Helen Stiles rounds up her pick of events happening around the county this month
EDITOR’S CHOICE
13 June-11 July - Horse
The horse is without doubt a thing of beauty, and this exhibition at The Gallery at Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester, is a true celebration of this magnificent animal. Curated by award-winning Dorset sculptor Simon Gudgeon, it features new artworks, sculpture and ceramics from national and internationally renowned artists who have a deep appreciation of horses. Many of the artists are horse owners, and some, such as Julie Chapman and Stephanie Revennuagh, have ridden in a professional capacity. With their specialist knowledge these artists capture the exquisite elegance of the equine form, as well as its spirit and movement. A highlight of the exhibition for me are the paintings by British artist Marcus Hodge. He manages to express their equine energy so brilliantly that you can almost feel the sweet hay scented breath of the horse as it snorts and prances.
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EXHIBITION
Until 7 June - Out of the Depths
Purbeck Art Weeks flag ship exhibition at The Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle is inspired by the sea
purbeckartweeks.co.uk.
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Until 8 June - Down to the Sea
Landscapes and seascapes by Weymouth-based artist Angela Goodman feature at Gallery on the Square, Poundbury.
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6-24 June - Katherine Swinfen Eady
This exhibition at the Jerram Gallery, Sherborne features paintings from Katherine’s visits to First World War battlefields in Europe as well as the Inner Hebrides, Provence and her home turf, Salisbury Plain.
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6-27 June - Art on Top 2
Poole and East Dorset Art Society presents a diverse range of paintings and sculpture in various media at Lighthouse, Poole.
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8-12 June - Living Craft
Watch local arts and crafts people demonstrate their skills in the historic setting of Christchurch Priory Church.
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Until 28 June - Jenny Surridge
The award-winning artist exhibits work inspired by the local coastline at Brownsea Island Visitors Centre.
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Until 19 September - A Poetic Eye
Exhibition at Dorset County Museum by Sir David Attenborough’s favourite artist John Craxton, charting Craxton’s journey from the bosky woods of Cranborne Chase to the sun drenched landscapes of Crete.
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MUSIC
3 June - She’Koyokh
Enjoy the rich folk music of Eastern Europe, Turkey and the Balkans with this talented band from London who perform with huge energy and passion.
7.30pm, Buckland Newton Village Hall
artsreach.co.uk; 01300 345455
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3 June - Stacey Kent
The Grammy-nominated singer brings her new album The Changing Lights to the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.
Box office 01202 885566
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5 & 6 June - Alexander Ullman
The award-winning pianist performs Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Debussy. 5 June: Bridport Arts Centre, 11am; 6 June: The Hub, Lyme Regis, 7.30pm
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6 June - BBC Big Band
A celebration of the Great Swing Bands including toe-tapping music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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6 June - Joseph Crane
The young pianist, Joseph Crane, makes his recital debut in a programme of works by Scarlatti, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Debussy and Shostakovich at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester at 7.30pm.
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6 June - The New Elizabethan Singers
A concert featuring works by Antonín Dvo?ák, Leonard Bernstein and John Rutter.
7.30pm; United Church, East Street, Bridport
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7 June - Bryan Ferry
From Virginia Plain to Loop De Li Ferry performs classics from his past as well as tracks from his new album Avonmore.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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10 June - Duotone & The White Bicycles
Duotone, aka Barney Morse-Brown, creates an ethereal soundscape for his poignant lyrics. Indie/electro outfit The White Bicycles weave ambient guitar melodies and sparse drumscapes for Matthew Howe’s poetic lyrics.
Corn Exchange, Dorchester; 01305 267992
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11 June - Mozartissimo
Swansea City Opera take us to an 18th century salon - featuring elaborate costumes and ravishing music charting Mozart’s life, loves and his most memorable operas.
Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis; 01297 442138
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12 June - FB Pocket Orchestra
A cabaret evening of dinner, jazz and dancing with a 1930’s theme at Sladers Yard, West Bay.
01308 459511; sladersyard.co.uk
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13 June - The Acoustic Strawbs
Seventies band perform classic Strawbs hits at this evening gig at Harmans Cross Village Hall.
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13 June - East to West & West to East
Join the Ridgeway Singers & Band in the evocative setting of St George’s Church, Portland at 7.30pm for a concert inspired by the seasons and the maritime traditions of the beautiful South Dorset Ridgeway.
More details 01305 269512
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14 June - Music at Highcliffe
Christchurch Music Centre host a free afternoon concert in the grounds of Highcliffe Castle.
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19 June - Poundbury Summer Opera Evening
Opera Holloway performs Rossini’s sparkling comic opera La Scala di Seta -The Silk Ladder at the Brownsword Hall, Poundbury.
Book at operaholloway.co.uk
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25 June - Chris Wood
The award-winning English folk musician and composer entertains at Sladers Yard.
01308 459511; sladersyard.co.uk
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27 June - Dorset County Orchestra
Sibelius, Grieg and Tchaikovsky feature at this concert at 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church, Swanage.
