Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shows-amp-plays">SHOWS &amp; PLAYS</h2>



The stage adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s best-selling novel, <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-beekeeper-of-aleppo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beekeeper of Aleppo</a>, tells the story of Nuri and his artist wife Afra’s nightmarish journey from Syria to England, Theatre Royal Bath, Tues 31 March – Sat 4 April. Twins separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, then meet again with fateful consequences in <a href="https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/blood-brothers-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blood Brothers</a> at Bournemouth Pavilion, Tues 14 – Sat 18 April. The <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/six/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SIX</a> wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, turning 500 years of historical heartbreak into celebration of 21st century girl power, Theatre Royal Bath, Tues 14 – Sat 25 April. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor.jpg" alt="SIX UK Tour 2526_Pamela Raith Photography" class="wp-image-116982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/03/160_O0A0994_SIX-UK-Tour-2526_Pamela-Raith-Photography_RT_Fotor-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SIX. Pamela Raith Photography</figcaption></figure>



Kara Tointon (Mr Selfridge, EastEnders, Strictly winner) stars in <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/the-constant-wife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Constant Wife</a>, an RSC production adapted from Somerset Maugham’s ‘sparkling comedy of ill manners’, with original music composed by multi award-winning jazz artist Jamie Cullum. Lighthouse Poole, Mon 27 April – Sat 2 May. The creators of Cabaret and Chicago turn their hand to create a musical version of <a href="https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/kiss-of-the-spider-woman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiss of the Spider Woman</a>. Two prisoners forced into an unlikely friendship, escape their harsh reality by conjuring up fantasies of a seductive and dangerous Spider Woman and find a deeper connection that could cost them everything. Ooh er. Bristol Old Vic, Weds 29 April – Sat 16 May.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">COMEDY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor.jpg" alt="Harry Enfield Somerset" class="wp-image-116985" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/HARRY-ENFIELD-1080-x-1080_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



With over 300 comics, 100 shows at 12 venues across the city, there&#8217;s sure to be something to tickle your funny bone at the <a href="https://www.bathcomedy.com/overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Comedy Festiva</a>l, from now until Sun 19 April. The self-appointed Crown Prince of Visualised Companion Podcasts, <a href="https://edgamble.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ed Gamble</a> brings his new show Fresh Hell to Bath Forum, Fri 3 April; Lighthouse Poole, Weds 15 April; Westlands Yeovil, Thurs 16 April; and Bristol Beacon, Fri 17 April. Stupid idiot (he said it not us) Harry Enfield brings Kevin the teenager, Loadsamoney and co back to life as he talks about his 40 years in comedy, in <a href="https://www.fane.co.uk/harry-enfield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harry Enfield and No Chums</a>, Lighthouse Poole, Fri 10 April.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">KIDS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784.jpg" alt="Peppa Pig" class="wp-image-116439" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/peppa-IMG_2784-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Parents of Peppa Pig fans! Your kids will be so excited to see their favourite characters on stage – Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George, and Baby Evie for the very first time – in the brand new <a href="https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/peppa-pig-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppa Pig&#8217;s Big Family Show</a>, packed with music, adventure and surprises for little ones, at Bournemouth Pavilion, Tues 21 &amp; Weds 22 April. Check out our <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/easter-activities-near-me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easter holiday guide</a> for lots more fun for kids. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-markets">MARKETS </h2>



First Sunday of the month sees super street markets <a href="https://thefromeindependent.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Frome Independent</a> (10am – 3pm) and the <a href="https://www.theclevedonsundaymarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clevedon Sunday Market</a> (10am – 2pm) set up their stalls, Sun 5 April. Prepare to rummage! Antiques and other old stuff on 250 stalls, inside and out, at the South West’s biggest flea market, <a href="http://www.sheptonflea.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Giant Shepton Flea</a>, Royal Bath &amp; West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Sun 5 April. Some of the best dealers and collectors of French brocante, decorative antiques and vintage fashion/textiles come together at <a href="https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/events/vintage-bazaar-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vintage Bazaar, </a>Cheese &amp; Grain in Frome, Sat 25 April. Head to Dorchester for 200 stalls selling local food and drink, crafts, home wares, vintage stuff, plants and more at the <a href="https://dorchesterartisanmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorchester Artisan Market</a>, Sun 26 April.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor.jpg" alt="Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra" class="wp-image-116986" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/30-Budapest-Cafe-Orchestra-1_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Budapest Cafe Orchestra</figcaption></figure>



