The Lights Season Brochure Spring - Summer 2024

The Lights is a modern multi-purpose venue, providing audiences with spectacular live shows, in the heart of Hampshire. This season brings sleight of hand, a perfect panto, irresistible insight, spectacular science, tremendous tributes, enthralling events and a gigantic number of giggles. Whether you’re making the trip for a slice of cake in our in-house Atrium Café or making your way to your seat, we’ll see you on West Street in 2024!

Contact us

Online: www.thelights.org.uk

By phone: 01264 368368

In person: The Lights, West Street, Andover, Hants SP10 1AH

Box Office is open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-2pm

The Showponies

Music Fri, 5 Apr 8pm

Come and enjoy a great night out at The Lights with local band, The ShowPonies –an acoustic party band that always go the extra furlong!

Band Founder – James “Stretch” Williams brings together a group of top musicians to belt out crowd-pleasing acoustic covers

of classic songs from the 60s through to the current day. The Show Ponies will be making a donation from the evening to the Love Aid campaign which raises money for three local causes which focus on mental health and welfare of families and children.

T £10

Standing Arena Event

Cinderella – Hot Rock Productions

Family Thu, 11 Apr 3pm

You shall go to the Ball!

Get swept away by one of the most enchanting fairy tales of all timeCinderella. Full of side-splitting comedy, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses. So why not join us for a must-see magnificent adventure. Will Cinderella get her fairytale ending?

Book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight to find out!

Family fun for ages 3+

T £16, CH £13.50, FT £55

Henning Wehn –Acid Wehn (WIP)

Comedy Sat, 13 Apr 8pm

Comedy Sun, 14 Apr 4pm

Join the German Comedy Ambassador for Teutonic jolliness at its best. Expect some old favourites and plenty of new ideas for his upcoming tour Acid Wehn. Some might call it work-in-progress, but Henning prefers to describe it as masterpiece-under-construction. Come along. Or else.

T £19, P £20

Ronnie, Reggie & Me - Fred Dinenage

Special Interest

Tue, 16 Apr 7:30pm

Discover the definitive insight into the real life of Britain’s most notorious gangsters, from their trusted official biographer, Fred Dinenage.

You’ll hear stories that will fascinate and intrigue, while learning about the gritty reality of being a gangster in the criminal underworld of the swinging 60s, from the only man they trusted to tell their tale.

T £22, P £23

Nick Helm’s Super Fun Good Time Show

Comedy Wed, 24 Apr 8pm

Nick Helm – the man with the golden larynx and greatest living all-round entertainer – is BACK!

After years and years of therapy, pills, personal growth and being a living legend the nation’s favourite Uncle and International Treasure-in-Waiting returns to the road to mesmerise a new generation

of thrill seekers in his brand-new, boxfresh show.

Presented by Plosive Live in association with Sophie Chapman Talent

T £16.50, C £15, SM £15

Genuinely exciting” Telegraph

Stephen BaileyCrass

Comedy Fri, 26 Apr 8pm

Star of BBC’s Live at the Apollo & Would I Lie To You?, comedian and TV’s Stephen Bailey makes a very welcome return to the stage with his brand new live show, CRASS.

From a working-class background in Manchester, six years working at Sainsbury’s, many a carvery and putting his hometown Denton on the map, a lot has changed for Stephen who is five years

deep into a relationship, bought a home, become an uncle and climbed his way to the middle of the showbiz ladder – proving why he’s much more than a crass act.

T £15

A natural talent for making audiences laugh”

Metro

Megan McCubbin – Stopping Extinction

Special Interest Thu, 2 May 7:30pm

An Atlas of Endangered Species

What does it take to save a species from extinction?

Around the world there are scientists, rangers and indigenous communities

fighting to protect wildlife and their habitats. In this show, we will hear to stories from the front line of conservation and find out what it takes to pull a species back from the brink, from parrot sperm helmets to embryo freezing and everything in between! All the while answering the big questions...

“I’m only one person, what can I do to make a difference?”

T £20, P £21

Richard Digance

Music Fri, 3 May 7:30pm

“Richard Digance is brilliant”

Bill Bryson

2024 sees Richard, still going strong and performing at selected venues as well as spending more time in his studio composing soundtrack music.

