What’s On at The Sherborne
The Sherborne’s calendar brings together art, food, conversation, and community. You might arrive to find an exhibition opening, a tasting supper, or musicians playing in the gardens. Every visit offers something new to discover.
Our What’s On listings are updated regularly, featuring exhibitions, talks, performances, and workshops. Many events are free or ticketed at accessible prices — part of our commitment to making culture open to all. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support our work; your voluntary contribution, however big or small, helps keep our doors open and our programmes running.
Upcoming events.
The Baron’s Metamorphoses: Myths for a Failing Admiralty
A vivid, immersive exhibition inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where gods, fools and admirals drift through a world of collapse, comedy and reinvention.
Art Buffet: Myths, Monsters & Marvellous Things
Join us in The Pavilion this May half term for a free drop-in art buffet inspired by The Baron Gilvan.
Free, family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Drop in anytime between 10am and 3pm.
The Sound of the Baroque Returns to The Sherborne
For one week only, composer and pianist Richard Thomas Jones brings the sound of a period-correct harpsichord back to The Sherborne. Performed intermittently during gallery opening hours from 3–8 June, this fleeting musical moment is part of our cultural programme’s commitment to delight, surprise and champion thought leadership through art, history and imagination.
Last Meal on Death Row - Mat Collishaw
As part of Of Myths and Murals, Last Meal on Death Row by Mat Collishaw brings a quieter, more unsettling register to the programme. Known for works that pair seductive beauty with darker moral and psychological questions, Collishaw turns here to the final meals requested by condemned prisoners in the United States.
A Fresh Season at the Table
Our new restaurant menu launches on Wednesday 3 June, alongside our new evening opening: Wednesday to Saturday.
Book an evening table during launch week and enjoy a glass of fizz on us with your meal.
Fiona McKenzie Johnston: Roger Fry, Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art
Join Fiona McKenzie Johnston in conversation with Catherine Milner for a lively discussion about Roger Fry, Post-Impressionism, the Bloomsbury group and the radical ideas that changed how art was seen in Britain.
Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo
A vivid and intimate film from Exhibition on Screen, exploring the life, art and legacy of Frida Kahlo through her paintings, personal story, home and studio. Directed by Ali Ray. 90 mins, 12A.
Illyria presents, Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi’s much-loved tale comes vividly to life in this enchanting outdoor musical performance from Illyria.
Illyria presents, Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi’s much-loved tale comes vividly to life in this enchanting outdoor musical performance from Illyria.
Illyria Presents, The Three Musketeers
Renowned for staging some of the finest swordplay on the outdoor theatre stage, Illyria’s The Three Musketeers promises a summer performance full of flair, energy and irresistible adventure.
Illyria Presents, The Three Musketeers
Renowned for staging some of the finest swordplay on the outdoor theatre stage, Illyria’s The Three Musketeers promises a summer performance full of flair, energy and irresistible adventure.
Illyria presents, The Pirates of Penzance
Performed by a six-strong cast of actor-singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance is packed with some of the most beloved songs in comic opera, including I Am a Pirate King. Full of satire, silliness and melodic brilliance, it remains every bit as buoyant, sharp and entertaining today.
Illyria presents, The Pirates of Penzance
Performed by a six-strong cast of actor-singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance is packed with some of the most beloved songs in comic opera, including I Am a Pirate King. Full of satire, silliness and melodic brilliance, it remains every bit as buoyant, sharp and entertaining today.
Lucy Lethbridge: Servants: A Downstairs History of Britain
Join acclaimed author Lucy Lethbridge for an illuminating talk on Servants: A Downstairs History of Britain, a vivid account of the lives, labour and hierarchies behind Britain’s great households. Set within the historic rooms of The Sherborne, this conversation will explore the often-invisible world of domestic service: the kitchens, corridors, back stairs and daily routines that sustained life “upstairs”.
Shirley: Visions of Reality (2013)
Striking, unusual and visually spellbinding, Shirley: Visions of Reality is part film, part artwork, and part meditation on solitude, performance and the American century. A compelling screening for lovers of art on screen, thoughtful cinema, and films that reward close attention.
VE Day at The Sherborne with Ann Knobbs
Join us for a joyful VE Day gathering in The Pavilion with Sherborne’s own Ann Knobbs. Ann will return to the piano for a lunchtime programme of much-loved wartime favourites, including We’ll Meet Again, Underneath the Lamplight, and Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye. Guests are very welcome to sing along, or simply sit back and enjoy the music.
National Theatre Live: All My Sons
Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste star in a triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, filmed live from the West End. Directed by Ivo Van Hove.
Sir Quentin Blake: The Joy of the Frog
A joyful new mural by Sir Quentin Blake brings movement, humour and imagination to The Sherborne’s atrium staircase, creating a playful counterpoint to Thornhill’s dramatic Calydonian Boar Hunt.
Exhibition Changeover Notice
From 13 to 27 April, our team will be carefully deinstalling Quentin Blake’s works as we prepare for a new exhibition.
We’ve loved sharing Quentin Blake’s joyful world with you, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for the next chapter in our cultural programme.
Cold War (2018)
Filmed in luminous black and white, Cold War is both intimate and sweeping: a love story of extraordinary beauty, carried by a haunting soundtrack and some of the most striking cinematography in contemporary European cinema. A deeply romantic and quietly devastating film, it is not to be missed.