From heart-rending Jewish melodies to fiery Eastern European dances, the musical brilliance and infectious energy of the <a href="http://budapestcafeorchestra.co.uk/concerts.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budapest Café Orchestra</a> will sweep you off your feet at The Exchange Sturminster Newton, Thurs 16 April; Dorchester Arts Centre, Fri 17 April; and The Mowlem Theatre Swanage, Sat 18 April. Virtuoso fiddler <a href="https://bathforum.co.uk/whats-on/nigel-kennedy-f2nq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nigel Kennedy</a> stops off at the Bath Forum on his first concert tour in over 10 years, Tues 21 April.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<a href="https://www.eatfestivals.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eat:Festivals</a> kick off their programme of West Country food and drink markets in Somerset at The Avenue in Minehead, Sun 12 April; the Italian Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, Sat 18 April; Yeovil town centre, Sat 25 April; and Parish Wharf in Portishead, Sun 26 April. Beers, ciders, live music, more beers, ciders and nosh at the <a href="https://www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/yeovil-beer-and-cider-festival-2026-friday-evening/10127/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yeovil Beer &amp; Cider Festival </a>at Westlands Yeovil, Fri 24 &amp; Sat 25 April. Cheers dears! Join wine experts Oz Clarke and Susy Atkins and enjoy hundreds of wines (hic!) at the <a href="https://wine-alive.com/wine-tasting-events/wine-festivals/bristol-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WineAlive Great Bristol Wine Fest</a> at Paintworks in Bristol, Sat 25 April.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-amp-culture">ARTS &amp; CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor.jpg" alt="diversity: soul " class="wp-image-116987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/Diversity_2026_1920x1080-holding-image_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The UK’s most successful dance group throw some shapes in Diversity: Soul, their new show inspired by AI and what it means for the future and for us as humans, <a href="https://www.bic.co.uk/events/diversity-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bournemouth International Centre</a>, Sun 5 April, <a href="https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/diversity-soul-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Beacon</a>, Tue 7 &amp; Wed 8 April. Gather to hear from some of the UK&#8217;s leading travel writers, historians, publishers and explorers at the <a href="https://www.sherbornetravelwritingfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherborne Travel Writing Festival</a>, Powell Theatre, Sherborne, Fri 10 – Sat 12 April. Feeling lyrical? <a href="https://www.lyrafest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyra: Bristol Poetry Festival</a>, runs from Mon 17 – Sun 26 April, with readings, workshops, slams, and more. The UK&#8217;s only festival celebrating the adaptation of books into films, <a href="https://www.bridport-arts.com/fpts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">From Page to Screen</a>, is at the Bridport Arts Centre from Weds 22 – Sun 26 April (if you have time, grab some grub at the centre&#8217;s excellent café, <a href="https://www.bridport-arts.com/cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F.east</a>). <a href="https://www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk/whats-on/dance/srishti-nina-rajarani-dance-creations-presents-play-ball/10157/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Play Ball</a>, a triple bill of classical Indian dance by Nina Rajarani MBE, with live music written and composed by Y Yadavan, Westlands Yeovil, Weds 29 April.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/easter-activities-near-me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">40+ things to do locally with kids and teens over Easter</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/where-to-see-spring-flowers-daffodils-dorset-somerset/">Blooming marvellous: stunning spring flowers in Dorset &amp; Somerset</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/10-brilliant-days-out-to-book-in-2026/">A well-cultured year: 10 brilliant days out to book in 2026</a></li>
</ul>

April is the coolest month: What’s on near you

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