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.

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.

Join us for an evening of jazz, swing, and blues, performed by vocalist and guitarist Luke Futcher alongside saxophonist and clarinettist Sarah Scutt. Having played together for many years, they bring a seamless, intuitive interplay to a programme that ranges from swing classics and early jazz to hot club swing and soulful blues — a rich variety of styles delivered with cohesion and flair.

With their easy, intimate approach, Luke and Sarah create a warm, engaging atmosphere, sharing stories and playful touches that bring each song to life. Expect an evening full of rhythm, charm, and good cheer — a stylish and spirited way to celebrate the season.

Sarah Scutt
Sarah is a versatile clarinettist, saxophonist, pianist and accordionist. A Trinity Laban graduate, she has performed widely across jazz, classical and folk, from the Royal Opera House to jazz festivals and folk ensembles. She is also an arranger, teacher and Suzuki-trained piano educator, passionate about sharing the joy of music with all ages.

Luke Futcher
A singer and guitarist with a warm, classic style. Luke’s easy swing, soulful blues, and playful delivery bring charm and variety to every performance. Over the years he has fronted several ensembles, always balancing heartfelt musicianship with a touch of humour. In addition to his role as a frontman, Luke also contributes his talents on bass and rhythm guitar in local blues bands.

Date: Sunday 14 December
Time: Two shows — Matinee at 4.00pm and  Evening at 7.00pm
(doors open 30 minutes before; each performance lasts ~1 hour)
Where: Arundells, 59 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Tickets: £15

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

Young British pianist Sophia Benton is a recent graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she was the first student to graduate with a degree in left-hand alone piano performance. After a netball injury at the age of thirteen left her unable to play with her right hand, she was encouraged to continue pursuing a career in music after discovering the vast pool of little known repertoire for the left hand that dates back to the late nineteenth century.

Over the past ten years, Sophia has performed both well known and unheard piano works for left-hand alone, and regularly arranges music for herself. Sophia challenges the perception of what a classical pianist is through the skill and sensitivity of her playing, combined with a considerate selection of repertoire to showcase this niche area of pianism.

Date: Tuesday 10 March
Time: Doors from 18.30, music begins 19.00
Where: Arundells, 59 The Close, Salisbury

Ticket Options:
Standard Ticket – £30.00 to include a glass of bubbles
Support Young Musicians Ticket – £60

By choosing this ticket, you’ll be paying double the standard price — with the extra amount going directly towards funding free piano lessons for local children from lower-income families, who might not otherwise have access to private music tuition. These lessons take place on Sir Edward Heath’s treasured Steinway grand piano, offering young learners the inspiring experience of playing a world-class instrument as they develop their skills. Your generosity helps us keep this unique and valuable programme alive.

Due to space restrictions tickets are extremely limited, book early to avoid disappointment.

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

During the Napoleonic Wars, 200,000 prisoners of war were brought to Britain with many remaining in captivity for up to eleven years.

These men had to occupy their time using their imagination and ingenuity. They are famous for their manufacture of bone ships, guillotines, automatons, and straw marquetry boxes and paintings. They helped to introduce the game of dominoes into Britain. Some prisoners produced oil and watercolours of the scenes around them. The prisoners at Portchester Castle constructed a theatre in the basement of the keep where they staged musicals, dramas, and comedies.

Other prisoners indulged in activities that conflicted with the law, such as the forgery of banknotes, manufacture of pornography, and the illicit manufacture of straw plait.

This talk tells the story of this prisoner of war activity, explaining why these models' helped men with post-traumatic stress after experiencing intense action on land or sea. It is illustrated with images of bone ships, automatons, domino boxes and forged banknotes; seen in museum collections around the country.

Arundells itself holds four remarkable bone ships made by prisoners from this period — part of a unique legacy of craftsmanship born from captivity.

Date: Wednesday 25 March
Time: Doors from 13.45, talk starts 14.00
Where: Arundells, 59 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EN
Tickets: £16

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

Paul Chamberlain

Before retiring, Paul Chamberlain worked as a Government Scientist. A lifelong enthusiast of the Napoleonic period, his particular focus is on the experiences of prisoners of war during that era.

He serves on the Committee of the Waterloo Association and is Editor-in-Chief of The Napoleon Series website. Paul was a member of the Norman Cross Eagle Appeal, which restored the memorial to the 1,770 prisoners who died at the Norman Cross Prison Depot between 1797 and 1814, and acted as a consultant for the Time Team excavation at the site in 2009.

Since the Nene Park Trust assumed responsibility for the Norman Cross site, Paul has continued his involvement as a consultant, helping to develop new information panels and digital presentations that tell the story of the prison.

He is the author of two books:
Hell Upon Water: Prisoners of War in Britain 1793–1815 (The History Press, 2008)
The Napoleonic Prison of Norman Cross: The Lost Town of Huntingdonshire (The History Press, 2018)

Paul regularly gives talks across the country on Napoleonic history and the lives of prisoners of war.