EVENTS Diary

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Society; Tickets: £15 (adults), £14 (senior citizens), £10 (child); Box Office: 01202 894858

Regent Rep; Tickets £12.50 / £10.50 concessions; Box Office: 01202 499199

Scaramouche Theatre Company; Tickets £12 / £10 senior citizens; Box Office: 01202 828740

Castle Players; Tickets £10; Box Office: 01202 912351

Studio Theatre; Tickets: £12 / £8 (under 16s); Box Office: 01722 342860

Wimborne Drama Productions; Tickets £13 (evening) / £11 (Saturday matinee); Box Office: 01202 885566

Encore Theatre Productions; Tickets £18.50 (includes wine & cheese supper in interval); Box Office: www.encoreprotickets.co.uk

Bournemouth Little Theatre; Tickets £12 / £9 concessions; Box Office: 01202 513361

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets £11; Box Office: www.ticketsource.co.uk/maskerstheatrecompany

Ferndown Drama; Tickets £9; Box Office: 01202 894858

Chameleon Theatre Company; Tickets £9 (adults) / £8 (senior citizens) / £5 (child); Box Office: www.ticketsource.co.uk/chameleontheatre

ImpAct Theatre; Tickets £12 / £11 concessions; Box Office: 01202 513361

Waterside Musical Society; Tickets £12 (Early bird family ticket £40: 2 adults, 2 children, book before 21 October 2019); Box Office: www.ticketsource.co.uk/watersidemusicalsociety

ImpAct Theatre; Tickets £12 / £11 concessions; Box Office: 01202 413600

Poole & Parkstone Productions; 1 day only at 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 8.00pm; Box Office: 01202 280000

20 March 2020: Coronavirus Update

Today, in increasing efforts to contain and prevent the further spread of coronavirus, the Government has ordered all theatres to officially close until further notice. Although we would all wish that the “show could go on”, this is not possible at the present time – public health and safety must come before all else, though we share your disappointment at the necessary temporary halt to performances.

Please keep watching for information of rearranged productions once these unprecedented measures have been lifted and offer your support where you can.

The Scene One+ Team hope you stay well, comply with all the precautions that are being put in place for your safety in the meantime, and join us when the curtain goes up once more.

All Saints Dramatic Society

The Importance of Being Earnest

All Saints' Dramatic Society returns from lockdown with a production of Oscar Wilde's much-loved comedy of manners, 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.

Two young gents have taken to bending the truth in order to put some excitement into their lives. Jack Worthing has invented a brother, Ernest, whom he uses as an excuse to leave his dull life behind to visit Gwendolen Fairfax in the town. Algernon Moncrieff decides to take the name Ernest when visiting Jack's young and beautiful ward, Cecily Cardew, in the country. Things start to go awry when they end up together in the country and their deceptions are discovered.

The play is directed by Peter Nunan, while the cast includes John Sivewright and Jon Cockeram as the young bounders, Jack and Algernon, with Susanna Greenwood and Lauren Turner appearing as their love interests, Gwendolen and Cecily.  Mary Almeida features as the fearsome Lady Bracknell and additional support comes from Phil Vivian and Jenny Wise as Doctor Chasuble and Miss Prism, and Ian Bray and Mark Richards as the butlers, Lane and Merriman.

'The Importance Of Being Earnest' opens on Wednesday 15th September at the De La Salle Theatre at St Peter's School, St Catherines Road, Southbourne, BH6 4AH, with further performances on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September.  Evening performances are at 7.30pm, Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.  Box office opens 18th August, tickets cost £10 and can be bought by phone - 07548 100770 - or online at  https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/asds (online booking fee applies).

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: Thursday - £10, Friday & Saturday - £11; Tickets available online or contact 023 8029 2531

Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society

The Sorcerer

Christchurch G&S Society are at last delighted to be able to present The Sorcerer. A show full of humour with plenty of visual impact from the inspired costumes to the special effects.

With Sarah Oliver as Director and Ieuan Davies as Musical Director you can be assured of an evening’s dramatic and musical entertainment.

A sorcerer who fills a communal teapot full of love potion at a wedding banquet, what could possibly go wrong…? Come and find out!

Tickets: £18, Concessions £17, Under 16s & Full-time Students £6 (includes a £1 donation to the Regent Centre Development Fund). Available from Box Office (01202 499199) or online.

Studio Theatre and St Thomas's Church; Tickets: £12 (Adults), £8 (Under 16s); Available from Salisbury Information Centre (01722 342860) or online.

Studio Theatre; Tickets: £12 (adults), £8 (Under 16s), £5 (SYT Members); Available online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £12; Available via phone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

Bournemouth Gilbert & Sullivan Productions (Bournemouth GaSP)

The Pirates Of Penzance

Written by W S Gilbert & Arthur Sullivan

Directed by Clare Camble-Hutchins

Musical Director: Helen Brind

Pirates with sentimental hearts, blundering policemen, crazy adventures and improbable paradoxes. Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic The Pirates of Penzance is filled with fun and laughter.

Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, falls head-over-heels in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley.

On his 21st birthday Frederic is finally due to be released from his apprenticeship.

But being born on 29 February, a leap year, Frederic discovers that he is technically still way off being 21 years and is therefore still bound in his apprenticeship to the Pirate King.

Although very much in love, he is dedicated to his duty and so remains with the Pirates, this action causes all sorts of complications and hilarity with Pirates versus Policemen.

But who will triumph? And will Mabel and Frederic find their happy ever after?

Come join Bournemouth GaSP for this swashbuckling show!

Tickets: All performances Adults £22.50, Under 16s (when accompanied by an adult) £10; Available from Lighthouse Poole Ticket Office 01202 280000 (telephone booking fee applies) or online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Tickets: £10 (online booking fee applies); Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: £6 - £12; Available online.

Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society (RMDS); Tickets: £15; Available online.

New Forest Players 

Death Trap

Written by Ira Levin

Directed by David & Ieuan Luker

Written by Ira Levin and directed by David and Ieuan Luker this is a production not to be missed! A hugely popular stage and screen success, this ingeniously constructed play offers a rare and skilful blending of two priceless theatrical ingredients - gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter.

All performances are at 7.30pm. Choose your preferred date and book your tickets now!

All Performances of Death Trap are at Ballard School. All tickets £13.

Book online at www.newforestplayers.com. NFP’s new online box office allows you to select your seats, pay and download your tickets on line, so please use this if at all possible.

The NFP Box Office phone line is  01425 542 41; however, with the advent of their new online booking system the phone will only normally be manned on Wednesdays from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. A message can be heard on the booking line detailing the next opening times and you can leave a message requesting a call back.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: From £14.50; Available online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: £12; Available online.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); All tickets: £5; Tickets available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8; Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8; Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8; Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Adults £10, Concessions £8, Ticket + Pizza + Drink £22 (service fees apply); Available online.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); All tickets: £5; Tickets available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8; Available online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Tickets: Adults £15, Under 16s £10, Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Under 16s) £45 (save £5); Available online.

Extraordinary Theatre Company and Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT)

King Lear

By William Shakespeare

The newly formed Extraordinary Theatre Company is joining forces with Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT), with its 57 years of producing Shakespeare plays on Brownsea Island, to take their production of Shakespeare’s King Lear on a tour of local venues.

Opening on 25 October at the Bournemouth Little Theatre, they will then visit another seven venues before completing their tour on 18 November.

The Company is particularly focused on getting the message across to young people that Shakespeare is accessible, relevant and rewarding.

They will be performing at three leading local schools, where they will also be running specially designed ‘From Page To Stage’ workshops for Drama and English students, giving them insights into the challenges that come with directing and acting in one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Being also determined to contribute to the local community, Extraordinary Theatre Company and BOAT will be donating 50% of the profits from King Lear to Julia's House, Dorset and Wiltshire’s children’s hospice that provides practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £8 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Chesil Theatre; Tickets: £10 - £16; Available via phone 0333 666 3366 or online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: £8.50; Available by emailing honsec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk or phoning 01202 678449. Tickets will also be on sale at Broadstone News on The Broadway from the beginning of November.

Redlynch Players

Talking Heads

Written by Alan Bennett

Join Redlynch Players for their autumn production, as they continue to celebrate their 65^th anniversary. Step into the lives of three ordinary people, who are each concealing a far from ordinary secret!

In Her Big Chance, Lesley is an actress who has just completed a video in which she plays Travis, a career girl who enjoys life. However, as she tells all, the question is, what has she really been involved in...

In Bed Among The Lentils, Susan is a vicar’s wife suffocated by the expectations forced on her by her position and her husband’s over-zealous parishioners. When she meets Ramesh, the off-licence owner, what will she discover about herself…

A Lady Of Letters, Miss Ruddock writes letters – letters of complaint, comment and, occasionally, officious praise to various businesses and government departments. However, what will happen when she writes one letter too many…

Also features extracts from Alan Bennett’s diaries; bringing his much-loved musings right up to date. An evening not to be missed!

This amateur production of Her Big Chance, Bed Among The Lentils and A Lady Of Letters is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

Doors and Bar open @ 7.00pm (Cash/Card Bar & Raffle)

Tickets available via phone (01725 510283) or email.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); All tickets: £5; Tickets available online.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full price £14.50 - £16.50, Over 60s £13.50 - £15.50, Student £13.50 - £15.50, Under 16s £13.50 - £15.50; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Milton Musical Society; Tickets: £15; Available from Box Office (01425 619983 or online.

Studio Theatre; Tickets: Full £12, Under 16s £8, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £35; Available from Salisbury Information Centre Tel 01722 342860 or online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £12; Available via phone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); All tickets: £5; Tickets available online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted and directed by Lindsay Jones

Kick off your festive celebrations with one of the all-time feel-good Yuletide classics!

This new, highly entertaining, fast-paced adaptation is packed with humour and pathos, a great night out!

Tickets are £12 (concessions seniors and students £9; members £6); Available online.

New Forest Players 

Cinderella

Story by Lee Redwood

Directed by Sarah Haberfield

Venue: Ballard School, Fernhill Lane, New Milton, BH25 5SU

Performances @ 7.00pm 29 – 31 December and 2.00pm 30 December 2022 – 1 January 2023

Tickets: Adults £13, Children £9; Available by calling 01425 542414 or online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Performances: Friday 6 January – 7.30pm; Saturday 7 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 8 January – 2.30pm; Tickets: Adults £13, Concessions £11, Child £7, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £35 (available on evening performances); Available via phone (07548 100770) or online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Performances: Thursday 12 January – 7.30pm; Friday 13 January – 7.30pm; Saturday 14 January – 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Sunday 15 January – 2.30pm; Tickets: Adults £13, Concessions £11, Child £7, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £35 (available on evening performances); Available via phone (07548 100770) or online.

Broadstone Pantomime Productions; Performances: Friday @ 7.30pm, Saturday @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sunday @ 2.30pm; Tickets: Family Ticket £22, Adults £8, Children & Senior Citizens £4; Available from Hillier Wilson Estate Agents, Broadstone (01202 693388) or online.

