Wesca, a longstanding group of 25 Wessex artists, is exploring the social history, habitat, landscape and wildlife of local rivers in their exhibition Water River Source.

H is for Hawk follows Helen (Claire Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father (Brendan Gleeson), loses herself in the memories of their time birding and exploring the natural world together and turns the ancient art of falconry–rooted in European tradition–training a wild goshawk named Mabel to navigate her profound loss.

But as she teaches Mabel to hunt and fly free, Helen discovers how deeply she has neglected her own emotions and life. What begins as an act of endurance transforms into an intimate journey of resilience and healing.

Two Artists with Portland in their veins! Paintings and ceramics as a direct response to the contrasting landscape and seascapes of Portland and the Dorset coastline.

A once-celebrated film director, hoping to make a comeback, offers the lead role in his new film to his older daughter, a stage actress, forgetting the trauma he’d caused to both daughters through his absenteeism as a father and the damage caused to their mother as a result of his infidelities.A beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted and very intense family drama. Oscar winner for Best International Feature Film.

Dir: Joachim Trier, 2025, Norway/Germany/Denmark, Subtitles,135 mins

Featuring: Stellan Skarsgard, Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning

Join our Music and Drama Group’s Youth Theatre in their variety show ‘Time to Shine’.

See their passion and creativity – a feast of song, dance, sketches and music, along with their visible love and passion of all things theatrical.

It is their ‘Time to Shine’.

Tickets won’t hang around for long, so grab your now to share the joy.

Join our Music and Drama Group’s Youth Theatre in their variety show ‘Time to Shine’.

See their passion and creativity – a feast of song, dance, sketches and music, along with their visible love and passion of all things theatrical.

It is their ‘Time to Shine’.

Tickets won’t hang around for long, so grab your now to share the joy.

Join our Music and Drama Group’s Youth Theatre in their variety show ‘Time to Shine’.

See their passion and creativity – a feast of song, dance, sketches and music, along with their visible love and passion of all things theatrical.

It is their ‘Time to Shine’.

Tickets won’t hang around for long, so grab your now to share the joy.

Come and find out how to get involved in Shaftesbury Arts Centre Theatre Company’s Winter show.

“The Puzzling Pantomime” is an original piece of work and offers an exceptionally high-energy, interactive experience while immersing the audience in fairytale chaos.

There are 10 main characters with an ensemble of mixed ages to join in the fun. There will be catchy songs to boot and a little something for everyone.

The characters are:

Fred – The Theatre Caretaker
Dolly Dumpling – A Pantomime Dame
Bobby Buttons – Dolly’s Son
Fairy Nuff – The Fairy
Baron Blackheart – The Evil Baron
Gritty – The Baron’s henchman
Nitty – The Baron’s henchman
Robin Hood – A fairy tale character
Puss in Boots – A fairy tale character
Cinders – A fairy tale character

Come and find out how to get involved, more about the story and how to get involved behind the scenes.

Determined to fulfil her late mother’s dream of opening a bakery in charming Notting Hill, 19-year-old Clarissa enlists the help of her mother’s best friend Isabella and her eccentric estranged grandmother Mimi.

These three generations of women will need to overcome grief, doubts and differences to honor the memory of their beloved Sarah while embarking on a journey to establish a London bakery filled with love, hope and colourful pastries from all over the world.

Director: Eliza Schroeder
Featuring: Shelley Conn, Celia Imrie, Shannon Tarbet, Bill Paterson.
Details: UK | Language: English | 2020 | 1h 37m

You may have seen “The Sketchy ladies” around the local beauty spots, capturing particular moments in their sketchbooks with paint, crayon or charcoal. Then taking these home to build on and develop in their studios.

The art group consists of 6 women artists. Samantha Adams, Sharon Dinan, Tamsyn Gregory, Louise King, Nicola Lauder, Annabel Wilson. We are sharing our love for the beautiful landscape and why it’s so special to paint outdoors in nature.

Our mixture of media is watercolour, textile, acrylic, pastel even willow and silver.

This exhibition brings together recent works by artist and writer Peter Ursem. Working in a modern Romantic tradition, Peter’s visual work originates from observation, often but not exclusively of the landscape. Why do some places speak to us and awaken feelings of longing or belonging? Heart is a crucial station on the journey from Eye to Hand.

Heartfelt and funny, the film follows three sisters who return to their childhood home for a momentous weekend: the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother, Diana Frost (Kristin Scott Thomas).

The three daughters are from vastly different walks of life: Katherine (Scarlett Johansson) is a Captain in the Royal Navy; Victoria (Sienna Miller) is a Hollywood star; and Georgina (Emily Beecham) is a hospice nurse. Over the weekend, the family gathers to celebrate the new marriage, but mother and daughters alike are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, all with help from a colorful group of unexpected wedding guests.

A minor accident provokes escalating consequences. A defiant rebuke of authoritarianism, this film still entertains as a gripping thriller. Shot in secret in Iran, it follows a group of former political detainees who accidentally capture their former torturer. Acclaimed for its powerful subject matter and the circumstances of its creation, a masterful blend of dark comedy, moral complexity and suspense.