Exhibition on Screen: Turner & Constable
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives, rivalry and legacy — filmed alongside Tate Britain’s groundbreaking exhibition. Running time 93 mins. Director David Bickerstaff. Certificate 12A.
Easter Art Buffet
Join us at The Sherborne for a free Easter Art Buffet for families, with playful junk modelling and spring-themed making across three creative days.
Mother’s Day at The Sherborne
If you’re planning a Mother’s Day treat, bookings are now open for Sunday 15 March. Whether you’re gathering the whole family or keeping it simple with two or three of you, we’d love to welcome you for a proper celebration — good food, beautiful surroundings, and a little time together.
The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982)
A wickedly witty, ravishingly designed country-house mystery that launched Peter Greenaway onto the international stage — with a mesmerising score by Michael Nyman.
Junk Modelling Art Buffet
Junk Modelling Art Buffet (Half Term) — Mon–Fri 16–20 Feb, 10am–3pm. Drop in for relaxed, family-friendly making using recycled “junk” materials. No booking needed — stay for 10 minutes or settle in longer.
Junk Modelling Art Buffet
Junk Modelling Art Buffet (Half Term) — Mon–Fri 16–20 Feb, 10am–3pm. Drop in for relaxed, family-friendly making using recycled “junk” materials. No booking needed — stay for 10 minutes or settle in longer.
Junk Modelling Art Buffet
Junk Modelling Art Buffet (Half Term) — Mon–Fri 16–20 Feb, 10am–3pm. Drop in for relaxed, family-friendly making using recycled “junk” materials. No booking needed — stay for 10 minutes or settle in longer.
Junk Modelling Art Buffet
Junk Modelling Art Buffet (Half Term) — Mon–Fri 16–20 Feb, 10am–3pm. Drop in for relaxed, family-friendly making using recycled “junk” materials. No booking needed — stay for 10 minutes or settle in longer.
Junk Modelling Art Buffet
Junk Modelling Art Buffet (Half Term) — Mon–Fri 16–20 Feb, 10am–3pm. Drop in for relaxed, family-friendly making using recycled “junk” materials. No booking needed — stay for 10 minutes or settle in longer.
Valentine’s at The Sherborne
Celebrate Valentine’s with us — our Valentine’s Menu for evening dining in the restaurant, and classic Afternoon Tea (2–4pm) in the Pavilion. Limited spaces left.
Frida (15)
Step into the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist whose life and work continue to inspire generations. This Academy Award-winning film brings her story to life, from modest beginnings to a life-changing accident, and her rise to international fame as a pioneering, surrealist talent.
Hamlet; National Theatre Live
Join us for the first screening of this bold and contemporary production of Hamlet from National Theatre Live. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) takes on the title role in Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy.
The Folke Altarpiece: The Resurrection
Known as the Folke Altarpiece, this newly conserved work attributed to Sir James Thornhill returns to view on loan from St Lawrence Church, Folke.
Quentin Blake – Airborne over Sherborne
Quentin Blake’s drawings have always carried a sense of lift — a line that leaps, characters that feel mid-motion, stories that seem to rise off the page. Airborne over Sherborne invites you into that feeling of flight and freedom, set within our luminous First Floor Georgian Room Galleries.
Mrs. Warren’s Profession; National Theatre Live
This is your last opportunity to see National Theatre Live’s acclaimed recording of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, captured live in London’s West End.
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) appears alongside her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the first time on stage together – a remarkable pairing at the heart of Bernard Shaw’s sharp and spirited classic.
Pina (PG)
Step into the mesmerising world of Pina Bausch, the legendary German choreographer who transformed contemporary dance. Wim Wenders’ Pina is a visually stunning tribute, bringing the extraordinary performances of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble to life on screen in immersive 3D.
Quentin Blake – 100 Portraits
A rare chance to see Quentin Blake’s newest works — created exclusively for The Sherborne. 100 Portraits is a magnificent portrayal of Blake’s creative world today: vivid, warm, and unmistakably his.
Please note: installation period
We’ll be installing and preparing galleries from Monday 5 January to Saturday 17 January. During this time, some spaces may be partially closed or changing day to day. (Thank you for bearing with us — it’s all part of the magic.)
✨ New Year’s Eve at Macready’s ✨
Kick off your evening in style! Join us in the Palm Bar from 6:00 pm for pre-dinner drinks and a little festive sparkle.
CLOSED - Christmas Day
We’ll be closed on Christmas Day as our team enjoy the festivities.
Wishing you all a magical Christmas.
Scrooge Live! A Timeless Christmas Experience
Experience the classic 1951 Scrooge like never before—a sophisticated holiday event blending cinematic storytelling with live orchestral performance.
Scrooge Live! Matinée. A Festive Treat for the Whole Family
Bring the family together for a heartwarming holiday adventure! Step into Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and goodwill with the classic 1951 film Scrooge, enhanced by a live, newly orchestrated score from the FB Pocket Orchestra.
Scrooge Live! Opening Night Party
Step into a Christmas wonderland for an unforgettable evening with Scrooge Live! Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol like never before as the 1951 classic, starring the legendary Alastair Sim, is brought to life with a reimagined live score by the FB Pocket Orchestra.
