21+ EXCEPTIONAL THINGS TO DISCOVER THIS FEBRUARY
21+ EXCEPTIONAL THINGS TO DISCOVER THIS FEBRUARY
Pictured: Sophie Ward as Marina Gregg, Joe McFadden as Jason Rudd in The Mirror Crack’d, credit Ali Wright
Theatre in London and Surrey in February 2023
1 Love & Passion: A love letter to musical theatre – Hampton Hill Theatre, 16 -18 Feb 2023
A vibrant musical revue with song and dance numbers ranging from musical theatre to jukebox pop! All your favourites: 42nd Street, Finding Neverland, Into the Woods, Cabaret, Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Scarlet Pimpernel, It Shoulda Been You, Anything Goes, Blood Brothers, Taboo and Mamma Mia!
2 Merton Live! – New Wimbledon Theatre, 5 Feb
Join Wimbledon Guild for a full day of celebrating the brightest local talent – from extraordinary gymnasts to fantastic musicians and great dancers. All money raised goes towards supporting Wimbledon Guild.
3 The Mirror Crack’d – Rose Theatre, Kingston, 21-25 Feb
Starring Susie Blake as Miss Marple and Sophie Ward as Marina Gregg, this adaptation of Agatha Christie’s beloved novel brings real emotional depth to a thrilling story of secrets, loss and revenge.
4 The Shawshank Redemption – Richmond Theatre, 30 Jan – 4 Feb
Based on the famous novella and even more famous film, the play examines desperation, friendship and hope behind the bars of a prison. Andy Dufresne is convicted of the double murder of his wife and her lover. After befriending the prison fixer Red, he comes up with a plan as ingenious as it is dangerous…
5 Thrill Me: the Leopold & Loeb Story by Stephen Dolginoff – Coward Studio, Hampton Hill Theatre, 31 Jan – 4 Feb
The story of the murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks by the infamous duo Leopold and Loeb shook the whole world almost a century ago. This two-character dramatic musical retells this gruesome story in musical flashbacks across 34 years.
6
The King and I – New Wimbledon Theatre, 14-18 Feb
Helen George, from BBC One hit Call The Midwife stars as Anna in this greatest musical from the golden age. Anna Leonowens arrives in Siam to teach children at the royal court – but life here isn’t simple, especially for a woman…
7 Sister Act – New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Mon 20 – Sat 25 Feb
Dancing sisters are coming to Woking! Don’t miss the smash hit musical based on the beloved cult classic.
8
Shakespeare & Love – Landmark Arts Centre, 14 Feb
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this unique performance staged by the Guildford School of Acting and immerse yourself in the world’s most enduring emotion through an emotional rendition of sonnets and scenes.
9 Tangled Feet and Rowan Tree’s BELONGINGS – Polka Theatre, 25-26 February
An inventive theatre production blending physical theatre, original design and beautiful music, Belongings is about growing up in care and exploring how we all need someone to belong to. Directed at 6-11 year olds.
10 When Darkness Falls – Richmond Theatre, 8-11 Feb
A brand-new spine-chilling ghost story. Guernsey. A young paranormal expert and a sceptical history teacher join forces to record a podcast about the island’s folklore… May not be suitable for audiences under 15.
11 Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) – Richmond Theatre, 13-28 Feb
Coming to Richmond Theatre from the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this play is a unique retelling of Jane Austen’s most beloved love story. It’s the 1800s. It’s party time.
12 Holly Blakey Presents: Cowpuncher My Ass – Southbank Centre, Wed 15 Feb
Holly Blakey’s Wild West dance show – one not to miss. Scored by Mica Levi and accompanied by the London Contemporary Orchestra.
13 Wodehouse in Wonderland – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, 2 – 4 Feb
G. Wodehouse – or Plum – is trying to write the latest instalment of Jeeves and Wooster. However, other people in his immediate surroundings have other ideas! Join the famous writer for wonderful tales and the best tunes! But beneath all the fun and laughter is there a darker story to be told?
14 Relatively Speaking – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, 21 – 25 February
Starring Liza Goddard, Steven Pacey and Antony Eden, this beautifully crafted comedy was Alan Ayckbourn’s very first West End hit and made him a household name. Greg only met Ginny a month ago – but already decided to ask her father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. He follows her to Buckinghamshire only to discover that the people who he is talking to might not be her parents after all…
15 JAKE REVOLVER, FREELANCE SECRET AGENT – Mary Wallace Theatre, 16-19 Feb
In this private detective parody, Jake Revolver fights conspiracy, double cross and self-reference to uncover the killer of his own narrator.
16 Duet For One – Orange Tree Theatre, 11 Feb – 18 March
You see, there’s no God, Dr. Feldmann, but I know where they got the idea; they got it from music.
Stephanie Abrahams (Tara Fitzgerald), a world-famous violinist, tries to cope with her sclerosis as everyone around her slowly leaves. Based on the life of cellist Jacqueline du Pré.
GET OUTSIDE in London and Surrey in February 2023
17 Bird Feeders – Wimbledon Common, 5 Feb
Make your own feeder to help the birds over winter! A workshop perfect for 6-14 year olds. To sign up your child, contact Auriel Glanville, Club Leader, on mobile: 07837 910072 or email auriel.glanville@btinternet.com.
