February is here and whilst it may be grey, spring is not so far away now.  It’s a short month this one, so let’s make it count.

Lamenting the loss of Christmas?  It’s been a while, hasn’t it?  Well fear not, for Gallows Theatre will be treating us to Seven Santas by Jeff Goode at the Discovery Centre, 3 – 4 February at 7.30pm.  It’s the follow-up to The Eight Reindeer Monologues. Scandal erupts at the North Pole when the most powerful man on Earth is sentenced to rehab for a minor traffic violation. But when he finds himself in a detox program run by the estranged Mrs. Claus, Santa’s desperate struggle to conceal the truth about his arrest, uncovers yet another sordid secret that could mean the end of Christmas-as-we-know-it. To book tickets, visit here.

Winchester Cocktail Week is upon us, 6-12 February.  Scattered across the city, participating venues will be hosting masterclasses, and discounted signature cocktails.  The perfect way to celebrate a dry January, or to simply celebrate.  The event is organised by the Cabinet Rooms.  We’ll also be toasting Gary and Marcus, founders of the Cabinet Rooms as they have recently announced that they will be taking over the Art Cafe in Jewry Street.  Producers of delectable events involving fine food and drink experiences, we’ re sure there will be some exciting plans afoot! For details about the Winchester Cocktail Week or to buy your tickets, visit the website here.

Pin Drop Comedy will be back at the Guildhall on the 9 February at 7.30pm for their monthly open mic night.  It’s free entry, and the bar and kitchen will be open throughout.  The Guildhall is participating in Winchester Cocktail Week, so wristband wearers will benefit from promotional prices.  Enjoy the cocktails and chuckles.

The Yorke Dance Project will be back at the Theatre Royal Winchester, 15 February presenting Rewind Forward, an evening of contemporary ballet. It looks like a really exciting programme, including Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Sea of Troubles, two world premiere’s from Charlotte Edmonds, the Royal Ballet Young Choreographer and Yolanda Yorke-Edgell, as well as work by Robert Cohan. For more details and to book tickets, visit the website here.

Did you know it is the year of the Rooster?  Winchester Theatre Royal will be hosting a Chinese New Year Extravaganza, 17 February at 7.30pm. Chinese acrobatics, elegant Chinese dance, energetic kung fu, and a highly skilled puppeteer that can perform the ancient magic of Face Changing, it’s going to be a night to remember.  For tickets, visit the theatre website here.

The Chesil Theatre will be presenting  Titter Ye Not on the 25 February, a portrait of Frankie Howard both on and off-stage. An affectionate look at the man, his life and his work, and the highs and lows of his career with glimpses into his, sometimes traumatic, personal life. Written and performed by Paul Harris, tickets are available online here.

The Winchester 10k Road Race will take place on Sunday 26th February.  The event starts outside the Guildhall, with the route heading up the High Street, and through the city to the village of Kingsworthy and back for the finishing line at the Winchester City Football Club ground. There’s still time to enter, and for more details visit the website here.

Have a great month, one and all.  Don’t forget to keep an eye @Win_Guide for more tips throughout February.