Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1106" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n.jpg" alt="Maxine Peake, Doubt: a parable" class="wp-image-105187" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n-800x590.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n-1000x737.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n-400x295.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-maxine-peake-466490870_957921946370271_9071728219609818483_n-768x566.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Let&#8217;s kick off February with the amazing Maxine Peake starring in a new production of John Patrick Shanley’s award-winning play about sexual abuse in the Catholic church&nbsp;–&nbsp;powerful stuff.  <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/doubt-a-parable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Doubt: a Parable</em></a>, Ustinov Studio in Bath, Fri 7 Feb –  Sat 8 March.  Direct from the RSC and London’s West End comes <em><a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-merchant-of-venice-1936/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Merchant of Venice 1936</a></em>, Shakespeare&#8217;s classic tale set in 1930s Britain, with Tracy-Ann Oberman. Theatre Royal Bath, Mon 10 – Sat 15 Feb.</p>



<p>In <em><a href="https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/a-good-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Good House</a>,</em> a thrilling and funny new work from South African writer Amy Jephta, a couple discover the limits of good neighbourliness and what is required to fit in. In association with the Royal Court and Johannesburg’s Market Theatre. Bristol Old Vic, Fri 14 Feb – Sat 8 March. Actor, novelist and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher is <a href="https://www.theatreroyal.org.uk/events/the-girl-on-the-train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Girl on the Train</em></a>, in this adaptation of Paula Hawkin’s best-selling novel (over 20 million copies sold, one of them on my shelf). Theatre Royal Bath, Tues 18 – Sat 22 Feb.</p>



<p><em>Strictly</em>&#8216;s Joanne Clifton<strong> </strong>is fierce and fab Velma von Tussle in feelgood musical <em><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/hairspray-the-musical/bristol-hippodrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hairspray</a></em>, at the Bristol Hippodrome, Mon 18 Feb – Sat 1 March. Ncuti Gatwa (<em>Doctor Who; Sex Education</em>) stars on the National Theatre Live&#8217;s reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s <em><a href="https://theimportanceofbeingearnest.ntlive.com/synopsis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Importance of Being Earnest</a></em>. At a cinema <a href="https://theimportanceofbeingearnest.ntlive.com/synopsis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near you</a>, Thurs 20 Feb. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8-1000x562.png" alt=" Craig David February dorset" class="wp-image-105188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8-1000x562.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8-800x450.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8-400x225.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8-768x432.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/00-CraigDavid_2025_1920x1080_98fdf5e668fa3fab4f5828e85d1aead8.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Craig David&#8217;s <a href="https://www.bic.co.uk/events/craig-david-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25th Anniversary Commitment Tour</a> with Lemar and Patrick Nazemi<strong>,</strong> stops off at the Bournemouth International Centre, Tues 18 Feb.  West Country singer-songwriter and Mercury Prize nominee <a href="https://www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/whats-on/seth-lakeman-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seth Lakeman</a>, with a new album out this month, is at St George&#8217;s Bristol, Weds 19 Feb. Jason Donovan is <em>Doin’ Fine 25</em> as he sings his way through 35 years of hits from stage shows, his recording career – even <em>Neighbours</em> – at <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/jason-donovan-doin-fine-25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lighthouse Poole</a>, Fri 21 Feb and <a href="https://www.bathforum.co.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=680607" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Forum</a> Thurs 27 Feb</p>



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



<p>February&#8217;s looking pretty funny. <a href="https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/events/frome-comedy-club-ft-marcus-brigstocke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marcus Brigstocke &amp; Angela Barnes</a> are on the bill at the first Frome Comedy Club night of the year at the Cheese &amp; Grain, Fri 7 Feb. BBC Radio 4’s <em>Dead Ringers</em> star conjures up famous people in <a href="https://fieryentertainment.com/shows/jon-culshaw-imposter-syndrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome</a>, Westlands Yeovil, Sun 9 Feb &amp; Electric Palace Bridport, Sat 15 Feb. There are 35 classic, silent and visual comedy films, talks and shows in the <a href="https://slapstick.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Slapstick Festival</a>, around Bristol, Weds 12 – Sun 16 Feb. Look out for Lucy Porter, Harry Enfield, Adam Hills, Paul McGann plus stars from <em>Goodness Gracious Me, Citizen Smith</em> and more. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.miltonjones.co.uk/live-dates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milton Jones </a>returns with <em>Ha!milton</em> (see what he did there?) at Westlands Yeovil, Weds 12 Feb; Komedia Bath, Thurs 13 &amp; Fri 14 Feb; Bournemouth Pavilion,Thurs 27 Feb. Scouser <a href="https://www.johnbishoponline.com/#current" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Bishop</a>&#8216;s doing <em>25 Years of Stand Up</em>  at the Weymouth Pavilion, Thurs 13 &amp; Fri 14 Feb. Life gives <a href="https://rhodgilbertcomedian.com/live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhod Gilbert</a>, not just a lemon but a giant grapefruit at the Bristol Beacon, Fri 21 Feb</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-amp-family">KIDS &amp; FAMILY</h2>