Swanage Drama Company; Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions £11, Children £7; Available: via telephone 0333 666 3366 (fees apply) or online.

Broadstone Pantomime Productions; Performances: Friday @ 7.30pm, Saturday @ 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Tickets: Family Ticket £22, Adults £8, Children & Senior Citizens £4; Available from Hillier Wilson Estate Agents, Broadstone (01202 693388) or online.

Swanage Drama Company; Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions £11, Children £7; Available: via telephone 0333 666 3366 (fees apply) or online.

Chesil Theatre; Tickets: Adult £16, Student/Under 18s £10, Group £14.40 (booking fees apply); Available online.

SOS Presents; Tickets: £10 - £19.50; Available from the Box Office 023 8071 1833 or online.

Bishopstoke Players

Not Very Flash, Gordon!

Planet Earth is under attack from evil overlord, Emperor Ping! Determined to hold our planet’s citizens to ransom by controlling all of Earth’s electricity, it seems as if nothing can save us, not even money-saving-expert Martin Lewis.

Step forward bumbling electrician Gordon ‘Flash’ Bennett, his monosyllabic girlfriend, his man-mad mother and a German Professor!

Our intrepid quartet boldly travel to Planet Pongo in (what else?) a converted Austin Mini van to save the day and keep Earth safe from Ping’s crazy demands.

Along the way they meet a cast of characters including a dodgy pirate, a cat with a habit of telling dreadful jokes, Elvis Presley and many, many more.

Join us for a family-friendly pantomime that is truly out of this world!

Performances are in Durley Memorial Hall from 26 – 28 January 2023 at 7.30pm each evening, with a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday. Tickets are £10 (under 18s £8) and are available here (no booking fee), or email boxoffice@bishopstokeplayers.uk, or phone 07871 006551.

As we are proud to have done every year since 1947, proceeds will be donated to the charity, Action for Children.

Highcliffe Charity Players; Performances: Friday 7.30pm; Saturday 11.00am, 2.30pm & 6.00pm; Sunday 2.30pm & 6.00pm (running time 75 mins, no interval); Tickets: Full £13.50, Concessions £12.50; Available online.

Burley Players; Performances: Saturday 28 January 2023 @ 7.30pm; Sunday 29 January 2023 @ 2.00pm; Tickets: Adults £9 - £10, Under 16s £7; Available online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £8, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £35; Available online.

Lymington Players

The Ghost Train

Written by Arnold Ridley

Directed by Ed Funnell

This February 2023 join The Lymington Players as they strand tired and cold passengers at an isolated train station in a chilling comedy thriller by Arnold Ridley.

Who is the spooky Stationmaster that warns them of supernatural danger? Locked in, with no means of defence or escape, will they pull together to survive melancholy signals and chilling apparitions? As tensions mount, and they try to keep ghosts from getting in, will they make it to the morning? And what is the secret of ‘The Ghost Train’?

The Ghost Train is performing in the Malt Cinema at the Lymington Community Centre from 30 January – 5 February 2023. Tickets are on sale from 18 December 2022, priced £10 for Centre members and £12 for non-members. Available via phone (01590 672337) or online.

Would you be brave enough to survive the night?

Burley Players; Performances: Thursday 2 February 2023 @ 7.30pm; Friday 3 February 2023 @ 7.30pm; Saturday 4 February 2023 @ 2.00pm & 7.30pm; Tickets: Adults £9 - £10, Under 16s £7; Available online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £8, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £35; Available online.

Studio Youth Theatre; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £8; Available from Salisbury Information Centre, phone 01722 342860 or online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

The Thrill Of Love

By Amanda Whittington

Directed by Rachael de Courcy Beamish

This is a story of obsession:

A gripping drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain.

A divorcee with a young child to care for, Ruth works hard in the kind of nightclubs where there’s more than just a drink on offer. Then she meets the wealthy, womanising David, a racing driver with whom she falls head over heels with the myth of great, romantic love.

Why does their relationship end in murder?

Why does she plead not guilty but offer no defence?

Why does she show no remorse?

And who is she trying to protect?

The Thrill Of Love explores the enigma of Ruth Ellis: a woman whose short but explosive life still resonates.

Amanda Whittington is one of the UK's favourite and most performed modern dramatists. Her writing in this play accurately reflects the warmth, bitchiness and complexities of female friendship at a time when, even if women knew the rules of the game, they often still end up the losers in a man's world.

Tickets: £12 (Concessions £9, Members £6) (booking fee applies); Available online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre (CPYT); Tickets: Full price £15 - £17, Concessions £14 - £16 (Concecssions Over 60s, Under 16s, Student, NHS Staff, Armed Forces); Available via box office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Waterside Musical Society

Puss In Boots: A Pantomime

Boxing Day is traditionally a day when people go to watch Pantos. You will have to wait until February to see Waterside Musical Society’s, but it will be worth the wait as they have not one but two Pantomime Dames.

They will be played by Antony Morrison and Mike Pavitt. Both have been with Waterside Musical Society for a number of shows before, including Oliver!, Return To The Forbidden Planet, The Sound Of Music and Spamalot, where they were in a number of scenes together.

Come along to see "There ain't nothing like a Dame"!

Tickets: Adults £15, Children £10 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Poulner Players; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £10; Available online.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £3; Available online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: £8.50; Available by emailing honsec@broadstoneplayers.co.uk or phoning 01202 678449. Tickets will also be on sale at Broadstone News on The Broadway.

Wimborne Drama Productions

Bedroom Farce

Written by Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Michelle Barter and Suzanne Viney

One of the 20th century's classic comedy of manners comes to the Tivoli Theatre in February when Wimborne Drama Productions will perform Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn.

Funny, gripping and acutely observed, Alan Ayckbourn’s play lifts the lid on the secrets of marriage. Over the course of one hilarious night, an outrageously selfish couple parade their problems around the bedrooms of three other couples, exposing the cracks in other people’s marriages as well as their own.

Directed by Michelle Barter and Suzanne Viney, the play stars Richard Scotson and Rosie Nye as Trevor and Susannah, Tim Fearon and Judy Garrett as Ernest and Delia, James Renwick and Bethan Morris as Malcolm and Kate, and Colin Pile and Julie Sissons as Nick and Jan.

Wimborne Drama Productions have chosen to revive the play which marked their first ever production at the then recently re-opened Tivoli Theatre in 1994.

Bedroom Farce will be performed at the Tivoli Theatre from 23 – 25 February, with evening performances at 7.30pm (tickets £16) and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm (tickets £14). Book via the Tivoli Box Office on 01202 885566 or online (booking fees may apply).

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB); Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £3; Available online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £12; Available via phone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Theatre; Tickets: £8; Available online and on the door.

Swanage Musical Theatre Company; Tickets: Adults £16, Concessions £15, Child £10; Available from Box Office 0333 666 3366 or online. Booking fees apply.

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions)

A Touch Of Danger

A Thriller by Francis Durbridge

Directed by Deanna Langford

Max Telligan, a popular novelist, has returned to his London apartment from a business trip to Munich to find his evening newspaper containing a report of his violent death. He subsequently is greeted by a parade of mysterious visitors triggering a chain of mysterious events, with twists and turns from start to finish...

Performed by The P&P Players, and directed by Deanna Langford, don't miss this classic Francis Durbridge tale of murderous happenings where nobody quite knows who is who and whom to trust.

Tickets: Adults £12, Seniors £10; Available from Box Office (0161 832 111 or 0844 888 9991) or online.

Bournemouth Music Competitions Festival

Comedy And Cakes

Comedy and Cakes – an afternoon of comic songs and a slap-up tea!

Tickets: £15 to include cream tea and cakes; Available via email (bmthfestival@gmail.com) – or tickets can be purchased on the door.

Studio Theatre; Tickets: Full £12, Under 16s £8, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £35; Available from Salisbury Information Centre Tel 01722 342860 or online.

Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company (BBLOC); Tickets: £19.50 - £29.50; Available via Box Office (0300 500 0595) or online.

Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society presents

Thank You For The Music

Tickets: £15; Tickets available online or in person at Greyfriars Box Office.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

Dial M For Murder

By Frederick Knott

Directed by Don Cherrett

Can you ever get away with murder?

Well, maybe Tony Wendice, charismatic and manipulative, a former tennis pro who has given it all up for his wealthy wife, Sheila, can!

When he discovers she has been unfaithful, his mind turns to revenge and the pursuit of the 'perfect' crime.

But things do not go according to plan...

The play, set in the 1950s, was made into a famous 1954 film (of the same name) directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions Seniors and students £9, Members £6; Available online.

New Forest Players 

One Day I'll Fly Away

Written by Janet Shaw

Directed by Len Reid

One young woman, one old lady. Their lives were poles apart but fate took a hand and threw them together. The only problem being they were more alike than anyone could begin to imagine. Both had battled adversities beyond comprehension.

When Kylie starts community service at the respite home she is thrown into the path of Nora, an embittered and hardened woman, who has spent her whole life teaching others and avoiding relationships of any kind.

Nora lost her husband and only child in a boating accident many years ago and Kylie is the victim of an alcoholic and drug-addled mother. Nora and Kylie start off their relationship with mutual comic sarcasm and dislike, but as the story unfolds it becomes clear that although in different ways, they are both walking down the same path self-destruction.

Tickets: £13; Available via phone (01425 542414) or online.

Ferndown Drama

A Comedy Triple Bill

The evening will consist of three comedy plays:

Last Tango In Little Grimley by David Tristram

Joining The Club by David Tristram

A Jolly Sinister Jape by Elliot Strange

Tickets: £11; Available from Box Office (01202 894858) or online.

Southampton Musical Society; Tickets: Full price £17.50, Concessions £15; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Tickets: £10; Available via phone 07548 100 770 or online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £12; Available via phone 0333 666 3366 (booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

Milton Musical Society; Tickets: Wednesday evening & Saturday matinee - Full £17, Concessions £16; Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening - Full £18, Concessions £17; Available from Box Office 01202 499199 or online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: £12; Available online.

Revive Theatre

Dial M For Murder

Written by Frederick Knott

Directed by Richard Batt

Dial M For Murder – A murder mystery like no other

Charismatic and scheming ex-Tennis Pro Tony Wendice wants to get his hands on his wealthy wife Margot’s inheritance; after stumbling on her affair with the young Mark Halliday, his mind turns to revenge and he comes up with a daring plan.

But as with all risky endeavours, things can go awry, and Tony’s carefully orchestrated strategy goes terribly wrong.

Now as Tony becomes more entangled in the web of his own making, he has only one thing on his mind… how to get away with the perfect crime?

Made famous by the 1954 classic Hitchcock film, the iconic Dial M For Murder is an intense, and darkly gripping thriller; it is a masterclass in suspense, full of spine-chilling twists and turns, that will keep you guessing till the very end.

Tickets: Full £16, Concessions £14; Available from Box Office 0333 666 3366 (for tickets, fees apply) or online.