Richard Digance is a BAFTA Nominated entertainer and a recipient of The Gold Award from The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. Tickets are available now for Richard’s show at The Lights, book today!

T £18, P £19

Thanks For The Memories – Neil Sands Productions

Variety Thu, 9 May 2pm

Join Neil Sands for his brand-new matinee show with more songs, more stunning costumes, more memories and even more fun. As he takes brings back musical memories The fabulous 40’s, The Rocking 50’s, The Swinging 60’s and The Sensational 70’s.

This feel-good afternoon is mixed with stunning voices, dazzling costumes, tons of good old-fashioned fun, and a truly unique atmosphere that will brighten any day.

T £15.50 (all tickets)

SELLINGFAST

The Fureys

Music Wed, 15 May 7:30pm

When The Fureys make their eagerly awaited return, they will treat their audience to one of popular music’s richest legacies.

They are one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands. Furey’s classics like I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, Leaving Nancy, The Old Man, From Clare to Here and The Green Fields of France have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world.

T £25, P £26

Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure

Theatre Thu, 16 May 7:30pm

Our Star Theatre Company present their acclaimed comedy, ‘Sherlock’s Excellent Adventure’!

Follow Sherlock Holmes and his incomparable sidekick Dr John Watson on this riveting, hitherto unpublished case … Damsel in distress Lucy Matravers engages Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth Holmes and his partner Watson to resolve a dispute over a family will. Little do they know that this small case brings Holmes straight into the clutches of his arch-enemy, James Moriarty!

T £16, P £17, C £15, SM £15

Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show

Family Wed, 29 May 2pm

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies!

Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

T £16, P £17, C £15, SM £15

A truly spectacular and explosive show full of drama and some really cool science too!”

PRIMARY TIMES

TALON: The Best of Eagles –To The Limit

Tribute Fri, 31 May 7:30pm

SELLING FAST

Talon have risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK and ‘TO THE LIMIT 2024’ will once again feature

the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, Life In The Fast Lane and many more.

Revered by their peers and loved by their fans, this world class seven-piece band are a phenomenon. They have, over the last quarter of a century, truly transcended the tag of ‘tribute’.

T £28, P £29

Ria Lina –Riawakening

Comedy Sat, 1 Jun 8pm

In the aftermath of a global pandemic, comedian and scientist, Ria Lina has had a Riawakening and sees the world differently. In this, her highly anticipated debut tour, Ria tackles the issues of coming out of a global pandemic, the new normal, divorce, dating in a new digital world, motherhood and what it really means to be a woman today. ★★★★

“I guarantee you will laugh a lot”

The Scotsman

Age guidance: 16+

Photo credit: Arabella Itani

T £16

Strictly UB40

Tribute Sat, 8 Jun 8pm

The finest, most authentic sounding tribute to UB40 featuring outstanding vocalist Ross Lydon, along with top class musicians including 2 of the original co-founding band members, Dave ‘Fingers’ (keyboardist) and Dave ‘Redman’ (drummer), along with Craig, Mark,Tom and Ciaran.

Delivering outstanding quality entertainment with a full live stage performance; setting the mood for the groove and bringing the best of UB40 across the decades. The Ultimate Experience!

T £16, SM £15, OTD £18

Standing Arena Gig

Pete FirmanTrikTok

Comedy Fri, 14 Jun 7:30pm

Pete is an award-winning performer who is not to be missed live. Expect an evening of jaw-dropping magic and laugh-out-loud comedy. TrikTok takes Pete’s magic from the small screen to the stage and gives audiences a chance to see his critically-acclaimed magical skills in the flesh.

“The new poster-boy for British comedy magic”

The Telegraph

Age Restriction: 11+

T £17.50, P £18.50

Hello Again: The Neil Diamond Songbook

Tribute Sat, 22 Jun 7:30pm

The World’s Greatest Celebration of The Life & Work of NEIL DIAMOND…

From The Bang Years to the present day you’ll soon find yourself singing along to all the hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, America and many more.

T £27, P £28

Richard Herring –Can I Have My Ball Back?

Comedy Thu, 18 Jul 8pm

In 2021 Richard Herring went to his GP to find out why his right ball seemed to be growing bigger. It turned out that he had testicular cancer and one month later he was lying in hospital waiting to have his murderous gonad removed. Would he survive? (No spoilers!).

