From the ‘queen of the toy piano’ (see video above) to Easter fairs, workshops and club nights out, check out Cherry Pullinger’s latest pick of events over the coming fortnight...

This month is chock full of bank holidays as well as the Easter holidays, which means lots of family time, so you'll no doubt be on the lookout for lots of fun activities. Hopefully I've got just what you're looking for, starting with 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea at the Nuffield Theatre on Friday April 15^th.  The show is “A magical underwater world of music, colour and rip-roaring adventure ... brought to life by the team behind last year’s Nuffield production of Alice in Wonderland.” But you'll have to be quick, as its run ends on April 16^th.

Also on Friday 15^th April, why not check out the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club at The Anvil in Basingstoke.  Starting at 7:30pm, you'll be able to enjoy a 15-piece band direct from Havana, who play the very finest in Cuban music. Tickets are £32.50.

Fancy being transported back to the 70s and 80s with a night of David Bowie's music? Then head to The Brook on Saturday 16^th April for 'Jean Genie,' the only David Bowie tribute act. Formed in 1993, the tribute act have gained great notoriety for playing Bowie's hits so it is bound to be a great night, with tickets costing just £12 on the door.

For an out of this world experience, The Mayflower Theatre plays host to psychic Sally Morgan's stage show on Sunday 17^th April. It's sure to be an eye-opening experience, whether you’re a sceptic or a believer. The show starts at 7:30pm.

Continuing with the afterlife theme, head to The Joiners on Monday 18^th April to see brand new musical experiment group Observing The Ghost. With influences taken from Radiohead, Placebo and The Mars Volta to name a few, this promises to be a night of brilliant music. Tickets are just £6 on the door and the show kicks off at 7:30pm.

If you're missing your weekly fix of Strictly Come Dancing, why don't you and a partner get the babysitters in and go out to try a Salsa dancing class? Taking place at the Royal British Legion, Park Gate on Tuesday 19^th April, you can take part in four different levels of dancing. From absolute beginners to professionals, there's something for everyone and dancing continues until 11pm. £7 will buy you a lesson and freestyle session while £3 will get you a single freestyle session.

Have you seen the giant Freddie Mercury statue that’s currently dominating the city centre? How can you miss it? Well, it's there to celebrate the launch of We Will Rock You at The Mayflower Theatre. Opening night is Wednesday 20^th April and I suggest you get your tickets right away as the world-wide smash hit stage show is only in Southampton for six weeks. Tickets from the Mayflower website.

Thursday 21^st April sees Southampton Common being turned into a fabulous Easter Fair for all the family. The Easter Fair is the biggest travelling fair on the south coast, and is even open on bank holiday Monday.

For those who celebrate Easter and realise that it's not all about chocolate eggs, get yourself down to Southampton's Passion play on Good Friday, 22^nd April. This large-scale production incorporates acting, music and song to re-enact the famous biblical story. The re-enactment will take place at Guildhall Square, Southampton

Saturday 23^rd April sees the Easter Fair continuing, while a Mad Hatters family workshop for families with children aged 6+ will take place at Southampton City Art Gallery. Custom-make Easter bonnets with the help of a professional artist and enjoy a family fun day out starting at 10am.

For clubbers and students still left in Southampton over the Easter break, head to POP on Saturday 23^rd April for Pop Factory & La Discotheque Pres. Greg Wilson. From 9pm until 2am, enjoy a wild night of tunes from DJ Greg Wilson for just £6 entry fee

On Sunday 24^th April the family can take part in the Easter Eggstravaganza at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Look for clues, find the answers and receive some sweet Easter treats.

Take it easy and get a little exercise on Monday 25^th April with a bike ride organised by Southampton Cycling Campaign. Starting at the Horseshoe you'll take a leisurely cycle through the city. Open to all.

If you haven't been able to snag tickets to see Beady Eye at the Southampton Guildhall on Tuesday 26^th April, then get yourself to the Soul Cellar for 10pm for the official After Party which will include a DJ set from Paul Gallagher and Jamie Kelly, plus special guests...

Calling all musicians: if you're interested in picking up a new instrument this month, head to The Talking Head's musical instrument sale on Wednesday 27^th April from 7pm. Set out in the venue will be stalls selling various instruments as well as CDs and Records.

To round things off this time, Turner Sims will be playing host to Margaret Leng Tan's unique piano playing show on Thursday 28^th April. Margaret is renowned as the pre-eminent interpreter of John Cage's music and has also been called the queen of the toy piano by the New York Times. This is not one to miss. Tickets are £16. 

That's  it for this time. If you've got an event you'd like featured next time, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. me, and I'll do my best to include it.

Cherry Pullinger

If you'd like a banner to advertise your event in this section or across the sites, call 0845 347 9387 or email.

Don’t forget you can also add your events to our site calendar: just create a free login (we're re-enabling this shortly) and then follow the What's On menu link.

All details believed to be correct at the time of writing. We strongly suggest you confirm details with individual venues before making a special journey. We cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies however caused.

Pics: Cherry Pullinger / bitternepark.info