Agenda: Unmissable Theatre Performances
Theatre: Macbeth’s Contemporary Take
5-8 March at Connaught Theatre
A struggling and divided nation, tearing itself apart. So, when the Macbeths see their chance at the crown, why shouldn’t they take it? But things don’t go according to plan. Dreams quickly turn to nightmares, humanity erodes, and nature stirs. As society strives to make sense of the darkness that sits inside it, how long will it take for people to fight back against the endless cycle of violence and corruption? It is a visceral and contemporary new production that speaks to the world we live in now, asking why Macbeth has haunted our fears and nightmares for centuries.
Event: Step Back in Time
Easter Medieval Festival
March 29-31
Travel back to the year 1191 this Easter at Arundel Castle. Imagine King Richard the Lionheart gathering his Barons to prepare for the Third Crusade. The Earl of Arundel is testing his men in combat and archery to prepare for the journey. Set within a large, tented encampment on the lower lawns of the castle, the three-day immersive event will feature 12th-century combat demonstrations, archery, and falconry displays. There will be craft tents where artisans show how they make things like pewter items, cook food, work with leather, and more.
Comedy: Luisa Omielan’s ‘Bitter’ Show
Brighton Komedia
March 7
Luisa Omielan is a comedic force of nature. The first stand-up to receive a BAFTA Breakthrough accolade, with four consecutive smash hit shows, she is credited with creating ‘genre-defining’ one-woman shows. In 2024, Luisa will return with a brand-new touring show: Bitter. Luisa’s fans know she is incredible, hilarious, life-changing, and a superstar, but she’s also endured years of being told she’s too loud, too crass, and too emotional. But following the rules hasn’t worked for her.
Comedy: The Fast Show Reunion
Brighton Dome
March 31
Thirty years since The Fast Show first burst onto our television screens, “the defining comedy sketch show of the Nineties” (The Independent) is back, live on tour. Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse are reuniting with Simon Day, John Thomson, Arabella Weir, and Mark Williams for a celebratory live tour that will be a huge treat for fans of the multi-award-winning quick-fire TV sketch show and provide a real behind-the-scenes insight into some of their favourite characters and catchphrases as they come alive on stage once again.
Art: Community Programme Exhibition
Pallant House
Until March 31
Pallant House Gallery is excited to present an exhibition of new works created by its award-winning Community Programme members. The new exhibition includes works ranging from watercolours, oil pastels, and acrylic to mixed media collages and sculptures, which have all been donated by members of the Community Programme. The artworks are available to buy, with proceeds going to the highly valued programme.
Event: Spring Festival Celebrations
Petworth House and Park
23 March–14 April
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a sensational new festival at Petworth House and Park. The opening weekend will feature a two-day makers market where visitors can find high-quality artisan gifts. There will be spring-themed art and craft workshops, guided foraging walks, talks by specialist speakers, including Frances Tophill, and family activities, including a free trial in the Pleasure Garden and drop-in crafts. A festival highlight will be an enhanced display of radiant daffodils carpeting the garden. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
Mark Your Calendars
Goodwoof: A Canine Celebration
May 18-19
One for the diary in the future, Goodwoof returns to Goodwood.
The greatest celebration of all we love about dogs will occur at Goodwood over the weekend, Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19.
Goodwood, presented by MARS Petcare, is the best day out for dogs and their families, with all activities for humans and hounds included in the entrance fee.
This year Goodwoof celebrates the faithful and fabulous Labrador with a spectacular parade of these four-legged favourites streaming in to open the event each morning.
Once inside, visitors can marvel at international and home-grown competitors at the top of their game as they demonstrate their incredible skills in Sheep and Gundog trials and the fiercely competitive cross-country Canicross competition. The Action Sports arena will showcase high-octane demonstrations of canine agility and intelligence. Barkitecture is back, displaying an incredible array of kennels designed by the cream of the architectural world.
This year, the brief was to produce kennels for dogs on the go and the kennels will be auctioned on the Sunday of Goodwoof to raise funds for our 2024 charity, Jai Dog Rescue.
Throughout the weekend, there will be talks from experts in nutrition, behaviour, and canine health at the MARS Wellness Stage, famous faces will read extracts from tales of canine exploits in Literary Corner, and The Studio, presented by Randox, will offer relaxation with your dog as experienced practitioners lead sessions in doga, reiki, sound-bathing and dog massage.
