The Sherling Studio Christmas shows at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole are a huge past of the festive season for local theatre goers. Not only is it often a young person's first exposure to theatre, but the shows they put on are magical and capture imaginations. 

This year, the show gracing the studio's stage is The Glass Slippers by Tutti Frutti Productions. A reimagined version of the classic tale of Cinderella, with plenty a twist and turns. The show is aimed at younger audiences (suitable from age 3+), with a running time of 60 minutes, so I tasked my wonderful 5 year old princess obsessed reporter to let me know what she thought!

There is nothing better to get you in the festive spirit than attending a Pantomime. Layered in British tradition, the Panto is nothing but pure escapism for a couple of hours. It entertains everyone of all ages whilst not taking itself seriously to allow the audience to revel in hilarity and glee. 

The Bournemouth Panto is one highlight of the year for many locals. With familiar faces returning to the stages year after year, and local jokes that keep everyone amused, it's easy to see why it's a hit year after year. This year, the tale of choice was Jack and the Beanstalk. Whilst having some local competition with this show (which they even made a nod too); it had the audience engaged from the first "Boo" too the last "He's behind you!". 

 Picture the scene. You are a child settling down to watch your favourite show. An earnest young woman springs onto the screen and welcomes you into a world of diversity, colour, and magic. That show is Play Away, and that young woman is Floella Benjamin. Now imagine you are sat in the theatre, a TV screen bigger than you could have ever imagined is in front of you, and that very same young, animated woman has come to life on stage. The giddiness overcomes you and you feel transported to childhood. 

Floella Benjamin's award winning book of her move from Trinidad to England has now been created into a masterpiece of a play that is set to take the UK by storm. Coming to England has been adapted by David Wood and directed by Denzel Westley Sanderson for the stage and wowed audiences in the town where Floella took her first steps on British soil. 

Two households, both alike in dignity is where the story of Romeo and Juliet begins. A tale written by the Bard about star crossed lovers and their untimely fate is a story that has transcended across stages, screens, and novels to entertain audiences across the world. In fact, in recent times there has been a musical, a play, and now a ballet to enthral. And whilst this tale may be told countless times, it still is a tale that never grows old. 

The ballet powerhouses at Northern Ballet have reignited their rendition of this Shakespeare tale. Having lost most of the set and costuming to a flood in the early 90's, they have worked tirelessly to restore this timeless classic to it's former glory and allow it to capture the hearts of audience's again. 

Art is one of the most subjective things on the planet. I mean, what constitutes great art? What one person loves, and feels is deep and meaningful, another finds nonsense and wasteful. What someone feels a piece of art is worth is down to them and them alone, yet despite knowing all of this you can't help but judge the viewpoint of others. What happens when your opinions do not match the ones of your best friends?

That in itself is what the show Art is about. It's an 80 minute play about three friends who's differing opinions could make or break a friendship. Having previously won several awards including an Olivier, Tony, and Moliere, I was excited to go into this show blind to see just what the big deal is over some art. 

Who doesn't love a show that is filled with soulful disco music, glitz and glamour, and nuns? Well the last one may be a tad different, but combined together you are left with Sister Act, the phenomenal musical based on the film of the same name. And let me tell you, this sparkle filled show is worth a visit as it takes the UK by storm. 

Currently at the Bournemouth Pavilion, I was invited along to see this all singing, all dancing show that had the whole audience entertained from curtain up to curtain call. Let's just say, take me to heaven because Sister Act was fabulous baby!

 Come along and listen to, the wonderful performances of Bournemouth and Boscombe's Light Opera Company (BBLOC)'s latest show, 42nd Street. It's not an easy feat to take on a mammoth show such as 42nd Street. With dancing, singing, huge characters, and did I mention the constant dancing? It's a show that is fast paced, full of bright lights, catchy songs, and fantastic costumes. But by George did this company bring the house down and create a show that rivalled the latest west end version!

The Wedding Singer is a musical that has passed me by far too many times. I don't know why I've never sat in a seat and watched it as I've always really enjoyed the hilarious and heartwarming film, but the opportunity never crossed my path. That was until Dorset based Highcliffe Charity Players announced it as their latest offering at the Regent, Christchurch. I for one know how good a Players show is, so I was excited to be given an invite. It's time to party like it's 1985 as the band are in place and ready to rock the room!

Based on the film of the same name, The Wedding Singer tells the tale of Robbie Hart a wedding singer who isn't that good at love himself despite singing about it all the time. After a chance meeting with waitress Julia, his life takes some unexpected turns and what he thought he future might entail isn't quite how it ends up. With some big hit songs, big costumes, and even bigger hair, this show is one to remember. 