Lymington Players

Confusions

Written by Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Pauline Combes

Alan Ayckbourn wrote five one act plays of which Lymington Players are performing the first four.

Mother Figure is about a mother (Lucy) totally absorbed in bringing up her children, so much so that everyone is treated as a child.

In Drinking Companions, we see Harry (Lucy’s husband) chatting up two girls in a bar; is he lonely or lecherous?

Between Mouthfuls stars the waitress who moves between two tables, and we hear what she hears when the couples talk, then argue, then fall out.

Gosforth Fete is about a typical village trying to raise money to build a new village hall. Everything goes wrong that can go wrong, starting with the inadvertent disclosure to everyone that Millie is pregnant – and not with her Scout master fiancé, but the local landlord, Gosforth.

Please note this performance may contain some themes which may cause offence and flashing lights.

Tickets:  Full price £12, LCA Members £10; Available via phone (01590 672337), in person at reception or online.

Revive Theatre

Dial M For Murder

Written by Frederick Knott

Directed by Richard Batt

Dial M For Murder – A murder mystery like no other

Charismatic and scheming ex-Tennis Pro Tony Wendice wants to get his hands on his wealthy wife Margot’s inheritance; after stumbling on her affair with the young Mark Halliday, his mind turns to revenge and he comes up with a daring plan.

But as with all risky endeavours, things can go awry, and Tony’s carefully orchestrated strategy goes terribly wrong.

Now as Tony becomes more entangled in the web of his own making, he has only one thing on his mind… how to get away with the perfect crime?

Made famous by the 1954 classic Hitchcock film, the iconic Dial M For Murder is an intense, and darkly gripping thriller; it is a masterclass in suspense, full of spine-chilling twists and turns, that will keep you guessing till the very end.

Tickets: Full £16, Concessions £14; Available from Box Office 01202 885566 or online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: Full Price £10; Available via phone 01202 678449, email or from Broadstone News on The Broadway in Broadstone.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full price £15 - £17, Concessions £14 -£16; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Castle Players; Tickets: £10; Available via phone 01202 912351 or online.

Bishopstoke Players; Tickets: Full price £15, Under 18s £11; Ticket prices include a Ploughman's Supper - vegan and gluten-free options available on night; Tickets available online.

Wimborne Drama Productions

Pressure

Written by David Haig

Directed by Richard Neal

An intense real-life thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare.

June 1944. One man’s decision is about to change the course of history. Everything is in place for the biggest invasion ever known in Europe – D-Day.

One last crucial question remains: will the weather be right on the day?

Problematically, there are two opposing forecasts. American celebrity weatherman Colonel Krick predicts sunshine, while Scot Dr James Stagg, Chief Meteorological Officer for the Allied Forces, forecasts a storm. As the world watches and waits, General Eisenhower, Allied Supreme Commander, must decide which of these bitter antagonists to trust. The decision will not only seal the fates of thousands of men, but could win or lose the entire war.

An extraordinary and little-known true story, David Haig’s play thrillingly explores the responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of prophecy and the personal toll of taking a stand.

This amateur production of Pressure is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

“Funny, tense and deeply affecting” Daily Telegraph

Pressure will be performed at the Tivoli Theatre from 18 – 20 May, with evening performances at 7.30pm (tickets £16) and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm (tickets £14). Book via the Tivoli Box Office on 01202 885566 or online (booking fees may apply).

Studio Theatre Salisbury 

A Doll's House

Written by Henrik Ibsen

A New Adaptation byBryony Lavery

Bryony Lavery's modern adaptation of Ibsen's revolutionary classic still resonates today. London 2023: in the shadow of recent lockdowns, the need to present a ‘perfect’ life through social media hides private struggles. Marriage and motherhood, blackmail and betrayal, truth and lies – Nora's domestic life unravels and a door famously slams.

Tickets: Full price £12, Under 16s £8; Available from Box Office 01722 342860 or online.

Redlynch Players

The Titfield Thunderbolt

Written by Philip Goulding

An updated message from Redlynch Players:

“OUR PRODUCTION OF THE TITFIELD THUNDERBOLT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

We have been overwhelmed with the level of support we have received from our supporters. A huge thank you to you all!

Please do continue to follow us on social media for information regarding any return tickets that may become available.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for future productions, please drop us an email at info@redlynchplayers.co.uk.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and we cannot wait to perform The Titfield Thunderbolt!”

All Aboard for The Titfield Thunderbolt!

Redlynch Players are proud to announce that they will be performing The Titfield Thunderbolt by Philip Goulding as their spring 2023 production. This fun packed play is based on the classic Ealing comedy of the same name by T E B Clarke.

The Titfield to Mallingford line is losing money and British Rail have announced its imminent closure. In desperation, the villagers, led by Lady Edna Chesterford and vicar, Sam Weech, decide to take charge and run it themselves – with a train resurrected from a local museum! As well as convincing the railway authorities that they are competent to work the line, they have to face problems from local chancer Vernon Crump, who is set on providing a competitive bus service.

Redlynch Players will be performing at Redlynch Village Hall from Wednesday 24 May to Saturday 27 May 2023 (7:30pm each evening).

Poole & Parkstone Productions [P&P Productions]; Tickets: From £20.25; Available from Box Office (01202 280000) or online.

BMT Productions; Performances: 7:30 pm each evening; Relaxed Performance: Thursday 1 June @ 2:00 pm; Matinee: Friday 2 & Saturday 3 June @ 2:00 pm; Tickets: Full price £20, Concessions £18; Available from Box Office 01202 499199 or online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]; Tickets: Full price £12, concessions £3; Available online.

Milford on Sea Community Centre

Absurd Person Singular

Written by Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Wendy Mason

Surely one of the best, if not the best, piece of comedy theatre from the prolific pen of Alan Ayckbourn.

Taking place in the 1970s over three Christmas Eves, the action involves three very different couples in three very different kitchens, eventuating in hilarious chaos and near calamity. One not to miss!

Tickets: £15; Available from Box Office 01590 644861 or online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

Neville's Island

By Tim Firth

Directed by Barbara Evans

This is a black comedy about four out-of-condition, middle managers on a team building initiative in the Lake District, who succeed in being the first people ever to get shipwrecked on Derwentwater.  Bound in by fog, menaced by wildlife and cut off from the world, this perfunctory middle-class exercise turns into a carnival of recrimination, French cricket and sausages.

A successful film was made of the play, starring Timothy Spall and Martin Clunes.

Neville’s Island is being staged at Bournemouth Little Theatre from 6 – 10 June 2023 at 7:45pm each evening.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions (Seniors and students) £9, Members £6; Available online.

Encore Theatre Productions; Tickets: £15; Available from Box Office 01425 619983 or online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Tickets: £10; Available online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre 

(Studio Production)

An Intervention

Written by Mike Bartlett

Directed by Caroline Burr

This is a touching, funny, yet sad play with a cast of two, about what happens when you begin to hate your best friend.

One friend went on the anti-war protest, shouted their lungs out, then got horrendously and staggeringly drunk.

The other stayed at home, watched TV for a bit and thought about the future.

The play is being staged at Bournemouth Little Theatre as a STUDIO Production from Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 June 2023 at 7:45pm each evening.

Tickets: Full price £10, Concessions – Seniors and students £8, Members £5. Available online: bournemouthlittletheatre.co.uk.

SOS Presents; Tickets: from £10.00 - £22.50; Available from Box Office 023 8071 1811 or online.

Studio Theatre Salisbury 

Steele Magnolias

Written by Robert Harling

Directed by Anthony von Roretz

Truvy runs a beauty parlour in Louisiana where a group of women gather to gossip, discuss Shelby’s upcoming wedding and each other. Robert Harling’s much-loved play became an award-winning film and won an Oscar nomination for Julia Roberts’ Shelby. The stellar cast included Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton. Anthony von Roretz directs our own stellar cast of Studio women, some familiar and some new faces. Be prepared to laugh a lot but bring a hankie.

Tickets at £12, 16s and under £8 (please note age guidance 12 plus) are available from Salisbury Information Centre (Tel: 01722 342860) or online.

Chesil Theatre 

Treasure Island

An OPEN AIR Production

Freely Adapted by Phil Willmott

Based on the Novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

Directed by Sarah Hawkins

Treasure Island is coming to Winchester. The open air production by the award-winning Chesil Theatre will be performed in the lovely grounds of Winchester College.

The well-known story by Robert Louis Stevenson has been adapted by Phil Wilmott. Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and Ben Gunn are here, of course, but alongside them are powerful women, mischievous rats and magical mer-folk – all accompanied by full-throated song and imaginative puppetry.

Tuesday 11 July is full for the Gala Evening but the show runs from Wednesday July 12 to Saturday 15 July at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets: Full Price £16 - £18, Students / Under 18s £10, Family tickets £46 - £48 (see Chesil Theatre website for details); Available via phone 0333 666 3366 or online.

For more details see www.chesilthreatre.org.uk.

Maskers Theatre Company; Grounds open for picnics at 6:00 pm (1:00 pm for Saturday matinee); Tickets: Adult Flex £18, Adult Advance £16, Students £14, Child 7 - 16 years old £13; Available online.

Double Act drama group

Murder Walk By The Castle

The year is 1330 and a young Edward III rules England but under the ‘protection’ of his mother, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer. His father, Edward II, was unpopular and, after an uprising led by his estranged wife, had been deposed from the throne and kept imprisoned at various castles before apparently being murdered in an extremely unpleasant way at Berkley Castle. But then a rumour started that the old king was still held prisoner at Corfe Castle and his brother Edmund dispatched a Friar to Corfe to investigate. What did he find out?

Was it all political subterfuge?  Was Edward II still alive or was it his ghost?

All will be revealed along with many other surprises at Corfe Castle on Wednesdays 19 & 26 July and 2, 9 & 16 August 2023 at 7.00pm.

Yes, it’s back! And even better! The highly acclaimed Double Act Murder Mystery Walks are back this summer.

The starting point is in the North Castle Field, opposite the Castle View National Trust car park, just north of the Corfe Castle ruins on the A351. Double Act drama group have permission for their customers to use this car park for the evening.

What could be more atmospheric for a murder mystery than a twilight walk in the shadow of the ruins of the great castle? However, the walk will involve steep rough paths and long grass, and although they will finish before dark for safety reasons, anyone taking part does so at their own risk. Due to the popularity of the past walks and a necessity to restrict numbers for safety, it is strongly recommended that early bookings be made by purchasing tickets online.

Tickets are just £5 a head (under 5s free).

An experience not to be missed!

Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society (RMDS); Tickets: £15; Available online.

Double Act drama group

Murder Walk By The Castle

The year is 1330 and a young Edward III rules England but under the ‘protection’ of his mother, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer. His father, Edward II, was unpopular and, after an uprising led by his estranged wife, had been deposed from the throne and kept imprisoned at various castles before apparently being murdered in an extremely unpleasant way at Berkley Castle. But then a rumour started that the old king was still held prisoner at Corfe Castle and his brother Edmund dispatched a Friar to Corfe to investigate. What did he find out?

