Join Mary, Colin and Dickon as they tell you the story of their favourite place in the world – The Secret Garden. Following their success in 2024, The Plandits are bringing their re-imagining of the classic Frances Hodgson Burnett book back for a second summer season. Suitable for anyone aged 6+ who loves literature and the great outdoors, audiences have described the show as ‘truly captivating’, ‘uplifting’, ‘totally charming and magical’. This heartfelt, energetic production is full of original music, puppetry, interaction and laughs. As the three characters discover the transforming power of being active, the magic of nature and the joy of play, we’re sure you’ll leave this performance with a renewed enthusiasm for the world around you!

Date:  Wednesday 27 August
Time:  Access to the garden from 17.00, show starts 18.00
Where: Arundells, 59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Tickets: Adult: £17, Child: £10 (Under 12 – under 3s free), Family Ticket: £48 (x2 Adults and x2 Children), Registered carers go free

Additional Details
We encourage picnics but we do ask that you please take your rubbish home with you.
As much as we love dogs and welcome them in the garden on our open days, only special assistance dogs are invited to our events.
There is no parking at Arundells, we recommend using city centre car parks.
All tickets are non-refundable, but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.

Join us for an enlightening evening with acclaimed historian and author Tim Bouverie as he discusses his latest work, Allies at War: The Politics of Defeating Hitler. Building upon the success of his bestseller Appeasing Hitler, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing in 2020 , Bouverie delves into the complex and often fraught relationships among the Allied leaders—Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin—during World War II.

Drawing from over a hundred archives and previously unpublished diaries, Bouverie offers a fresh perspective on the Grand Alliance, highlighting the ideological divides, strategic disagreements, and personal rivalries that shaped the course of the war and laid the groundwork for the Cold War. His narrative brings to life not only the ‘Big Three’ but also the influential figures from Free France, China, and other nations whose contributions were pivotal yet are often overlooked. The book has been praised as “a brilliant narrative” by Antony Beevor and described as “magisterial in scope” by Tim Shipman.

Tim Bouverie read history at Christ Church, Oxford, and worked as a political journalist at Channel 4 News from 2013 to 2017. He regularly reviews history and politics books for publications such as The Spectator, The Observer, and The Daily Telegraph.

Date: Tuesday 30 September
Time: Doors at 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Where: The Lecture Hall, Salisbury Museum, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Tickets: £20

All tickets are non-refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.

Join renowned broadcaster, writer and political commentator Iain Dale as he discusses his new biography of Margaret Thatcher.

In this incisive and highly readable account, Dale explores the paradoxes that defined Thatcher’s leadership: a conviction politician who could be pragmatic, a feared cabinet leader who gave her ministers surprising freedom, and a champion of free markets who wasn’t afraid of state intervention when it suited her aims.

From her role in reshaping Britain’s economic and political landscape to her place on the world stage during the Cold War, Dale offers fresh insight into the legacy of the ‘Iron Lady’ – and introduces her to a new generation of readers navigating the Britain she helped to shape.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the UK’s most respected broadcast commentators as he brings history, politics and personality vividly to life.

‘A compelling account of a compulsory subject… A masterpiece of compression and readability’   Daniel Finkelstein

‘A deft, clear-eyed summary of Thatcher’s life’   Rory Stewart

‘Iain Dale introduces Margaret Thatcher to a new generation and intelligently explodes some of the myths about her’   Simon Heffer

About Iain Dale
Iain Dale is an award-winning broadcaster, political commentator, and author. He has hosted the evening show on LBC since 2010, earning accolades including two Arqiva Radio Presenter of the Year awards and a Sony Gold for Interview of the Year. A prolific writer, he has authored or edited over 60 books, including The Prime Ministers, The Presidents, and The Dictators. He also co-hosts the podcast Where Politics Meets History with Dr Tessa Dunlop and has appeared frequently on platforms such as Newsnight and Good Morning Britain.

Date: Friday 14 November
Time: Doors at 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Where: The Lecture Hall, Salisbury Museum, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Tickets: £20

Step back in time to the shadowy depths of 1920s London with a rare screening of Underground (1928), a beautifully restored silent film from the BFI archives. This evocative British classic explores the lives and loves of ordinary Londoners whose paths cross in the city’s bustling Underground network.

Directed by Anthony Asquith, Underground is a masterful blend of romance, tension, and social observation, capturing the heartbeat of a city in transition. The story unfolds in a world of flickering lights, steam-filled platforms, and fleeting glances — all brought vividly to life with live piano accompaniment by Andrew Harrison-King.

Andrew’s sensitive and expressive playing has accompanied silent films across the region for over a decade, enhancing the emotional power of the silent screen. His performance promises to elevate this already captivating film into a truly immersive experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover a forgotten gem of early British cinema — and experience the magic of silent film as it was meant to be seen and heard.

