From autumn art exhibitions and comedy legends to finding a dinosaur’s funny bone, Helen Stiles rounds up her pick of events happening around the county this month
EXHIBITIONS
Until 3 October - The A Road to Art
The A303 links London to the West Country, but for half a century it has also united a group of contemporary artists. ‘Artists 303’ was founded in Ilminster in 1965 and this year the group is marking its 50th birthday with a celebratory exhibition at Ilminster Arts Centre featuring work by current and past members.
More details at themeetinghouse.org.uk.
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1-14 October - Fluid Lines
This exhibition at the Courtyard Gallery, Town Mill in Lyme Regis features the work of Ann Pengelly a stained glass maker of leaded windows, glass etching and painted glass panels. It also features the ‘Doodle Dances’ of Elizabeth Richie, drawings which reflect her past career as a dancer.
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3-21 October - Marcus Hodge
From the rocky stillness of Scotland to the warmer hues of the olive groves of Mallorca and Provence, Marcus Hodge’s large landscape canvases, often evoke the style of John Singer Sargent in their use of brushwork and manner of painting.
Jerram Gallery, Sherborne
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8 – 13 October - Ritual and Ceremony
Exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre in Bell Street, featuring exciting new work in clay by Graham Nolan.
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9 - 26 October - A Harvest of Art
Paintings, drawings and sculpture by members of Poole & East Dorset Art Society at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park.
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9-26 October - Pushing the Boundaries
Exhibition at The Hayloft Gallery, Christchurch featuring watercolours by Susan Knights, landscapes by Linda Patterson, striking contemporary jewellery by Marion Walls and quirky hats and textiles from Pip Muddle and Brenda Weeks.
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16-21 October - Edna Dorrington: A Retrospective
A tribute to one of Lyme Regis’s most treasured amateur artists who won legions of fans with her interpretation of Lyme’s beaches, streets and allotments, done in her own inimitable naive style.
The Courtyard Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis
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Until 24 October - Still Life: Paintings and Drawings 1936-2015
Exhibition at the Art Stable in Child Okeford featuring work by 40 artists from the 1930’s to the present including Charlie Baird, Georgina von Etzdorf and Tom Hammick.
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Until 1 November - Contemporary Stitched Textiles
Yvonne Morton references the preciousness of cloth in many cultures with here handmade textiles of silk, flax and raffia, which reveal another side to a simple piece of clothing.
Highcliffe Castle, near Christchurch
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Until 1 November - Marzia Colonna and Petter Southall
This exhibition at Sladers Yard in West Bay features new collage and sculpture from Marzia Colonna and exquisite furniture by Petter Southall.
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MUSIC & DANCE
4 October - The Big Sing
Spend the day singing with hundreds of others as you workshop and then perform Carmina Burana, one of the most exciting choral works ever written.
Lighthouse Poole, 0844 406 8666
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8-10 October - Ensemble Perpetuo
The chamber ensemble performs works by Krommer, Britten, Martinu and Mozart at this Concerts in the West event.
9 Oct: 11am Coffee Concert at Bridport Arts Centre, 01308 42420; 10 Oct: 7.30pm, The Hub, Church Street, Lyme Regis, 01297 442594).
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10 October - Mugenkyo Drummers
Thundering rhythms on huge taiko drums, mysterious masked choreography and humour combine in this spellbinding display of sheer musical athleticism.
Lighthouse Poole, 0844 406 8666
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11 October - Bournemouth Chamber Music Society
Celebrated pianist Angela Brownridge opens this local music society’s 72nd season with works by Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy.
3pm, Kimmeridge Hall, Bournemouth University. Box office 01202 499199
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18 October - Dr Hook featuring Ray Sawyer & Support
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the legendary band with the actual Dr. Hook - Ray ‘Eye Patch’ Sawyer and of course all the hits!
Lighthouse Poole, 0844 406 8666
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24 October - An Audience with Lesley Garrett
Join Britain’s most popular soprano for a delightful evening of song, reminiscences and chat at the Regent, Christchurch.
Box Office: 01202 4994199
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29 October - 5/0 Triple Bill
Joss Arnott Dance presents a high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled evening of dance and live music with the mistress of the mallets Dame Evelyn Glennie.
Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth 01202 203630
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PERFORMANCE
2 October - Brief Encounter
Bournemouth-based Arena Theatre pay homage to Noel Coward’s classic 1944 film.
