The Lights Spring-Summer 2023

Welcome

By the time you read this we will have got past the challenges of the postChristmas blues, the cold, the rain and the winter, hurrah!

The venue is looking ahead with excitement to blue skies, longer days and making lots of new and happy memories with our friends, family and loved ones. With heaps of comedy, music, theatre and children’s shows to look forward to at The Lights, what better way to celebrate than to come and visit us?

New for 2023 we are thrilled to reintroduce storytelling and children’s workshops with the lovely Amanda from Merry-Go-Round Storytelling. Why not enjoy our pre-schoolers book club with Fred the Cat or The Big Friendly Gigantic Picnic Party in May – fun for all the family with scrumdiddlyumptious storytelling, music, activity and your own whizz bang picnic, all in our Arena. Plus summer holiday workshops too – all wrapped up inside the covers of our fabulous new look brochure.

Sit back, relax and be transported into a world of wonder, learning, excitement or just pure escapism. There is something for everyone this season at The Lights.

Best wishes from the whole team.

Tracey McKenzie-Robinson Venue Manager

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

Parklife: The Sound of Britpop

Music Sat, 1 Apr 8pm

Take yourself back to the mid-90s... The charts were full of bands like The Charlatans, Suede, The Manic Street Preachers, Supergrass, Stereophonics, Blur, Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene.

You watched the Big Breakfast, TFI Friday and Top of the Pops. Blur and Oasis were fighting it out for the number one spot, Britpop had taken over… now enjoy some of the most iconic songs in a live setting!

Standing Arena Event

Curious Investigators

Family Mon, 3 Apr 2pm

Scribble and Clipboard have a job to do: sort the recycling. But Scribble keeps finding new things to investigate. What will she discover on the way?

Inventive, engaging and tons of fun, Curious Investigators is a cracking adventure for 3–7 year olds and their grown-ups.

Time to get those magnifying glasses ready! A show for all the family in The Lights Arena.

T £10, FT £36 (2+2)

Seated Arena Event

T £15, OTD £17

Mother Goose

Family Thur, 13 Apr 2pm

Liam Mellor & Hot Rock Productions are delighted to present Mother Goose…

The Cracking Panto for all the family. It’s full of all your favourite traditions –a fabulous fairy, a brute of a baddie and of course, a fella in a frock!

The evil Demon Vanity can offer her everything her heart desires but there’s a price… she must give up the thing she loves the most: her prized goose!

Book your tickets now for this fun filled pantomime for all ages!

T £15, P £16, C £12.50,

FT £50 (2+2)

Fantastic panto! The cast are great, so funny, so entertaining and made the whole show really enjoyable.

James Ketchell: It’s All Mental

Special Interest Fri, 14 Apr 7:30pm

‘It’s All Mental’ is record-breaking aviator, adventurer, and author James Ketchell’s second UK tour. The only person on the planet to have climbed Everest, cycled around the world AND rowed an ocean, will be sharing his mind-set and the mentality needed to achieve difficult, and what sometimes feel like unattainable, goals.

This entertaining evening promises to leave you feeling energised and motivated to set your own goals and start realising your dreams.

T £16, P £17, C £13, SM £13

Fred The Cat’s Magical Monthly Story Club

Family Tue, 18 Apr 10am

Fred the Cat’s Magical Monthly Story Club is an exciting club for the under-fives at The Lights Theatre in Andover. April’s story is The Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Once a month Amanda from Merry-goRound Storytelling will bring to life a favourite story or classic tale with music, movement, early years drama, and lots of imaginative fun. These interactive storytelling sessions are perfect for inquisitive minds and anyone who just loves stories.

T £6

SoldOut

When You’re Smiling

Variety Wed, 19 Apr 2pm

Neil Sands and his wonderful West End cast are back with a brand-new spirit lifting afternoon of marvellous musical memories described as “Like A Ray Of Musical Sunshine” spreading enough happiness and joy to lift the spirits of the nation.

