If laughter is the best medicine, Lighthouse audiences can expect to report a clean bill of health this autumn with a series of top comedians coming to the Poole venue… the perfect antidote to any seasonal chills in the latest release of new shows on sale.
Getting the fun-filled season underway is comedy superstar Rob Newman returning to Lighthouse with his new studio show, Where the Wild Things Were, a simultaneously cerebral and silly treatise that links Pythagorean gangsters, intellectual bingo callers and Dorothy Parker’s Multiverse Diaries.
He’s not the only one on his way back – following a sell out show in March, Jake Lambert is bringing The Sunshine Kid back to Poole, paving the way for character comedian Tracey Collins to make her Lighthouse debut in Bingo at Tiffany’s with Audrey Heartburn; while the hilarious Comedy Club 4 Kids returns with top stand-ups and sketch acts performing without the rude bits!
And the laughter doesn’t end there – also coming back to Lighthouse is the hilariously spontaneous musical comedy Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, the Olivier-winning West End smash in which the Showstoppers troupe make up a different musical every night from suggestions made by the audience.
All those thrills and laughter should provide plenty of protection against some seriously spooky chills in the air generated by the late Halloween arrival of Shock Horror, in which live performance and big screen action combine to create a chilling journey into an unravelling, haunted past; and the welcome return of Robert Lloyd Parry’s Nunkie Theatre with the more ghost stories from the pen of MR James just in time for Christmas.
On sale this week at Lighthouse:
F1® The Movie (12A)
Friday 27, Saturday 28, Sunday 29 June, Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 July, 11am (Fri, Thu), 11.30am (Tue), noon (Sat, Wed), 2.30pm (Sun), 3pm (Fri), 3.30pm (Sat, Tue, Wed, Thu), 7pm (Sun, Tue), 7.30pm (Fri, Sat, Wed, Thu), Cinema
The highly anticipated Formula 1® racing feature stars Brad Pitt as a former driver who returns to Formula 1®, alongside Damson Idris as his team mate at APXGP, a fictional team on the grid. The feature has been shot during actual Grand Prix weekends as the team competes against the titans of the sport. Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem also feature.
Friday Night Is Music Night
Friday 19 September, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Puttin’ on the Ritz with the BBC Concert Orchestra. BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night steps back in time for a night of glamour, romance and rhythm joining four sensational West End singers and conductor Michael England for a dazzling musical celebration of the roaring 20s and fabulous 30s. In a magical night where music, elegance and timeless charm collide, expect to sway to Irving Berlin’s irresistible Let’s Face the Music and Dance and, of course, his Puttin’ On the Ritz. You’ll also fall under the spell of Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin and bask in the romance of songs including The Way You Look Tonight.
Live and Unheard
Thursday 25 September, 7.30pm, Sherling Studio
Three more acts line up in our monthly grass roots original music showcase.
The Zoo That Comes To You
Saturday 27 September, 11am, 2pm, Sherling Studio
Come and meet this eclectic group of charming yet cheeky animals. A joyous journey featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters, Scarlet Oak Theatre welcomes people of all ages to join the conversation about animal conservation.
Rob Newman: Where the Wild Things Were
Saturday 27 September, 8pm, Sherling Studio
From Rob Newman comes a barnstorming new stand-up show about where we are and where we’re going. From future cities and philistine film directors to Dorothy Parker’s Multiverse Diaries. Throw in Pythagorean gangsters, intellectual bingo callers and a crazy character called Arlo – and the result is a hilarious tour-de force utterly unlike anything else you will ever see anywhere else!
Armonico Consort: JS Bach Mass in B Minor
Thursday 2 October, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Bach’s Mass in B Minor should have been titled ‘Bach’s Greatest Hits!’ He considered this to be his best work, or movements which he had allowed to develop over time. If you have never heard it live, this is absolutely one concert you must not miss.
Jake Lambert: The Sunshine Kid
Thursday 2 October, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Following his sell-out visit in March, Jake Lambert is returning to Poole! Described as “A joke machine” by The Telegraph, the show will see the comedian talk about trying to navigate his way through everyday life, why he has a fear of being normal, and asking why we all feel the need to ask strangers what breed their dogs are. Age guidance: 16+
Bingo at Tiffany’s with Audrey Heartburn
Saturday 4 October, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Calling all dream makers, heart breakers and bingo lovers! Join award-winning character comedian Tracey Collins (Shell Suit Cher, Elvis Lesley) and laugh, dance and play to win life-changing prizes as Audrey spins her cage of bingo balls and shakes her musical maracas to an outrageous party soundtrack.
