and feelings that shape his daily life.

Rob Auton - The Rob Auton Show | West End Centre
Award winning writer, comedian and actor Rob Auton has written nine hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy/theatre/spoken-word shows on speci

Jessica Fostekew: Mettle

Friday 23 February, 7:30pm

£17 full / £15 concession

Catch Jessica Fostekew, star of BBC’s QI and Live at the Apollo, in her brand-new stand-up show, Mettle. A fast-paced journey through passion and purpose, Jess shares hilarious tales of her son joining a cult and her talking cat. With a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe show and previous award-winning performances, Jessica's comedy is a must-see. Join her for a night of laughter and insight at the Forest Arts Centre.

Jessica Fostekew: Mettle | West End Centre
A brand new stand-up show about passion, pace and purpose from the critically-acclaimed star of BBC’s QI, Live at the Apollo and C4’s Travel Man.

Independent Venue Week

IVW: Big Richard Records Takeover

Friday 2 February, 8:00pm

£7 advance/£9 on the door/£5 young person (16-25)

London-based and Westy-born-and-bred Big Richard Records returns for an Independent Venue Week takeover, bringing the best talents from the big smoke to the West End Centre. Enjoy a slapper of a night with a stellar line-up featuring Brìe's freshly cut lactose punk, Funhaus' whistle-blowing post-punk, Kipper Gillespie's sardonic lyrics and the garage/psyche/punk rock duo, Oral Habit. Don't miss this night of raucous musical mayhem.

IVW: Big Richard Records Takeover | West End Centre
London-based and Westy-born-and-bred Big Richard Records returns to their birthplace with a slapper of a night, bringing with them the finest talents from the big smoke.

Public Address: Nigel Wearne + Simeon Hammond Dallas + The Long Shorts

Saturday 3 February, 8:00pm

£12 advance/£14 on the door/£5 young person (14-25)

Public Address nights at the West End Centre are back, and this February, we present a incredible line-up for you. Don't miss this night of eclectic sounds and captivating storytelling.

Public Address:Nigel Wearne + Simeon Hammond Dallas + The Long Shorts | West End Centre
Public Address nights at the West End Centre are back and this February we have a cracking line-up for you…

Music

The Finn Collinson Band

Friday 9 February, 8:00pm

£12 advance/£14 on the door

Experience the enchanting fusion of baroque and modern-day folk as The Finn Collinson Band takes the Westy stage. Comprising three leading virtuosos of English folk, they will showcase new material and favourites from their critically-acclaimed studio albums, The Threshold (2022) and Call To Mind (2019). Finn's distinctive sound, drawing on elements of early music, features traditional dance tunes, melodies by Purcell and Van Eyck, and striking new arrangements. Described as having "both the chops and the vision to take his music in many directions" (RNR), Finn Collinson is a leading exponent of the recorder.

The Finn Collinson Band | West End Centre
Expect “initial touches of baroque fusing with modern day folk” (FATEA) as The Finn Collinson Band returns to

Matt Deighton and Izzie Yardley

Saturday 17 February, 8:00pm

£18/£5 young person (aged 14-25)

Embark on an unforgettable evening featuring Matt Deighton and Izzie Yardley.

You may recognize Matt Deighton from his time fronting Acid Jazz heroes Mother Earth; you may remember him as Paul Weller’s guitarist in the late 90’s, or Noel Gallagher’s recommendation for who should replace him when he quit the European tour in 2000. Or maybe you don’t. For almost two decades, the man they keep calling the natural successor to Nick Drake, Davey Graham and John Martyn has been himself more of a rumour – a murmur among musicians, songwriters and diehard music lovers who proudly display his rare vinyl releases like trophies.

Rooted in British songwriting traditions of the 60s/70s coffee house scene, Izzie’s songs tell stories woven into musically rich pieces, which nod to a childhood spent listening to classical, jazz, Nick Drake and Kate Bush.

Matt Deighton + Izzie Yardley | West End Centre
Matt Deighton

Half term

Mini Artists: Love Bugs

Tuesday 13 February, 10:30 am-12:30 pm

Tickets: £14 per child

An exciting crafting activity awaits kids during February half-term! Join the Love Bugs art activity for children aged 5+, led by experienced tutor Amanda Buchan. Amanda, an art enthusiast with a deep passion for drawing and painting, brings creativity to life, offering a fun and educational experience for young artists.

Mini Artists: Love Bugs | West End Centre
A thrilling crafting activity for kids during the February half term holiday. Create some love bug inspired art in this fun art activity for children aged 5+ with a parent or guardian.

