Some of Britain’s favourite performers are heading to Poole this month as Lighthouse plays host to concerts and solo shows from the likes of Nicola Benedetti, Griff Rhys Jones, John Barrowman and Milton Jones.
Meanwhile, literary giants don’t come any bigger in the public imagination currently than Jane Austen and the new 250th anniversary stage production of her classic comedy of manners Emma is set to play a week’s run in the Theatre.
Music fans will find something in tune with their tastes as Lighthouse screens Depeche Mode’s acclaimed cinematic experience M and welcome the likes of Ellie Gowers, The Amy Winehouse Band and the remarkable ice music of Terje Isungset’s Ice Quartet, not to mention weekly concerts by the resident Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Polaris 34 – Squads Final
Saturday 1 November, 2.30pm, Concert Hall
The ultimate showdown in Europe’s longest running large-scale professional grappling event.
Depeche Mode: M
Saturday 1 November, 5pm, Cinema
A cinematic journey into the heart of Mexican culture’s relationship with death, framed by the iconic performances of Depeche Mode during their 2023 Memento Mori tour.
Purbeck Film Festival: Satu – The Year of the Rabbit
Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm, Cinema
Joshua Trigg’s debut feature has just earned him a BAFTA Cymru nomination for Best Director: Fiction, and his film will transport audiences to Laos as they follow two children on a stunning coming-of-age quest to find their families, friendship and the beauty of everyday life. Post-show Q&A.
John Barrowman: Camp As Christmas
Saturday 1 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
Brand-new show packed with Christmas cheer, glittering tunes, and plenty of seasonal sparkle. Age guidance: 16+
This Is Your Tribute
Saturday 1 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Featuring classic hits like I Will Survive, Nine To Five and an unforgettable take on Let It Go, This Is Your Tribute is a musical nostalgia fest, filled with singalongs, dance breaks, wigs and wonderment hosted by Sarah-Louise Young of An Evening Without Kate Bush and last year’s Lighthouse panto Sleeping Beauty.
Lunchtime Recital: Alicia Mallace-Goldbourne with Jack Campbell
Tuesday 4 November, 1.05pm, The Sherling Studio
A welcome return for British lyric soprano Alicia Mallace-Goulbourn and progressive piano star Jack Campbell with a varied programme of music.
Too Much: Melodrama On Screen: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (12A)
Tuesday 4, Friday 14 November, 11am, Cinema
A former vaudeville child star torments her paraplegic sister, who eclipsed her as a movie star, while desperately clinging to hopes of a comeback. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford star in Robert Aldrich’s film classic.
The Royal Ballet: La Fille mal gardée
Wednesday 5 November, 7.15pm, Cinema
This affectionate portrayal of village life combines exuberant good humour and brilliantly inventive choreography in what is undoubtedly Frederick Ashton’s love letter to the English countryside.
Encore: Wednesday 12 November, 11.30am, Cinema
BSO: Fantastic Symphony
Wednesday 5 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Mark Wigglesworth conducts Wagner’s Forbidden Love Overture, Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz and the UK premiere of Dani Howard’s Saxophone Concerto.
Shock Horror
Wednesday 5 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
A nightmare is about to break free… Inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights, Shock Horror is full of shivers, shrieks and shocking revelations. Take a chilling journey into an unravelling, haunted past. Age guidance: 12+
PIPELINE: Classic
Wednesday 5 November, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Semi-staged, script-in-hand performances of new pieces of writing looking for further development.
Lighthouse Adult Writing Group
Thursdays 6, 13, 20, 27 November, 6pm, Function Room 1
Led by writers for writers, this new weekly group offers a perfect platform for people to meet, share, and create with a community of like-minded individuals.
Too Much: Melodrama On Screen: All That Heaven Allows (U)
Thursday 6 November, 7.30pm, Cinema
An upper-class widow falls in love with a much younger, down-to-earth nurseryman, much to the disapproval of her children and criticism of her country club peers. Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson star.
Flamenco Orígenes
Thursday 6 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
Flamenco Orígenes celebrate the multitude of art forms that fed into the evolution of flamenco, the traditional art form of the Andalusian people, which evolved out of the melting pot of cultures and peoples that have lived and thrived the south of Spain for millennia.
Round the Horne
Friday 7 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
Classic comedy fans will be in their element as Apollo Theatre Company return breathing new life into the classic radio comedy show, Round the Horne. Now in its fifth UK tour, this production transports the audience back to the late 1960s and the anarchic, boisterous atmosphere of the BBC’s Paris Theatre during the recordings of the programme that defined the genre for decades to come, complete with a live band and live sound effects.
