AN adaptation of Reginald Arkell's book Old Herbaceous is staged at Lighthouse in Poole next Tuesday. Adapted from the book by Alfred Shaughnassey, best known for his TV show Upstairs, Downstairs, this touching show tells the story of Bert Pinnegar. He is an old gardener reminiscing about his life in his ramshackle greenhouse, and his engaging observations make for a compelling and beautiful piece of theatre. Tickets £12.50. Box office: 01202 685222.

THE Nuffield Theatre in Southampton presents an entertaining piece of children's theatre this Easter weekend. Mouse in the House is aimed at three-and-four-year olds and follows the adventures of Monty Mouse when he decides to leave his nest in the meadow and search for a new home. The show will be performed tomorrow. Tickets £4. Box office 023 8067 1771.

ANOTHER treat for youngsters is in store in Winchester on Thursday. The Bananas in Pyjamas show will be performed at the Theatre Royal twice during the day. The Australian characters have entertained millions of children across the world, and this show follows the fruity twosome as they decide to recreate some of their favourite fairy tales. Tickets £6.50. Box office: 01962 840440.

THE Easter Holiday fun continues for youngsters in Eastleigh on Thursday. Poet John Hegley presents his Edinburgh Fringe show I Am A Potato at The Point. His performance will showcase a host of hilarious poems that are spoken, sung, danced and puppeted. This show is suitable for everyone aged seven and upwards and starts at 5pm. For ticket information call 023 8065 2333.

THE Titchfield Festival Theatre company present Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice at Portsmouth Cathedral next week. Shakespeare's enduring story of anti-Semitism will be retold 400 years to the day since the first Royal Command performance for the Court of King James I. The beautiful and unique setting of the play will ensure an unforgettable evening's entertainment. Catch the show from Wednesday until Saturday April 2. Tickets from £8. Box office: 01329 849543.

THE renowned Reduced Shakespeare Company appear at The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke from next Tuesday. Their The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) show takes the audience on a whirlwind tour of the Bard's 37 plays and 154 sonnets in just 97 jam-packed minutes. The show has been astounding audiences worldwide and is now nearing the end of its current tour. Catch it while you can - it runs at The Haymarket until April 2. For ticket information call 0870 770 1088.

CHRISTCHURCH's Scouts and Guides present their Gang Show at the town's regent Centre from Thursday. The Christchurch gang show is one of the longest running in Britain, and features a cast of 60 who will present an extravaganza of songs, sketches and stand-up comedy. The show will be performed until Saturday April 2. Tickets from £5.50. Box office: 01202 499148.