The Johann Strauss Gala, Bournemouth Pavilion, February 3rd

Billed as the definitive tribute to the Waltz King Johann Strauss and his sparkling legacy, this magical showcase celebrates the most popular music, dance and song from the Strauss family and has been captivating audiences for more than 30 years.

This new show being taken on tour features the magic of the masked ball as its evocative theme and is performed by the Johann Strauss Orchestra and Dancers.

Music will be directed from violin in traditional Viennese manner by Music Director David Juritz, with popular songs of the period being brought to life by soprano soloist Amy Freston.

The programme includes The Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Winer Blut, Tritsch Tratsch Polka and The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, with part of the entertainment provided by the Johann Strauss Dancers, performing in gorgeous period costume and created by award-winning choreographer Christopher Hampson, whose work includes pieces for English National Ballet and Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Tickets, priced £16.50 to £29, from 0844 576 3000.

That’ll Be The Day, Lighthouse, Poole, February 11th

Prepare yourself for a party as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll variety show, returns by popular demand for a “Brand New 2012 Production”.

The hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features an all-new line-up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, mixed with loads of zany new comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel good party atmosphere.

Now in its 26th year of touring continuously in the UK and Europe, That’ll Be The Day is living proof that rock ‘n’ roll will never die.

Tickets £19 to £23.50 from lighthousepoole.co.uk

Blashford Birds and Bevvies, Blashford Lakes, February 3rd

Join Blashford Lakes staff for a guided walk around the reserve with the added bonus of finishing in time for lunch in the welcoming warmth of the local pub.

Meet and park at the Alice Lisle pub, Rockford, Ringwood for this event, which has been organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

For details contact Jim Day or Michelle Crooks on 01425 472760. Suggested donation £3 per person.

Please book in advance. Note that although the walk is short and on level ground there is a stile to be climbed.

The Cartshed Gallery, Semley, Shaftesbury, from February 7th

This spring exhibition at The Cartshed features two highly talented artists who grew up in the Wiltshire countryside with a passion for horses, dogs and wildlife.

Hannah Fowler brilliantly captures the spirit and lightening movement of sport horses and working hounds in charcoal, chalks and oils, while Polly Rome similarly harnesses the movement and character of both domestic and wild animals from foxes to frogs, in bronze.

Hannah spent years working as a rider and groom in top eventing yards, always observing and sketching the horses around her, focusing on their anatomy and capturing their form and movement.

Polly Rome is inspired by her love of the animals and wildlife that surrounded her as she grew up, near Salisbury.

After school, she went to Florence to train in the classical methods of the Old Masters. She has had many successful exhibitions in London and the South West.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Details from thecartshedgallery.co.uk, 01747 862005.

The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular – 10th Anniversary, The Regent Centre, Christchurch, February 3rd

It’s fun all the way as the “purveyors of cool” come to town with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th Century.

Wonderful memories of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr are in a totally live show which has achieved worldwide success.

Every song is a classic, such as Come Fly with Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Lady is a Tramp and Mack the Knife.

With endless hanky panky and banter, this is still the coolest, hottest part around.

Tickets from 01202 499199.

South Pacific, Mayflower Southampton, until February 4th

This production reinvented Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s classical musical.

Sweeping the 2008 Tony Awards, playing for two years to sold-out houses on Broadway and televised across America, this smash hit has enchanted London audiences, selling out at London’s Barbican in the summer and receiving huge critical acclaim.

With a cast and a live orchestra of 50, this international landmark production, arrives at The Mayflower this month featuring a stellar cast including Matthew Cammelle as Emile and Samantha Womack as Nelly.

Tickets from 02380 711811 or mayflower.org.uk.