Arts & Entertainments

New play reveals life in the country

Inspired by conversations and interviews with people in rural communities, Hefted is a new play by Devon-based Multi Story Theatre which explores the connection we have to the land, the pull of our past and what it means for our future. Hefted is embedded in the landscape, history, and psyche of rural life. Wryly funny, emotionally absorbing and interspersed with song and a spectacular soundscape, nine stories sweep across 600 years, starting in 1475 with a supernatural birth and moving through to an imagined 2075 in which tales from the past are retold to heal the present. From the fantastical to the dramatisation of real events, each story explores the notion of being ‘hefted’ – deeply connected to the land. Hefted will be at Litton Cheney Community Hall on Saturday, 29 January and Blandford Corn Exchange on Sunday, 30 January. Suitable for ages 14-plus, tickets are available from www.artsreach.co.uk

Shire Hall, © Folio Creative

Shire Hall’s future secured

Shire Hall Museum has received a grant of £167,500 from the Government’s latest round from the Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover from the impact of the covid pandemic. The Grade I listed building served as Dorset’s courthouse from 1797 until 1955. Now an award-winning social justice museum, Shire Hall brings over two centuries of justice and injustice to life. Director Abbie King said: “This funding will allow us secure the future of Shire Hall and ensure that we continue to thrive in a post pandemic economy. We’re proud to be custodians of this historic building and to share stories of justice and injustice with our visitors. Shire Hall is also committed to supporting our local community. From our work with people living with dementia, local LGBT youth groups and schools to showcasing local businesses in our shop and at our markets, this funding will allow us to continue enriching and supporting thousands of lives.” A total of £138 million has been awarded to heritage organisations from the three rounds of the government’s £2 billion Culture Recovery Fund support package This third round of grants are part of the additional £300 million announced by the Chancellor at March’s Budget. Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: “We are delighted that the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage grants continue to keep so many heritage organisations going. From major historic buildings to small community organisations promoting local heritage – all deserve this support, to continue to open up to everyone the opportunities that our shared history creates.” The Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage is administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with Historic England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Thespians will be performing Little Red Riding Hood at Shaftesbury Arts Centre from January 27. This fun filled family show is sure to lift the spirits and keep the audience dancing and howling with laughter in these challenging times. a family show filled with comedy and music. Come along and enjoy a traditional story with many twists along the way. Tickets available from shaftesburyartscentre. org.uk or the Box Office 01747854321 ALAW is three leading musicians who bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion - the traditional music of Wales. Welsh for melody, ALAW arrive in Dorset this January to take their audiences on a musical journey, giving three special concerts at Portesham Village Hall on Friday 28 January, Langton Matravers Village Hall on Saturday 29 January and Chetnole Village Hall on Sunday 30 January. In August 2018 ALAW collaborated with the BBC Concert Orchestra for a televised Prom at The Royal Albert Hall and in 2019 they won a Wales Folk Award

World class music from Wales and beyond

after being nominated in three categories. Whether unearthing rare gems or reimagining a wellloved song, combined with powerful song writing and original tunes, this makes for a musical experience that will stay with the listener long after the performance ends. Oli and Dylan have a long history of working together, sharing projects including The Albert Hall. The Devil’s Violin and The From stirring songs to Ian McMillan Orchestra. driving jigs - their music Oli is well known as the has a relaxed humour and a fiddler in Jamie Smith’s genuine affection that is truly MABON. Nia has an infectious. international reputation and For more information, visit has sung at the Barbican and www.artsreach.co.uk

H E T EXCHANGE

STURMINSTER NEWTON

Fri 21st Jan, 7:30pm My Mountain Life by Simon Yates

Talk by accomplished exploratory mountaineer. £16/ £15 conc ––––––––Sat 22nd Jan, 7:30pm Greatest Songs of the Movies

From Pinewood to Hollywood! £17/ £16 conc ––––––––Thurs 27th Jan, 7pm Touching the Void (15)

Cinematic telling of Simon Yates' perilous journey. £5 ––––––––Sat 29th Jan, 7pm Radio GaGa

The ultimate Queen tribute. £21.50 ––––––––Fri 4th Feb, 7:30pm ABBA Fever

Live vocals and authentic outfits! £21.50

Spring into 2022 with Artsreach

A rich mixture of theatre, music and dance will grace village halls, pubs and community spaces across North Dorset as Artsreach launches its spring programme. New for 2022, some 24 artists and companies will perform 49 live dates in 40 rural communities with live music, theatre, dance, storytelling, poetry and family shows. Music lovers will be spoilt with a mix of styles and genres from both national and international musicians, theatre lovers can dive in to a host of shows tackling current affairs, childhood nostalgias and one hit wonders, while families can sit back and be entertained with a host of puppetry, storytelling and clowning. For more information go to artsreach. co.uk

Arts & Entertainment

Acclaimed trio tour Dorset

Award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis is set to tour Dorset with his acclaimed trio. He breathes new life into existing styles with his highenergy brand of classical, gypsy jazz, Celtic and world music; his improvised sound is totally new yet steeped in tradition. Together with Nigel Clark on guitar and Roy Percy on double bass, the Tim Kliphuis Trio re-defines the music of many well-known composers to create an intensely moving concert experience. Written and recorded in lockdown, The Five Elements is an ode to the earth and looks ahead to a brighter future; of course, expect the usual mix of Django, Richard Strauss and Chieftains. See this outstanding trio as they tour to Broadoak Village Hall on Wednesday, 12 January, Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall on Thursday, 13 January and Yetminster Jubilee Hall on Friday, 14 January. For tickets go to www.artsreach.co.uk

It is now a legal requirement to wear a face covering when visiting and attending the theatre,

to reduce the risk both to yourself and to others and we respectfully request that customers continue to use the hand sanitisers provided, and to check in using the NHS COVID-19 app.

PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE

MOTHERING SUNDAY (15)

7th, 10th, 11th & 12th January 7.30pm Matinee 13th January 1pm Tickets Adult: £8 eves Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) MONEY FOR NOTHING

“Undoubtedly the best Dire Straits tribute in Europe”

Saturday 8th January 7.30pm Tickets £20

(Box Of ce bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) BLAKE IN CONCERT

Thursday 13th January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) KEEPING BAD COMPANY

The best of Free & Bad Company

Friday 14th January, 7.30pm Tickets £19.50

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) FROM GOLD TO RIO

Celebrating the music of Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran

Saturday 15th January 7.30pm Tickets £21

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

THE FRENCH DISPATCH (15)

17th & 18th January 7.30pm Matinee 18th January 2pm Tickets Adult: £8 eve Matinee: £7 U16s: £6

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction)

ADULT PANTO: LITTLE RED RIDING…!

Suitable for ages 16+

Wednesday 19th Jan 7.30pm Tickets £18.50

(Box Of ce bookings incur £1 booking fee per transaction) THE ELO EXPERIENCE

Friday 21st January 7.30pm Tickets £26

(Box Of ce bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) COUNTRY SUPERSTARS

Saturday 22nd January 7.30pm Tickets £22.50

(Box Of ce bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee) HOUSE OF GUCCI (15)

24th, 25th & 27th January, 7.30pm Matinee 26th January, 2.00pm Tickets Adult: £8 eve Mat £7, U16s £6

(Box Of ce bookings over £20 incur £1 booking fee)