My Order

As the shipping forecast embarks on its second century, Charlie Connelly’s hilarious and informative show brings the quirky broadcast vividly to life, celebrating what he firmly believes to be the greatest invention of the modern age.

How did a weather forecast for mariners capture the hearts of a nation, from salty old sea dog to insomniac landlubber? How is it possible for ‘rain later’ to be ‘good’? And where the hell is North Utsire?

Delving into the history of the forecast and the extraordinary people who made it, Charlie explains what all those curious phrases really mean, celebrates its wide cultural impact, shares rip-roaring adventures from his own extraordinary journey through the 31 sea areas and presents his case for the shipping forecast being our finest achievement.

Inspired by Charlie’s bestselling book, which has sold more than a quarter-of-a-million copies, this pacy, moving and hilarious show is selling out theatres up and down the land as it takes you all the way from Viking to South-East Iceland. Attention All Shipping guarantees the shipping forecast will never sound the same again.

“Charlie Connelly is one of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of sitting in a studio with…He has a natural wit that doesn’t get crushed by an over-zealous ego with a lovely personality attached to it.” Fi Glover, broadcaster

“Charlie is always warm, funny and engaging…I actually sent him a fan letter - and I've never done that to anyone in my life before.”  Bernard Sumner, New Order

“I can thoroughly recommend an evening spent in the company of the very funny and very lovely Charlie Connelly whose knowledge of what I call ‘the ships’ is excellent. Sou’westers optional.” Corrie Corfield, BBC Radio 4

Saturday 14th February

Tickets £20

Come and learn to play a traditional West African Djembe rhythm - No experience necessary! Starting from scratch, through games and activities, you will learn fundamental techniques in order to create uplifting, authentic rhythms. As a group, we will create a polyrhythmic montage of sound using a range of instruments including djembes, dun dun bass drums, bells and shakers. Expect BIG Beats, Big Breaks and most of all Big smiles!

Each workshop is unique and comes with access to digital resources and a recording of our final piece.

£15 Adults per session or buy 3 and pay £12.50 per session.

The family sessions are £15 per person including one child and then £5 per extra child.

FRIDAY @ THE FLAVEL: THE FRIDAY RECITAL

Rupert Egerton-Smith (piano)

Recently appointed as a Steinway Artist, Rupert has performed in many prestigious venues including the Berlin Philharmonic and London’s Cadogan Hall .

Interestingly he was guest soloist for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Band of The Grenadier Guards and Band and Bugles of the Rifles for HRH The Queen in Salisbury Cathedral in 2024.

Rupert performed with the Dartmouth Orchestra in the 2025 Music Festival and he now brings to the Flavel a popular programme of dance music in the usual Friday recital format: an hour’s music followed by a glass of wine in convivial company.

Programme

Gavotte & Variations  - Rameau

Mazurka in A minor Op.17 No.4  - Chopin

Polonaise in A flat Op.53  - Chopin

Danzas Argentinas  - Ginastera

Tango  - Albeniz arr. Godowsky

Dance Russe (from Petrushka) - Stravinsky

Polka de W.R  - Rachmaninov

La Valse  - Ravel

event co-ordinator: Helen Deakin  (Classical Music Co-ordinator)

Friday 13th February 2026

Tickets £15, includes a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink after the performance