Thurs 28 May | The Silence of Snow: The Life of Patrick Hamilton (Mark Farrelly)

Written and performed by Mark Farrelly

Directed by Linda Marlowe

Mark Farrelly (Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope, Howerd’s End, Jarman) presents his riveting, kinetic solo show portraying one of the great English writers of the inter-war years. Patrick Hamilton was a dazzling success in his twenties, producing hit plays Rope (filmed by Hitchcock) Gaslight (which gave us the modern term ‘gaslighting’), and classic novels Hangover Square and The Slaves of Solitude. But Hamilton was also an alcoholic, whose wit darkened as his inner and outer worlds collapsed.

Covering the entire sweep of Hamilton’s thrilling life and writing, The Silence of Snow entertains and challenges, asking: why do so many of us get through life without feeling we ever truly knew another person?

Running time: 70 mins no interval

★★★★ “You won’t be able to take your eyes off this magnetic actor Mark Farrelly. He inhabits the character of Hamilton with a blazing fluidity” The Times

★★★★ “Farrelly’s performance is electric” What’s On Stage

★★★★ “Master of the monologue Mark Farrelly intriguingly deploys his many skills and all his talents” Broadway Baby

★★★★ “Farrelly’s achievement is to portray a life so lacking in personal happiness so entertainingly” British Theatre Guide

★★★★ “The masterful Farrelly doesn’t so much play as inhabit the role of Hamilton…he holds us spellbound” Theatre Things

Fri 29 May | Cosi Fan Tutte

A welcome return for Opera Anywhere who have delighted audiences here with The Magic Flute, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and many others. They now present a new, vibrant production of Mozart’s classic comedy, Così fan tutte, directed by Tristan Stocks. This hilarious farce, edited and adapted in English, is performed in just two hours, bringing Mozart’s timeless story to life with a unique twist.

Set in early 20th-century Gibraltar, the plot revolves around a bold bet between Don Alfonso, Ferrando, and Guglielmo. Don Alfonso wagers that he can prove their girlfriends, Fiordiligi and Dorabella, are unfaithful, like “all women.” What follows is a comedic exploration of love, fidelity, and deception. Join us for an evening of stunning music, clever wit, and engaging performances that reveal the heart and humour of this beloved opera.

Suitable for all the family.

Tue 2 June | Jeneba Kanneh-Mason

We are delighted to welcome Jeneba Kanneh-Mason back after her Dorchester Arts debut in 2023 with a programme featuring works Bach, Beethoven, William Grant Still, Debussy, Florence Price and Chopin. Now an exclusive Sony Classical Artist, Jeneba’s debut solo album Fantasie was released in March 2025, to wide acclaim. It was named Classic FM’s Album of the Week and Gramophone praised Jeneba as ‘a pianist of enormous technical resources in service of an uncommonly rich and versatile musical imagination’.

Programme

BACH: Partita No. 5 (15’)

BEETHOVEN: Sonata No. 17 ‘Tempest’ (23’)

Interval

STILL: Summerland (5’)

DEBUSSY: La Fille + Bruyères (6’)

PRICE: Fantasie Nègre No. 1 (10’)

CHOPIN: Ballade No. 3 (8′)

CHOPIN: Ballade No. 4 (11′)

Supported by

Fri 5 June | Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us

20 years in stand-up for the ‘Taskmaster’ cheeky texts icon, multi-award-winner, YouTube cult figure, Radio 4 favourite and recently ‘Baby Reindeer’ actor: Watson returns after seasons at the Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Edinburgh comedy festivals. A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this – along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more – in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show.

Age guidance 14+

★★★★★ ‘A genius-level comic doing what he does best’  Time Out Melbourne 

★★★★★ ‘Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe…witty, warm, perfectly judged’ Telegraph

★★★★ ½ ‘An hour or two of our limited span on Earth in his uplifting, witty company is time excellently spent’ Chortle

★★★★ ‘One of the most genuinely joyous presences in comedy’ The Times 

★★★★ ‘This is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game’ Independent

Sat 6 June | An Evening of Acoustic Guitar With Robbie McIntosh & Andy Grant

Robbie McIntosh is regarded as a legend within the music community. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed as a guitarist with celebrated artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Tom Jones, John Mayer, and Norah Jones. This impressive résumé has seen Robbie appear at many of the world’s most renowned festivals and venues.