For a comedian who had done a whole show on male genitalia (Talking Cock) and written a book about toxic masculinity (The Problem With Men) this felt like some cruel trick of fate. In his much-anticipated return to stand-up after six years, Richard talks bollocks and answers the question on everyone’s lips: Is a severed gonad in a jar a fitting prize to bring in for Taskmaster?

Age guidance: 14+

T £20

HEADLINERS

Music Sat, 20 Jul 7pm

Love Andover and The Lights will be bringing local musicians to the arena for a night of music.

With covers and a sprinkle of original songs, the audience will be surrounded by some of the finest local musicians; it’s a gig like no other. The show will be hosted by James “Stretch” Williams and Pete Burden, the charismatic duo will be directing you around the arena space to each act. If live music is your thing, then HEADLINERS is just the tonic.

The line up includes local bands The TipsyGypsies, Show Ponies, No Way Out and Tractor. Add to this the cleverly named duo Lauren and Hardy, and solo acts including The Torn Off Strips’ John Penfound, Helen Spooner, Paul Jude Wilson, Chris Bernsten, and Jon Walsh.

Don’t miss this unique night of music, celebrating the local acts that the town has to offer!

T £15

Standing Arena Event

This Flight Tonight – The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Tribute Sat, 27 Jul 7:30pm

An intimate acoustic Tribute to the music of JONI MITCHELL. Acclaimed singer/ songwriters Zervas & Pepper present ‘This Flight Tonight’ an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell. Featuring songs such as ‘California’, ‘Blue’, ‘Woodstock’ ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘Coyote’, ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, ‘A Case Of You’, and many more...

T £22, P £23

Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush

The Line, The Cross & The Curve Tour

Tribute Fri, 2 Aug 7:30pm

Cloudbusting are thrilled to bring their stunning ‘The Line, The Cross and The Curve’ tour to venues across the UK for 2024!

Featuring songs from the legendary short film of the same name which Kate Bush released in 1994, this spectacular new show offers audiences a fresh ‘take’ on those tracks that first appeared on ‘The Red Shoes’ album. With a set list that also includes classic hits such as Wuthering Heights, Babooshka, Hounds of Love, and Running Up That Hill

T £20, P £21, SM £18, C £18

OUTDOOR

Robin HoodThe Pantaloons

Theatre Sat, 3 Aug 2pm & 6pm

Join utter legends Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest for a hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer.

Pernicious Prince John and the shifty Sheriff of Nottingham have hatched a plan to put a stop to Robin Hood’s charitable crime spree once and for all. Can they outwit the outlaw? Or will Robin hit the target once again?

Find out in the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons’ innovative take on the myth featuring live music and audience interaction.

Please note that this is outdoor theatre at Beech Hurst Park, Weyhill Road, Andover. Bring your camping chair, bring your picnic and come prepared for sunshine, rain, whatever the weather may bring! This event will be level access but will take place on grass, so please be aware that it may become slippery if damp. Toilet facilities will be available.

T £15, CH £10

The ELO Encounter

Tribute Thu, 22 Aug 7:30pm

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra is here! In an all live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO’s hit-filled library including Evil Woman, Telephone Line and Don’t Bring Me Down.

The ELO Encounter promises a night filled with rock, roll and Blue Skies that would make even Mozart mambo and Bach boogie!

T £23, P £24, SM £22

The Counterfeit Sixties Show

Music Sat, 7 Sep 7:30pm

Re-live the sounds of the swinging sixties, as Britain’s No. 1 tribute show brings alive the magic of the sixties, with their tribute to over twenty five bands of that era.

The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and even clips from the original bands. The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the great bands of this unforgettable time.

T £25, P £26

Jenny RyanOut of the Box

Variety Thu, 12 Sep 7:30pm

Jenny Ryan – better known as the dream-crushing brainbox The Vixen on the hit ITV quiz The Chase – breaks away from teatime telly and invites you to an evening of song, storytelling, and even some showbiz secrets.

Join Jenny on a journey through her life and times via some of her favourite tunes, sung live with the powerful voice which blew the judges away on X Factor Celebrity.

VIP

T £22, VIP £40

The Johnny Cash Roadshow: Sin & Redemption Tour

Tribute Fri, 13 Sep 7:30pm

Johnny Cash Roadshow is back. Set in Folsom Prison, award-winning Clive John pays homage to the Man in Black.

