83 year old Edie believes that it is never too late - packing an old camping bag, leaving her life behind and embarking on an adventure she never got to have - climbing the imposing Mount Suilven in Scotland.

Starring: Sheila Hancock, Kevin Guthrie and Paul Brannigan

T Rex

The Music of Marc Bolan & Mickey Finn

Featuring the all star band created by Mickey Finn and featuring ex. Marc Bolan and T.Rex drummer Paul Fenton

Performing an explosion of 70s Glam rock hits

Celebrating 25 years of international shows

Metal Guru, Ride a White Swan, Telegram Sam, Children of the Revolution, I Love to Boogie, Jeepster, Get It On, Hot Love and many more.

HIT AFTER HIT AFTER HIT

NOT TO BE MISSED

Don't forget your feather boa!

www.t-rex.co.uk 

THREE IN ONE

Barney - Disability is not a barrier.

Friendship, infidelity and a dog called Barney.

Double Glazed - Drink up your tea dear.

The power of a cuppa.

Blood Sport - Tally ho!

Hunting deep into the imagination.

Nothing is what it seems……..

Three short plays written and directed by Craig White.

Ticket includes tea and cake.

Only suitable for an adult (18+) audience due to strong language, mature themes and some nudity.

Tenors Unlimited are excited to announce their new show ‘Great Songs Tour’.

Their repertoire includes popular classics with crooner and pop favourites, as well as original songs. These range from ‘Pearl Fishers’ Duet, Nessun Dorma, Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific), You’re Just Too Good To Be True (Franki Valli) to Moon River and Carry You composed by Paul Martin.

Twenty years of performing make Tenors Unlimited the UK’s original classical crossover ‘man band’ Their repertoire includes popular classics with crooner and pop favourites, as well as original songs. They perform internationally and shared stages with notables such as Sting, Lionel Richie, Katherine Jenkins, Beyoncé, Hayley Westenra, Simply Red and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few.

They have appeared on television, radio and at top venues such as The Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. The group sang at the memorial service for football legend Sir Bobby Robson and sang live at Wembley Stadium at the FA Cup final.

They were awarded the Broadway World Best Touring Show Award in the USA then achieved a number one selling single in the UK with Who is He? in aid of The Salvation Army.

As their new decade dawns Jem and Paul are at their best.

Indulge yourself in an exciting night’s entertainment as these great showmen captivate you with soaring vocals, velvet harmonies and a killer sense of humour!

“A contemporary, captivating show enjoyed by a capacity crowd! Congratulations!" Dame Cleo Laine

 “21st century tenors, great fun, great voices and a great evening.” Alan Titchmarsh

“Bravi” Sting

'...theatrical genius...'

The Texas Argus

'Fabulous...(like) swimming in champagne.'

The SUN, Texas

A Little Bit of The Script’s The Thing

 

The Exchange are delighted to host this scriptwriting evening in partnership with Artsreach and Dorchester Arts.  The first Dorset scriptwriting festival held in October 2023 was a huge success with work from over 70 writers for stage, TV, film and performance and organisations including BBC Writersroom and NT New Work.  In this special evening event, come and enjoy work by local writers Sue Ashby and Craig White with film contributions from actors, playwrights and directors including Mark Rylance, Patrick Marber and Beth Flintoff.  There’ll be a Q&A with Festival Director Ed Viney where you can find out how you can be involved with the next Dorset Scriptwriting Festival in 2025!

The event is free to attend, though donations are welcomed.

Irish immigrant. Cook. Amiable host. Killer?

1906. New York City. Talented cook Mary Mallon takes a job preparing delicious meals for yet another high society family, and yet again they begin to fall ill and die.

Coincidence? Mary thinks so.

And now she’s put all that nonsense behind her.

She’s cooking three courses for a very special guest tonight. YOU!