Was it all political subterfuge?  Was Edward II still alive or was it his ghost?

All will be revealed along with many other surprises at Corfe Castle on Wednesdays 19 & 26 July and 2, 9 & 16 August 2023 at 7.00pm.

Yes, it’s back! And even better! The highly acclaimed Double Act Murder Mystery Walks are back this summer.

The starting point is in the North Castle Field, opposite the Castle View National Trust car park, just north of the Corfe Castle ruins on the A351. Double Act drama group have permission for their customers to use this car park for the evening.

What could be more atmospheric for a murder mystery than a twilight walk in the shadow of the ruins of the great castle? However, the walk will involve steep rough paths and long grass, and although they will finish before dark for safety reasons, anyone taking part does so at their own risk. Due to the popularity of the past walks and a necessity to restrict numbers for safety, it is strongly recommended that early bookings be made by purchasing tickets online.

Tickets are just £5 a head (under 5s free).

An experience not to be missed!

Highcliffe Charity Players; Tickets: £15; Available online; Bring your own drinks and nibbles for interval supper - all proceeds to local charities.

Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT); Tickets available online. Full details of performance dates (with contingency dates in case of bad weather), return boat travel and prices available on BOAT's website.

New Forest Players 

Calendar Girls

Written by Tim Firth

Based on Film by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth

Directed by Lyn Lockyer

When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow WI members to pose nude with them for an ‘alternative’ calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

New Forest Players are proud to be supporting Oakhaven Hospice with their production of Calendar Girls and hope that you will consider dropping a few coins (or notes), along with a smile, in their collecting buckets.

Tickets: £13 (NFP Members £8); Available via phone 01425 542414 or online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT]; Tickets: Full adult £15 - £17, Concessions £14 - £16 (Over 60s, students, Under 16s, NHS staff and Armed Forces), booking charges may apply; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: £12.00; Available online.

JT Productions; Tickets: £12 (plus booking fee); Available online.

Double Act drama group

Murder Walk By The Castle

The year is 1330 and a young Edward III rules England but under the ‘protection’ of his mother, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer. His father, Edward II, was unpopular and, after an uprising led by his estranged wife, had been deposed from the throne and kept imprisoned at various castles before apparently being murdered in an extremely unpleasant way at Berkley Castle. But then a rumour started that the old king was still held prisoner at Corfe Castle and his brother Edmund dispatched a Friar to Corfe to investigate. What did he find out?

Was it all political subterfuge?  Was Edward II still alive or was it his ghost?

All will be revealed along with many other surprises at Corfe Castle on Wednesdays 19 & 26 July and 2, 9 & 16 August 2023 at 7.00pm.

Yes, it’s back! And even better! The highly acclaimed Double Act Murder Mystery Walks are back this summer.

The starting point is in the North Castle Field, opposite the Castle View National Trust car park, just north of the Corfe Castle ruins on the A351. Double Act drama group have permission for their customers to use this car park for the evening.

What could be more atmospheric for a murder mystery than a twilight walk in the shadow of the ruins of the great castle? However, the walk will involve steep rough paths and long grass, and although they will finish before dark for safety reasons, anyone taking part does so at their own risk. Due to the popularity of the past walks and a necessity to restrict numbers for safety, it is strongly recommended that early bookings be made by purchasing tickets online.

Tickets are just £5 a head (under 5s free).

An experience not to be missed!

Double Act drama group

Murder Walk By The Castle

The year is 1330 and a young Edward III rules England but under the ‘protection’ of his mother, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer. His father, Edward II, was unpopular and, after an uprising led by his estranged wife, had been deposed from the throne and kept imprisoned at various castles before apparently being murdered in an extremely unpleasant way at Berkley Castle. But then a rumour started that the old king was still held prisoner at Corfe Castle and his brother Edmund dispatched a Friar to Corfe to investigate. What did he find out?

Was it all political subterfuge?  Was Edward II still alive or was it his ghost?

All will be revealed along with many other surprises at Corfe Castle on Wednesdays 19 & 26 July and 2, 9 & 16 August 2023 at 7.00pm.

Yes, it’s back! And even better! The highly acclaimed Double Act Murder Mystery Walks are back this summer.

The starting point is in the North Castle Field, opposite the Castle View National Trust car park, just north of the Corfe Castle ruins on the A351. Double Act drama group have permission for their customers to use this car park for the evening.

What could be more atmospheric for a murder mystery than a twilight walk in the shadow of the ruins of the great castle? However, the walk will involve steep rough paths and long grass, and although they will finish before dark for safety reasons, anyone taking part does so at their own risk. Due to the popularity of the past walks and a necessity to restrict numbers for safety, it is strongly recommended that early bookings be made by purchasing tickets online.

Tickets are just £5 a head (under 5s free).

An experience not to be missed!

Double Act drama group

Murder Walk By The Castle

The year is 1330 and a young Edward III rules England but under the ‘protection’ of his mother, Isabella, and her lover, Mortimer. His father, Edward II, was unpopular and, after an uprising led by his estranged wife, had been deposed from the throne and kept imprisoned at various castles before apparently being murdered in an extremely unpleasant way at Berkley Castle. But then a rumour started that the old king was still held prisoner at Corfe Castle and his brother Edmund dispatched a Friar to Corfe to investigate. What did he find out?

Was it all political subterfuge?  Was Edward II still alive or was it his ghost?

All will be revealed along with many other surprises at Corfe Castle on Wednesdays 19 & 26 July and 2, 9 & 16 August 2023 at 7.00pm.

Yes, it’s back! And even better! The highly acclaimed Double Act Murder Mystery Walks are back this summer.

The starting point is in the North Castle Field, opposite the Castle View National Trust car park, just north of the Corfe Castle ruins on the A351. Double Act drama group have permission for their customers to use this car park for the evening.

What could be more atmospheric for a murder mystery than a twilight walk in the shadow of the ruins of the great castle? However, the walk will involve steep rough paths and long grass, and although they will finish before dark for safety reasons, anyone taking part does so at their own risk. Due to the popularity of the past walks and a necessity to restrict numbers for safety, it is strongly recommended that early bookings be made by purchasing tickets online.

Tickets are just £5 a head (under 5s free).

An experience not to be missed!

Broadstone Players; Tickets: Evening £15 (includes supper of fish/sausage/veggie nuggets & chips), Matinee £10 (includes tea and cake); Available via phone (01202 678449), email or from Broadstone News on The Broadway in Broadstone.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £14; Available from Box Office (0333 666 3366 - booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

All Saints Dramatic Society [ASDS]; Tickets: £12; Available from the Box Office (07548 100770) or online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: £15 (includes supper of fish/sausage/veggie nuggets & chips); Available via phone (01202 678449), email or from Broadstone News on The Broadway in Broadstone.

BacktoBack Theatre

Bounce

Written by Tom Derrington

Directed by Kitty Cecil-Wright

Jesse is electric! A self-made millionaire, motivational life coach, best feeling author and showman. He travels the world helping tens of thousands of people uncover their true purpose and take control of their destiny. But when a young man living with depression is transformed during one of Jesse’s intense live events, things quickly unravel. Sylvia, his mother, is desperate to find out what happened to her son. Unable to understand, she books herself a ticket, takes a seat in the front row and seeks to uncover the answers she needs.

A play about the force of parental love and the self help circus.

GUIDANCE: Recommended For Age 16+ (Strong language and some upsetting themes.)

Doors open from 6:00 pm for bar and food, performance at 8:00 pm

Tickets: Bounce £14.00, Bounce Concession Ticket £12, Bounce and Meal Deal £25; Available from Box Office (01202 280802) or online.

Bishopstoke Players; Tickets: £12 (Under 18s £8); Available via phone (07871 006551), email or online. Proceeds will be donated to the charity, Action for Children.

Christchurch G&S Society

HMS Pinafore

Director: Sarah Oliver

Musical Director: Ieuan Davies

Enjoy an evening (or afternoon) at a fabulous Art Deco theatre and watch Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore performed by a NODA award-winning company in the unique setting of a Royal Naval Submarine!

This is an up-to-date version of the show, full of wonderful, amusing characters but still containing the well-known, well-loved music and songs.

Tickets: Full £19, Concessions £18, Students/Under 16s £6; Available via Box Office (01202 499199) or online.

Chesil Theatre 

The new season at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, opens with two modern plays to make an evening of contrasting drama.

Five Stories From 15 Heroines 

By Chinonyerem Odimba, Lettie Precious, Bryony Lavery, Charlotte Jones and Samantha Ellis

Directed by Daisy Norwood

Everyone has heard of the swaggering Greek heroes who went on epic voyages, fought valiant battles and overcame fearsome monsters – but what of their wives and lovers left behind? Two thousand years ago, the poet, Ovid, wrote a series of fictional letters called The Heroines, which showed the desires and innermost feelings of these queens, sorcerers, pioneers, poets and politicians.

In 2020, some of these letters were dramatized as 15 monologues. The Chesil will be presenting five of these bite-sized, beautifully written short plays to give voice to the heroines.

Trestle

By Stewart Pringle

Directed by Martin Humphrey

Trestle by Stewart Pringle is the story of two older people. Harry sees these later years as a winding down of his life, while Denise is living them with all the gusto she can. When their paths cross at the village hall, their understanding of the time they have left changes irrevocably. What do community, growing old, and falling in love really mean? And who gets to decide anyway? Trestle won the prestigious Papatango New Writing Prize in 2017, was premiered at the Southwark Playhouse and has been performed by many companies since.

Heroines' director, Daisy Norwood, joined the Chesil in 2022 in contrast to the director of Trestle, Martin Humphrey, who has been a member for 35 years and has been involved with many productions.

Tickets: Adults £16, Student/Under 18s £10, Group £14.40 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Studio Theatre Salisbury 

Last Summer At Bluefish Cove

Written by Jane Chambers

Directed by Philippa Crundwell

Jane Chambers’s groundbreaking play comes to Studio Theatre this October. It's 1980 in Long Island, New York. Across the US, homophobia is rife, and it’s thirty-five years before same-sex marriage will be legalised. Seven friends take refuge at Bluefish Cove – a secret seaside haven – where they can live and love freely. When a straight woman named Eva wanders unknowingly into their midst, romance and drama ensue, and by the end of the summer, everyone’s lives are changed forever.

NB: Strong Language, sexual references, smoking on stage, and themes of terminal illness and cancer. Age guidance 12+ 

Tickets: Full £12; Under 16s £8; SYT Members £5; Available from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row, Salisbury (01722 342860) or online.

Bournemouth & Boscombe Light Opera Company [BBLOC]; Tickets: £19.50 - £29.50, Family Tickets available; Available online.

Southampton Musical Society; Suitable for 12+ years; Tickets: Full £18, Over 60s £15.50, Student £12 - £15.50, Under 16s £15.50; Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions [P&P Productions]

InSpired To Sing - Songs Of The Seventies

(Choir in a Day Workshop)

Following the success of their first two workshops, P&P Choir (part of Poole & Parkstone Productions) are pleased to be hosting another on Saturday 14 October. This year's theme is Songs from the Seventies.

