Tues 14 July | Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story

Witness the impossible true survival story of Titanic stoker Frederick Barrett. Working in the boiler rooms of the maiden voyage, Barrett’s fight for survival is one of the most devastating accounts of the last few hours of Titanic.

Boiler Room Six gives a voice to the sacrifice of the working men below deck who kept the ship afloat for as long as possible, saving hundreds of lives, whilst knowingly giving up on their own.

The production joins Dorchester Arts as part of a national tour, following a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run.

‘A spectacular piece of theatre’ ***** (British Theatre Guide).

‘Historical theatre done right’ ***** (The Independent)

‘Sheepshanks is electric’ ***** (West End Best Friend)

‘The script is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed’ ***** (Scottish Field)

‘One of the most exciting playwrights of this generation’ ***** (Theatre Weekly)

Winner: Best Overall Show of Edinburgh Fringe (Derek Awards, 2024)

Thurs 16 July | Dorchester Piano Quartet

Suk – Piano Quartet in A minor

Mozart – Piano Quartet in G minor

Josef Suk wrote his piano quartet under the guidance of his teacher, Dvorak, who allowed his pupil to be true to his own emotions. Dvorak oversaw the writing of ultra-romantic, even turbulent music, that he would never have written himself.

Mozart’s G minor piano quartet was written just a few months after Haydn famously remarked to Mozart’s father: ‘Before God and as an honest man, I tell you that your son is the greatest composer know to me either in person or by the name.’

This work, the first true piano quartet, came about when Mozart added in viola – the instrument he loved to play in chamber music – to the piano trio.

Sat 18 July | The Pirates Of Penzance (Illryia Theatre)

Frederick, accidentally apprenticed to Pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. On the day he reaches 21 he leaves the ship, announcing that he now intends to dedicate his life to the Pirates’ destruction. The Pirate King checks the contract’s small print – and realises that as Frederick’s birthday is 29th February on a leap year he has only had four birthdays and is actually indentured for another 63 years. With only the Penzance constabulary to protect him, will Frederick be forced to serve the pirates until he is 84?  And will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long? Performed by a six-strong cast of actor/singers with fully orchestrated accompaniment, The Pirates of Penzance boasts such gloriously memorable songs as “To be a Pirate King!”; “Modern Major General” and “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One”. With razor sharp satire and glittering wit, it remains as fresh as if it had been written today.

Running time: 120-minutes (approx.), including a 20-minute interval.

Recommended for all ages.

by Gilbert & Sullivan

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. 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.

Bring a Picnic

Sun 19 July | A Summer Sunday with Liza Pulman

We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed vocalist Liza Pulman to the beautiful setting of Whitcombe Manor for our much-loved Summer Sunday event.

Following her sold out appearance earlier this year at Dorchester Corn Exchange, audiences will again be able to enjoy Liza’s effortless vocals and distinctive musicianship. She is joined by award-winning jazz pianist, guitarist and composer Gareth Williams, for what will be a relaxed and elegant summer experience in beautiful surroundings.

As always, your ticket includes a complimentary glass of bubbly and a delicious picnic lunch – everything you need for a perfect Sunday afternoon of food, fun and music!

With the generous support of Minette and Alec Walters.

Fri 24 & Sat 25 July | Unearthed (Women Of Dorset)

Sam is on edge, but an extraordinary party shows her there is more to life…

Unearthed is fierce and celebratory new play, created by hundreds of women from across Dorset who worked together to unearth eleven incredible historical women who survived and thrived across our county. The key facts of their lives are true; the rest is a delicious, riotous imagining.

Unearthed will be performed by thirty Dorset women, written by Stephanie Dale (Salt, Spinning the Moon) and directed by Penny Levick (Spinning the Moon, Six Men of Dorset). Images and scenography by Jayne Jackson.

Mon 27 – Fri 31 July | SummerMT 2026

Calling all aspiring performers! Dorchester Arts and Dorchester Youth Theatre present a weeklong musical theatre course which gives young people aged 10 – 18 the opportunity to work together to create and perform a full length performance of ‘Peter Pan Junior’.

To be involved you must be available for all dates, including the performance which will take place on the Friday night. A full commitment is required for all sessions.

A daily Hot Lunch option is available at an additional cost.

Thurs 30 July | The Great Gatsby (This Is My Theatre)

Step into the roaring 1920s, where the champagne flows, the jazz trumpet blows, and the American Dream gleams with irresistible allure. This electrifying stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel brings Jay Gatsby’s glittering world to life — a place of opulence, obsession, and heartbreak.

As Nick Carraway is drawn into the orbit of his mysterious neighbour, the secrets behind Gatsby’s lavish parties begin to unravel, revealing a story of love lost and illusion pursued.

Featuring live music and a dynamic ensemble, This Is My Theatre’s adaptation invites audiences to experience one of literature’s best-loved stories like never before — glamorous, grandiose and undeniably… Great.

Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Directed by Sarah Slator

Adapted by Ethan Taylor 

Assistant Direction by Chloe Bond

Music by Simon Stallard

Our guide to getting the best out of your time outdoors

Come prepared! – Bring whatever you need for a cosy afternoon. Sun shades, sun cream, hats, warm woollies, blankets, waterproofs, a waterproof lap cover (either a sheet of paper or a bin bag work well).

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. 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.

Bring a Picnic

Fri 31 July | Peter Pan JR

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travellers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

A Musical Based on the Play by SIR J.M. BARRIE. Lyrics by CAROLYN LEIGH Music by MORRIS (MOOSE) CHARLAP. Additional Lyrics by BETTY COMDEN and ADOLPH GREEN Additional Music by JULE STYNE. Originally directed, choreographed and adapted by JEROME ROBBINS.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI 

Sat 1 August | The Sword In The Stone

Young Wart dreams of becoming a squire, while his childhood friend Morgan sets her sights on fame and fortune. On the way to the Tournament in London, they meet a host of colourful characters who guide them through adventures and teach them lasting lessons about friendship, courage, and finding their way in the world.