Andy Grant is a highly respected guitarist and a prominent musical educator based locally. He is known for his remarkable versatility on the guitar, with the ability to navigate and perform across a broad spectrum of musical styles.

During this special event, Robbie and Andy will perform a selection of their own original compositions as well as a handful of familiar favourites. The evening will showcase their exceptional skill and chemistry, offering the audience an intimate experience centred on the art of acoustic guitar interplay.

Thurs 11 & Fri 12 June | DYT Double Bill (Green For Ever And Longer & The Snow Queen)

Green For Ever And Longer

As Queen Bee Honey and her Minibeast subjects celebrate in memory of Sir Turnham Green, who saved their wood from developers, two strangers arrive. They have a strange request, but unknown to everyone they’ve also brought danger into the woods… Dorchester Youth Theatre Juniors present Green for Ever and Longer

by Raymond Blakesley

The Snow Queen

Young Company step into a world of ice, courage and unbreakable friendship in The Snow Queen. When Kay’s heart is frozen by a shard of magic, it’s up to Gerda to cross forests, palaces and winter kingdoms to bring him home. A magical adventure about bravery, loyalty and the power of love.

by Shelia Laughton adapted from the classic story by Hans Christian Anderson

Fri 12 June | Dorchester Comedy Club – Marcus Brigstocke and Paul Foot

Dorchester Comedy Club returns this June with a huge night of live stand-up, featuring not one but two headline acts: Marcus Brigstocke and Paul Foot. Plus award-winning MC Rich Wilson is guiding the evening.

This is a full mixed-bill comedy show, delivering the complete comedy club experience from start to finish.

Marcus Brigstocke is one of the UK’s most recognisable and respected comedians. A regular on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, and The Now Show, Marcus blends sharp political insight with playful storytelling and big, confident punchlines. His live shows are intelligent, fast-paced, and packed with laughter.

Also, we have the wonderfully eccentric and brilliantly unpredictable Paul Foot. Known for his surreal flights of fancy and cult following, Paul’s unique style has made him a standout on the international comedy circuit. His performances are inventive, clever, and gloriously absurd, the kind of comedy that keeps you guessing and laughing in equal measure.

Holding it all together is your host for the night, Rich Wilson, one of the most in-demand MCs in the country. A past winner of the Comics’ Comic award for Best MC, Rich is renowned for his quick wit, effortless crowd work, and ability to keep the energy high throughout the show.

Expect a packed theatre, huge laughs, and the electric atmosphere that only live comedy can deliver. If you love stand-up at the highest level, this is a night not to miss at The Hardye Theatre.

Line-up subject to change.

Sat 13 June | The Curtain Calls – In A Pickle (Circomedia BA Graduate Show)

Have you heard the nattering and clattering? The circus is in town!

The Curtain Calls is a brand-new show that explores the world of traditional circus and life on the road brought to you by In A Pickle. This newly formed circus company is an eclectic mix of performers, blending technical skill with humour, creativity and human connection.

Featuring a bold ensemble of emerging artists who have trained at Circomedia, one of Europe’s leading schools of Circus and Physical Theatre, The Curtain Calls is packed with riveting acrobatics, rambunctious aerialists, remarkable jugglers and raucous clowns.

 Perfect for families who love a bit of silliness and a lot of skill!

Age Guidance – 8+

Sun 14 June | Pinocchio

by Carlo Collodi, adapted by Oliver Gray

Carlo Collodi’s classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood – a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show.

Running time: 95-minutes (approx.), including a 20-minute interval.

Recommended for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome).

Our guide to getting the best out of your time outdoors

Come prepared!

Bring your own seat – Low backed chairs, rugs and a cushion are always nice. Combine comfort and style! Please make sure that any chairs and/or umbrellas will not obscure anyone else’s view.

Gather a posse – Bring friends and family (family tickets are available). The more the merrier for a fun day or night out!

Arrive Early – Pick a great spot and enjoy the atmospheric surroundings. There is plenty of room to run about at Maumbury Rings.

Bring a Torch – It’s very helpful to safely find your way back to the car for evening performances.

Wed 17 June | As You Like It (HandleBards)

Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards area four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.

Join the troupe at Maumbury Rings for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’.

What’s the play about?