That is unless Health Inspector and sanitation expert George Soper can stop her before it’s too late…

Prepare for a toe-tapping, germ-spreading extravaganza where the laughter is as infectious as Mary’s meals.  Featuring live cooking on stage from Stu Mcloughlin as the much-maligned Mary Mallon and Lucy Tuck as the germaphobic George Soper, There’s Something about Typhoid Mary is a contagiously entertaining journey through the dark and sinister world of the killer cook, Typhoid Mary, told with Living Spit’s trademark wit, song and silliness.

With live original music, deliciously tempting food which you can really eat (if you dare), gory deaths a-plenty, puerile puppetry and sackfuls of cross-dressing crassness, this promises to be a feverishly funny feast of fun for some of the family.

Just don’t mention the T-word.

CODA is a musical theatre duo that brings high-quality vocals along with fun and entertaining performances.

CODA are formed of Gemma Ashley and Mark "ManInTheHat" James.

Gemma and Mark met on the set of BBC One's All Together Now, where they both appeared as judges in 2017. In January of 2023, they teamed up to deliver a showcase of musical theatre songs. Their aim is to give audiences a truly exceptional experience both through high-quality vocals and interactive performances that bring the audience into the show.

With music from musicals across the ages, CODA promise to leave audiences with an unforgettable experience, that will leave you wanting more!

The "Alchemical" Tour 2024

David, Alistair, Alec, Jade, Kingsley and Joe invite you to experience the magic of Mark Knopfler's incredible band - Dire Straits - performed by 6 world class musicians and admirers of the incredible work of Mark, John Illsley, Terry Williams, Phil Palmer, Chris White, Alan Clarke, Guy Fletcher, Chris Whitten, Pick Withers and Mark's brother David.

Inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, the Dire Straits legacy leaves two decades of timeless music for us to enjoy including the rock classics Money for Nothing, Sultans of Swing, and many more.

Performed in a way that only fans can deliver, dS:uK are, streets ahead, the quintessential Dire Straits Experience in the UK today - don't miss their 2024 Alchemical Tour!

Coldplace - The World's Leading Tribute to Coldplay is a stunning live concert performance, celebrating the music of one of the most successful bands of all time.

The only tribute to have worked for Coldplay, this outstanding band leads you through all your favourite Coldplay hits from the last 20+ years including Yellow, Paradise and A Sky full of Stars, right through to Higher Power and My Universe from their latest album, Music of the Spheres.

This world class show faithfully recreates the magic of Coldplay's record breaking live tours - featuring lasers, confetti, video screen and the Xyloband LED wristbands that have become synonymous with Coldplay concerts, and truly make the audience part of the show.

"Coldplace are pure quality. Thanks for flying the Coldplay flag" - Phil Harvey (Coldplay creative director)

www.coldplace.co.uk

All-Electric Productions PRESENTS

It's Never Too Late - How we came to be here...

Brenton West - The Repair Shop - Raj Bisram -Antiques Roadshow

A fabulously entertaining show - full of stories from the worlds of antiques, repairs and television.  Enjoy hilarious anecdotes and a touch of magic as they journey through school days, the army, jewellery making, skiing, motor sport and more,  They even spill the beans on what it's like to be part of some of our best loved television shows.

"Raj tells tales of his life and performs magic - both are unbelievable" Ian Hyslop

Brenton creates a historical future by turning something dull into something bright that holds precious memories"  Jay Blades

www.allelectricproductions.co.uk

The Year Clock is a play that delves deep into the themes of language, speech, and human communication. It focuses on the life and legacy of William Barnes, a self-educated Dorset teacher and parson who lived from 1801 to 1886. Barnes is widely known for his poetry written in the Dorset dialect, with his most famous piece being Linden Lea, which was later immortalised in music by Ralph Vaughan Williams. However, Barnes himself regarded his work in philology – his study of over sixty languages and his search for the root of all speech – as his most significant achievement, particularly his Philological Grammar.

Thomas Hardy, Barnes’ contemporary and long-time friend, once described him as “the most interesting link between the past and present forms of rural life that England possessed.” Likewise, Francis Kilvert, who visited Barnes at his rectory in Winterborne Came in 1874, called him “the great idyllic poet of England, half hermit, half enchanter.” These observations capture the deep connection Barnes had to England’s rural traditions while also recognising the profound changes happening in society during his lifetime.