This delightful trip down memory lane is especially produced to help you forget your worries and give everyone a shot of sparkling nostalgia with over 60 of your all-time favourite songs from the fabulous 40s, rocking ’50s and swinging ’60s and sensational ’70s…

T £15.50 (All Tickets)

Solve-Along-AMurder-She-Wrote

Comedy Fri, 21 Apr 7:30pm

Cult hit event Solve-Along-A-MurderShe-Wrote comes to The Lights with an interactive screening of a classic Murder, She Wrote episode.

Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes, and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television. See the show Time Out rated one of 2019’s 50 Great Nights Out in London that has played to sell-out audiences across the UK and Australia.

This show is now sold out, should you wish to be added to the Waiting List, please email stop@thelights.org.uk.

T £18.50

Seated Arena Event

Dreamcoat Stars

Music Sat, 29 Apr 7:30pm

Featuring stars from the hit production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Dreamcoat Stars celebrate the life and work of legendary composers in this brand-new mega mix production, with exciting vocal arrangements, incredible four-part harmonies, slick choreography, and memorable anecdotes.

With some of the biggest musical songs of a generation, this show will raise your spirits. It’ll be a night of theatre you’ll never forget.

T £25, P £26

Cocktails & Laughter: A Celebration of Noel Coward

Music Thur, 4 May 7:30pm

A sparkling revue of Coward’s best work as an actor, director, playwright and (of course) songwriter including the most famous silly, romantic, outrageous, and glibly cynical songs that made his name. From the same fabulous team that brought you Choice Grenfell in 2022!

This show has the full backing of The Noel Coward Estate and is the first major revue of its type in many years. Audio narration from the fabulous Alison Steadman.

T £15, P £16, SM £13

The Zoots: Sounds of the 60’s

Music Thur, 11 May 7:30pm

Experience THE Sixties show that’s wowing audiences around the world, selling out and headlining venues from the Palladium to Old Trafford - with the spectacular sounds of THE ZOOTS!

THE ZOOTS are here to make your whole family bop to the ‘60s beats that everybody loves - with legendary numbers by The Beatles, The Stones, The Monkees, The Beach Boys, The Kinks, The Searchers, The Four Seasons, Elvis and dozens more of your favourite artists.

T £21, P £22, SM £18

An Evening of Magic with Richard Jones

Special Interest Sat, 13 May 7:30pm

Imagine being part of an exclusive audience lucky to witness more than just a magic show!

Richard Jones rose to fame as the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent and has since won the prestigious gold star accolade within the inner magic circle, the highest honour in the magic circle.

Following his headline sell out with the biggest magic show in the West End, Richard continues to astound audiences around the world with his incredible tours.

See his new show at The Lights!

T £23, P £24, FT £75 (2+2), C £20, VIP £55

Fred The Cat’s Magical Monthly Storytelling ClubElmer

Family Tue, 16 May 10am

Fred the Cat’s Magical Monthly Story Club is an exciting new club for the under-fives at The Lights Theatre in Andover.

Once a month Amanda from Merry-goRound Storytelling will bring to life a favourite story or classic tale with music, movement, early years drama, and lots of imaginative fun. These interactive storytelling sessions are perfect for inquisitive minds and anyone who just loves stories.

T £6

Seated Arena Event

Ultimate Rock

Music Fri, 19 May 8pm

The UK’s 80’s rock one stop party band - Iron Tyger presents Ultimate Rock at The Lights in May!

Stadium anthems, power ballads, and timeless classics, performed with all the fun, passion, and warmth of the most influential musical decade in history.

Music to sing, shout, dance, head-bang, and air guitar to.

T £18, OTD £20

Standing Arena Event

Gary & Robbie Live in Concert

Tribute Wed, 31 May 7:30pm

The Gary and Robbie show features all the hits from two of the biggest names in music over the last three decades and, of course, some Take That classics are included too.

Tribute acts Jon Fisher and Dan Budd are joined by their absolutely bangin’ live band for a show which will leave you imagining the real deal is right in front of your eyes.