Dance in a Day

Wednesday 14 February, 10:30am-3:30pm

£30 per child

Join the fun at our Dance in a Day half-term workshop at the West End Centre! Suitable for ages 8+, this creative experience offers the chance to learn new dance routines, make friends and collaborate on creating a dance in just one day. Guided by experienced dance tutor Natalie Watson, a freelance contemporary dance artist based in Hampshire, participants will showcase their creations in a small performance at the end of the day.

Dance in a Day | West End Centre
Come and join the fun in our dance in a day half term workshop at the West End Centre.

Children's Concert: Max's Garden Adventure

Wednesday 14 February, 11:00am

£5 per person / Children under 2 years free

Join the delightful Children's Concert by 5Ts Brass, perfect for preschool and primary-aged children. Experience interesting tunes and exciting sounds, including the first public performance of 'Max's Garden Adventure,' the charming story of a little dog with a big personality. Narrated alongside music, the tale unfolds as Max encounters various animals in his garden, each with its own distinctive tune. The 5Ts Brass Quintet, a dedicated group with five years of musical camaraderie, presents this educational and interactive performance with plenty of good music for children. Join in the grand finale with provided percussion instruments!

Children’s Concert: Max’s Garden Adventure | West End Centre
Children’s Concert by 5Ts Brass is suitable for all children especially preschool and primary. There will be interesting tunes to hear and exciting sounds to experienc

Family art workshops

Wednesday 14 February, 1 pm-3 pm

£14 per session (price is for 1 child with 1 adult accompanying)

Embark on a creative journey at the Family art aorkshop, where artist James Alfred Hart will guide you in making magical brushes with natural materials found in the surrounding countryside. Explore the world of color and reactions through a fun and collaborative workshop suitable for children aged 3 and above. Children will learn the joy of creating together on one large piece while finding their individual voice in small paintings. James Alfred Hart, a painter influenced by color and memory, brings his expertise to facilitate this interactive session, fostering creativity in each participant.

Family Art Workshops | West End Centre
We will start by making our own brushes, with natural materials found by James in the surrounding countryside.

More information about the West End Centre and the programme of events and activities are available here.  

West End Centre - Arts Centre in Aldershot

Forest Arts Centre

Old Milton Road, New Milton, BH25 6DS

L-R: It is I, Seagull and The Wizard of Oz: Dance Workshop for Families

Take a look what's coming up at Forest Arts Centre in new Milton this February, promising an array of entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Comedy

Forest Arts Comedy Club

Thursday 22 February, 7:30pm

£12

Join us for a monthly night of laughter featuring hand-picked comedians from the UK circuit at the Forest Arts Comedy Club. The lineup includes Joe Wells, known for his surprising and thought-provoking material on politics, mental health and being autistic, along with Paul Mccaffrey from Live at The Apollo and tour support for Sean Lock and Kevin Bridges. Don't miss this hilarious evening with other talented comedians such as Stephen Catling, Brian Ingram and Neil Long.

Forest arts Comedy|Forest Arts Centre
Presenting a monthly night of hand-picked comedians from the UK circuit, including established headliners, TV names and the best new talent from the south coast.

Workshops

Flamenco Guitar Workshops with Uri

Saturday 10 February, 10am-11am

£7.50 (includes a free hot drink)

Join Uri, lead guitarist and musical director with Mi Flamenco company, for special workshops on Saturday 10 February. Whether you're a beginner with no guitar experience or have a basic knowledge of the guitar, Uri, with over 20 years of teaching and performing experience, will guide you through the intricacies, technique and tricks of flamenco guitar.

The first session from 10am to 11am is a Flamenco guitar taster for those with no guitar experience and there's an optional relaxed meet-up in the bar area at 11am for all students.

Flamenco guitar taster for those with no previous guitar experience. | Forest Arts Centre
Uri, lead guitarist and musical director with Mi Flamenco company, shares his wealth of knowledge and guitar experience at these special workshops.

Theatre

It is I, Seagull

Friday 16 February, 2:00pm

£14

Experience 'It is I, Seagull,' an unbearably truthful, painfully funny and exquisitely beautiful performance inspired by the stories of Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space) and Valentina Ponomaryova (almost the first woman in space). This hilarious and brutally honest exploration of self-esteem, joy, failure, opera and space travel also delves into mental health in the arts, women's safety and beauty standards. Seagull masterfully combines comedy and opera to challenge and expose the exploitation often faced by women.