Written by Tim Laycock in 2001, The Year Clock brings this complex and intriguing figure to life, utilising notes, anecdotes, newspaper reports, and personal letters either written by or about Barnes during his lifetime. The structure of the play mirrors the four seasons, symbolising key stages in Barnes’ life. The poems and songs woven into the performance were written between 1835 and 1870, with the exception of the final piece, The Geate a-Vallen To, dictated to his daughter shortly before his death in 1886.

The play explores the inner tensions of a highly educated man who chose to write in the rural dialect of Dorset. By doing so, it highlights the contrast between the rapid industrialisation and progress of Victorian England and a traditional way of life that was slowly disappearing—a theme with striking relevance today. Accompanied by Dorset folk music, performed on the violin and guitar by Colin Thompson, the performance is a vivid, fast-paced portrayal of Barnes’ world, offering a poignant reflection on the forces of change.

Directed by Sonia Ritter, The Year Clock is a revival that connects the past with the present, and it has been performed over 70 times to date and could not have been written without the William Barnes Archive.

_____________________________________________________________

Preserving the Legacy: The 'Barnes for All!' Campaign

This performance of The Year Clock is not only a tribute to William Barnes but also part of the ongoing effort to preserve his legacy through the ‘Barnes for All!’ fundraising campaign. When Barnes passed away in 1886, he left behind a vast and invaluable collection of writings, including poems, sermons, posters from his lectures, woodcuts, engravings, and other archival materials. This remarkable archive offers a window into the life and times of Victorian Dorchester and the Dorset poet’s intellectual and creative world.

The collection, now owned by the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, was lovingly cared for by the William Barnes Society for many years. The paper archive is currently housed at the Dorset History Centre, and a unique opportunity has arisen to make it more accessible to the public.

The goal of the ‘Barnes for All!’ project is to catalogue every item in the archive to internationally recognized standards and to digitize the most significant documents. Once digitised, this collection will be available online, allowing people from around the world to explore the life and works of William Barnes in greater detail. Scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in Barnes’ life as a schoolmaster, priest, poet, and philologist will be able to access this treasure trove of materials from anywhere in the world.

The William Barnes Society, in partnership with the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery and the Dorset History Centre, aims to raise £35,000 to make this work possible. Every penny raised through events like this performance of The Year Clock will go towards ensuring that the legacy of William Barnes remains accessible to future generations.

This project is a chance to unlock new insights into a fascinating figure, whose work continues to resonate with themes of language, place, and the tension between progress and tradition. By contributing to this campaign, we honour not just the poet himself, but also the rich cultural heritage of rural England that he so lovingly preserved.

All proceeds from this year’s events, after expenses, will be donated to the William Barnes Archive, allowing us to continue to share his work with the world.

For more information and how to donate visit https://williambarnessociety.org.uk/appeal

If you love animals, then you are going to love this show. A show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see Life sized crocodiles, Sloths, Reindeer, dinosaurs, penguins, Orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.

 

The heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all ages from toddlers to grownups.

 

Book your family in and come and have a roarsome time.

 

The perfect family show for all ages to enjoy. However, don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of the reviews from our last tour said:

 

 

Fantastic show today, well worth the travel, its the 2nd time we've seen these guys, lots of laughter for the kids and adults, definitely will be booking again if there's a new tour next year

Steven Hatton

 

Genuinely have never laughed and cried so much in one show. Brilliant entertainment, so much fun and incredibly informative.....underpinned by such a powerful, emotive and important message about our planet and animals.

All children (and adults) should see this show, it is absolutely incredible!

Heather Louise

 

Incredible show, thoroughly enjoyed by my 3, 6 and 9 year old and the grown ups too!!

