Brit-soul superstar on way and a West End hit with an all-star cast as new shows go on sale
Prepare to be smitten as an all-star cast brings the hilarious West End improv smash Austentatious to Lighthouse Poole as part of a strictly limited tour to mark the 250th anniversary of the writer Jane Austen’s birth. Be warned, swooning is guaranteed with a revolving cast that has included award-winning performers such as Cariad Lloyd (QI, Inside No. 9), Rachel Parris (The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo) and Graham Dickson (After Life, The Witchfinder).
Austentatious is just one of many highlights in the latest programming round-up of new shows on sale at Lighthouse, with an intimate, stripped-back theatre concert by British soulstress Rebecca Ferguson revisiting songs from her five albums; last year’s panto star Sarah-Louise Young making a welcome return in An Evening Without Kate Bush; and Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s literary classic Little Women.
On sale this week at Lighthouse:
Talisk
Wednesday 21 May, 8pm, Sherling Studio
One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, the multiple award-winning Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. This is a standing gig.
The ELO Show
Thursday 4 September, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The world’s greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and ELO is back with a stunning new stage production, featuring a band of amazing musicians complemented by a female string section playing hit after hit from ELO’s vast back catalogue.
Jay Morton Live: Respect Is Earned Tour
Saturday 13 September, 7.45pm, Theatre
Former SAS operator, two-time Everest summiteer, expedition leader and author, Jay Morton is ready to reveal all in his first-ever live shows. Get ready for a unique insight into his experiences as part of the most elite special ops team in the world as well as some of the incredible stories from expeditions since leaving the forces. Age guidance: 16+
Little Women
Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 September, 7.45pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu, Sat mat), Theatre
Still as relevant as ever, Little Women is a celebration of women proving they can be heroes of their own story, can be bold, persistent, self-assured to stand strong in who they are, and what they desire for themselves in their present and future. Anne-Marie Casey’s masterful new adaptation of the classic story offers a captivating rendition of Little Women that breathes new life into a cherished text. Age guidance: 12+
Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped Back
Tuesday 23 September, 7.45pm, Theatre
One of the UK’s finest live vocalists, Rebecca will perform songs from across her five solo albums, with audiences being treated to stripped-back performances of her biggest hits, including Glitter & Gold, Nothing’s Real but Love, and Shoulder to Shoulder – plus a few interpretations of some of her favourite songs.
Sweet and Sour
Saturday 27 September, 7.30pm, Theatre
Get ready for an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs Sabrina Carpenter tribute show. Featuring a powerhouse live band and dynamic dancers, this show brings every beat and lyric to life, immersing you in the stories, sass, and soul of two of pop’s biggest sensations.
An Evening Without Kate Bush
Thursday 2 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
Howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights! She’s not there, but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the Stranger Things phenomenon, there has never been a better time to release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. A welcome return for last year’s panto star Sarah-Louise Young. Age guidance: 10+
Murder She Didn’t Write
Friday 3 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
Don your deerstalker and grab your magnifying glass as this talented company use audience suggestions to create a hilarious improvised murder mystery. All you have to do… is solve it! Ms Gold poisoned at a synchronised swimming gala? Dr Blue exploded by cannon during a hot air balloon race? Professor Violet was crushed to death at a Love Island recoupling? You decide! But will you guess whodunnit before the killer is revealed? Age guidance: 12+
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Saturday 4, Sunday 5 October, 4pm (Sat, Sun), 11am (Sun), 2pm (Sun), Theatre
Having been dazzling audiences around the globe for over seven years, this production features a menagerie of more than 75 magical puppets in a faithful adaptation of four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and, of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The Ultimate Classic Rock Show
Friday 10 October, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present with more than two hours of classic rock anthems from artists including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, Eagles and Jimi Hendrix.
Austentatious
Friday 24 October, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
From the West End to the woods, Austentatious comes to you on a strictly limited tour with an all-star cast improvising a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed. The revolving cast has included numerous, award-winning performers such as Cariad Lloyd (QI, Inside No. 9, Griefcast, The Witchfinder), Joseph Morpurgo (Radio 4, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee), Rachel Parris (The Mash Report, Live at the Apollo) and Graham Dickson (After Life, The Witchfinder).
The Psychology of Dogs – A Live Event
Friday 7 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
An unforgettable evening where our dog behaviour expert will give insight into how dogs think, how to better interpret their behaviour and how to enjoy the best of these joyful members of our families.
The Illegal Eagles: The Desperado Tour 2025
Friday 5 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
A welcome return for The Illegal Eagles promises more of their trademark musical prowess, acute attention to detail and incredible showmanship. This critically acclaimed show features the very best from the Eagles’ catalogue of classics, including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy, New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane and many more…
With the exception of Rebecca Ferguson: 15 Years Stripped, which is already on pre-sale and goes on general sale on Friday 21 March, and Austentatious, which goes on general sale today, tickets go on pre-sale to Lighthouse Best & Great Friends on Friday 21 March, and to Lighthouse Good Friends on Tuesday 25 March before going on general sale from Friday 28 March at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
For details of Lighthouse Friends visit https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/support-lighthouse/.