It Is I, Seagull | Forest Arts Centre
Inspired by the stories of Valentina Tereshkova (first woman in space) and Valentina Ponomaryova (almost the first woman in space), It is I, Seagull is a hilarious and brutally honest exploration of self-esteem, joy, failure, opera and space travel.

Art presented by New Forest Players

Wednesday 28 February - Saturday 2 March, 7:30pm

£13

Please be aware this production contains strong language.

Are you who you think you are, or are you who your friends think you are? Serge has bought a modern work of art for a large sum of money. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe that his long-standing friend could possibly do such a thing. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides with hilarious consequences.

Art presented by New Forest Players | Forest Arts Centre
Are you who you think you are, or are you who your friends think you are?

Half term

Dress to express!

Saturday 10 February 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm

Free

Join us for a FREE, fun session aimed at encouraging playing with materials and creating costumes or pieces that represent their personality for Children's Mental Health Week. For ages 5+.

Play is the best way for children to learn and communicate. Through play, children figure out how to interact with one another, problem-solve, make decisions, collaborate and work together as a team.

Dress to Express! | Forest Arts Centre
Join us for a FREE, fun session aimed at encouraging playing with materials and creating costumes or pieces that represent their personality for Children’s Mental Health Week. For ages 5+.*

The Wizard of Oz: Dance Workshop for Families

Tuesday 13 February, 1pm-2pm

£6/£8 (including the film)

We are off to meet the Wizard! The wonderful Wizard of Oz! Enjoy a fun dance-off suitable for all the family as we dance down the yellow brick road. Suitable for anyone 5+, children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Wizard of Oz: Dance Workshop for Families | Forest Arts Centre
We are off to meet the Wizard! The wonderful Wizard of Oz! Fun dance off, suitable for all the family, as we dance down the yellow brick road.

Creative Camps: Play in a Day

Thursday 15 February, 10:00am-3:00pm

£30

Mystery, magic, imagination and buckets of fun await as we delve into the magic of storytelling in this drama workshop day. Explore characters and create your own original ones, using a range of drama activities and skills to make your very own original story around the theme of adventure and exploring! For ages 6-13.

Creative Camps: Play in a Day | Forest Arts Centre
Mystery, magic, imagination and buckets of fun await as we delve into the magic of storytelling in this drama workshop day.

More information about Forest Arts Centre and the programme of events and activities are available below.

Forest Arts Centre - New Milton, Hampshire

Ashcroft Arts Centre  

Osborn Road, Fareham PO16 7DX 

L-R: Nigel Wearne; Chuckle and Cheese; Shelf: Teenage Men

Coming up in February at Hampshire Cultural Trust’s Ashcroft Arts Centre in Fareham is a range of half term and 'Galentine's Day' activities, as well as music, theatre and a festival of food and comedy.

Festival of Food and Comedy

Saturday 3 February, 2:30pm

£20 Advance / £25 OTD 

Join us for a day-long festival of food and comedy, with mouth-watering local food stalls, inspiring cheese pairing sessions and headline comedian George Egg, the infamous anarchist cook whose live crazy cooking shows promise to have you in stitches.

Chuckle and Cheese | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Join us for a day-long festival of food and comedy, with mouth-watering local food stalls, inspiring cheese pairing sessions and headline comedian George Egg, the infamous anarchist cook whose live crazy cooking shows promise to have you in stitches.

Galentine's Day

Textiles

Tuesday 13 February, 1:00pm

From £27

Romantic partners aren’t the only ones that are need recognition – our friends also bring so much love and value to our lives, so why not celebrate your friendship and come along to this special textiles workshop. 

You will make your own textile gift either for yourself or to gift to a  friend. 

Galentine’s Day- textiles | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Galentine’s Day is an annual date where friends, typically women, come together to celebrate their platonic relationships.

Floral jewellery

Tuesday 13 February, 7:00pm

From £40.50

Romantic partners aren’t the only ones that are need recognition – our friends also bring so much love and value to our lives, so why not celebrate your friendship and come along to this special floral jewellery workshop.

You will make your own floral jewellery in this fun and informal workshop led by Evelyn Waters.

Galentine’s Day Floral Jewellery | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Galentine’s Day is an annual date where friends, typically women, come together to celebrate their platonic relationships.