Dir: Jafar Panahi, 2025, Iran/France/Luxembourg, Subtitles,103 mins
Featuring: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi

Tickets coming soon…

A mainstay of the London art scene since the 1960s, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) has drifted into a cluttered, self – imposed seclusion.

His two estranged children (James Corden, Jessica Gunning) enlist Lori ( Michaela Coel), a young painter and sometime – forger, to pose as a prospective assistant and gain access to a fabled series of unfinished canvases Julian has buried deep in his home studio, in a deceptive bid to secure an inheritance for themselves.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre Music & Drama Group Presents Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. A gripping stage adaptation of the world’s best-selling mystery novel. Ten strangers are lured to the remote Soldier Island off the Devon coast, only to discover that their unseen host has accused each of them of a terrible crime. As a storm rolls in and cuts them off from the mainland, the guests begin to die one by one, following the chilling verses of a nursery rhyme. With suspicion mounting and no escape in sight, the survivors must uncover the killer’s identity before it is too late.

Filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and Christie’s masterful plotting, this classic thriller will keep you guessing until the final curtain.

*This show contains scenes of violence, death, alcohol and smoking*

Age Restriction: 16+

This amateur production of
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd.
www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Shaftesbury Arts Centre Music & Drama Group Presents Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. A gripping stage adaptation of the world’s best-selling mystery novel. Ten strangers are lured to the remote Soldier Island off the Devon coast, only to discover that their unseen host has accused each of them of a terrible crime. As a storm rolls in and cuts them off from the mainland, the guests begin to die one by one, following the chilling verses of a nursery rhyme. With suspicion mounting and no escape in sight, the survivors must uncover the killer’s identity before it is too late.

Filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and Christie’s masterful plotting, this classic thriller will keep you guessing until the final curtain.

*This show contains scenes of violence, death, alcohol and smoking*

Age Restriction: 16+

This amateur production of
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd.
www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Shaftesbury Arts Centre Music & Drama Group Presents Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. A gripping stage adaptation of the world’s best-selling mystery novel. Ten strangers are lured to the remote Soldier Island off the Devon coast, only to discover that their unseen host has accused each of them of a terrible crime. As a storm rolls in and cuts them off from the mainland, the guests begin to die one by one, following the chilling verses of a nursery rhyme. With suspicion mounting and no escape in sight, the survivors must uncover the killer’s identity before it is too late.

Filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and Christie’s masterful plotting, this classic thriller will keep you guessing until the final curtain.

*This show contains scenes of violence, death, alcohol and smoking*

Age Restriction: 16+

This amateur production of
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd.
www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

Shaftesbury Arts Centre Music & Drama Group Presents Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. A gripping stage adaptation of the world’s best-selling mystery novel. Ten strangers are lured to the remote Soldier Island off the Devon coast, only to discover that their unseen host has accused each of them of a terrible crime. As a storm rolls in and cuts them off from the mainland, the guests begin to die one by one, following the chilling verses of a nursery rhyme. With suspicion mounting and no escape in sight, the survivors must uncover the killer’s identity before it is too late.

Filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and Christie’s masterful plotting, this classic thriller will keep you guessing until the final curtain.

*This show contains scenes of violence, death, alcohol and smoking*

Age Restriction: 16+

This amateur production of
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd.
www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

A documentary. Glasgow, 2021: when immigration officials attempt to arrest two Sikh men, local people rally to their defence. One activist, nicknamed ‘Van Man’, slides under the Home Office vehicle, grabs the axle and refuses to move. ‘An amazing story of a community triumph…’ Peter Bradshaw, Guardian.

Dir: Felipe Bustos Sierra, 2026, UK, 99 mins
Featuring: Tabassum Niamat, Aamer Anwar, Kate Dickie, Emma Thompson

OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck.
Adapted by Nigel Miles – Thomas
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International: www.mtishows.co.uk

Set against the harsh backdrop of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men is the story of George and Lennie, two friends with a simple dream: to own a farm and live off the fat of the land. There are times, though, when sharp witted George feels the burden of looking after Lennie, while gentle giant Lennie doesn’t realise his own strength… As they drift from job to job, trouble’s never far away, and before long it’’s time to move on again. When the pair get work in Soledad, California, however, the dream looks set to become a reality. But a tragic turn of events threatens to destroy George and Lennie’s friendship and leaves George faced with an impossible choice.

Starring:
Nigel Miles- Thomas
Michael Roy Andrew
Directed by Larry Lamb

Nigel Miles-Thomas
Nigel has had an extensive career spanning five decades. He has worked with Steven Berkoff, performed a leading role in London’s West End in The Fifteen Streets as well as many of the regional theatres in the UK. Internationally Nigel has performed in the USA and all over Europe and Asia.in over 100 plays. Founder member of The Cherub Theatre and Medieval Players Theatre companies, first performing in Edinburgh at the Fringe in The Two Noble Kinsmen in 1979. .Well known on TV for his appearance in ‘Dr Who’. Grange Hill, as well as many of the UK’s popular programmes. Together with his Fringe Management partner Michael Blaha they produced the first Pantomime in Los Angeles starring Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1993. Last seen in Doha as Sherlock Holmes The Last Act which has since being touring the UK and will be part of the Cunard programme in 2026 on The Queen Mary 2.

