Dorset-based charity Artsreach is excited to reveal its new programme, featuring more than 55 live performances taking place in village halls, theatres and other community spaces right across the county before Christmas, all presented in partnership with a network of incredible community volunteers.
National and international musicians spanning a multitude of genres will take to stages across Dorset, kicking off with Toronto-based singer-songwriter Duane Forrest, who takes audiences on an acoustic journey through the roots of reggae to the global influence of Bob Marley in his award-winning show, ‘How Reggae Changed the World’. Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly is a ground-breaking new collaboration that seeks to capture the excitement that lies within traditional folk songs. With music shaped by human connections, Hannah Scott delivers lyrics that are powerful and poignant alongside infectious melodies. Artsreach’s partnership with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra continues this season, as 8 players showcase the beauty of wind instruments with a stunning repertoire, and the Brass Octet perform a seasonal ‘Winter Fanfare’ of festive tunes and midwinter warmers. Hailing from Prince Edward Island, Canada, Inn Echo crafts a cinematic, high-energy sound, blending fierce fiddle, grooving guitar and soaring cello with undeniable chemistry. Traditional Newfoundland music matched with vibrant swing jazz is the magical pairing offered by Duane Andrews & The Hot Club of Conception Bay. Cornish Bluegrass outfit Flats & Sharps return with lightning-fast picking, pristine vocal harmonies and electrifying live shows. Award-winning national touring company UpCloseOpera delivers a cocktail of classics by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi and more, sung in English translations with a contemporary twist. Expect a rich and exhilarating fusion of global musical traditions from Budapest Café Orchestra, who repackage traditional folk and gypsy flavoured music in their own fresh and surprising way.
Award-winning performers, heartfelt storytelling and celebrations of ancient tales make up eight fantastic productions for theatregoers to enjoy. First up, mixing audience participation with carnivalesque revelry is Lung and a Half Full Theatre with ‘Tales for an Unruly Audience’, telling stories of gods and goddesses, witches and wizards, wise men and fools; take part or simply sit back and enjoy. Pipeline Theatre presents ‘George & the Drag Queen’; a brand-new show which takes audiences on a provocative, darkly comic but life-affirming journey. Master storyteller Hugh Lupton and acclaimed cellist Sarah Moody tell the stories that underpin our culture with vigour and humour; a chance to hear ancient tales with fresh ears. David Mynne takes audiences on a tour of Widdershins – a long-forgotten village in a dark, wild corner of Cornwall, where stories are told with wit, sting and dark comedy. ‘The No.1 Holiday Destination’ is a fast-paced comedy exploring the housing pressures and local politics of small-town reality from Jack Brownridge-Kelly, featuring character-driven storytelling and anarchic energy at its finest. Award-winning performers Amelia Ace Armande and Joshua Crisp of Ropetackle Storytellers reanimate Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Gothic thriller ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ with mesmerising puppetry and dark humour. Live original music, perishable puppetry, and an over-reliance on bad puns are the baseline of Stu McLoughlin’s ‘The Tragedy of Omlet, Prince of Hen-mark’. A remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of his friend’s last wish, James Rowland’s ‘Team Viking’ is an ode to death, friendship and the absurdity of life, returning to Artsreach stages for a special 10th anniversary tour – as funny, raw and joyous as ever.
The world-renowned Sonia Sabri Company delivers a moving and gloriously entertaining evening of dance. With improvised spoken work, beatboxing and a world-class live musical ensemble, three distinctive dance pieces explore the highs and lows of life, providing hope in an ever-changing world.
There’s plenty for families to see too, with three amazing productions touring Dorset this winter. Enjoy puppetry, comedy and live music alongside lots of amazing facts as Squashbox Theatre uncovers the mysteries of the Animal Kingdom in ‘Curious Creatures’. From crisp white paper pages to bright, colourful pop-up scenes and puppets, Luminous Tales presents ‘The Goose & Mrs Frost’ – a gentle, heartwarming story of intergenerational friendship and the changing of the seasons. As we near the festive period, ‘Red Robin’s Winter Song’ invites audiences to step into a twinkling, snow-dusted world in an enchanting show from Tutti Frutti Productions.
Full details and tickets for Artsreach’s Autumn season are available from www.artsreach.co.uk, and programmes are available from libraries and tourist information centres across Dorset. You can also find Artsreach on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest rural touring news.