Spend a day singing as part of a massed choir as you workshop and perform some of the greatest hits from The Seventies. From show tunes to chart-topping smash hits, there's sure to be something for every voice. You don't need to be in a choir, or an existing member of P&P, just be keen to sing. No matter if you have lots of experience or just a little, the day will be suitable for all levels.

The workshop will be led and conducted by Jane McDouall, an accomplished singing teacher and performer, and Musical Director of the P&P Singers and their community choir InSpire Daytime Voices.

Cost of the workshop is just £15 per person for the day, with hot drinks included. Family and friends are invited to join P&P at the end of the day for an informal concert to share all you have learnt during the day.

Workshop: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Registration opens 9:30 am); £15 per person - register online, via email, or via phone (Jane - 07770 774879).

Performance: from 4:15 pm (Doors open at 4:00 pm); Entrance to this performance is free, with donations to P&P's sponsored charity Ehlers-Danlos Support UK (EDS UK) warmly welcomed.

Ferndown Drama

Out Of Focus

Written by Peter Gordon

Directed by Estelle Hughes

An unfortunate over-booking of the Church Hall results in a gathering of a wonderful mix of local characters, ranging from Evonne, the nervous Vicar's wife, to Leonard, a man intent on delivering a talk on steam locomotives to anyone who will listen!

As rehearsals proceed, alliances are forged and switched as the opening night looms...

Tickets: £12; Available online.

Wimborne Drama Productions

Rehearsal For Murder

Adapted for the Stage by DD Brooke

Directed by Tracey Nicholls

A classic 1980s TV thriller, re-imagined for the stage, is Wimborne Drama Productions’ choice of play for their autumn production at the Tivoli Theatre.

Rehearsal for Murder has been adapted by DD Brooke from the TV play written by the legendary award-winning writing team of Richard Levinson and William Link, whose work includes Murder, She Wrote and Columbo.

Playwright Alex Dennison is left heartbroken when his fiancée and leading lady Monica Welles is found dead from an apparent suicide after the opening night of her stage debut. On the anniversary of that ill-fated night, Alex assembles the same cast and crew in the same theatre, for a reading of his new play. But as the reading begins, it becomes clear that Alex believes that Monica was murdered and he intends to uncover her killer…

Director Tracey Nicholls explains the appeal of the play: “Everyone loves a good murder mystery – nothing too nasty, just a good excuse to take on the role of detective and try to work out ‘whodunnit’.

“Rehearsal For Murder, set in an empty theatre, combines my love for both theatre and the murder mystery genre. It has everything you could want from a good suspense thriller – engaging characters, a brilliant plot with more twists than a country lane, and moments of high tension balanced with nuggets of humour. Best of all, the beautiful Art Deco Tivoli Theatre is itself a star of the show!

“This October let us entertain you with this thoroughly enjoyable cracker of a play.”

The cast are Rob Cording-Cook, Tracie Billington-Beardsley, Rosie Nye, Colin Pile, Michelle Barter, Lindsay McGowan, David Beddard-Banks, James Bourner, Andy Gill, Russ Guillaume, Suzanne Viney, Richard Scotson and Calum Hearne.

Rehearsal for Murder will be performed at the Tivoli Theatre from 19 – 21 October, with evening performances at 7:30pm (tickets £16) and a Saturday matinee at 2:30pm (£14). To book, telephone the Tivoli Box Office on 01202 885566 or book online.

This amateur production is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois, USA.

Poole & Parkstone Players [P&P Players]

One Act Plays

The P&P Players return to The Spire, Poole this October with their popular One Act Plays series.

None The Wiser

A comedy written by Anthony Booth

Directed by Clare I'Anson

A gang of women posing as nuns are operating a successful shoplifting racket. The trouble is that at home in their convent they have to look the part, and when two nuns seeking accommodation appear at the door, they can't turn them away. However, the newcomers aren't what they seem either.

The Right Honourable Lady

A drama written by Francis Beckett

Directed by Lauren Keene

Journalist Flavia has been poached from the BBC by tabloid newspaper, The Daily Trumpet. Her brief – to dig up the dirt on her old friend Nicola Macdonald, now Secretary of State. In the pursuit of investigating more serious corruption in the government, Flavia must first expose sordid secrets which threaten to destroy careers and marriages. To what length will people go to get what they want?

Tickets: £10; Available  online, email, in person at The Spire Office, High Street, Poole or via phone (Clare - 07956 996656).

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £14; Available from Box Office (0333 666 3366 - booking fee applies to phone bookings) or online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre 

The Lying Kind

Written by Anthony Neilson

Directed by Rachael de Courcy Beamish

Two policemen have to tell a distinctly odd, elderly couple some terrible news, but what if it’s too much for them?

An imminent lynching hardly helps in what is (surprisingly!) a hugely entertaining and bizarre black comedy/farce that will have the audience in stitches…

The play is being staged at Bournemouth Little Theatre from 24 – 28 October 2023 at 7:45pm each evening.

Tickets: Full £14, Concessions – Seniors and students £12, Members £8; Available online.

New Forest Players 

Dead Reckoning

Written by Eric Chappell

Directed by Janet Courtice

A renowned artist is caught up in a maze of chilling mind games and deceit. Who is the mysterious Mr Todd and how far is artist Tony Read prepared to go in discovering who killed his adored first wife?

Tickets: £13 (NFP Members £8); Available via phone 01425 542414 or online.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full £15, Concessions £14 (online booking fee applies); Available online.

Castle Players; Tickets: £10; Available via phone (01202 912351) or online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: £12; Available by phone (023 8029 2531) or online.

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Theatre

Cinderella - A Twisted Tale

Cinderella - A Halloween twist!

The story of Cinderella is a beautiful fairytale, but this Halloween, Cinderella has a different story to tell! Magic has fallen into the wrong hands; will Cinderella ever get her Prince?

If good falls for evil it could become quite tragic!

Performances: 26 - 27 October @ 7:30 pm,  Saturday 28 October @ 10:30 am (Relaxed performance *), 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm.

Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions £10, Children £8 (* Relaxed Performance: Adults £10, Concessions £8, Children £6); Available from Box Office (01202) with further information available online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]; Due to scenes of an adult nature – sex, violence, isolation and suicide – this show is recommended for people aged 16 and over. Tickets: £13.20 (Concessions* £4) * Student, child, senior, disability and low income. You may be asked for proof of eligibility; Available online.   

BBV Theatre

Wilde: Love & Power

Scenes from Oscar Wilde

Directed by William Baggs

Cast: David Jobson, Neil Maddock, Simon “Carter” Mewett, and Simon White

Coming to Maskers Studio in November, BBV Theatre presents Wilde: Scenes of Love and Power.

Two nights only, so don’t miss it! Thursday 2 November at 7:30pm and Friday 3 November at 8pm.

Oscar Wilde is well known for his light, fluffy and humorous plays. However, some of his characters face serious dilemmas and, in this production, BBV Theatre will guide you through a choice selection of scenes from Wilde’s work covering the subjects of love, marriage and power. To add to the entertainment, all the roles (including the women) will be played by men. So, if you fancy a bit of fun and some froth too, come and join us!

Tickets: £14; Available online.

Castle Players; Tickets: £10; Available via phone (01202 912351) or online.

Lymington Players

Rose

Written by Andrew Davies

Directed by Sara Yarwood

Rose is a play set in the ‘80s about a primary school teacher who is dissatisfied with her life, both at home and at school. Her new ways of working impress the primary school adviser but are not welcomed by the traditional headmistress, who feels strong discipline is the key to the progress the school has made. Rose's husband, Geoffrey, has lost the energy to cope and struggles to understand what is required at work and within his marriage. Sally, Rose's best friend, also has a husband who has failed to live up to his previous promise as an aspiring musician and songwriter, and now spends his days drinking Southern Comfort. The play focuses on people's genuine concerns – their families, their children and their careers. There are no heroes or villains in the play. Will Rose manage to break free from the life she has created, or will she end up trapped into conformity?

Tickets on sale from 2 October 2023: Full price £14, LCA Members £12; Available via phone (01590 672337), in person at reception or online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]; Due to scenes of an adult nature – sex and violence – this show is recommended for people aged 14 and over. Tickets: £13.20 (Concessions* £4) * Student, child, senior, disability and low income. You may be asked for proof of eligibility; Available online. 

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Tickets: Adult £15, Child £8; Available via email or online.

Chesil Theatre; Tickets: Adults £12, Student/Under 18s £10, Group £14.40 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Redlynch Players; SOLD OUT

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full £15 - £18, Concessions (Over 60s, Under 16s, Students) £14 - £17, NHS Staff £15.50; Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Zenith Theatre Company; Signed Matinee performance; Tickets: Adults £10, Under 16s £5, Group Saver £25 (2 adults & 2 children under 16); Available online.

Milton Musical Society

Departures: A Musical Journey

What happens when a busy airport comes to a grinding halt? Who are the passengers left stranded there? Where were they going? How will they pass the time?

The answers to these questions, and more, will be revealed in the next musical extravaganza by the Milton Musical Society! With songs from Book Of Mormon, Chicago, Matilda, La La Land and The Greatest Showman to name but a few, Departures will be at the Forest Arts Centre from 29 November – 2 December 2023 at 7:30pm with an additional show at 2:30pm on Saturday 2 December.

Tickets: £15; Available from Box Office (01425 619983) or online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]; Contains themes of threat, violence and death. This show is suitable for people aged six and over. Tickets: £13.20 (Concessions* £4) * Student, child, senior, disability and low income You may be asked for proof of eligibility. Available online. 

Studio Theatre; Mild swearing throughout, age guidance 12+ Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £8, Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £35; Available from Salisbury Information Centre, phone 01722 342860 or online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre 

The Ghost Train

Written by Arnold Ridley

Directed by Lindsay Jones

This is a real festive frightener – a spooky comedy set in a Cornish railway waiting room, where stranded rail passengers wait through the night hoping the ghost story they have just been told by the stationmaster isn't true... but is it???

Suitable for all ages from 9 years+

Tickets: £14; Concessions: Seniors and students £12, Members £8; Available online.

New Forest Players 

Dick Whittington

Story by Lee Redwood

Directed by Claire Nicholson

Performances: 28 & 30 December @ 7.00pm; 29 & 31 December @ 2:00pm

Join the New Forest Players for a purrrfect adventure in this traditional pantomime!

Tickets: Adults £13, Children £9; Available from Box Office (01425 542414) or online.

Broadstone Pantomime Productions

Pantoman

Written by David Gigg

Directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger

Written by the incredibly talented David Gigg, Pantoman is a brand new and exciting pantomime, created for Broadstone Pantomime Productions, and will be directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger.

With shockingly average superheroes, dastardly villains intent on cancelling panto forever… and a whole host of pantomime characters you know and love, who meet them on their journey… this season is set to be SUPER!! (See what we did there?!! …)

Oh yes, it is!!