Michael Roy Andrew
Since graduating from The Arts Educational Schools in 1984, Michael has appeared in countless theatre productions over the years. Most notably as John Merrick in ‘The Elephant Man’, Dr Frankenstein in ‘Frankenstein’ Puck in ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream, Mercutio in ‘Romeo and Juliet, Dr Watson in ‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes and of course George in Of Mice and Men. He has appeared in several TV and Films including ‘Coronation Street’ Michael is regular, year round cold water swimmer in the Hampstead ponds in London and featured in the recent documentary ‘The Ponds’

Age Restriction: 12+

OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck.
Adapted by Nigel Miles – Thomas
Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International: www.mtishows.co.uk

Set against the harsh backdrop of the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men is the story of George and Lennie, two friends with a simple dream: to own a farm and live off the fat of the land. There are times, though, when sharp witted George feels the burden of looking after Lennie, while gentle giant Lennie doesn’t realise his own strength… As they drift from job to job, trouble’s never far away, and before long it’’s time to move on again. When the pair get work in Soledad, California, however, the dream looks set to become a reality. But a tragic turn of events threatens to destroy George and Lennie’s friendship and leaves George faced with an impossible choice.

Starring:
Nigel Miles- Thomas
Michael Roy Andrew
Directed by Larry Lamb

Nigel Miles-Thomas
Nigel has had an extensive career spanning five decades. He has worked with Steven Berkoff, performed a leading role in London’s West End in The Fifteen Streets as well as many of the regional theatres in the UK. Internationally Nigel has performed in the USA and all over Europe and Asia.in over 100 plays. Founder member of The Cherub Theatre and Medieval Players Theatre companies, first performing in Edinburgh at the Fringe in The Two Noble Kinsmen in 1979. .Well known on TV for his appearance in ‘Dr Who’. Grange Hill, as well as many of the UK’s popular programmes. Together with his Fringe Management partner Michael Blaha they produced the first Pantomime in Los Angeles starring Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1993. Last seen in Doha as Sherlock Holmes The Last Act which has since being touring the UK and will be part of the Cunard programme in 2026 on The Queen Mary 2.

Michael Roy Andrew
Since graduating from The Arts Educational Schools in 1984, Michael has appeared in countless theatre productions over the years. Most notably as John Merrick in ‘The Elephant Man’, Dr Frankenstein in ‘Frankenstein’ Puck in ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream, Mercutio in ‘Romeo and Juliet, Dr Watson in ‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes and of course George in Of Mice and Men. He has appeared in several TV and Films including ‘Coronation Street’ Michael is regular, year round cold water swimmer in the Hampstead ponds in London and featured in the recent documentary ‘The Ponds’

Age Restriction: 12+

An intimate evening with Wareham Whalers, starting with a fish and chip supper before joining them in the Rutter room for an evening of shanties.

What’s not to like? A lively evening of fun and song with a British favourite food to set us all up for a great atmosphere.

Age Restriction: 12+

Tickets: £12 (includes fish & chips or pea fritter & chips. This is a fundraiser so no reductions available, sorry.)

Amid the political turmoil of 1977 Brazil, a technology expert is forced into hiding, and seeks help from the underground resistance as he tries to flee the country with his young son. Nominated for Best Picture at 2026 Oscars.

Dir: Kleber Mendonça Filho, 2025, Brazil, Subtitles, 161 mins
Featuring: Robson Andrade, Rubens Santos, Licinio Januário

From 1953, this season’s Film Society classic. A sensitive and moving story of elderly parents who travel to Tokyo to visit their adult sons and daughters, only to discover their visit is not entirely welcome. Voted ‘the greatest film of all time’ in the 2012 edition of Sight and Sound’s poll of film directors. Check it out and see if it lives up to the accolade!

Dir: Yasujiro Ozu, 1953, Japan, Subtitles, 136 mins
Featuring: Chishu Ryu, Chieko Higashiyama, Toru Abu

Everyone has a story. Your stories matter. Keith Alessi was neither a performer nor a musician before taking to the stage. He was an accountant and corporate CEO! He now shares his unconventional true story of overcoming great obstacles including cancer and how the healing power of music brought him back home to himself.

The grassroots sound of the banjo lures you in and brings you back to a simpler time in life, as Keith takes you on the journey of his story. This show has been highly awarded and reviewed while touring internationally and has profoundly affected audiences everywhere. Themes of forgiveness and the importance of pursuing your passions resonate throughout.

The variety of banjos that join him on stage are all characters and played important roles in his journey.

This is more than a show, it’s a cause. Keith has never accepted any form of remuneration for his performances, instead choosing to donate it to local charities and to Theatres in support of Artist development. As of June 2026 we have raised over $1.3 Million Dollars (CAD) for these causes.

“Storytelling at its best!” ~PLAYBILL
“Be ready to laugh and weep in equal measure.” ~NORTH WEST END UK

Tickets:
Adults: £15
Members, friends, U18s: £12.50