High energy, incredible talent, inspiring choreography and performances that make you want to give a standing ovation? It can only mean it's the Leaf Studio end of year celebration. This year with the aptly titled 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You', there's more crammed in than ever before and before you can say yeah you are dancing in your seat and wishing the show wouldn't end.

 There's something special about youth theatre. It's something that I have been passionate about since I was young and in shows myself. To see young talent being nurtured by brilliant creatives and coming together to create spellbinding shows is something absolutely wonderful. BIGLITTLE Theatre School are just one of those brilliant schools in the Bournemouth area to grow and develop talented individuals that belong on the stage. 

2024 marks another year of their Broadway Showtunes showcases. A medley of songs and shows that are familiar and new, brought together by an impressive cast of over 160 young people. And Mamma Mia was it a show to enjoy! 

When Jamie Lloyd announced that his latest production would be Romeo and Juliet and star Tom Holland in one of the title roles, the hype around this show was like nothing I had seen before with a piece of theatre. Getting a ticket was reminiscent of getting one of Wonka's Golden Ticket's and somehow I was successful in scoring one of these sought after tickets; albeit in what was dubbed as a slight restricted view. But would the hype of Spiderman taking on another iconic role truly win me over, or would it be a case of a show not living up to the Olivier Award winning older sister (Sunset Boulevard). 

 Have we got a problem? Have we got a bone to pick? Because why oh why does Heathers the Musical seem to be getting better year on year? Now taking over the new @Soho Place theatre, Heathers is in London for 6 short weeks to wow audience with a new class joining them for the ride. 

Based on the cult classic 1989 film that follows one high school's classmates as they battle growing pains, fitting in, and well murder; this musical seems to have garnered even more of a cult following than the film it originated from. With audience members dressing up, dancing in their seats, and loving each and every character, it's no wonder it keeps coming back to theatres time and time again. 

 I have to say that I've been a fan of Drag Race for the last decade at least. From the early US series to the series that are popping up around the world, the Ru Paul dynasty is growing by the year. To celebrate the best of the best the series to end all series is now a huge hit. Ru Paul's Drag Race UK Vs The World S2. With a blend of UK queens against the best from around the world, this is a show that pits the queens at the top of their game against each other in order to crow the queen of queens. 

 Nothing beats a night out at the pub. Spending time with friends, talking about your lives and the worries you might be having, whilst celebrating the achievements of others all over a drink or two. There's something so quintessentially British about it, and The Choir Of Man perfectly captures the true warmth and spirit of it in their fantastic show. 

Having taken the Edinburgh Fringe by storm, a residency at the Arts Theatre, London, and a visit across the pond, this show is making waves and truly winning the hearts of the world. To be honest, it's fast becoming one of my favourite shows and one that never fails to put a smile on my face. 

 There is something quite marvellous about watching a murder mystery play out on stage. And it's made even more thrilling when it's an adaptation of one of the most loved and celebrated crime thriller books of all time. But having a show based on a book with such a popular following can mean that there is an alarmingly high bar to live up to, and with a modern audience, will this 1939 tale be able to captivate audiences. 

Coming towards the end of their UK tour, the cast of the Agatha Christie play have landed in Southampton at the Mayflower Theatre and are ready to have audience members on the edge of their seat. With warnings of violence, murder, suicide, and gun shots, you are left wondering what on earth will happen before you even take your seat. Because in this classic whodunnit, nothing is quite as it seems. 

Jesus Christ Superstar originated as a concept album between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Since then it has been transformed into a film, and had many stage adaptations including the latest version. Originally taking place in the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, this production of Jesus Christ Superstar has been revamped and transformed into something that is like nothing you have seen in a Lloyd Webber show before. And in my honest opinion, it's made it all so much better! 

Currently adapted for a UK tour, this version is hitting venues across the UK and has landed at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton for a week to inspire and entertain audiences. 

 Despite having seen several, I still feel like I am new to the world of opera. The vast array of storytelling through song that has been updated, adapted, and changed for audiences over the decades means that what our parents saw and knew back in the day is interpreted in a whole new way today. 

Welsh National Opera are one of those Operatic companies that do just that. Push the boundaries of what it is to be an opera to create something that captivates audiences for so many different reasons. In this Spring season, WNO have chosen to perform Death In Venice amongst other shows and I was lucky enough to catch this innovative show when it came to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.