This summer, Dorset charity Artsreach continues to work in partnership with volunteers across the county to present its brand-new programme of professional performances in community spaces, including village halls and outdoor sites. Launching in May, the new Artsreach summer programme features a variety of live music, open-air theatre and events for children and families. A total of 8 local, national, and international companies are set to perform 16 live dates in towns and villages across Dorset, enabling people to access great entertainment right in the heart of their communities.
The iconic Anglo-Chilean band Quimantú is collaborating with singers from Dorset choirs to perform Misa de los Mineros, The Miners’ Mass, in a series of special concerts. Performing on a variety of instruments including charangos, zampoñas, quenas, bombos, violins, violas, and cellos, Quimantú is joined on this tour by the Alkyona Quartet string quartet. The Cerne Abbas concert on 11 May also features Dorchester’s Cloud 9 Chorus, performing together as the closing event of the 2025 Cerne Giant Festival. The finale of the Surtierra project takes place in Sturminster Newton and will feature over 80 singers from Palida, Cloud 9 Chorus, and Shaftesbury School choir. The second half of each concert will feature repertoire from the choir, alongside a programme of pieces from Quimantú.
Conjuring a timeless mythic universe under the aliases Josiah Chester Jones and George Ulysses Brown, The Sons of Town Hall are two 19th-century vagabonds who travel the world in a hand-built boat to escape troubled pasts and search for adventure and love. Weaving wild stories between heartbreaking and rousing songs, The Sons take audiences on a deeply imaginative voyage complete with Victorian-era costumes, sing-alongs, and meditations about the seafaring life. For fans of Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Waits, and Monty Python alike, prepare to be uplifted and inspired, transfixed and transformed, drunk on adventure and in awe of Sons of Town Hall’s harmonies. Don’t miss this eclectic duo as they visit Broadwindsor (23 May) and Langton Matravers (24 May) as part of a wider UK tour.
Launched to acclaim, Opera in a Box merges opera’s traditional elements with contemporary twists, offering audiences intimate and electrifying performances designed to take the genre in fresh and exciting new directions. Disregard any preconceptions about opera as a talented ensemble of eleven singers and musicians bring Mozart’s The Magic Flute to life this summer in Lytchett Matravers (22 June). Set against a backdrop of mystery and enchantment, Mozart’s timeless fairy tale follows Prince Tamino’s quest to rescue the fair Princess Pamina, with the help of a magic flute and his comical sidekick Papageno. From encounters with mystic and magical creatures and trials of bravery in the pursuit of wisdom, this iconic opera is filled with humour and love, and promises to charm and thrill in equal measure.
Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, Taff Rapids, is taking the international stage by storm, bringing a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre by infusing traditional American classics and captivating originals with Welsh-language elements for a unique global appeal. With electrifying performances, rich harmonies, and unmatched instrumental prowess, Taff Rapids is set to become a powerhouse in bluegrass and beyond – don’t miss them playing live in Milborne St Andrew (23 July), Haltock (24 July), and East Stour (25 July)!
Cornish favourites Miracle Theatre are back on the road this summer with a new production of Shakespeare’s dazzling comedy, Twelfth Night, a joyous, chaotic tale where love knows no boundaries! Blending Miracle’s playful spirit with the Bard’s wit, expect plenty of belly laughs, heartache, gloriously outrageous characters, and a contemporary twist proving once and for all that it’s hearts, not parts, that truly matter! Join Miracle in the open-air air at Ibberton (31 July), Kimmeridge Bay (1 Aug,) and Sandford Orcas (2 Aug).
Treehouse Theatre presents an exciting, immersive, and interactive family show for the summer with Treasure Island! Young Jim Hawkins and his best friend Doctor Libby have set off on the adventure of their lives, in search of the legendary Pirate Treasure! But is danger lurking out there on the high seas? Is the charismatic Captain Silver and her pet parrot, Carrot, all they appear to be? What will they find where ‘X’ marks the spot? And why is Jim not allowed to whistle? Expect panto-style audience interaction, live music, singing and dancing, plus an irresistible mixture of colourful characters and gripping action as this motley crew set sail to Sixpenny Handley and Shillingstone on 10 August!
2025 sees The Three Inch Fools celebrate their 10th anniversary with their take on arguably Shakespeare’s most iconic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Deep in an enchanted forest, mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never did run smooth! Acclaimed for staging bold, vibrant productions in a fast-paced and musically driven style, join The Fools in the great outdoors as Winterborne Stickland Sports Club (15 August).
Finally, packed full of interactive games, playful music, and lots of laughs for all the family, critically acclaimed Scratchworks Theatre fuses their signature style of physical comedy with the world of fungi, bringing together science, music, and participatory activities for children and their grown-ups to experience together in The Mushroom Show. Come along and find out more in Litton Cheney (18 Aug) and Alderholt (19 Aug).
Yvonne Gallimore, Artsreach Assistant Director, said, “We are excited to unveil this exciting new summer programme following such a buoyant spring season of events. With international music, opera, open-air theatre, family events and more taking place across the county, we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy in the coming months.”
Full details and tickets are available from www.artsreach.co.uk, and outlets where you can pick up a copy of the programme include libraries and tourist information centres. You can also find Artsreach on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest rural touring news.