Music

Ashcroft Presents: Nigel Wearne + Simeon Hammond Dallas + Roy Peplow

Friday 2 February, 7:30pm

£7 advance / £10 on the door / £5 young person (14-25)

Our monthly "Ashcroft Presents" showcase welcomes local favourites, up-and-coming artists and special guests.  Discover a wealth of talent on your doorstep.  Try out new music, unearth local gems and expand your playlist with our varied quality selection of live music each month

Ashcroft Presents: Nigel Wearne + Simeon Hammond Dallas + Roy Peplow | Ashcroft Arts Centre
​Our monthly “Ashcroft Presents” showcase welcomes local favourites, up-and-coming artists and special guests. Discover a wealth of talent on your doorstep. Try ou

Half term

Dance in a Day

Monday 12 February, 10:00am

£25

Dance in a day is a fun and exciting way to learn street dance, create routines and work together to put on a show at the end of the day. This is a great way to create new friends, have fun and perform in front of friends and family. We have one day to work together to create a fun performance. Are you up for the challenge?

Dance in a Day | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Looking for something for the children to do this Easter?

Children's textiles

Tuesday 13 February, 10:00am

£25

Come along to this fun and creative spring-themed textile workshop. Children will have the opportunity to explore texture and colour with a variety of textile art techniques and materials to express their creativity.

Children’s Textiles | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Come along to this fun and creative textile workshop for children.

Stage combat

Tuesday 13 February, 10am-12pm for ages 6-11 years and 1pm- 3pm  for ages 12- 16 years

£15 per child

Combat workshop focuses on teaching participants the basic but often-used techniques of hand-to-hand combat utilised on stage and screen. Participants will learn individual techniques to performing phrases of choreography that will challenge them to move the fight throughout the space, whilst making each move work for the audience and maintaining a spatial awareness as well as an awareness of their partner's safety.

This workshop is for all abilities and physicality's, no experience is required.

Stage Combat | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Basic Introduction to stage combat.

Theatre

Shelf: Teenage Men

Friday 16 February, 7:30pm

£14

Suitable for ages 14+

It's time to stop being teenage boys and start being teenage men. This new show from the 'easy to fall in love with' (Scotsman) double-act features anecdotes, songs, jokes about performing for kids, the Instagram algorithm, confronting your toxicity, and more. As seen on BBC3 and ITVX.

Shelf: Teenage Men | Ashcroft Arts Centre
Teenage Men: In their last show, Hair, Shelf joked about being mistaken for teenage boys. Now, it’s time to grow up.

More information about the Ashcroft Arts Centre and the programme of events and activities are available here.

Ashcroft Arts Centre - Fareham, Hampshire

The Arc

Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB

L-R: Can Bears Ski; Jessica Fostekew; Sharon Shannon

Coming up in February at Hampshire Cultural Trust’s The Arc in Winchester is Primary School assembly tunes like you've never heard them before, bear inspired theatre for children and some cracking comedians.

Exhibitions

SHOES: Inside Out

Until Wednesday 6 March, during venue opening times

Free

SHOES: Inside Out is an exhibition featuring footwear from our past, dating as far back as 11 AD to the present. Through the themes of work, protect, play, empower, transform, identify and aspire, a highlight selection of 70 pairs of shoes from our collections, explore how shoes have shaped, and have been shaped by, society. From Georgian high society shoes to 1970s platforms and current high-end designer heels to everyday boots there is a shoe to fit all interests. 

Shoes: Inside Out | The Arc
From the functional and practical to the fashionable and extravagant, shoes have played an intriguing role in our social history and modern lives. They can tell us about a person’s work, leisure choices, status, and aspirations - but the story is not always straightforward. Conformity to gender stereotypes is blurred, power statements conceal repression, and the utilitarian merges with the frippery.

Music

Primary School Assembly Bangers

Saturday 17 February, 19:30pm

£14 advance / £16 on the door

Join James for an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes to take you back to your Primary School days.
You won’t have to sit cross legged on the school hall floor, but you will be encouraged to sing along! As well as the assembly bangers, there will be other musical surprises, throwback mashups and comic reflections on growing up in the 90s.

Primary School Assembly Bangers LIVE! | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
Join James for an evening of pure nostalgia, stepping back in time for some joyous singalong tunes to take you back to your Primary School days.

Acoustic Café

Friday 2 February, 7:30pm

Free (please book in advance as spaces are limited)

Join us for a relaxing evening in The Arc Café showcasing acoustic music from multiple, local up and coming artists.

Acoustic Cafe Feb | The Arc
Join us for a relaxing evening in The Arc Café showcasing acoustic music from multiple local up and coming artists.

The Sharon Shannon Trio

Thursday 15 February,  7:30pm

£20 advance / £22 on the door

Irish President Michael D Higgins called her ‘A National Treasure’ and after 20 of her own albums, countless DVDS, filmed concerts, musical collaborations and a career that has spanned 40 years, Sharon Shannon in 2023 is still breaking new musical ground.