Ellie Gowers
Friday 7 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Emerging onto the UK folk scene with her debut album, Dwelling by the Weir (2022), Ellie explored folklore and stories of her hometown, Warwick, through ecological, sociological, and personal themes. It connected with wider audiences and secured her a place on the UK touring circuit. Ellie marks her return this summer with long-awaited new music.
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Saturday 8 November, 2pm, The Sherling Studio
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children and their families… but without the rude bits! It’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day and kids are allowed in.
Milton Jones: Ha!Milton
Saturday 8 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. A whole new show of daftness. You know it makes sense.
Coastal Comedy
Saturday 8 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Paul Tonkinson, Alistair Williams and Louise Leigh line up in our monthly standup comedy night with compere Adrienne Coles. Age guidance: 18+
Emma
Monday 10 – Saturday 15 November, 7.45pm (2.30pm Thurs, Sat mats), Theatre
This new 250th anniversary stage production of Jane Austen’s classic comedy of manners is adapted by Ryan Craig, whose recent works includes the world premiere of Charlotte and Theodore in Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio and 1984 in the Main House.
Exhibition On Screen: Caravaggio
Tuesday 11 November, 7.45pm, Cinema
Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance, this beautiful new film reveals Caravaggio as never before.
Encore: Wednesday 19 November, noon, Cinema
Too Much: Melodrama On Screen: Romeo and Juliet (12A)
Wednesday 12 November, 5pm, Cinema
Baz Luhrman updated of Shakespeare’s famous play stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes and John Leguizamo.
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Love and Devotion
Wednesday 12 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
David Hill conducts music by Ravel, Wagner and Duruflé.
Shooting from the Hip 48 Hour Film Contest
Thursday 13 November, 7pm, Cinema
Local filmmakers have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a film before their creations are screened in front of an audience of public and peers.
Making a Killing
Thursday 13 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Nuremberg, 1590. Europe teeters on the edge of modernity but, in the shadow of the gallows, executioner Frantz Schmidt has more immediate concerns. Torturer, hangman and – most unusually – meticulous diarist, Frantz wrestles with a family curse that haunts his every step. When a brash new assistant arrives, tensions ignite and the stage is set for a clash that could tear their brutal world apart.
Studio Jazz: Espen Eriksen Trio with Andy Sheppard
Friday 14 November, 7.45pm, The Sherling Studio
We’re delighted to welcome back to Lighthouse one of the biggest UK jazz stars of the past 40 years, Andy Sheppard, alongside the wonderful, melodic jazz of Norway’s finest, The Espen Eriksen Trio.
Too Much: Melodrama On Screen: Johnny Guitar (PG)
Saturday 15 November, 4pm, Cinema
After helping a wounded gang member, a strong-willed female saloon owner (Joan Crawford) is wrongly suspected of murder and bank robbery by a lynch mob.
The Amy Winehouse Band
Saturday 15 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
A celebration of Amy’s music life and legacy performed by her original band, led by her long-term Musical Director/bass player and close friend Dale Davis.
Stevie Martin: Clout
Saturday 15 November, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Stevie Martin (Taskmaster, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown) has been doing online comedy for a while (45 million views worldwide), but is now returning to live comedy with her latest show, which sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe and at Soho Theatre this year. Age guidance: 14+
The Roses (15)
Tuesday 18 November, 11am, Cinema
Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Tuesday 18 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest, with 15 years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see, a BBC Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to their name, The Showstoppers are back in Poole with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity.
Terje Isungset Ice Quartet
Wednesday 19 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
The ice music pioneer, Terje Isungset, with his exquisite quartet featuring voice, ice harp, ice horn, iceophone, ice percussion and ice bass. This ice concert is a tribute to the most important thing in the whole world – nature – and is played on instruments made during Isungset’s annual Ice Music Festival in Norway. They are carved and crafted using only natural frozen ice from the lakes. Prepare to be transported by the extraordinary, beautiful and ethereal sounds of ice.
Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas
Thursday 20 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
Griff shares more funny observations and comic stories on the second tour of his much-anticipated new stand-up show. It’s different every night as Griff rambles on the developing national permacrisis. Age. Family. Fraud. Nostalgia. The Tik Tok generation. Crocodile smuggling and noodling in Australia. Travel, dogs, hotels, drink and midnight trains. He takes questions from the audience and lets rip as his associations wander.