Never been to a show like this and will definitely come again. Thank you

Sarah Battye

 

My 8 year old howled all the way through it and came home telling his sister loads of new facts he had learnt he loved it thanks so much x

Alison Pearsey

 

The kids were hooked from the start - you made it funny, interesting and educational oh and did I mention funny? Haha... My boy aged 8 now wants to single headedly save all animals... Thank you Animal Guyz

Leanne Howson

Please join us on Tuesday 10th Nov for an evening of inspirational images from author and photographer, David R Abram.

David has spent the past eleven years capturing views of Britain’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites from above in rare, sunrise light using drones and telescopic poles. Whether Neolithic tombs in the Cotswolds, Bronze Age ceremonial sites in Snowdonia or Dorset’s spectacular hillforts and burial mounds, his images reveal forms invisible at ground level, and intriguing connections between the monuments and their varied landscapes.

Lively and rich with archaeological insight, David’s talk will cherry pick highlights from his book, the ‘Aerial Atlas of Ancient Britain’ (published Thames & Hudson, with a Foreward by Professor Alice Roberts), which charts the arc of British prehistory from the end of the Ice Age to the arrival of the Romans. He’ll also be sharing previews from his current ‘Barrowlands’ project, revealing forgotten ceremonial landscapes around the county that can still be walked, in particular the extraordinary prehistoric vestiges on Hambledon Hill, which he has photographed to spectacular effect!

This is a rare opportunity to hear David speak in the Blackmore Vale – an experience that is sure to inspire visits to prehistoric sites you already know, and many you don’t.

Read more about his work in this recent Guardian feature:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/feb/28/hillfort-ancestors-iron-age-david-r-abrams-best-photograph

'The Little Stranger' tells the story of Dr Faraday, the son of a housemaid, who has built a life of quiet respectability as a country doctor. During the long hot summer of 1948, he is called to a patient at Hundreds Hall, where his mother once worked.

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter and Ruth Wilson

Two of the UK’s most iconic bands will be brought to life in one power packed show!

From Gold to Rio will take you on a nostalgic journey back to the New Romantic era which ruled the charts for over a decade. For the very first time the music from two of the UK’s most iconic bands will be celebrated in one power packed show! With over 20 top 10 hits, the show will feature 2 hours of non-stop classics including Gold, Rio, True, The Reflex, Through the Barricades, Save A Prayer, Lifeline, Girls on Film, to name a few, guaranteed to leave the audience shouting for more!

Performed by a full 8 piece live band with over 30 years professional experience, this show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies, a powerhouse rhythm section and an infectious sense of fun. Chris Clark who portrays Simon le Bon has been a professional musician for nearly 20 years. Bearing a striking likeness to Simon, he is also a fabulous “sound-alike”.

Lee James is widely recognised as the most authentic performer to Tony Hadley, playing across the UK and Europe for over 10 years. Lee has performed with Tony on various occasions, including BBC’s The One Show and is endorsed by Gary Kemp and Tony himself. Martin Kemp when seeing a picture of Lee on Facebook commented “you got it dude!” High praise indeed!

So if you’re a Duranie, a Spandie, a Wild Boy or a Soul Boy, then this is something you don’t want to miss!

Thought Control are pleased to bring their Tribute to Pink Floyd to the Exchange.

They present over two hours of classic songs with an unforgettable spectacle of sound and light.

 

On stage, they will carefully recreate all-time classics such as "Another Brick In The Wall", “Money”, "Comfortably Numb" and "Wish You Were Here", along with epics such as "Echoes" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".  The lighting, projection and laser effects create the perfect backdrop.

 

This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of both the successful “The Division Bell” album, and the landmark “PULSE” live tour, highly regarded to this day as pivotal in what a show should look and sound like.

 

Whether a die-hard fan or new to Pink Floyd, let Thought Control immerse you in the magic of one of the greatest bands of all time.

 

Grab your leg warmers and join us for an ’80s rewinding fundraising disco party.  

Get ready to hit the dance floor with our fantastic local DJ Toby Greenfield and the best of the ’80s. Neon and spandex encouraged!!