The brand new ‘Sin & Redemption’ tour takes you through the emotion of Cash’s career with favourites such as Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson and the darker more troubled material such as Hurt and others from the American Recordings.

“Clive captures my Grandfather JUST as he was”

Caitlin Crowell, Granddaughter of Johnny Cash

T £25, P £26 XODUS

Tribute Sat, 14 Sep 8pm

XODUS have a huge repertoire of Bob Marley’s songs so there is something for everyone in this standing arena gig. Introducing the most dynamic, interactive and authentic sounding tribute to Bob Marley and The Wailers.

With so many amazing songs and album collections from the catalogue of compositions that Bob Marley performed over the decades, XODUS brings you the best of the selection to their live performance sets including “Buffalo Soldier”, “Is This Love”, “Waiting In Vain”, “I Shot The Sheriff”.

T £16, SM £15, OTD £18

Standing Arena Event

Carl Hutchinson –Today Years Old

Comedy Thu, 19 Sep 7:30pm

In what has quickly became an annual tradition, Carl is back for a third consecutive back-to-back tour. His storytelling skills and ability to hold an audience is second to none.

Rich in observations and exaggerated physical comedy, a night out with this Geordie is guaranteed to have you belly laughing from start to finish.

T £17.50

Seated Arena Event

The PantaloonsMerry Wives of Windsor

Theatre Fri, 20 Sep 7:30pm

Sir John Falstaff, everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on hard times. In order to fix his finances he plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight.

Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy.

T £17, P £18, SM £16

One Night in Dublin

Music Sat, 21 Sep 7:30pm

The ultimate feel-good Irish music tribute show!

Receiving rave reviews for its incredible musicians and great song choices, Middi and his award winning tribute band cover all of your favourite sing-along Irish classics including Galway Girl, Tell me ma, The Irish rover, Dirty old town, Whiskey in the jar, The Wild Rover, Black velvet band and many, many more.

Performed by “The best Irish band to never come from Ireland” the Wild Murphys are an Irish tribute band with live Fiddle and Accordion. Let them take you to ‘Murphy’s Pub’ for two hours of music, songs and humour.

With songs by the Pogues, the Saw Doctors, the Dubliners, the Fureys, Flogging Molly, The Dropkick Murphys and more, One night in Dublin is a must see for anyone who loves Irish music. It’s like St. Patricks day every night!

T £24, P £25

Genesis Connected

Tribute Fri, 27 Sep 7:30pm

Celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics, this show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including; Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more.

T £25, P £26

Rave On: The Ultimate 50s and 60s Experience

Music Sat, 28 Sep 7:30pm

Charting the meteoric rise of Rock and Roll, Rave On is a thrilling tour through music’s most revolutionary decades. Prepare to be enthralled with an evening of back to back hits, vibrant vintage costumes, colourful staging and plenty of dancing in the aisles!

Rave On features hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Neil Sedaka, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boys and many more. Rave On is the 50s and 60s musical experience sweeping the nation.

T £25, P £26

Situated within The Lights in Andover. Whether you’ re 1 or 101, The Atrium Cafe bar is a space for all.

Opening hours and more info available on our website.

Opening hours and more info available on our website.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Lights is committed to being accessible and welcoming to everyone

Up to six wheelchairs can be accommodated in Row A of the auditorium. The Lights has level access to all main spaces and accessible WC facilities.

For seated events, a limited number of wheelchair spaces are available, but advance notification must be given. Like all customers, wheelchair users are urged to book in advance as all spaces held for wheelchair users are released onto general sale once all other seats are sold.

Induction loops are available in both the Auditorium and Arena Hall.

Pre-site visits can be arranged with a member of The Lights team, contact Box Office for more information.

For those with mobility issues we recommend seats in Rows A – C.

Accessible toilets and babychanging facilities are provided.

Guide, hearing, and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building.

An essential companion scheme is available for people with a disability who require someone to assist them and support their visit to the venue.

Some Arena music events are standing only. Customers with access requirements or those who have difficulty standing for long periods should inform the Box Office in advance of the event. The Duty Manager of the event will do everything possible to ensure a comfortable viewing position is provided. It is not possible to place freestanding stools or seats at the front of the arena for Health and Safety reasons.