Date:  Sunday 19 October 2025
Time:  Doors from 3.30pm, film starts 4.00pm
Where: St John’s Place, Bemerton, Salisbury, SP2 9NP
Tickets: £18

We are delighted to welcome the ever-entertaining Gyles Brandreth back to Godolphin School’s Performing Arts Centre, this time joined live on stage by Sir Nicholas Soames, for an evening of conversation, anecdotes, and insight into a remarkable life in British public life.

Gyles, a master storyteller, writer, and broadcaster, will interview Nicholas Soames — former MP, Churchill’s grandson, and a colourful political figure in his own right — in front of a live theatre audience. Expect laughter, wit, and stories from a long career at the heart of Westminster.

This special one-off event offers a rare opportunity to see two towering personalities share the stage in a relaxed, revealing, and thoroughly entertaining conversation.

A recording of the conversation will later be featured in an episode of Gyles’ acclaimed podcast Rosebud. 

Date:  Friday 24 October
When: Doors from 6pm, Show starts 7pm
Where: The Performing Arts Centre, Godolphin School, Milford Hill, Salisbury, SP1 2RA
Tickets: £24

There will be a limited number of parking spaces available on-site, with additional overflow parking available a short walk away.

Tickets are non-refundable but you are welcome to pass your tickets on to friends or family.

Join us for a night of Scottish revelry as Ceilidh Factor, one of the UK’s most exciting dance bands, takes to the stage for a high-energy evening of music and dancing in celebration of Burns Night.

From lively reels to spirited jigs, Ceilidh Factor’s infectious energy will have you up on your feet. Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or a complete beginner, our friendly caller will guide you through every step, no experience needed! So, don your tartan and prepare for an unforgettable night.

The evening takes place in the stunning St John’s Place in Lower Bemerton — a beautifully refurbished Grade II Listed former church, now a warm and atmospheric community venue just a stone’s throw from Salisbury. It’s the perfect setting for this joyful midwinter celebration.

Following a sold-out event in January 2025, we’ve reduced the number of tickets available this year to ensure more space on the dancefloor and an even better experience for everyone — so we strongly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

A well-stocked bar will be running throughout the evening.

Date: Saturday 24 January 2026
Time: Doors from 19.00, Dancing starts 19.30
Where: St John’s Place, Bemerton, SP2 9NP
Tickets: £22

All tickets are non refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.

Cape Town born pianist and composer Philip Clouts’ South African roots have led him on a voyage of discovery, soaking up the joyful passion of Caribbean calypso, the bluesy melodies of middle eastern praise songs, the exuberant sway of Cuban dance music and the tuneful essence of Gospel while honouring jazz heroes including Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett.

The Philip Clouts Quartet has been a major focus of his composing and playing, with the latest album ‘Umoya’ titled from the Zulu word for ‘life force’. Philip has played at Ronnie Scott’s, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Glastonbury Festival. His music has been played on BBC’s Jamie Cullum Show, and Jazz FM has praised it, saying “it has a very infectious feel-good quality.”

Accompanied by exceptional double bassist Ron Phelan, this intimate performance will take place in the drawing room at Arundells on Sir Edward Heath’s beloved Steinway piano. Alongside Philip’s compositions, they’ll present pieces from jazz legends Django Reinhardt, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk.

We are honoured to welcome back the acclaimed Venezuelan pianist Clara Rodriguez for an intimate recital on Sir Edward Heath’s beloved Steinway piano.

Clara has earned international acclaim for her expressive tone and innovative programming, often blending classical repertoire with works by South American composers. A Royal College of Music graduate, she has performed widely across the UK, Europe, and the Americas, and is a passionate advocate for Latin American piano music.

This recital is also a heartfelt tribute to Dominic Seligman, who for many years was the driving force behind the piano concerts at Arundells. Dominic’s deep connection to this place was rooted in family ties—his father, Madron Seligman, was a close friend of Sir Edward Heath, and the Seligman family spent much time here. Encouraged by Sir Edward Heath, Dominic pursued a career in music, training at the Royal College of Music before dedicating himself to performing, teaching, and promoting concerts.

Dominic sadly passed away this June at the age of 67. His passion for music and his warm presence will be deeply missed by the Arundells staff, volunteers, and the many audience members who supported the concerts over the years. Clara Rodriguez, a close friend of Dominic and the artist he originally invited to perform at Arundells, honours his memory with this special recital.

Join Richard Kay, picture specialist at Woolley & Wallis, for an illustrated talk exploring the rich history of British marine painting from 1800 to the present day. From storm-lashed seascapes to elegant sailing yachts, Richard will uncover how artists have captured the drama, beauty, and spirit of life at sea over the last two centuries.

Sian and Rob Colquhoun are an acoustic duo based near Bradford on Avon, performing a lively, entertaining repertoire of Old-Time country and early Bluegrass. Gorgeous close harmonies and skilled original interpretations of songs and tunes calling on a rich tradition encompassing our own Scots-Irish roots. A crowd-pleasing, authentic sound driven by guitars, clawhammer banjo and percussive Appalachian step dancing.