44 �COMPASSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

A R T & C U L T U R EOur Arts expert Marianka Swain finds February’s best shows, exhibitions and events

JANE AUSTEN’S RING COMES HOMEFROM 14 FEBRUARYThe author’s stunning turquoise-and-gold ring, bought by American pop star Kelly Clarkson for £152,450, was saved for the nation after a major fundraising drive. It’s on display at Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, which also features Jane and Cassandra’s gold-and-topaz crosses, bought by their brother after he captured a French privateer in 1801. 01420 83262; www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

PURBECK LITERARY FESTIVAL DEBUTS 17 FEBRUARY-2 MARCHThis brand-new festival is a real treat for book-lovers, featuring workshops and readings from leading authors, storytelling for children and guided walks exploring the area’s literary heritage, such as a visit to the Grand Hotel in Swanage where Enid Blyton took high tea in the gardens. 07849 748434; www.purbeckliteraryfestival.info

HALF-TERM HELP 15-23 FEBRUARYCultural activities include Space Odyssey at Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham (01329 223100; www3.hants.gov.uk/ashcroft) – build a spaceship, paint a space mural and move like a robot, plus Kid Carpet and the Noisy Animals’ show Blast Off. There’s historical fun with Castle Quest at Carisbrooke Castle, Newport (0870 333 1181; www.english-heritage.org.uk) – solve clues to win a special prize; Children’s Festival at the West End Centre, Aldershot (01252 330040; www.westendcentre.co.uk), featuring LEGO model-making, musical adventures and a Comedy Club; and Forest Arts Centre, New Milton (01425 612393; www.forest-arts.co.uk), unveils Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival – magic show, Bugsy Malone workshop, comedy and animation.

P I C K O F T H E M O N T H

Jane Austen ring, photo by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Carisbooke Quest Photo by English Heritage

Early Sunday, October by Angela Charles

45 � ART & CULTURE

TOP TICKETS WAR HORSE MAYFLOWER THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON19 FEBRUARY-15 MARCHThe first-ever UK tour of the National Theatre’s award-winning show, plus a special puppetry workshop on 6 March – call to reserve a place. 02380 711811; www.mayflower.org.uk

SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT FERNEHAM HALL, FAREHAM27 FEBRUARYA high-octane mix of big band swing and classic dance music from the popular ensemble, whose repertoire ranges from wartime hits to all-time greats like Sinatra. 01329 231942; www.fernehamhall.co.uk

STEPHEN K AMOS: THE SPOKESMAN TIVOLI THEATRE, WIMBORNE13 FEBRUARYThe renowned comic’s new hit show fuses caricature, politics, audience banter and refreshingly honest gags.01202 885566; www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk Send all your art and culture news to: marianka@elginmedia.com

ART ATTACK WINTER SHOW SLADERS YARD, BRIDPORTTO 1 MARCHSpectacular paintings by a range of contemporary artists, plus furniture by Petter Southall and work by leading British craftspeople. For an extra dose of culture, combine the exhibition with a poetry or jazz evening at this beautiful space. 01308 459511; www.sladersyard.co.uk

FREE TIME EXHIBITION DORSET COUNTY MUSEUM15 FEBRUARY-17 MAYThis new oral history project takes a fascinating look at the changing nature of leisure time over the past 60 years, with a treasure trove of archive material, numerous activities and a ‘Walking Museum’ around Dorchester. 01305 262735; www.dorsetcountymuseum.org

LEARN TRADITIONAL ARTS KORU ARTS, MEDSTEAD, ALTONIf you’ve ever fancied creating your own bespoke stained glass, here’s your chance. Book up quickly for these popular workshops: Glass Fusing (15 February, 8 March), Glass Painting (26-28 February) and Stained Glass (22-23 March). 07447 406426; www.koruarts.co.uk

Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Lyme Regis by David Atkins photo coutesy of Dorset County Museum

Gypsy Fire

Tricia Walker, photo by Anna Burn

Kid Carpet Blast Off

Yachts on the River Dart by J Bailey