★★★★ “… lashings of audience participation.”
Eastern Daily Press

★★★★ “… a quintessential experience.”

Broadway Baby

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.

Bring a Picnic

Tue 11 August – Sat 19 September | What Survives – Iryna Yermolova

I paint to understand what words cannot express. Rooted in figurative oil painting, my work exists between realism and abstraction, where emotion, memory, and identity blur. Faces emerge and dissolve through layered texture and light. I paint not sadness, but happiness that has been tested-joy shaped by loss, love, and resilience. Painting is tactile and intuitive, a physical dialogue with the canvas. For me, it is a process of becoming-and of choosing-joy.

Fri 14 August | The Tale Of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny

Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes, caught In a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself! 

How will they ever escape?  Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time?  And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds?

Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures  – a magical afternoon of fun for all the family.

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.

Sun 16 August | The Pickwick Papers

In the Summer of 2026, Rain or Shine plan to take you into the delightfully chaotic Victorian world of The Pickwick Papers, where misadventure and merriment collide in a whirlwind of Dickensian absurdity! Join the lovable Mr. Pickwick and his eccentric band of companions as they bumble their way through confusing courtships, courtroom shenanigans, questionable duels, and carriage rides gone terribly wrong. Expect fast-paced wit, slapstick, more multi-rolling mayhem, and a cast of larger-than-life characters in this brand new and hilarious adaptation by Jon Legg. 

Dickens has never been this delightfully unpredictable! Secure your seat and prepare for an uproarious adventure with the Pickwick Society—where the only certainty is a thoroughly good time to be had by all!

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.

Fri 18 September | Thought Control: A tribute to Pink Floyd

For over five decades, Pink Floyd has mesmerized audiences with their groundbreaking music, thought-provoking lyrics, and awe-inspiring live performances. Few bands in the history of rock have managed to create the same level of connection and enchantment as Pink Floyd did, and their legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

As Thought Control, we are dedicated to celebrating and preserving the Pink Floyd experience. With passion and precision, we bring their iconic sound and visual artistry to life through a breathtaking tribute show. Designed for music venues and theatres across the United Kingdom, our production captures the very essence of Pink Floyd, delivering a complete sound and light spectacle that transports audiences back to the golden age of rock.

Our talented collective of experienced live musicians has mastered the intricate nuances and dynamic energy that define Pink Floyd’s music. Combined with state-of-the-art audio and lighting technology, we faithfully recreate the grandeur and sophistication of the band’s legendary stadium performances. From soaring guitar solos and haunting vocal harmonies to the unmistakable heartbeat of the drums, every element of the performance is meticulously crafted.

Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of Pink Floyd or discovering their genius for the first time, Thought Control invites you to embark on this extraordinary journey through sound, light, and emotion. Prepare to be transported to a world of music and visuals that transcend boundaries and ignite the imagination.

Sun 20 September | Pam Ayres: Doggedly Onward

Pam Ayres has spent a lifetime providing hilarious and profound insights into the delights and tribulations of everyday life.    

She comes to Dorchester to talk about her latest book, DOGGEDLY ONWARD – A LIFE IN POEMS, 1970 to 2020s.

Pam has gathered her career’s work of poetry into this book, which traces the course of her life, and illustrates how her work has provoked laughter, and some tears, in people around the world.

Recent TV appearances include two series of The Cotswolds for Channel 5, This Morning, Alan Titchmarsh, Countdown and Would I Lie To You?    

“We love her because she makes us laugh, but above all because we know she’s genuine.”                                                       The Oldie Magazine, 2024

“Who doesn’t feel warm, sentimental, and downright good when they think of Pam Ayres?    She’s a timeless talent and a glorious people’s poet.”     

Glastonbury Festival 2022

Thurs 24 September | The Three Graces (piano trio)

Join us for an evening of beautiful classical music in the company of piano trio The Three Graces–pianist Tamara Konstantin, cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber and violinist Barbara Gasior. The trio are renowned for both their originality and artistry and the concert will feature a fascinating mix of repertoire, including Beethoven, Bach, Donizetti, Vivaldi, Enio Morricone, John Williams and others, alongside original compositions and arrangements by Konstantin.

All three musicians have achieved significant success in their own right as recording artists and live performers and a 2022 tour with Aled Jones on his hugely successful tour of British cathedrals and abbeys brought the name of The Three Graces to the wider audience they richly deserve.

International Ambassador Of Georgian Classical Music & Culture Tamara Konstantinis a leading figure in Georgian classical music and culture and she has also received a Georgian Medal Of Honour by President Eduard Shevardnadze. A classical pianist with a hugely impressive portfolio, Tamara has been blowing audiences away with her mesmerising compositions and has released three critically acclaimed albums, “Inflections“, “Reverie“ and “Resilience“, receiving just shy of 2 million listens on all platforms and significant airplay from Classical FM.

Jiaxin Lloyd Webber graduated from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and received her Master Degree at Auckland University in 2001.Now based in the UK, Jiaxin is married to the world renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and has performed with Julian for BBC Radio 3,Classic FM, CNN Global TV, and BBC TV. Barbara studied at Academy of Music in Cracow and postgraduate in Warsaw. Her career as a violinist has spanned almost all genres, from classical music, electric to folk music, and has taken her all over the world including performances in the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Japan, South America and Europe.