This jaw-dropping concert is polished, high-energy, and extremely entertaining!

T £27.50, P £28.50

Oye Santana

Tribute Fri, 2 Jun 7:30pm

Based around the exciting dance rhythms of Santana’s Latin music, OYE SANTANA is no ordinary tribute to Carlos Santana’s music. More a party than a concert, this is a feast of Latin music, superb musicianship and hit songs, faithfully re-creating the music of Santana.

From their very first gig 8 years ago, people have been commenting on the sheer fun Oye Santana bring to every stage they play on.

See them in the Auditorium in June!

T £22, P £23

Graffiti Classics: The Comedy String Quartet

Music Sat, 3 Jun 7:30pm

16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices with 1 aim: to make classical music wickedly funny and fantastically exhilarating for everyone. Graffiti Classics burst the elitist boundaries of the traditional string quartet with their hilarious all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy show!

There really is something for everyone and Graffiti Classics never fail to get audiences

laughing, clapping, and singing along. Kids and adults alike love the uplifting and virtuosic variety of musical styles, all tied together with cheeky audience interaction.

T £20, P £21, SM £19

Nottingham Post

A terrific quartet…the fab four earned themselves a standing ovation with a scintillating repertoire”

Greatest Songs from The Movies

Music Thur, 8 Jun 7:30pm

From Pinewood to Hollywood! – Join us for an unforgettable mix of themes and songs from the greatest movies of all time - Star Wars, James Bond, Lawrence of Arabia…

Performed by multi-Instrumental / vocalists Five Star Swing, who have famously played for Pinewood Film Studios, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Winner, Jeremy Irons, Michael Caine and the Film & Television Veterans Association.

T £18, P £19, SM £16

Emma –The Pantaloons

Theatre Fri, 16 Jun 7:30pm

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a riotous Regency rom-com in the auditorium!

Meet misguided matchmaker Emma as she tries to play Cupid in this hilarious yet faithful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s satirical story.

This fast-paced, physical, and funny show is filled with romance, music, and The Pantaloons’ own charming brand of theatrical chaos.

T £15, P £16, SM £13

The Bubble Show

Family Sat, 17 Jun 2pm

Join Mr. Bubbles with his extraordinary soap bubbles in all shapes and sizes!

The Bubble Show is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, science, and bubble art! Enjoy bouncy bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, giant bubbles, and even fire bubbles!

Actor, storyteller, and Guinness World Record holder, The Highland Joker, is one of the top bubble artists in the world, bringing you an interactive, fun,

Suitable for ages 3-12+

T £10, FT £36 (2+2)

Theatreview

international award-winning bubble extravaganza!

Mr Bubbles works wonders with buckets, bowls and troughs of water and detergent”

Alice’s Adventures – The Pantaloons

Theatre Sat, 5 Aug 2pm & 6pm

Follow the critically acclaimed Pantaloons down the rabbit hole for their own hilarious take on Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical novel. All the unusual suspects are here: the mirthful Mad Hatter, the perpetually late White Rabbit, the quarrelsome Queen of Hearts and, of course, the adventurous Alice herself.

A delightfully anarchic show that gets curiouser and curiouser with live music!

Please note: This show is at Beech Hurst Park, SP10 3AJ, please bring your own picnic, blanket, chair and sun cream, hat, or coat as whatever the weather... the show goes on!

T £13  Outdoor

The ELO Encounter – Blue Sky Tour

Tribute Thur, 17 Aug 7:30pm

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra is here!

Not only flawlessly recreating the wonderful music of ELO, it’s a spectacular live show from start to finish. Stunning lights and special effects create an atmosphere that will have you fully immersed in the whole experience. As the ELO Encounter reel off ELO classic hit after hit, it’s guaranteed to have the hairs on the back of your neck dancing in time to the music!