Matt Richardson: Brash
Thursday 20 November, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Being loud, brazen and a little bit lairy was all Matt needed to propel himself onto the comedy circuit aged 18 and be presenting national telly by 22. But faster than you can say ‘Celebrity Coach Trip’ he suddenly finds himself in his 30s, so what’s next for the lad? Age guidance: 18+
Maximum Rhythm ’n’ Blues with the Manfreds
Friday 21 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The Manfreds, featuring original Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, will once again bring their highly acclaimed Maximum Rhythm and Blues show to our Concert Hall and welcome a very special guest, superb soul singer Noel McCalla.
Little Robin Red Vest
Saturday 22 November – Sunday 14 December, 11am, 2pm (Sat, Sun only), except 11.15am, 2.15pm (Sat 13, Sun 14 only), The Sherling Studio
Based on the timeless Christmas classic by best-selling, award-winning author, Jan Fearnley. Join us for this brand-new adaptation aimed at children aged 2-6 and their families. Using original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, our playful performers will share this heart-warming tale of friendship, generosity, and the joy of giving.
Lady Nade Sings Nina Simone
Saturday 22 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
An extraordinary celebration of Nina Simone’s timeless legacy, Lady Nade – acclaimed for her unique and award-winning vocal talent – stands as a shining star in the UK music scene. This high-octane performance, coupled with a heartfelt homage to Nina Simone, promises an unforgettable show.
Diverse Abilities Gala Ball 2025
Saturday 22 November, 6pm, Concert Hall
A glamorous night to make a difference for hundreds of children and adults with physical and learning disabilities in Dorset.
The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Tuesday 25 November, 7.15pm, Cinema
This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s founding choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family.
Encore: Saturday 29 November, 7.15pm, Cinema
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Hollywood Hit
Wednesday 26 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Chloé Van Soeterstède takes the baton for a programme of music by Liszt, Korngold and Dvořák.
Too Much: Melodrama on Film: Death Becomes Her (PG)
Wednesday 26 November, 7.30pm, Cinema
When a fading actress learns of an immortality treatment, she sees it as a way to outdo her long-time rival. Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn star; Robert Zemeckis directs.
Dementia Friendly: Singin’ in the Rain (U)
Thursday 27 November, 2pm, Cinema
Classic song and dance movie with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
NT Live: The Fifth Step (cert TBC)
Thursday 27 November, 7pm, Cinema
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
Live and Unheard
Thursday 27 November, 7.30pm, The Sherling Studio
Tarraska return to the live stage with alt rockers Love Is Enough and singer songwriter Charlotte Geary to line up in our monthly grass roots original music showcase.
Love Actually In Concert
Friday 28 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The star-studded Christmas favourite comes alive with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to screen.
Studio Jazz: Alice Zawadzki, Fred Thomas, Misha Mullov-Abbado
Friday 28 November, 7.45pm, The Sherling Studio
Studio Jazz and SoundCellar Poole are very excited to be launching their inaugural collaboration with three of the leading musicians on the UK’s contemporary music scene.
Rory Bremner – Making An Impression
Friday 28 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
What happens when Britain’s sharpest political impressionist steps out from behind the masks?
In this intimate new show, the master mimic and satirist combines his signature stand-up with candid conversation, accompanied by a rotating cast of special guest hosts. Age guidance: 16+ recommended
Nicola Benedetti
Saturday 29 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Join Nicola Benedetti, “the country’s favourite violinist” (The Times) for a unique and personal show as she returns to pre-eminent stages across the UK for her first solo tour in over ten years.
Mark Steel: The Leopard In My House
Saturday 29 November, 7.45pm, Theatre
Mark Steel returns to Lighthouse with his new tour, The Leopard in My House. The topic? His battle with throat cancer. A battle the multi award-winning, BAFTA-nominated writer and comedian is winning (thankfully) and which only his rapier wit could fashion a comedy tour show out of. Age guidance: 14+
Youth In Concert: A Day’s Achievement
Sunday 30 November, 4pm, Concert Hall
Poole Society for Young Musicians stage another inspiring concert showcasing some of the next generation of performers in an exciting and high-quality music-making environment. Young musicians can apply to be part of this vibrant programme — a unique opportunity to grow musically and perform at an excellent level alongside professional musicians.
Tickets and information 01202 280000
www.lighthousepoole.co.uk