Playing shows throughout her career from The Kennedy Centre in Washington to London's Wembley Arena, Sharon continues to redefine and reimagine the boundaries of Irish traditional music, mixing with genres as different from each other as reggae and classical.

The Sharon Shannon Trio | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
Irish President Michael D Higgins called her ‘A National Treasure’ and after 20 of her own albums, countless DVDS, filmed concerts, musical collaborations and a career that has spanned 40 years, Sh

Keith James - The music of Yusuf - Cat Stevens

Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm

£20

This concert will give you far more than just the music itself... There is a huge amount of insight into the history and the spirit of Cat Stevens; his early pop career, his illness that changed him existentially and spiritually into an incredibly thoughtful and loving singer songwriter; such that his songs are remembered instantly for their uplifting sense of vision, truth and human fragility.

Keith James | The Arc Winchester
Keith James Presents an honest and loving reflection of the timeless and insightful music of Yusuf - Cat Stevens

Children

Can bears ski?

Sunday 25 February 2024

£9 / £32 family ticket

Join Little Bear and Dad Bear as they learn how there are many ways to communicate love, and to find your place in the world.

With a set inspired by Polly Dunbarʼs stunning illustrations, puppetry and music, Pied Piper Theatre Company are delighted to be working with Paula Garfield and Deafinitely Theatre to bring this beautiful story to the stage.
 

Can Bears Ski? | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
ʻCan Bears Ski?ʼ Is based on the book by poet Raymond Antrobus, Ted Hughes award-winner, who draws on his own experience as a deaf child in a hearing world.

Comedy

Barnstormers Comedy

Friday 16 February

£12.50 advance / £14 on the door

Our regular comedy night at The Arc, Barnstormers Comedy presents a line-up of three top acts from the London comedy circuit and beyond: many of them Comedy Store regulars.

As ever, MC Kevin Precious will also be on hand to oversee the proceeds. It's the perfect tonic to end the working week!

Barnstormers Comedy - February 2024 | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
Our regular comedy night at The Arc, Barnstormers Comedy presents a line-up of three top acts from the London comedy circuit and beyond: many of them Comedy Store regulars

Jessica Fostekew: Mettle

Saturday 24 February, 7:30pm

£17 full / £15 concession

Catch Jessica Fostekew, star of BBC’s QI and Live at the Apollo, in her brand-new stand-up show, Mettle. A fast-paced journey through passion and purpose, Jess shares hilarious tales of her son joining a cult and her talking cat. With a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe show and previous award-winning performances, Jessica's comedy is a must-see. Join her for a night of laughter and insight at the The Arc.

Jessica Fostekew: Mettle | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
A brand new stand-up show about passion, pace and purpose from the critically-acclaimed star of BBC’s QI, Live at the Apollo and C4’s Travel Man.

Ania Magliano: I can't believe you've done this

Thursday 29 February, 7:30pm

£14

To the hairdresser at [redacted] Salon: You can take my money. You can take my dignity. You can take too much off the ends. But you cannot take my right to talk about it on stage. This is a show about the worst haircut of  Ania Magliano's  life.  
  
Winner of Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2022, Ania sold-out both runs of her critically acclaimed shows at the 2022 and 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her second show 'I Can't Believe You've Done This' was ranked #1 in Time Out's The 11 best comedy shows at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 list.  

Ania has previously supported Marc Maron, Cat Cohen and Ed Gamble on tour, and writes for Amelia Dimoldenberg's Chicken Shop Date.  

Ania Magliano: I Can’t Believe You’ve Done This | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community

Digilab

Using free Google organisation and office tools on all devices

Thursday 22 February, 10:00am-11:30am

Free

Suitable for ages 16+

Join our introductory workshop and discover the power of FREE Google Organization and Office Tools – a seamless solution that works on all your devices! From Gmail to Google Drive and beyond, discover how to organise, collaborate and communicate effortlessly.

Using free google organisation and office tools on all devices | The Arc Winchester – arts, reading and community
Join our introductory workshop and discover the power of FREE Google Organization and Office Tools – a seamless solution that works on all your devices!

More information about The Arc and the full programme of events and activities are available here.

The Arc, Winchester | Formerly Winchester Discovery Centre
The brand-new place to experience live performance, library and community services, art, classes and talks, all together, under one roof in the heart of Winchester. Opening in February with a whole host of events lined up, ready to book now.

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Hampshire Cultural Trust

From museums to galleries to arts centres, we manage and support attractions across the county, welcoming over 740,000 people each year. Our charitable purpose is changing lives through culture.
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