18 Orchid Festival – Kew Gardens, 4 Feb – 5 March
Inspired by the biodiversity of Cameroon, Kew Gardens’ iconic orchid festival is back. Encompassing a series of stunning horticultural displays and living sculptures, the festival replicates 10 different global ecosystems under the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
19 Community Planting day at the Queen’s Green Canopy Woodland, Richmond Park – 13 Feb
Help Nature Thrive team, Friends of Richmond Park, The Holly Lodge Centre and the Royal Parks’ volunteer rangers lead tree planting activities and guided wildlife walks in Richmond Park.
20 A Dash of Lavender – Chelsea Physic Garden, throughout the month
This February, Chelsea Physic Garden will partner with Queer Botany to look at plants through a queer lens in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month. Look forward to a host of fascinating trails, workshops and talks.
TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS in London and Surrey in February 2023
21 Scottish Artists 2023 – Wimbledon Fine Art, Wimbledon Village, 15 Jan – 5 Feb
Presented in association with Stafford Gallery, head to the Village for a unique exhibition of contemporary Scottish artists, including Helen Tabor, Joan Gillespie and Alma Wolfson.
22 Permissible Beauty – Hampton Court Palace, 14 Jan – 26 Feb
This new immersive installation explores changing notions of beauty through history. Learn how the famous ‘Windsor Beauties’ defined beauty in the 17th century, and how they have inspired creative talents from the Black British Queer community.
23 Elizabeth Wallfisch talks to Piers Lane – Dryburgh Hall, Putney Leisure Centre, 20 Feb
Something for niche classical music aficionados. The acclaimed Baroque violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch talks about her fascinating work and cooperation with ensembles such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Hanover Band and the Raglan Baroque Players.
24 Behind the Shop Facade: The Life of Maurice Dorfman – Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, 20 Feb
Documentary photographer Jim Grover talks about the outstanding legacy of Maurice Dorfman and his Clapham haberdashery shop and his extraordinary life story.
25 The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold – John Colet Hall, St Paul’s School, 25 Feb
Join Barnes LitSoc as they get together with Hannah Gold, an award-winning children’s novelist with a passion for protecting our planet. She talks about her adventure novel The Lost Whale – about a very special bond between a boy and an animal… Suitable for 8+ years.
26 Lucian Freud and The Soul as Sphere – The Lightbox, Woking, 26 November 2022 – 19 March 2022
The Lightbox presents two exhibitions curated by artist Somaya Critchlow: The Soul as Sphere anchored around Critchlow’s grandfather, the late artist, professor of architecture, writer and geometer, Dr Keith Critchlow, and a presentation of works by Lucian Freud, marking the centenary of his birth.
27 Diana Armfield Prize for Drawing from Observation 2023 – closing date: 25 Feb
Arts Richmond announces the 2023 Diana Armfield Prize for Drawing from Observation, awarded by Diana Armfield RA NEAC. Send in your works in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink! See the website for details.
28 Beyond The Streets – Saatchi Gallery, 17 Feb – 9 May
The most comprehensive street art exhibition to open in the UK! Beyond The Streets will feature original art, rare ephemera, photography, immersive and site-specific installations, archival fashion, and surprises from over 150 artists. One of a kind.
29 Queer Lives at the Tower of London – 18 – 24 Feb
A fascinating after-hours tour that takes visitors on a 700-year journey through the Tower’s LGBTQ+ history. A theatrical performance like no other.
MUSIC in London and Surrey in February 2023
30 Tea Concert with Arturo Castro Nogueras – St Michael’s Community Centre, Elm Bank Gardens, 12 Feb
Tired of cold and rainy February? Transport yourself to Puerto Rico with Arturo Castro Nogueras and his guitar!
31 Building Blochs and Birkenstocks – Fairfield Halls, Croydon, 4 Feb
Inspired by the world around them and the way they experienced it, Mendelssohn and Bloch drew upon their life when composing music you’ll hear in this wonderful concert. Cellist superstar Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins us as the soloist for Bloch’s expressive work.
32 Come & Sing Mozart Requiem – St Mary’s Church, Putney, 4 Feb
Mozart’s Requiem – a masterpiece shrouded in mystery. Now you can perform it! Join The Fulham and Hammersmith Choral Society for a day full of singing!
33 Gabrielle Aplin – Banquet Records, Kingston, 16 Feb
Singer-songwriter Gabrielle Aplin returns to Kingston for an in-store gig promoting her fourth studio album, “Phosphorescent.”
34 February Concert: Ayaka Shigeno – Community Hall, Banstead, 18 Feb
Ayaka Shigeno has appeared in venues such as Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw and performed as soloist in festivals in Gstaad and Deia. For this piano recital, she will perform works by Debussy, Chopin and Mussorgsky.
35 Magic of Motown – Dorking Halls, 4 Feb
All the greatest hits, glittering costumes and dazzling dance routines in this breath-taking live concert. Head down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson.
36 The Classis Rock Show – Dorking Halls, 15 Feb
The Classic Rock Show is back in the UK! Expect legendary performances to the tunes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, The Who, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and many more.
37 Calling Planet Earth – New Victoria Theatre, 6 Feb
Take it back to the 80s with some electrifying symphonic arrangements, stunning vocals and incredible live band.
38 Guildford Jazz Presents… Xhosa Cole – The Boileroom, Guildford, 17 Feb
BBC Young jazz musician award winner Xhosa Cole has already established himself in the premier league of saxophonists across the country. Come listen to his wonderful music.
39 DANA GILLESPIE & THE LONDON BLUES BAND – Eel Pie Club, 16 Feb
Dana Gillespie made her first record in 1964 – and she’s still active and creative as ever. Having released her 70th album at the end of 2019, she brings her blues to the legendary Eel Pie Club.
