What’s on this weekend

FRI 9 - SUN 11 MARCH

21st Century Abstracts, Salisbury, Sat 3 to Sat 31 March

Artist John Munro describes his pictures, with their zinging colours and powerful paerns, as truly modern works of art which appeal to ‘the bravest of the brave art buyers’, adding that abstract art tends to be purchased by people who are innovative, forward-looking, enterprising and optimistic. See for yourself! fishertonmill.co.uk

 

 

Stroud Film Festival, various locations, Stroud, Sun 4 to Sun 18 March

A fortnight of celluloid culture kicks off at The Prince Albert on Sunday as the Stroud Film Festival launches its fourth outing. This year expect even more films, including new releases, old classics and kiddie-friendly screenings, as well as a chance to meet well known filmmakers and grill them about their work. Sunday’s launch event will see George Platt present a synchronous sound multi-screen experience. Yes, we need to know what this is! So go along!! It’s free and the action starts at 4pm. stroudfilmfestival.org

 

Of Mice and Men, Salisbury Playhouse, 5-10 March

Set in the trying times of the Great Depression, Of Mice And Men is a powerful portrait of the American spirit and a heart-breaking testament to the bonds of friendship and what it means to be human. This landmark play by the Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck is the story of George and Lennie, two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning their own ranch. salisburyplayhouse.co.uk

 

 

Pressure, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Tue 6 to Sat 10 March

Scottish meteorologist, Group Captain James Stagg, advises General Eisenhower on when to give the order to send thousands of waiting troops across the Channel in Operation Overlord in this intense thriller set in June 1944. By the producers of To Kill A Mockingbird, Brassed Off, A View From the Bridge and Of Mice and Men, you can expect a corker of a show. everymantheatre.org.uk

 

Vegan Night, Sheep on Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, Wed 7 March, from 6pm

The sheep will be laughing out of the other side of their woolly faces for this special vegan night which will include dishes that show off a side to veganism you may not be familiar with – be prepared to be wowed! thesheepstow.co.uk

 

Mother’s Day Flowers Workshop, Tudor Farmhouse, Clearwell, Wed 7 March

OMG, I need to go to this! Josephine’s Fabulous Flowers, the Forest of Dean florist that brings a quirky twist to flower arranging (peacock feathers anyone? yes please!), will be on hand to show you how to create a gorgeous bouquet of flowers for your mum just in time for the big M-Day. tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk

 

47Soul, The Marshall Rooms, Stroud, Thu 8 March, 7-11.59pm

If you fancy something a bit different on a Thursday night, get yourself down to The Marshall Rooms and check out 47Soul, an Electro Arabic Dabke band from Jordan, who’ve been blasting the underground music scene with their unique blend of analog synthesizers, hypnotic guitar lines and shattering verses from the four singers. Their lyrics, mixing Arabic and English, call for celebration and freedom in the struggle for equality and every show ends in dance and trance, yeah. themarshallrooms.co.uk

 

Soushi Pop-Up at Miserden Café Nursery, Miserden, Fri 9 March

Miserden regulars Soushi are rocking and rolling out delectable sushi in the quirkily bucolic surroundings of the greenhouse café once again. Expect exciting Japanese flavours and convivial surroundings. miserden.org

 

Goodnight Mister Tom, Wharf Theatre, Devizes, 9-17 March

Now a modern classic, Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting tale is brought gloriously to life in this magical stage adaptation by David Wood. Set during the dangerous build up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and forges a remarkable and heart warming friendship with the elderly recluse, Tom Oakley.  All is perfect until William is suddenly summoned by his mother back to London. wharftheatre

 

Luxury Chocolate Making, Romsey, 10 March

Run by professional chocolatiers from Chocolate Craft, come and make your own luxury chocolates that look as good as the professional’s. hilliergardens

 

MET Opera: Rossini’s Semiramide, Salisbury Arts Centre, 10 March

Rossini’s opera, which has not been seen at the Met in 25 years, will be conducted by Maurizio Benini and feature Elizabeth DeShong as the Commander of the Assyrian army Arsace, Javier Camarena as an Indian king Idreno, Ildar Abdrazakov as the prince Assur, and Ryan Speedo Green as the high priest Oroe. salisburyartscentre.co.uk

 

Springtime Discovery Trail, Mompesson House, Salisbury, 10 March – 30 April

Bowie Experience: The Golden Years Tour, Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, Sat 10 March

Put on your red shoes and Let’s Dance! This breathtaking concert celebrates the music of the world’s greatest pop icon with all his hits from A to Ziggy. swindontheatres.co.uk

 

Madi Stimpson Trio, Stroud Brewery, Thrupp, near Stroud, Sat 10 March

A mix of gypsy, jazz, bluegrass and folk roots, this trio inspired by the manouche sounds of Django Reinhardt are the perfect accompaniment to craft beer and pizza! stroudbrewery.co.uk

 

Made by Hand, The Contemporary Craft Fair, Cheltenham Town Hall, Sat 10 to Sun 11 March

A handpicked selection of some of the UK’s best design makers will be showing off their handmade homewares and fashion accessories at this award-winning fair. Timed rather brilliantly for Mother’s Day, direct the offspring here for a one-off gift you won’t find anywhere else. madebyhandengland.org.uk

 

Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens, London, until Sun 11 March

Things are going totally tropical this month at London’s gorgeous Kew Gardens. Their annual orchid festival takes in Insta-friendly displays of the vibrant Thai blooms, Thai street food and musical performances, workshops on how to grow these notoriously tricky flowers and Thai afternoon tea at The Botanical restaurant. King prawn, lemongrass and coriander tartlet followed by Thai sticky coconut cream rice with mango salsa? Yes please. kew.org