<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/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy.jpg" alt="The Baddies February Poole Dorset" class="wp-image-105165" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/TheBaddies_SetUps_4-10-24_©JessShurte_086-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Watch our for our February Half Term guide but in the meantime, here are some shows and events to keep you going. An all singing, all dancing, brand new stage adaptation of <em><a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/the-baddies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Baddies</a></em>, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s smash-hit 2022 book, heads to Lighthouse Poole on Sat 8 and Sun 9 Feb. Floella Benjamin&#8217;s book <em><a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/coming-to-england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coming to England</a></em> –&nbsp;her own story of moving to England as a child&nbsp;– comes to life at Lighthouse Poole, Thurs 13 – Sat 15 Feb. <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-dinosaur-that-pooped/bristol-hippodrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dinosaur that Poope</a>d is a rock show (geddit?) adapted from Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter&#8217;s bestselling book At the Bristol Hippodrome, Tues 18 Feb. Something new to do with Lego: print with &#8217;em. <a href="https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/lego-printing-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lego printing workshops</a> are at the Taunton Brewhouse, Weds 19 Feb. The Natural History Museum&#8217;s very own <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/natural-history-museum-presents-dinosaurs-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Live</a> show, is on at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare, Sun 23 Feb. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-markets-amp-fairs">MARKETS &amp; FAIRS</h2>



<p>First Sunday of the month? It’s time to browse the designer-makers, vintage, food and drink at the February edition of the <a href="https://www.theclevedonsundaymarket.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clevedon Sunday Market</a> on Sun 2 Feb.</p>



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



<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/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2.jpg" alt="Ramandus Table, precedent image - © 2024 Bruce Munro. Photographer Mark Pickthall " class="wp-image-103998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/00-bruce-munro-phoot-mark-pickthall-Ramandus-Table-precedent-image-©-2024-Bruce-Munro.-Photographer-Mark-Pickthall-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ramandus Table, ©2024 Bruce Munro. Photo Mark Pickthall </figcaption></figure>



<p>10 contemporary artists living and working in the UK using unconventional mediums are part of <a href="https://www.hauserwirth.com/hauser-wirth-exhibitions/an-uncommon-thread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Uncommon Thread</a> at Hauser &amp; Wirth Somerset. Intriguing. Sat 8 Feb – Sun 27 April</p>



<p>Some of region&#8217;s big exhibitions are continuing throughout February. The Holburne’s latest exhibition, <a href="https://holburne.org/events/iconic-portraiture-from-francis-bacon-to-andy-warhol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iconic: Portraiture from Francis Bacon to Andy Warhol</a>, explores the ways artists like Francis Bacon, Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, Gerhard Richter and Andy Warhol are inspired by photography, until Mon 5 May. The Georgian equivalent of <em>Have I Got News For You</em> and <em>Private Eye</em>? Step into the scandalous world of Georgian Bath through satirical cartoons in <a href="https://www.victoriagal.org.uk/event/mirror-mirth-satire-georgian-bath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mirror of Mirth: Satire in Georgian Bath</a>, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, until Mon 21 April.</p>



<p>You’ve seen Paul Mescal in <em>Gladiator II</em>, now find out about the real <a href="https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/whats-on/gladiators-of-britain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gladiators of Britain</a> at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester, until Sun 11 May. <a href="https://www.rwa.org.uk/products/paule-vezelay-living-lines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paule Vézelay: Living Line</a>, celebrates Britain’s first, forgotten, abstract artist at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol, until Sun 27 April. See works by the likes of Gavin Turk, Tracey Emin and Richard Long in <a href="https://www.eastquaywatchet.co.uk/articles/exhibition-coming-soon-recollection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recollection</a> at East Quay in Watchet, until Mon 5 May. Enjoy Wells Cathedral in a new light when <a href="https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/whats-on?event=53595700" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luxmuralis</a> turns its walls and ceilings into a stunning son-et-lumière show called ‘Space’, until Sat 1 Feb. Bristol will be all lit up with illuminated artworks – including a flock of flamingos by Bruce Munro – during the <a href="https://bristollightfestival.org/blf-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol Light Festival</a>, Fri 31 Jan – Sun 9 Feb.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="928" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280.jpg" alt="grilled fish" class="wp-image-105192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280-800x495.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280-1000x619.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280-400x247.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/01/grill-4709068_1280-768x475.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Stavros Kallis from Pixabay</figcaption></figure>



<p>Eat your way around <a href="https://exmoorfoodfest.com/restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exmoor’s best restaurants and pubs</a> on the cheap during the <a href="https://exmoorfoodfest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exmoor Food Fest</a>, running throughout February.  Bet you&nbsp;– and your dog&nbsp;– will have a brilliant day out at Wincanton Racecourse on <a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/wincanton/events-tickets/kingwell-hurdle-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bet MGM Kingwell Hurdle Day</a> on Sat 15 Feb. Not only is it one of the racecourse&#8217;s biggest fixtures of the year but it&#8217;s a doggie day out too, with classes, dog races and all kinds of pet-related stalls.</p>



<p>Iconic beauty spot The Blue Pool near Wareham – a nature reserve with a lake that really is blue, as light reflects off miniscule clay particles suspended in the water&nbsp;– turns every colour under the moon in <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/illuminate-at-the-blue-pool-2025-tickets-1030994110137?aff=aff0evvnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Illuminate</a> until Sun 23 Feb. <a href="https://www.welcometobath.co.uk/rebalance-bath-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ReBalance Bath,</a> a three-week festival of feelgood activities to enhance mental and physical wellbeing, with uplifting events – a third of them are free – and offers at some of the city’s top hotels and spas. Until Sun 16 Feb.</p>


Fabulous February: What – and who – is on locally this month

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