RELAXED PERFORMANCE; All tickets £4; Accompanying carers at no charge; Available in person (Hillier Wilson Estate Agents, 188 The Broadway, Broadstone), via phone (01202 693388) or online.

Mountbatten Players; Performances: Thursday & Friday @ 7:00 pm; Saturday @ 10:30 am, 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm; Sunday @ 10:30 am & 2:30 pm; Tickets: Full £19.00 - £19.50, Concessions (Over 60s, Students, Under 16s & NHS Staff) £15.50 - £16.00; Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Swanage Drama Company; Tickets: Adults £13, Concessions £12, Children £8, Family £35 (2 adults + 2 children); Available online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Tickets: Adult £15, Concessions £12, Child £8, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £39 (booking fees apply); Available viaBox Office (07548 100770) or online.

Broadstone Pantomime Productions

Pantoman

Written by David Gigg

Directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger

Written by the incredibly talented David Gigg, Pantoman is a brand new and exciting pantomime, created for Broadstone Pantomime Productions, and will be directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger.

With shockingly average superheroes, dastardly villains intent on cancelling panto forever… and a whole host of pantomime characters you know and love, who meet them on their journey… this season is set to be SUPER!! (See what we did there?!! …)

Oh yes, it is!!

PERFORMANCES: Friday @ 7:30pm, Saturday @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sunday @ 2:30pm; Tickets: Adult £8, Children & Senior Citizens £4, Family Ticket £22; Available in person (Hillier Wilson Estate Agents, 188 The Broadway, Broadstone), via phone (01202 693388) or online.

Swanage Drama Company; Tickets: Adults £13, Concessions £12, Children £8, Family £35 (2 adults + 2 children); Available online.

Castle Players; Tickets: Adults £10, Under 16s £5; Available via phone (01202 912351) or online.

Broadstone Pantomime Productions

Pantoman

Written by David Gigg

Directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger

Written by the incredibly talented David Gigg, Pantoman is a brand new and exciting pantomime, created for Broadstone Pantomime Productions, and will be directed by Emma-Louise Pottinger.

With shockingly average superheroes, dastardly villains intent on cancelling panto forever… and a whole host of pantomime characters you know and love, who meet them on their journey… this season is set to be SUPER!! (See what we did there?!! …)

Oh yes, it is!!

Tickets: Adult £8, Children & Senior Citizens £4, Family Ticket £22; Available in person (Hillier Wilson Estate Agents, 188 The Broadway, Broadstone), via phone (01202 693388) or online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Tickets: Adult £15, Concessions £12, Child £8, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £39 (booking fees apply); Available viaBox Office (07548 100770) or online.

Chesil Theatre; Tickets: Adults £12, Students / Under 18s £10 (booking fees apply); Available for Friday night only online. All other performances sold out - waiting list applies.

SOS Presents 

Spamalot

Book & Lyrics by Eric Idle

Music by John Du Prez & Eric Idle

Directed by Wayne Reddin

Spamalot is a rollicking musical adventure inspired by the iconic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The show debuted on Broadway in 2005 and soon became a global sensation, winning numerous awards (including the Tony award for Best Musical) and captivating audiences with its irreverent humour and infectious songs. In other words, Spamalot is a show with an impeccable history in entertainment. This makes it the perfect choice for SOS Presents, Southampton’s oldest musical society, which celebrates its centenary in 2024, marking one hundred years of providing top quality entertainment to local audiences.

So, start the new year on a high as you join award-winning SOS Presents in the fantastical realm of Camelot, where King Arthur and his eccentric knights are on a mission to find the Holy Grail. But, of course, with Monty Python’s signature twist, the journey is anything but ordinary.

This amateur production of Spamalot is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), www.theatricalrights.co.uk.

Tickets: £12.50 - £24.50, Concessions and discounts available; Available from the Box Office (023 8071 1811 ) or online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: Adults £12, Children £6, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £35; Available via phone (023 8029 2531) or online.

Bishopstoke Players; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 18s, £8; Available via phone (07871 006551), email or online.

Castle Players; Tickets: Adults £10, Under 16s £5; Available via phone (01202 912351) or online.

Highcliffe Charity Players; Tickets: Standard £16.50, Concessions £15.50; Available from Box Office (01202 499199) or online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £14; Available online.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full Price £15.00 - £18.00, Concessions (Student, Under 16s, Over 60s, NHS Staff) £14.00 - £17.00, Armed Forces £14.00 - £16.00; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Spot On Productions; Tickets: Full Price £15.00 - £18.00, Over 60s £14.00 - £17.50, Student £14.00 - £17.50, Under 16s £14.00 - £17.50, NHS Staff £15.50 - £17.00; Available from Box Office 023 8065 2333 or online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre 

The Memory Of Water

Written by Shelagh Stephenson

Directed by Anne Charbel

This is a poignant and very witty play in which three sisters gather at their mother's home for her funeral. They discuss memories of childhood, which inevitably leads to disagreement on the detail – to great comedic effect!

Their reminiscences and relationships are encapsulated in some very sharp and moving dialogue.

The play won the Sony award for Best Original Drama in 1997, and Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2000.

Tickets: Standard £14 with concessions; Available online.

Waterside Musical Society; Tickets: Adults £15, Children £10 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre (CPYT); Tickets: Full price £16.50 - £18.50, Concessions (Over 60s, Students, Under 16s and NHS Staff) £15.50 - £17.50, Armed Forces £14.00 - £16.00; Available via Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Poulner Players; Saturday matinee SOLD OUT; Tickets: Full price £15, Juniors £12; Available in person at Greyfriars, via phone (0333 666 3366) or online.

Broadstone Players Theatre Company; Tickets: £10; Available in person from Broadstone News, via phone (01202 678449) or by email.

Wimborne Drama Productions

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em

Written by Guy Unsworth

Directed by Rob Cording-Cook

Based on the TV Series by Raymond Allen

Hilarious mishaps and DIY disasters bring the house down, quite literally, as the lovable accident-prone Frank Spencer and his long-suffering wife Betty create comic mayhem in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.

Betty has exciting news for Frank, but he’s preoccupied by possible newfound fame as a magician. With guests arriving for dinner and crossed wires all round, priceless misunderstandings are on the menu.

Based on the 1970s classic TV comedy by Raymond Allen and written by the award-winning Guy Unsworth, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is the ultimate feel-good night out. Quite Frank-ly, you’d be a fool to miss it!

Directed by Rob Cording-Cook, this amateur production of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.

Tickets: Thursday – Saturday Evenings £17, Wednesday Evening & Saturday Matinee £15.

Telephone the Box Office on 01202 885566 or book online (Booking fees may apply).

Lymington Players

And Then There Were None

Written by Agatha Christie

Directed by Edward Funnell

Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal – and a secret that will seal their fate. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins and one by one they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

One of Christie’s darkest tales and a masterpiece of dramatic construction, its growing sense of dread and unfaltering tension will keep you guessing to the very end.

Please note the performance may contain flashing flights and some themes which may cause offence.

Tickets: Centre Members £12, Non-members £14; Available from 22 January 2024 online.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)

The Ballad Of Maria Marten

Play by Beth Flintoff

Directed by Luke Kernaghan

By arrangement with Nick Hern Books

This theatre production is a collaboration between the following courses at Arts University Bournemouth:

BA (Hons): Acting, Performance Design and Film Costume, Costume, and Make Up for Media and Performance

The Ballad Of Maria Marten is a revisionist retelling of a harrowing true crime in 1827, which sheds light on a complex tale of love, loss, prejudice, and patriarchal power.

Despite the fact that this is a true crime dram, this is also very much a story of female friendship and joy, and one that sadly resonates strongly today.

This show is recommended for people aged 12 and over.

Tickets: Full £13.20, Concessions £4 (Student, child, senior, disability and low income; you may be asked for proof of eligibility); Available online.

Ferndown Phoenix Musical Theatre

A - Z Of Musicals & Comedy Sketches

Songs from your favourite musicals, including Sister Act, Blood Brothers, Annie, Titanic, Oklahoma!, Blood Brothers, Kinky Boots – and many more.

Tickets: Adults £12, Children £5; Available online.

Maskers Theatre Company; Performances: Tuesday @ 8.00pm, other nights @ 7.30pm; Tickets: £14; Available online.

Swanage Musical Theatre Company; Tickets: Adults £16, Concessions £15, Child £10; Available from Box Office (0333 666 3366) or online (booking fees apply).

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Tickets: From £12 (no concessions); Available from Box Office (01202 894858), Ticket Source phone (0333 666 4466) or email, or online.

Chesil Theatre; Preview Performance on Friday 5 April - may be affected by technical or other issues; Performances 7:45 pm each evening except on Sunday (only 2:30 pm performance); Tickets: Full £16, Student / Under 18s £10 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre 

The Memory Of Water

Written by Jack Sharkey

Directed by Don Cherrett

A mystery farce with one-liners all the way and a lot of visual humour throughout…

Never has murder been this funny. A spoof of all crime thrillers, it is good clean mirth all the way. The quick smart, extremely well timed dialogue of Jack Sharkey comes through loud and clear with never a dull moment.

Edgar suspects that Mavis, his new second wife, is having an affair. Mavis wants rid of Edgar to inherit his money.

This play runs from comic twist to comic twist from the moment it opens with some wonderful eccentric characters!

Tickets: standard £14 with concessions; available online.

New Forest Players 

Blithe Spirit

Written by Noël Coward

Directed by Claire Nicholson

Blithe Spirit is a comic play by Noël Coward, described by the author as “an improbable farce in three acts”. The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his wilful and temperamental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles’ marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost.

Tickets: Adult £13, NFP Members £8; Available online.

Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society; Tickets: £15; Available online.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Tickets: £12; Available from Box Office (07548 100700) or online.

Studio Theatre; Tickets: £15, Under 16s and SYT Members £8; Available from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row, Salisbury, via phone (01722 342860) or online.

Studio Theatre; Tickets: £15, Under 16s and SYT Members £8; Available from Salisbury Information Centre, Fish Row, Salisbury, via phone (01722 342860) or online.

Cheriton Players

Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters

Written by Terry Pratchett

Adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs

When Duke Felmet murders King Verence and takes over Lancre on the Discworld®, three witches are tasked with protecting the king’s baby son, Tomjon: Granny Weatherwax (intolerant, self-opinionated, powerful), Nanny Ogg (down to earth, common) and Magrat Garlick (innocent, naive, slightly hippy).

In a script that channels inspiration from the juiciest plot twists of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Hamlet, plus a dose of essential HG Wells time-travel, we encounter a wicked duke and duchess, the ghost of the murdered king, dim soldiers, and strolling players, plus a land in peril. And who stands between the Kingdom and destruction? Our three witches.

Tickets are on sale and selling fast!

Tickets: £13; Available online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre (CPYT); Tickets: £15; Available online.