T £23, P £24, SM £22

The Shakin’ Stevens Story:

Whole Lotta Shakin’

Tribute Sat, 2 Sep 7:30pm

Recently voted the no.1 Winner by The National Tribute Awards for Best UK Tribute show 2017 and recently performed on BBC1’s prime time Saturday night show “Even Better than the Real Thing” hosted by Paddy McGuinness. The first half is the narrated story of Shaky’s rise to fame from 1969 including hits made famous by Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Ritchie Valens and many more! The second half is a full concert based on Shaky’s 40 hits!

T £22, P £23, SM £20

Lionel – The Music

of Lionel Richie

Tribute Fri, 8 Sep 7:30pm

Following his appearances with Lionel Richie himself on ITV’s ‘Sunday Night at The Palladium’ and the ‘Graham Norton Show’ for the BBC, Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse and breathtaking performance in this high-octane show celebrating the music of Lionel Richie and the Commodores.

This award winning five-star production also features a stellar line-up of world class musicians including musical director, Jonny Miller from Talon.

T £23.50, P £24.50

Comedy of Errors –The Pantaloons

Theatre Sat, 9 Sep 7:30pm

Cartoonish capers in Shakespeare’s funniest farce!

Two sets of shipwrecked twins – who lost their doubles years ago – unknowingly end up in the same place at the same time. Chaos ensues; but will the searching siblings find each other in the end?

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

T £15, P £16, SM £13

Tony Stockwell –Psychic Medium

Special Interest Tue, 12 Sep 7:30pm

The popular star of TV’s Street Psychic, Psychic Private Eyes and Psychic Academy, Tony Stockwell has a longestablished credibility as one of the top Intuitive Mediums. His mediumship has the potential to change someone’s life and instil in them a sense of peace, comfort, and purpose. We hope that nobody can fail to come away untouched by the experience.

Recent legislative guidelines insist that any Evening of Mediumship should be billed ‘for entertainment purposes’.

T £23.50, P £24.50

The Big Chris Barber Band

Music Wed, 13 Sep 7:30pm

Comprising of 9 of Britain’s finest Jazz musicians, The Chris Barber band are continuing Chris’s musical legacy (Chris sadly passed away in 2021, aged 90), performing a selection of classic Barber repertoire ranging from “Trad through Blues to Ellington and Miles Davis”.

The programme features Barber classics such as Petite Fleur, Bourbon Street Parade and When The Saints Go Marching In. Join The Chris Barber Band for a stellar night of music!

T £21, P £22

Oh! Carol - The Neil Sedaka Story

Tribute Fri, 15 Sep 7:30pm

This outstanding show is packed full of hits such as Calendar Girl, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, (Is This The Way To) Amarillo, Stupid Cupid and of course Oh! Carol, masterpieces made famous not only by Sedaka but also other well-known performers like Connie Francis, Tony Christie, Davy Jones, and Tom Jones. From humble beginnings to staggering success the Neil Sedaka story is unlike any other.

T £23, P £24, SM £21

Rosie Jones: Triple Threat

Comedy Sat, 16 Sep 8pm

Rosie Jones is embarking on her FIRST EVER UK tour and, boy, she is EXCITED.

Join Rosie as she ponders whether she is a national treasure, a little p***k, or somewhere in between! This show is guaranteed to be full of unapologetic cheekiness, nonsensical fun and unadulterated JOY from the triple threat herself.

Entertainment Focus

Presented by Off The Kerb.

T £14, P £15

Rosie embodies pure joy. She packs in the jokes, quick wit and has the audience in the palm of her hand”

Hazel Findlay –The Walls Within

Special Interest Fri, 22 Sep 7:30pm

In ‘rockstar’ climber Hazel Findlay’s new show, she’ll walk you through the biggest internal battles she’s faced in her career and how she’s overcome them.

She’ll take stories from her most difficult ascents and wild expeditions, such as her recent climbing trip to Greenland with Alex Honnold, to talk about the psychological ‘walls within’ that we all face, such as imposter syndrome, fear of failure, distraction, and motivation.

