Discover what’s on at Lighthouse Poole in October 2026, including Heathers the Musical, Present Laughter, Little Shop of Horrors, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concerts and family entertainment during half term. The programme also features live comedy, music, cinema screenings, ballet and opera broadcasts. Explore the month’s highlights, confirmed dates and booking information for Poole’s leading arts and entertainment venue.
22nd September 2026
October brings one of the busiest programmes of the year to Lighthouse Poole, with touring musicals, drama, orchestral concerts, comedy, family shows and an extensive cinema schedule.
Major highlights include the closing performances of Heathers the Musical, Tracy-Ann Oberman in Noël Coward’s Present Laughter and a new production of Little Shop of Horrors. Families can also enjoy Betty and the Yeti and the explosive experiments of Brainiac Live! during October half term.
Here are some of the biggest shows and events currently confirmed at Lighthouse Poole during October 2026.
Thursday 1–Saturday 3 October 2026
The darkly comic musical Heathers continues its Poole run during the opening days of October.
Set at Westerberg High, the story follows Veronica Sawyer as she is welcomed into the school’s most powerful friendship group before meeting the mysterious JD. Based on the cult film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the musical combines sharp comedy, memorable songs and decidedly mature themes.
Tickets are advertised from £29.50, with an age recommendation of 14+. Some performances are already showing limited availability.
Check availability for Heathers the Musical
Saturday 3 October 2026 at 7.30pm
African Soul Rebels returns to Poole with a celebratory evening of contemporary African music.
The line-up is led by West African collective Les Amazones d’Afrique, whose music brings together traditional influences, contemporary pop and messages of strength and social change. They are joined by Malawian musician Gasper Nali, known for playing his homemade three-metre-long babatoni bass guitar.
Tickets are advertised from £29.70.
Find out more about African Soul Rebels
Wednesday evenings throughout October 2026
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns to the Lighthouse Concert Hall for four concerts during October:
Together, the concerts give classical-music audiences something to look forward to throughout the month rather than relying on a single performance.
View the full Lighthouse October programme
October has a particularly strong comedy line-up, ranging from topical stand-up to established television favourites.
Confirmed performances include:
Availability should be checked before booking, as several of these performances are likely to be popular.
Tuesday 13–Saturday 17 October 2026
Tracy-Ann Oberman stars as Geri Essendine in a fresh production of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter.
The comedy follows a hugely successful actress preparing to leave for an Australian tour while being surrounded by admirers, friends, an estranged husband and an increasingly persistent young playwright. James Dreyfus also appears in the production, which is directed by Lindsay Posner.
Evening and selected matinee performances are available, with tickets advertised from £20.
Tuesday 20–Saturday 24 October 2026
One of October’s biggest theatrical highlights is a new production of Little Shop of Horrors.
The musical follows mild-mannered florist Seymour, whose discovery of an unusual plant appears to transform his fortunes. Unfortunately, the rapidly growing plant has a troubling appetite and increasingly dangerous demands.
Packed with familiar songs, comedy and larger-than-life characters, the production is recommended for ages ten and over. Tickets are advertised from £22.50.
Accessible performances include:
Saturday 24–Friday 30 October 2026
Created by Lighthouse associate company Angel Exit Theatre, Betty and the Yeti is a locally produced family show based on the picture book by Dorset writer Ella Burfoot.
When mysterious footprints appear in the snow, brave Betty sets off on an Arctic adventure filled with singing polar bears, northern lights and a very speedy hare. Puppetry, songs, physical comedy and audience interaction bring the frosty story to life.
The production is recommended for children aged three to eight, although it is designed for the wider family. Public performances take place on 24, 27, 28, 29 and 30 October, with tickets from £13.
A BSL-interpreted performance takes place at 2pm on Thursday 29 October.
Thursday 29 October 2026 at 2.30pm
Science becomes noisy, messy and spectacular in Brainiac Live!, a half-term stage show featuring experiments that children are definitely discouraged from attempting at home.
Expect loud bangs, flashing lights, smoke, energetic demonstrations and plenty of audience-friendly chaos. The production is recommended for ages five and over, with under-14s required to attend with an adult.
Tickets are advertised from £18.50.
Alongside African Soul Rebels and the BSO concerts, October’s music programme includes folk, jazz, choral music and familiar names:
Other stage events taking place during October include:
Lighthouse Writing Group sessions are also scheduled on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the month.
Lighthouse’s October cinema programme combines new releases, classic films, accessible screenings and performances broadcast from major stages.
Highlights include:
The Purbeck Film Festival also brings several screenings to Lighthouse during the second half of the month, including Hen, All That’s Left of You, The Cycle of Love, Kokuho and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night.
Lighthouse is located on Kingland Road in Poole town centre, opposite the Dolphin Centre and close to Poole bus station. Poole railway station is approximately a ten-minute walk away.
Because performance availability can change quickly, visitors should check dates, starting times, age recommendations and remaining tickets directly with Lighthouse before travelling.
View the complete Lighthouse Poole programme and book tickets
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