Lunchtime Recital: Trio Pierné
Tuesday 7 October, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
This trio, consisting of a pianist, a soprano, and a harpsichordist, brings to life the music from Jane Austen’s personal collection.
Yippee Ki Yay
Wednesday 15 October, 7.45pm, Theatre
The acclaimed parody celebration of classic action film Die Hard, written and performed by Richard Marsh. When gunmen seize an LA skyscraper, off-duty policeman John McClane is the hostages’ only hope. This uplifting action romp (and unauthorised parody) celebrates the iconic 80s festive favourite while also telling the personal story of a life-long Die Hardfan.
Scott Matthews
Friday 23 October, 8pm, Sherling Studio
With its bold mix of folk, rock, blues and Eastern-inspired song-writing, Scott Matthews’ ground-breaking debut album, Passing Stranger earned him serious critical acclaim and an Ivor Novello Award in 2007 for his song Elusive. Having toured with the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Bert Jansch, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol and Tori Amos, he was joined by Plant for follow up album Elsewhere and legendary bassist Danny Thompson on his third, What the Night Delivers. Four albums later came the bold move into Eno-esque electronica on New Skin before his latest release, 2023’s Restless Lullabies, saw the same songs reborn in stark, acoustic surroundings.
Franky
Saturday 25 October, 11am, Sherling Studio
Prof Frankenstein feels lonely. She has no friends and the local villagers are afraid of her. The professor thinks a baby might change things and so, one stormy night with a flash of lightning and the help of her robot Igor, she creates… Franky! Don’t miss this fun-filled story with songs, a riotous hook-a-duck game, and the chance to learn the hottest new dance craze The Franky Walk! Age guidance: 3+
Live and Unheard
Thursday 30 October, 7.30pm, Sherling Studio
Three more acts line up in our monthly grass roots original music showcase.
Lunchtime Recital: Alicia Mallace-Goldbourne with Jack Campbell
Tuesday 4 November, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
A welcome return for British lyric soprano Alicia Mallace-Goulbourn and progressive piano star Jack Campbell with a varied programme of music.
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+
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.
Ellie Gowers
Friday 7 November, 8pm, 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, 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.
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.
Live and Unheard
Thursday 27 November, 7.30pm, Sherling Studio
Three more acts line up in our monthly grass roots original music showcase.
Love Actually In Concert
Friday 28 November, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
In the run-up to Christmas, the star-studded Love Actually, perhaps one of the most quotable and adored Christmas films, will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing the score live-to-film.
Lunchtime Recital: Jesper Svedberg + Hugo Svedberg
Thursday 4 December, 1.05pm, Sherling Studio
BSO principal cellist Jesper and his son Hugo perform music written for the cello.
Nunkie Theatre: Not Truly Dead + Oh, Whistle
Wednesday 17, Thursday 18, Friday 19 December, 8pm, Sherling Studio
Robert Lloyd Parry performs some of M R James’s finest ghost stories. On Wednesday and Thursday, Not Truly Dead features three stories of the restless dead – Rats, An Evening’s Entertainment and The Tractate Middoth. On Friday, he turns his attention to Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad, a tale of nocturnal horror on the Suffolk coast, and The Ash Tree, a story of witchcraft and vengeance down the generations. Age guidance: 12+
Armonico Consort: Carols By Candlelight
Sunday 21 December, 4pm, Concert Hall
A firm tradition of Armonico Consort’s festive programme over the past 24 years, what better way to enjoy the warmth and joy of the Christmas season than in the sublime candlelit setting for a feast of carols, combining traditional favourites and newly discovered works?
BubléBy Candelight
Monday 22 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Featuring a live big band and the UK’s number one Michael Bublé tribute act, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas with this ultimate feel good, sing-along concert complete with hits such as White Christmas, Santa Baby, Holly Jolly Christmas, All I Want For Christmas Is You and many more, performed by candlelight.
The Magic of Motown
Saturday 17 January, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Celebrate the sound of a generation with the classic hits of The Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson live in concert. Seen by millions and now in its 20th year.
Celtic Illusion
Saturday 21 February, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Prepare to be spellbound by one of the world’s most exhilarating stage productions – Celtic Illusion. The Irish dance and grand illusion phenomenon that has dazzled audiences across the world is finally making its premiere United Kingdom tour in 2026. Experience the magic. Believe the hype.
With the exception of Rob Newman: Where the Wild Things Are and Love Actually In Concert, which go on general sale on Friday 23 May, priority booking opens for Lighthouse Best & Great Friends only on Friday 23 May, and to Lighthouse Good Friends on Tuesday 27 May before going on general sale from Friday 30 May. at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
To gain access to priority booking, Friends memberships are available from just £50 a year at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/support-lighthouse/.