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PERFORMANCE
4 & 6 June - A Strange Wilde Song
Three children encounter a lost American soldier in war torn France, decades later his camera reveals an astonishing story in this exciting performance by Rhum and Clay.
4 June: Corn Exchange, Dorchester 01350 267992; 6 June: Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis 01297 442138
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6 June - The Imagination Museum
Mildred, Henry and Harriet, take you on a dance-inspired family tour of museum artefacts at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth.
Pavilion Dance South West; 01202 203630; pdsw.org.uk
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7 June - Noah
The Saltmine Theatre Company takes you on an exciting musical family adventure with Noah and his ark of puppet animals.
Regent, Christchurch’ 01202 499199
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10 June - As You Like It
Shakespeare performed by the Festival Players in the grounds of Highcliffe Castle. Bring low-backed seating or rugs.
Tickets - 01425 278807
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10–13 June - Oliver!
Bournemouth Musical Theatre perform one of our most popular British musicals at Regent Christchurch, 01202 499199
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11 June - Richard Herring: Lord of the Dance Settee
The King of Edinburgh is in a frivolous mood with this stand up show about daftness.
Electric Palace; 01308 424901
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11 June - Silver Screen Tour
The Jazz Dance Company celebrate dance from movies and musicals to todays pop videos.
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
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19-21 June - The Cat In The Hat
The much loved characters created by Dr Seuss, step out of the page and onto the stage.
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
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20 June - Mitch Benn: Don’t Believe a Word
BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show performer debunks myths, exposes nonsense and grapples with the very nature of existence at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 01297 442138
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21 June - Hop
Nevski Prospekt and Moko Dance’s show is all about the dream of flying, of never giving up and the special relationship between a father and a son.
Pavilion Dance South West; 01202 203630; pdsw.org.uk
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24 June - A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Quantum Theatre perform Shakespeare’s romantic tale in the beautiful grounds of Highcliffe Castle.
Box office 01425 278807
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25-28 June - Pride & Prejudice
Wimborne Drama Productions brings Jane Austen’s love story of Lizzie and Mr Darcy to the beautiful gardens of Deans Court, Wimborne.
Box office 01202 885566
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27 June - An Evening of Flamenco
Ester Tal’s Flamenco Academy presents an inspirational evening of exhilarating rhythmical footwork and choreography.
Regent Centre, Christchurch; 01202 499199
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27-28 June - The Beaux Stratagem
Rakes, lovers, desperate housewives and horse thieves feature in this Restoration Comedy from The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. 27, June Frampton Village Hall; 28 June, The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.
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27 & 28 June - The Canterbury Tales
The Wessex Actors Company bring Chaucer’s bawdy tales bang up to date in this first class production. 27 June, Nothe Fort, Weymouth; 28 June, Upton Country House Poole.
More details wac-tour.com
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BEST OF THE REST
5 June - Jurassic Coast Seabird Cruise
Join the Durlston Rangers for an evening cruise to seek out guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
Booking essential 01202 467882 or citycruisespoole.com.
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6-7 June - Norman Falconry
Discover how William the Conqueror used birds to hunt in the Purbeck Forest at this display at Corfe Castle (also at Corfe, Tudor Falconry 20-21 June).
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7 June - Open Farm Sunday
Middlebere and Hartlands farms open their gates as part of this nationwide event to show the public where their food comes from. Tractor-trailer rides, farm safaris, wildlife themed activities and local food and drink stalls. Gates open 11am to 4pm.
Find out about other Dorset Open Farms at farmsunday.org
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12 June - Charity Evening
Bournemouth’s Vintage Emporium in Christchurch Road hosts a fun-filled evening of vintage, curios and live entertainment in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice.
facebook.com/charityauctionatbve
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13-14 June - Vintage Tractor and Engine Rally
The annual West Dorset Vintage Rally at the Melplash Show site at West Bay.
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14 June - Midsummer Meadow Walk
Join local botanist, Ted Pratt for a guided walk through the wildflower meadows at Durlston. Meet at Durlston Castle 2.30pm.
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20 June - Chettle Fete
A traditional Dorset village fete featuring welly wanging, cow pat bingo and the scrummiest strawberry cream teas in the county. Just follow the strawberry adorned signs
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20-21 June - A Stitch in Time
St Mary’s Church, Puddletown hosts this Flower Festival which also celebrates the exquisite church needlework of textile artist Kirsten Webb.
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21 June - Writing Historical Fiction
Inspirational workshop with historians and short-story writers, Frances and Tom Colville, at Grey Cottage, Askerswell.
More details writinglife.co.uk or call 01308 485169
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21 June - Solstice by Torchlight Carnival
Walk along the sea front at Lyme Regis by torchlight starting at midnight. Torches on sale in Cobb Gate Car Park (at the bottom of town) from 11.30pm onwards.
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21 June - Evershot Country Fair
To celebrate the summer solstice enter a ‘sun symbol’ treasure hunt, dad’s celebrating Father’s Day can browse classic cars from Transport of Yesteryear. Over 80 stalls, live music, food marquee and arena entertainments.