Presented by Speakers From The Edge

T £17, P £18, C £14, SM £14

Buddy Holly and The Cricketers

Tribute Fri, 29 Sep 7:30pm

This breath-taking show has rock ’n’ rolled audiences across the globe from Cardiff to California, Barking to Bangkok and Swindon to Sweden and is guaranteed to have everyone singing and dancing along to the music.

Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans the world over saying: “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”

T £23, P £24

MUSED

Tribute Sat, 30 Sep 8pm

Mused are a UK based professional tribute act who excel at providing an authentic Muse concert experience. Muse themselves now rarely perform at anything smaller than arena capacity and Mused offer the opportunity to get up close to the action!

The band’s set list compiles songs from across all of Muse’s studio albums, from Showbiz to Simulation Theory.

T £14, SM £13, OTD £17

Standing Arena Event

WORKSHOPS

The Twit’s Stinky Beard Making Workshop

Family Wed, 31 May 10:30am

Make your own stinky beard and fill it full of revolting stuff!

This fun story and craft session with Amanda is a great way to introduce children to the silly world of Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Session: approx. 1 hour.

For ages 4+

T £6.50 per child (must be accompanied by an adult)

Fantastic Mr Fox Puppet making session

Family Wed, 31 May 1:30pm

Create your own fantastic Mr Fox puppet to take home! With the help of Amanda, take Mr Fox on a new adventure by creating your own story for him!

All materials are included in the workshop. Session lasts approx. 1 hour.

For ages 6+

T £8 per child (may be unaccompanied)

The Big Friendly Gigantic Picnic Party

Family Fri, 2 Jun 11:30am

Celebrate the whizz-popping world of Roald Dahl with Merry-go-Round Storytelling. This fun-filled picnic with marvellous music, super stories, and pure imagination!

Don’t forget your scrumdiddlyumptious picnic! This event will include a break for picnicking.

Suitable for ages 7 and under and their families. Session approx 2 hours.

T £3 per ticket (adults and children) Seated Arena Event

Summer holidays

Sock Puppet Dragon Making Workshop

Family Mon, 21 Aug 10:30am

Make your own magical sock puppet dragon and bring it to life with Merry-go-Round storytelling! All materials are included in the workshop. This session lasts approx. 1 hour.

For ages 4+

T £8 (must be accompanied by an adult, included in the price)

Unicorn Storytelling and Puppet Making Workshop

Family Mon, 21 Aug 1:30pm

Join us for a creative session with Amanda, make your own unicorn puppet with a beautiful mane and sparkly horn to bring the story to life!

All materials are included in the workshop. Session lasts approx. 1 hour.

For ages 4+

T £8 (must be accompanied by an adult, included in the price)

Here Be Dragons! Marauders Map making workshop

Family Wed, 23 Aug 10:30am

Explore the magical world of legends and create your own mythical beasts for a Marauders Map. Amanda will introduce children to mythical creatures from legend and encourage them to create their own! They’ll then design their own magical marauders and magical beasts to inhabit it.

Session lasts approx. 2 hours. For ages 7+

T £10 (may be unaccompanied during the workshop)

HIRER’S PROGRAMME

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.

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.

Spotlight Singers

Mondays 1:30pm-3pm

Join your local, friendly Community Choir singing music and harmonies from all over the world. No auditions, no need to read music just a love of singing and fun required.

£6 per person per week and your first session is free!

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

TVBC CALENDAR

For more information about any of these events visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/events

All information is accurate at time of publication but may be subject to change.

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.

Where would you like to sit?

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

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

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 non-refundable booking fee.

Tickets can be printed at home, collected at Box Office, or posted for £1.

The Lights reserves the right to change ticket prices or apply special offers. Reservations will be kept for 3 days after which time they will be released for sale.

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

Concessionary ticket prices are available on selected shows for senior citizens over 60 years, children under 18, and full-time students. Proof of entitlement may be requested.

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

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

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 holders 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 to The Lights, including West Street Car Park, The Chantry Centre Multi-Storey Car Park, Marlborough Street Car Park.