Dorchester Corn Exchange 01305 266926
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9 October - Under Milk Wood
Guy Masterson, nephew of Richard Burton who made the legendary recording of this masterpiece, brings Dylan Thomas’ timeless work vividly to life at the Layard Theatre, in Canford Magna.
Box office 01202 847525
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17 October - Dickens Abridged
A speedy comic journey through Dickens’ Greatest Hits, including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and A Tale of Two Cities (with fully functioning guillotine).
Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis 01297 442394
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17 October - Paradise Lost
As part of the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival for the culturally curious (9-18 October), Lost Dog Dance reinterpret Milton’s epic poem with fewer words, more dance and levels of divine incompetence at Pavilion Dance South West. For a full line up of events at Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival visit artsbournemouth.org.uk.
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BEST OF THE REST
3- 4 October - Cranborne Chase Woodfair
This magical event at Breamore House, just over the border in Fordingbridge, brings the culture, history and way of life of Cranborne Chase to the public. You will see wood being milled, chopped, carved and twisted into an amazing variety of things from tent pegs and toys to baskets, buildings and benches.
Find out more at woodfair.org.uk
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17-25 October - Lyme Regis Walking Festival
This annual event features organised activities in and around the town aimed at encouraging people of all ages to pull on their walking boots. Local guided walks cover topics such as fossils, Lyme Regis history and literary walks.
More details can be found at lymeregis.org.
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23-25 October - Dorchester Literary Festival
A new cultural event for a town rich in literary associations; the line-up for this inaugural festival includes Dom Joly, Judy Finnigan, Tracy Chevalier, Julian Fellowes, Minette Walters, Tom Fort, Kate Adie and Jason Goodwin with talks, literary cream teas, Q & A sessions, workshops and conversations.
More details dorchesterliteraryfestival.com
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COMEDY CORNER
2 October - Russell Kane
The star of Live at the Apollo stops off at the Regent for an exclusive comedy night.
Box office 01202 4994199
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9 October - Trespass
Britain’s favourite rabble-rouser Mark Thomas combines theatre, stand up and activism with a dash of journalism and a dollop of mayhem in his latest show.
Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis 01297 442394
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15-17 October - Round the Horne
Step back to the BBC’s Paris Studios with this 50th Anniversary Tour of the comedy classic live. Evening and matinee performances at Lighthouse Poole, 0844 406 8666
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27 October - Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse
The legendary comedy duo take Loadsamoney, the Old Gits, Smashie and Nicey, Kevin the Teenager, The Scousers and friends on the road.
BIC Bournemouth 0844 576 3000
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30 October - Twenty Fifteen
Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay heads to the Bridport Arts Centre with his brand new show which looks at his family life at home after the 2014 referendum.
Box office 01308 424204
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8 EVENTS FOR KIDS
10 October - The Owl and the Pussycat’s Treasury of Nonsense
Enter the world of Soap Soup Theatre where imagination rules, dreams come true and adventures begin, with beautiful puppetry and immersive soundscapes.
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
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15 October - R.I.O.T
A comic book comes to life in this action-packed physical theatre experience from Paniclab at Pavilion Dance South West. Recommended for children ages 12+.
Booking 01202 203630
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18 October - The Doodle Dance Show
This fun interactive show will get the whole family drawing, dancing, doodling and story-telling together. Performances 11.30am and 3pm. Suitable for ages 3+.
Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth 01202 203630
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24 October - What Do You Do When You Find A Dinosaur?
A bone-shaking, music-making, silly show for the over 4s which makes history come alive by locating a Megalosaurus’ funny bone. Performances at 11am and 2pm.
Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666
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24 October - Mini BSO
A special concert designed as a fun-filled introduction to the wonderful world of the symphony orchestra.
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
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29 October - The Snow Queen
Music and dance combine with imaginative puppetry and beautiful scenery to bring this Hans Christian Anderson tale to life.
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
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30 October - Terrifying Twilight Tour
Follow the costumed guide on a creepy tour after hours to discover some of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum’s shadier stories. Come in Victorian or spooky costume. Part of the national Museums at Night event.
Booking essential; 01202 451858.
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31 October - The Country Owl and the City Squirrel
Tony the Owl’s peaceful country life is ruined when friends Joe and Charlotte turn up. Featuring puppetry, original music, and a squirrel flying machine!
Lighthouse Poole; 0844 406 8666