Well-Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the Forest of Arden, where they bump into Rosalind’s love interest Orlando. However, Rosalind is disguised as a young man. Cue some local Shepherds getting involved and the stage is set for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match.

This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!

Praise for previous HandleBards performances…

★★★★★-“Explodes with energy and is a genuine treat from start to finish.”-The Stage

★★★★★-“Five stars just don’t seem enough…”-The Sunderland Echo

Our guide to getting the best out of your time outdoors

Come prepared! – Bring whatever you need for a cosy afternoon.

Bring your own seat – Low backed chairs, rugs and a cushion are always nice. Combine comfort and style! Please make sure that any chairs and/or umbrellas will not obscure anyone else’s view.

Gather a posse – Bring friends and family (family tickets are available). The more the merrier for a fun day or night out!

Arrive Early – Pick a great spot and enjoy the atmospheric surroundings. There is plenty of room to run about at Maumbury Rings.

Bring a Torch – It’s very helpful to safely find your way back to the car for evening performances.

Thurs 18 – Sat 20 June | Murdered To Death (Somerleigh Players)

We invite you to Mildred’s country manor for dinner, an unexpected murder and a mess  of mysteries and red herrings, magnified by an investigation run by the inept Inspector Pratt and his unfortunate assistant Thomkins (no not Thompson – definitely Thomkins!).

Miss Maple, who is put in mind of a certain Belgian gentleman, attempts to bring sanity to the situation with her tea and cakes!

Will this Agatha Christie-esque spoof reach a satisfactory conclusion? Come and join the incredible Somerleigh Players for a ridiculously, hilarious evening to find out!

We Know How to Entertain!

Sun 21 June | Midsummer Revels (Green Matthews)

Following on from GreenMatthews highly successful Midwinter Revels, they present their new show Midsummer Revels. Featuring traditional English folksongs, self-written material and toe-tapping dance tunes, Midsummer Revels is a glorious feel-good evocation of sunny days, blue skies and green fields! Songs of the land and sea, town and country are brought to life on a plethora of instruments such as English border bagpipes, mandocello and shawm, all underscored with GreenMatthews’ trademark wit and humour.

“You guys are awesome!” Bill Barclay, Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe

Thurs 25 & Fri 26 June | When This Is Over – DYT Performance Company

A message sent. An opportunity missed. A choice made in a heartbeat.

Inspired by the innovative work of Company Three, this devised performance weaves together the lived experiences of our company to explore the moments that shift our direction forever. Stories of risk, courage, doubt and hope. At its heart, this is a piece about time: how quickly it moves, how deeply it marks us, and how the smallest decisions can redraw our futures.

These are their stories. Their turning points. Their futures in the making.

From a Blueprint by Ned Glasier and Company Three. An amateur production by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

Sat 27 June | Buddy Holly & The Cricketers

All Holly’s hits and classics from his rock ’n’ roll pals are played live on stage by these five amazing young actor-musicians, who always delight crowds with their fabulous show.  Featuring raw rock ’n’ roll, beautifully haunting ballads, energetic performances – and some genuinely hilarious moments – there is no live event that delivers a better Buddy experience. Audiences of all ages all over the globe have found it impossible to stay in their seats. From Dundee to Dubai, Swansea to Sweden, Taunton to Thailand and all across the USA, thousands of fans have shown their appreciation with standing ovations and shouts for “more!”

So, whether you’re young in years or young at heart, this night with Buddy and the boys really is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, Everyday is a Holly Day with Buddy Holly and The Cricketers!

“The audience were dancing in the aisles and roaring for more” The Stage

“Buddy brilliant!” Graham Norton, BBC One

“Fantastic…The best… tremendous night out…I can’t praise the show enough” The Kent and Sussex Courier

“Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Buddy Holly and The Cricketers” Somerset County Gazette

Thurs 2 & Fri 3 July | The Return Of The Native

Thomas Hardy’s The Return of the Native is a profound exploration of human desires and the indomitable forces that shape destiny. Set against the haunting backdrop of Egdon Heath, the novel tells the story of Eustacia Vye, a young woman whose passionate longing for escape and fulfilment drives the narrative inevitably towards its tragic conclusion.

With live music, high energy, multi role playing, humour and inventiveness, yet another English classic novel is brought wonderfully to life, Hotbuckle style!