Ferndown Drama

The Ghost Train

Written by Arnold Ridley

Directed by David Pile

Take a journey back to the 1920s with Ferndown Drama when they present The Ghost Train at the Barrington Theatre from 24 – 27 April. This comedy drama written by Arnold Ridley (Dad's Army's Private Godfrey) tells the story of a group of passengers stranded at a remote West Country railway station, facing the prospect of a night in the waiting room. But when the old Stationmaster warns them about the phantom train that haunts the tracks after dark, they are subjected to one chilling moment after another.

This unnervingly hilarious thriller has a ghostly train, sudden death and a travelling parrot, combined with a wet and stormy night, which will keep the audience on the edge of their seats as the tension mounts, sometimes relieved by comical interludes.

Performances are at 7.30pm each evening from Wednesday 24 April to Saturday 27 April, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available online and are priced at £12, also from the Barrington box office.

Lyndhurst Drama & Music Society; Tickets: £12; Available online.

Milton Musical Society

9 To 5 The Musical

Milton Musical Society are excited to be back at the Regent performing 9 To 5 The Musical. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, the musical is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie from Twentieth Century Fox. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains "otherwise engaged", the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can't she?

Performed by the award-winning Milton Musical Society, who have previously performed Kipps – The New Half A Sixpence, Chess, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the highly acclaimed sell out My Fair Lady.

Please Note: This production contains comic sexual reference, light drug use, and the occasional swear word.

Tickets: Full price £21, Concessions £20; Early bird offer: Book before 29 February 2024 and get £1 off each ticket; Tickets available via phone (01202 499199) or online.

Scaramouche Theatre Company

Natural Causes

Written by Eric Chappell

Directed by Anne Ponting

Vincent is a professional suicide aider who has been summoned by Walter Bryce. A host of misunderstandings follow... Will there be an aided suicide? Will there be accidental murder? Who, if anybody, will drink from the poisoned glass? An evening full of misunderstandings and laughter.

Natural Causes is a dark comedy from Eric Chappell, the author of the TV series Rising Damp.

Warning: This show may contain adult themes & language.

Tickets: £14; Available from Box Office (01425 612393) or online.

Southampton Musical Society; Tickets: Full price £18.00, Concessions £15.50 (Over 60s, Students, Under 16s, NHS Staff); Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Romsey Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society [RAODS]; Tickets: £15; Available online.

SUSU Theatre Group; Performances: 8 - 10 May @ 7.30 pm, 11 May @ 5.00 pm; Tickets: Full price £10, Students £7, PA £5; Available to reserve online (to pay for on collection).

Castle Players; Tickets: £10; Available via phone (01202 912351) or online.

Studio Theatre; Triple comedy bill - English For Pony Lovers, Violetta and Lady Molly Of Scotland Yard; Tickets: £10; Available from Salisbury Information Centre (01722 342860) or online.

Lymington Players

'Allo 'Allo

Written by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft

Directed by Amanda Harber

Based on the hugely successful British television series, which ran for seven seasons, this uproarious comedy relates the adventures of a hapless Café owner, René, in occupied France. You can see all of your favourite TV characters in the flesh, including René's tone-deaf wife Edith, Major-General von Klinkerhoffen and the Gestapo officer, Herr Flick!

René and his wife have stashed a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis in a sausage in their cellar, where two British airmen are also hiding until the Resistance can repatriate them. Communications with London using the wireless that is disguised as a cockatoo add to the many embarrassments this intrepid proprietor endures in the company of his patrons. News that the Führer is scheduled to visit the town inspires tricksters disguised as Hitler to frequent the Café. Meanwhile, René summons all the wit he can muster to save his café and his life.

Please note the performance may contain flashing lights and themes which may cause offence.

Tickets: Full £14, LCA Members £12 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]

La Casa Nova

Written by Carlo Goldoni

Translated by Frederick Davies

Directed by Kenneth Robertson

Performances: Two different casts set in two different time periods: 

Contemporary – 2020s: Wednesday 15 May @ 7.30 pm, Friday 17 May @ 7.30 pm, Saturday 18 May @ 2.30 pm

Period – 1770s: Thursday 16 May @ 7.30 pm, Friday 17 May @ 2.30 pm, Saturday 18 May @ 7.30 pm

This theatre production is a collaboration between the following courses at Arts University Bournemouth:

BA (Hons): Acting, Costume, Make Up for Media and Performance & Performance Design & Film Costume

This production will be performed with alternate casts, one in period dress, the other in contemporary costume. And all set in Venice where classic design transcends the ages. Why now come twice?

Anzoletto has bought an apartment to impress his new wife, Cecilia, who has very particular and demanding tastes. Combined with other problems regarding relatives, workmen, bailiffs and a pair of young lovers, there is confusion, intrigue and exorbitant costs. How will his marriage survive? Find out in this hilarious play, penned by the Italian master of farce, Carlo Goldoni.

Tickets: £13.20, Concessions £4 (Student, child, senior, disability and low income. You may be asked for proof of eligibility.); Available online.

Bishopstoke Players; Tickets: Full price £12, Under 18s £8; Available via phone (07871 006551), email or online; Proceeds will be donated to the charity Action for Children.

Maskers Theatre Company

Murder In The Studio

Written by Agatha Christie

Three murderers, one detective and plenty of mysteries – will the villain be stopped in time; does the punishment fit the crime?

Maskers presents three murder mystery radio plays for a studio audience, written by the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie, set across several decades from 1930s to 1950s, the running theme is a mysterious phone call, and of course a murder!

Featuring Personal Call, in which James Brent is haunted by his dead wife starting with a mysterious telephone call, can she really be calling from beyond the grave?; Yellow Iris, in which Hercule Poirot finds himself in the middle of an old unsolved murder case when called to attend the hotel Jardin des Cygnes – can he solve the mystery of the unusual death before someone else is hurt?; and Butter In A Lordly Dish, in which we find out if vengeance really is a dish best served cold, and debate about the meaning of justice.

A game is afoot, the call has been made, the players are in play – let the murders begin!

Tickets: £14; Available via phone (0333 666 3366) or online.

Broadstone Players Theatre Company; Tickets: £10; Available to reserve by email or phone (01202 678449).

Redlynch Players; SOLD OUT!

Wimborne Drama Productions

Still Alice

Adapted by Christine Mary Dunford; From the book by Lisa Genova

Directed by Sali Pike

Alice Howland is a university professor at the height of her career when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Fiercely independent, with a husband and two children, Alice strives to make sense of her changing world as her memory begins to fail. This heartbreaking and hopeful adaptation of the award-winning book by Lisa Genova puts Alice onstage with Herself, providing the audience with an extraordinary window into the experience of living with dementia.

The play is directed by Sali Pike and the cast are Julie Sissons, Michelle Barter, Andy Gill, Scarlett Dixon, Calum Hearne, Kelly Webb and Chris Durham.

Wimborne Drama Productions are pleased to support the work of Alzheimer’s Society and will be making a donation in aid of the charity.

Tickets: Online Ticket £19.25 evening / £17.05 Matinee (includes £1.75/£1 .55 online booking fee), Box Office Ticket £17.50 evening / £15.50 Matinee; Available from Box Office (01202 885566) or online.

Centre Stage School of Dance and Performing Arts

Sleeping Beauty: 100 Years Of Enchantment

Be enchanted by this spectacular adaptation of the much-loved tale from the award-winning local school, Centre Stage School of Dance and Performing Arts.

All 350 talented students of the school will bring the story to life in this ambitious production, which is sure to both surprise and delight. A magical show for all the family with music, dance and all the drama of the timeless classic.

Tickets: From £28.50; Available from Box Office (01202 280000) or online.

Bournemouth Musical Theatre Productions [BMT Productions]

The Little Mermaid

Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

Book by Doug Wright

Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, and Disney's classic animated feature, The Little Mermaid is a beautiful love story for all ages and is coming to The Regent! Featuring classic music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, this production will capture your imagination with such classics as 'Part Of Your World', 'Kiss The Girl' and of course, that toe-tapping classic, 'Under The Sea'.

Bournemouth Musical Theatre are excited to return to The Regent stage with their tenth full scale production, a production which promises to immerse its audience deep beneath the waves and take them on a magical journey like no other!

Come and be where the people are, and become part of our world!

Tickets: Standard £21, Concessions £19; Available via phone (01202 499199) or online.

Arts University Bournemouth [AUB]

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Aileen Gonsalves

This theatre production is a collaboration between the following courses at Arts University Bournemouth:

BA (Hons): Acting, Costume, Make Up for Media and Performance & Performance Design & Film Costume

Young lovers run away through a magical wood risking everything to be with each other: would-be actors risk their reputations; and fighting fairies risk the very fabric of our natural world, as hearts and worlds collide in Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy.

Can we step into the unknown, even when the world is upside down and nothing makes sense? Can we take that risk, and trust that love will find a way? Will you come and dance with the king and queen of the fairies, and the king of trouble, Puck? Open your heart, and follow us into the enchanted wood…

Tickets: £13.20, Concessions £4 (Student, child, senior, disability and low income. You may be asked for proof of eligibility.); Available online.

Spot On Productions; Performances: Thursday & Friday @ 7:30pm, Saturday @ 10:30am, 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sunday @ 2:30pm; Tickets: Full Price £15.00 - £17.50, Over 60s £14.00 - £17.00, Student £14.00 - £17.00, Under 16s: £14.00 - £17.00, NHS Staff £14.00 - £17.00; Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) or online.

Blue Butterfly Studios; Performances: Friday @ 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm, Saturday @ 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm, Sunday @ 1:30 pm; Tickets: Adult £15.00, Child £13.00 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

Plaza Suite

Written by Neil Simon

Directed by Caroline Burr

Plaza Suite is American playwright Neil Simon's most popular play. It traces the travails of three very different couples occupying the same New York hotel suite at different times.

Fast paced, moving and hilarious.

Tickets: Standard £14, Concessions £12, Members £8 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions (P&P Productions); Additional performances on Friday @ 11.00 am (schools performance, not on general sale), and Saturday @ 11.00 am (relaxed performance) and 3:00 pm matinees: Tickets: From £22; Available from Box Office (01202 280000) or online.

Scaplens Community Players

Unbroken Bonds - A Woman's War

Written by Katy Nutt

Directed by Robert Rankin

Scaplens Community Players’ next play, Unbroken Bonds – A Woman's War, is set against the backdrop of a war-torn country and explores the lives of ordinary people who lived in the local area in WW2, during a time of great upheaval and change. What impact did it have on their lives and what was the human cost of the conflict? It tells real stories of people who lived here at that time, leading up to D-Day.

Join Scaplens Community Players as they step back into the 1940s, and experience their local history through songs, true stories and their new play Unbroken Bonds – A Woman's War.

To fully immerse yourself and get ‘In The Mood’, why not don your 1940s garb? A prize is on offer for the best outfit, so don’t be shy. Have your photo taken with the cast!

Times: Bar/Food: 6:00 pm, Performance: 8:00 pm; Tickets: Performance, Meal & Drink £22.00, Performance only £11.00 (service fees apply); Available from Box Office (01202 280802) or online.