Children under the age of two years are only admitted to the auditorium for family and children’s shows and must be as a babe in arms. Children over two years will require their own seat and therefore a ticket.

Child booster seats are available for use on a first come first served basis.

The Lights venue is listed on Euan’s Guide, a listings and review website that helps disabled people and their families know which venues are truly accessible.

Please discuss any access requirements with the Box Office team when making your booking.

CREATIVE CLASSES

Please note that this information is correct at the time of going to print, but that it may be subject to change. Please check with the Box Office before attending your first class.

Spotlight Singers

Mondays 1:30pm-3pm

Discover the joy of unaccompanied singing and join your local, friendly Community Choir, singing music and harmonies from all over the world. Come along and experience the incredible sense of unity and connection that singing can bring. A warm welcome is guaranteed!

£6 per person per week.

Contact Ysanne Bonner by email: ysannebonner@hotmail.co.uk

Suzanne School of Dancing

Various days and times

Offering classes from Pre-school to Adult in Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre Dance

Contact: suzanneschoolofdancing@ gmail.com or 01264 352606

The Yoga Collective:

Moving into Stillness

Mondays at 6:15pm

Qi Gong

Thursdays at 10am

For more information or to book, please contact: andoveryogacollective@gmail.com

Oblivion Dance Academy

Dance group based in Andover; all abilities welcome. Age: 5+ to teenagers. Oblivion Dance academy also have an adult dance fitness class. For more information, contact: 07909 113981 / obliviondance2012@hotmail.co.uk

Please note that this information is correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to change. Please check with the Box Office (01264 368368) before attending your first class.

TOWN CENTRE EVENTS

*Please be aware events are subject to change.

INFORMATION

Where would you like to sit?

Rows F, G & H have Pullman Seats Row A – Wheelchair access

A Big Thank You

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of:

Sponsorship opportunities are now available across our programme. If your business is interested, then please contact Jake: jward@testvalley.gov.uk in the first instance.

Owned and Managed by

Booking with us:

Online:

Visit www.thelights.org.uk

By Phone: Call 01264 368368

In person:

Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and 1 hour prior to evening shows.

Saturday 10am – 2pm.

By post: The Lights, West Street, Andover, Hants SP10 1AH

How to find us

The venue is situated a two-minute walk from the main town centre and bus station and a ten-minute walk from Andover Rail station. Andover is well placed off the A303 and within easy reach of the A34.

Terms

Please note that we charge a £1.20 nonrefundable booking fee when booking online to cover the costs involved in running the ticketing software and computer network

Tickets can be printed at home or filed for collection at the Box Office, or they can be posted for £1

A £1 charge will be made for reprinting tickets.

The Lights reserves the right to change ticket prices for specific offers in the programme.

Reservations will be kept for 3 days after which time they will be released for sale.

Tickets are non-refundable except in the case of a cancelled performance.

Buy 10 tickets for 1 show and you will receive the 11th free of charge.

Concessionary ticket prices are available on selected shows for. Proof of entitlement may be requested.

Children under 2 years are permitted on laps in the Auditorium for family and children’s shows.

Smoking and E-cigarettes are not permitted anywhere inside the building.

Audience members may be dancing in their seats for certain performances in the auditorium.

Full details of our terms are available on The Lights website.

Refund Policy

Cancelled and Rescheduled Events

In line with our usual practice, a refund, gift voucher or transfer to an alternative show will be offered for any event which we have cancelled (excluding the £1.20 non-refundable online booking fee).

We will offer a refund, gift voucher or transfer to an alternative show to any customer who is unable to attend an event that we have rescheduled. In these cases, we are only able to offer refunds up to two weeks before the new date of the event.

If you feel able to, we gratefully accept donations of your ticket value in place of refunds or gift vouchers when events cannot take place.

Other Refund Requests

In line with most theatres, we do not offer refunds for non-attendance at events due to other demands on a ticket holder’s time, or for general illness.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to help you to exchange your tickets for another event or, in the case of sold-out shows, make your tickets available to someone on a waiting list. If we are able to resell them, we will return the face value of the ticket in gift vouchers.

If you have any questions regarding our refund policy, please do not hesitate to contact the Box Office: 01264 368368 or email: stop@thelights.org.uk

Parking

There are multiple car parks close by to The Lights, including West Street Car Park, The Chantry Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, Malborough Street Car Park or Anton House Car Park.