Becoming Chair of Dorchester Arts in such an important year is immensely exciting and challenging! A huge ‘thank you’ to Alastair Nisbet, my predecessor, for all he has done for Dorchester Arts over the last six years.
We now have so much to look forward to with our Dorchester Festival 2012 at the beginning of June,whose theme - The World Comes to Town- will be even more fitting in this Olympic year.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with Weymouth College showing Limbik Theatre’s The Harbourand working with local school children to create a series of films that will be screened during the Olympics.

A very special event this season is Pam Zinnemann-Hope launching her poignant book On Cigarette Papers - a rare view into another world.
If you are a member and have ideas about what you’d like us to offer you and the wider public, please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you. If you aren’t one already, why not join us now?

Louise Sheaves, Chair, Dorchester Arts

We always love to hear from our audiences - now there's a chance to give Dorchester ARTS some feedback and win free tickets.

Just click this link to complete a one page survey about the events you like

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5S67SBD

DORCHESTER CORN EXCHANGE • 7pm (doors and bar 6.30pm) + Saturday matinee 2pm (doors and bar 1.30pm) • £12 / £10 members / £8 under 18s / Family £35 / Member's family £30 • Early Bird Offer! £1 off if paid for by 30 November

SPECIAL OFFER - TWO TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
Ring Box Office 01305 266926 and quote '2 for l'

We are proud to present a world premiere from our resident theatre company Angel Exit with their new show.
To mark the centenary of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s endearing classic, Angel Exit unearth the dark heart of The Secret Garden, which sees Mary Lennox plucked from the bright vibrancy of India and transplanted to a big old house full of secrets on the grey Yorkshire moors.

As Mary battles loneliness she encounters locked doors, a curious robin, hidden keys and strange cries ringing down the corridor... Presented in Angel Exit’s rich visual style and blending storytelling with striking physicality, beautiful puppets, live singing and an original soundtrack.

The Secret Garden is a family show, for ages 6+, which has been co-produced by Dorchester Arts and Bridport Arts Centre and commissioned by Activate and the Lighthouse, Poole.
This production is supported by Arts Council England and West Dorset District Council and is a joint promotion with Dorchester Town Council

www.angelexit.co.uk

DORCHESTER ARTS CENTRE • 8pm (doors and bar 7.30pm) • £12 / £6* in advance • £13 / £6.50* on the door • Senior Citizens £10 in advance / £11 on door • *Under 18s / NUS cardholders



Having graced the Bluesnights stage with his band on four occasions, US-born Guy Tortora now returns in duo mode with bass guitar maestro Costa Tancredi. Guy’s vocal, guitar, harmonica and song writing skills, ably underpinned by Costa’s bass lines, will together provide a musical treat for fans of blues, old-style R&B and Americana. What a great way to kick off 2012!



www.guytortora.com
www.bluesnights.co.uk

DORCHESTER ARTS CENTRE • 7pm (doors and bar 6.30pm) • £5 on the door

Lazibyrd are Sharon Martin and Tom Chapman, two talented and inventive musicians who play a mix of folk, indie and acoustic tracks. Sharon, a songwriter with a phenomenal voice, plays the violin with great energy and feeling as well as the tenor ukulele.

Tom is a guitarist of great technical ability who adds a fine voice and rich vocal harmonies.

They have performed across the region to rave reviews with songs that are both personal and political. Their song Blood on Bone made the final three in the 2011 Wessex Folk Festival songwriting competition. Lazibyrd produce music that is energetic and passionate but that also has a distinct English voice.

DORCHESTER CORN EXCHANGE • Sold Out



Thanks to our friends at Bridport Arts Centre, we've been fortunate enough to book award winning deadpan comedian Jack Dee for Dorchester Corn Exchange on January 25th - and predictably, tickets sold out in minutes. Apologies to those who were unable to get one.

DORCHESTER ARTS CENTRE • 2 - 4pm • £5 adults / £4 under 16s

A drum circle is an improvised musical journey skillfully facilitated by Ralph Cree and Glyn Bush of Magic Drum.

This is a celebratory musical event suitable for all ages and abilities aimed at bringing the community together.

It’s not just for drummers - it’s open to anyone who would like to have a day creating music. Drums and percussion are provided, but if you have a drum or some percussion instrument please bring it with you. For more information visit www.magicdrum.org.uk or phone 01305 853479 or 07870 869077