Swanage Drama Company; Tickets: Adults £14, Concessions £12, Youth Members £8; Available from Box Office 0333 666 3366 (for tickets, fees apply) or online.

Burley Players; Start with meal @ 7:00 pm; Tickets: £16.00 to £20.00 (inc meal); Available online; Select appropriate meal ticket option at point of booking, please advise of any dietary requirements at the Checkout page.

Pinpoint Productions

Stephen Sondheim's Company

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by George Furth

On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks, and even a wedding, his friends – "those good and crazy people [his] married friends" – explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions. Company features a brilliantly brisk and energetic score containing many of Stephen Sondheim's best known songs. Every audience member will see reflections of themselves in at least one of the characters on stage.

Tickets £14 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Studio Theatre; NO performance on Sunday 7 July; Tickets: Adults £15, Under 16s £8, Family ticket (2 adults 2 children) £35; Available from Salisbury Information Centre (01722 342860) or online. Age guidance advisory of 12+ owing to strong language, adult humour and slapstick violence.

SOS Presents

Guys And Dolls

Story and Characters by Damon Runyon

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Based on Book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows

Directed by Sophie Barnard

Luck, love and laughter collide in the glamorous world of Guys And Dolls this summer! With its colourful characters, dazzling dances and standout songs (including ‘Luck Be A Lady’ and ‘Sit Down, You’re Rocking The Boat’) it’s no wonder Guys And Dolls is one of the most loved shows from the golden age of Broadway musicals.

2024 marks the centenary year for SOS Presents. The company’s audience numbers have grown over successive productions at MAST Mayflower Studios, with Seussical (June 2023) and Monty Python’s Spamalot (January 2024) breaking records for SOS audience numbers in their new theatrical home. Given the broad popularity of Guys And Dolls, early booking is strongly advised!

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

Tickets: £12.50 – £24.50, Concessions £2.00 off tickets; EARLY BIRD OFFER – £5.00 off full Band A tickets – OFFER ENDS 7 March 2024; Available from Box Office (023 8071 1881) or online. Group discounts – contact Box Office with enquiries, not available online.

Big Little Theatre School; Tickets: Full price £18.50 - £29.00, Concessions available; Tickets available via Box Office (0300 500 0595) or online.

Zenith Theatre Company; Matinee with Signed Performance; Tickets: £10; Available online.

Chesil Theatre; Tickets: Adults £16, Student/Under 18s £10, Group £14.40 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Unite Youth Theatre

Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Book by David Grieg

Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Shaiman and Marc Shaimen

Based on a novel by Roald Dahl

Songs from the motion pictur by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley

Step into a world of pure imagination as the enchanting Charlie And The Chocolate Factory musical lands in Dorset this summer at the Lighthouse for the first time EVER!

Bring your family along for a delightful experience, as kids enjoy half-price tickets, plus family of 2 adults and 2 children receive discounted tickets!

Be mesmerized by the incredible show, choreographed by the talented Benjamin Mundy and Llandyll Gove. Get ready to be dazzled by their creative moves and captivating performances!

And that’s not all – there may be some sweet treats involved too! Indulge your senses in a magical journey filled with scrumptious delights that will transport you to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure! Book your tickets now and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

For more information and ticket bookings, visit https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/roald-dahls-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/

Join us for a truly magical experience at the Charlie And The Chocolate Factory musical in Dorset!

Maskers Theatre Company

Romeo And Juliet

Written by William Shakespeare

[Open Air Production]

An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed.

Lord Capulet has arranged a party to introduce his daughter, Juliet, to Paris, the man he wants her to marry. A group of masked Montagues gatecrashes the party and Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love, each unaware that the other should be a deadly enemy. In haste, they marry, intending to present their families with a fait accompli. Immediately after the secret wedding, Romeo unwillingly becomes caught up in renewed fighting, which leaves his best friend dead and Romeo guilty of killing Juliet’s cousin in revenge. Romeo is banished from Verona.

Will the lovers see each other again?
Will Juliet be forced into a bigamous marriage with Paris?
Will anything reconcile the Montagues and the Capulets?

NO performance on Sunday 21 July; Outdoor Production (Grounds open prior to the show for picnics); Due to the nature of Shakespearean language and a suicide scene, recommended for ages 12+;

Tickets: Early bird £14, Adult advance £16, Child/student £14, Adult Flex £18.00 (To be used on the booked day or for any subsequent performance of this production); Available via phone (0333 666 3366) or online.

THE EARLY BIRD OFFER RUNS UNTIL 31 MAY 2024 – Tickets from just £14

All information at www.maskers.org.uk.

Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society [RMDS]; Tickets: £18; Available online.

New Forest Players

Goodnight Mister Tom

A Play by David Wood from the Novel by Michelle Magorian

Evacuated from London, ten year old William Beech finds himself living with the reclusive Tom Oakley. From two vastly different worlds the only thing that can bring them together is love and friendship.

Tickets: Adults £13, Child £9, NFP Members £8; Available via phone (01425 542414) or online.

Brownsea Open Air Theatre [BOAT]

Macbeth

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Chaz Davenport

[Open Air Production]

What was the motivation of the witches? Why did the King of Scotland fall into such depravity? Was his Queen the real driving force? Who or what was in charge… really responsible… for the despicable events in 11th Century Scotland?

In arguably the most exciting of all of the Bard’s plays, certainly the most revered, all the themes of Shakespeare’s dark vision of the rise and fall of King Macbeth of Scotland will be brought to life for you on Brownsea Island in 2024.

Performances:

• Wednesday 24 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Thursday 25 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Friday 26July 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Saturday 27 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Monday 29 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Tuesday 30 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Wednesday 31 July 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Thursday 1 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Friday 2 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Saturday 3 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Monday 5 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Tuesday 6 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Wednesday 7 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Thursday 8 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *
• Friday 9 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm
• (Contingency: Saturday 10 August 2024 @ 7:00 pm) *

* When purchasing a ticket for any scheduled performance, patrons are also agreeing to be available for the appropriate contingency date which would be played if the original performance is cancelled. 

Tickets: £30; Available via phone (0300 500 0595) or online. (Subject to availability - some performances are already SOLD OUT!)

For general enquiries, or if you cannot book online or by phone, please contact BOAT via email.  For further information regarding accessibility and transport to Brownsea Island, go to BOAT’s website.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: £12; Available by phone (023 8029 2531) or online.

BlackBox Theatre Company; Tickets: Adult £15, Concessions £13 (fees apply); Available online.

Highcliffe Charity Players; Tickets: Full price £19.50, Concessions £18.50 (£2 of each ticket is a donation to the Regent Development Fund); Available from Box Office (01202 499199) or online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT]; Tickets: Full Price: £18.00 - £19.00, Over 60s: £17.00 - £18.00, Student: £17.00 - £18.00, Under 16 Years: £17.00 - £18.00; Available from Box Office (023 8065 2333) and online.

Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company [BBLOC]; Tickets: £21.50 - £29.50; Available from Box Office (0300 500 0595) or online.

JT Productions and Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society [SADS]; Tickets: £12; Available online.

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre [CPYT]; Tickets £10; Available online.

BlackBox Theatre Company; Tickets: Advance bookings £12 (fees apply), On the door £15; Advance tickets available online.

Bournemouth Little Theatre

Private Lives

Written by Noël Coward

Directed by Barry Gray

Private Lives by Noël Coward is one of the most sophisticated, wickedly entertaining plays ever written and a modern classic.

Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with their new spouses, meet by chance, reignite the old spark, and impulsively elope!

But relationships are never quite that simple, are they…?

Tickets: Standard £14, Seniors and Students £12, Members £8; Available online.

Christchurch G&S Society

The Pirates Of Penzance

Libretto by W.S. Gilbert; Music by Arthur Sullivan

In their 40^th Anniversary year, Christchurch G&S Society has chosen The Pirates Of Penzance as their annual production in September.

It is easy to see why this is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operettas. It is colourful, humorous, and contains many well-known songs, of which two, sung by the comical group of British bobbies, are arguably the best-known in the entire Savoy Operas.

Performances are at The Regent in Christchurch from 5 – 7 September at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets: Full price £20, Concessions £19, Under 16s £8; Available from Box Office (01202 499199) or online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: £15 - evenings includes supper (fish and chips, sausage and chips or Quorn nuggets and chips), matinee includes Dorset cream tea; Available via phone (01202 678449), email or from Broadstone News on The Broadway, Broadstone.

All Saints Dramatic Society; Tickets: E12; Available via Box Office enquiries (07548 100770) or online.

Broadstone Players; Tickets: £15 - includes supper (fish and chips, sausage and chips or Quorn nuggets and chips); Available via phone (01202 678449), email or from Broadstone News on The Broadway, Broadstone.

Maskers Theatre Company; Tickets: £15; Available via Box Office (0333 666 3366) or online.

Bishopstoke Players; Tickets: Full £12, Under 18s £8; Available via phone (07871 006551), email or online (no booking fee online).

Chesil Theatre 

Last Of The Red Hot Lovers

Written by Neil Simon

Directed by Terry Lohr

The first production of the new season at Chesil Theatre, Winchester, is The Last Of The Red Hot Lovers. This witty comedy, written by the shrewd observer of New York life, Neil Simon, is set in the late 1960s. Successful middle-aged, middle-class fish restauranteur, Barney Cashman, realises that life is passing by without anything really exciting happening to him. He wants to get in on this Sexual Revolution he's heard so much about before it’s too late.   But how suave can this wannabe Casanova be when he is constantly worried about his fingers smelling of fish? Typical of his inept approach, he chooses his mother's Upper East Side apartment, which is empty one afternoon a week, as the location for his desired liaisons.

Over three weeks three very different ladies, Elaine, Jeanette and Bobbi arrive who offer opportunities for Barney to stray. Will he succeed?

Barney is played by Chesil favourite, Gary Nicholson. He also appeared in director Terry Lohr’s first production, Educating Rita, which won a NODA 2022 award of excellence. Terry is enjoying working with Gary again and the three actors who play the ladies: Karen Fitzsimmons, Cassandra Powers and newcomer, Jo-Anna Coyningham.

Terry says: “This comedy classic reflects the language and attitudes of the time it was written, but is also timeless as Barney tackles, and is bewildered by, the complexities of seduction.”  

The play runs from Saturday 28 September to Saturday 5 October with curtain up at the new time of 7:30pm.

Tickets: Adults £18.00, Student / Under 18s £12.00, Group £16.20 (booking fees apply); Available online.

Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society; Tickets: Adults £12, Under 16s £9, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £38; Available via phone (023 8029 2531) or online.

Poole & Parkstone Productions [P&P Productions]; Performances: Thursday & Friday @ 7:30pm, Saturday @ 2:30pm; Tickets: £10; Available via phone (0333 666 3366), in person from The Spire Office and online.

New Forest Players

Charade

Written by Janet Shaw

Directed by Len Reid

A bittersweet adult comedy full of humour and pathos.

Following the success of his last production (One Day I’ll Fly Away), Director Len Reid has chosen another comedy written by Janet Shaw.