This is a Fundraiser for The Exchange

Legendary cricket broadcaster, Henry Blofeld, takes readers on a charming journey through modern cricket, while looking back at the great games of yesteryear.

Henry has been close to the heart of cricket for over fifty years.  He has seen the game grow into a hugely international sport, where franchises continue to have massive influence and more and more games are added to the world calendar.  It wasn't always this way and Blowers reflects on how cricket used to be and where it is headed.

In this new book he explores the big shifts, innovations and challenges facing the game today, while looking back at his life and career, recounting his cherished memories of his beloved sport.  With his signature wit and insight, he compared the cricketing landscape of today with the cherished memories of yesteryear.

Henry began writing about cricket, for The Times, in May 1962 and in 1972 he started his long career as a commentator with the BBC's Test Match Special. During his career he has written for numerous papers and broadcast for both radio and television for many networks around the world especially in Australia and New Zealand. Henry now tours the country with his one man show.

Presented in association with Clive Conway Productions

Image credit:: Rii Schroer

Turk(ish) is an empowering, autobiographical show by contemporary circus artist Poppy Plowman, combining live music, high skill, humour and intimate storytelling.

Poppy uses tightwire and hair hanging to explore personal struggles of identity and Western beauty standards. Through her story we follow Poppy as she embraces who she is, encouraging and inspiring audience members to do the same and to nurture an anti-oppressive attitude.

Poppy Plowman is a British circus artist with Turkish Cypriot origins. Here Poppy has collaborated with cellist Zara Hudson and together they combined their passions to create Turk(ish).

About the project

Circus Around and About 2 is a south-west touring circus project, funded by an Arts Council England Lottery Project Grant. The project is led by Take Art with principal partners Crying Out Loud and Extraordinary Bodies, in collaboration with nine presenting partners including Artsreach.

Placing themselves squarely in Americana music, Los Pacaminos must be the first Tex-Mex band to have formed in the UK. Growing from an idea put forward by 80s star Paul Young, the band was formed in 1992 to appease his desire as a solo act to be part of a band again, pick up a guitar again, and not be the centre of attention. Although setting out to play Tex-Mex style, over the 28 years they have played together they have absorbed the influence of other ‘border artists’ such as Ry Cooder and the Texas Tornados The other band members are guitarist Jamie Moses (Queen, Tom Jones, Mike & The Mechanics, The Pretenders), songwriter Drew Barfield (The Keys, The Big Heat, songs for Joe Jackson, Paul Young, Level 42, Cathy Dennis), Pedal Steel guitarist Melvin Duffy (Squeeze, Robbie Williams, First Aid Kit, The Waterboys, Ray Davies), Bassist Stevie Greetham (Paul Young, Joan Armatrading, Tim Finn, Julia Fordham), drummer Mark Pinder (Paul Young, Alison Moyet) and newest member on accordion/keys Steve “Woody” Oakman (Paul McCartney, Chris Montez, Little Eva, Tony Christie). Lead vocals are shared between Paul, Jamie & Drew with songs being specifically written or chosen for each personality. This is a Tequila fuelled Tex Mex party night, as each venue becomes the perfect cantina setting for a great night's rocking with the cactus sharp, tequila filled, stetson wearing, magnificent Los Pacaminos!

An insight behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make Highclere Castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyond. Learn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere's Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Lady Carnarvon also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and, always, the joy of bringing family - and staff - together after a busy year.

Illustrated talk with book signing. Highclere gin and books will be available to purchase

 

Living Spit are delighted to bring you 'the alternative' Christmas show this festive season!

Hard hearted Ebenezer Scrooge hates the season of goodwill until a visit from three spirits one Christmas Eve makes him rethink his... blah blah blah.

We all know the story. We’ve all seen the film(s). But who’s the best Scrooge of all time? Albert Finney? Alistair Sim? Patrick Stewart? Well, just hold your horses there! Because you’ve yet to witness Bristol actor Craig Edwards’ take on Dickens’ mean miserabilist.

He waits, like a coiled spring, ready to bring his unique brand of Midlands malcontentment to the role. And he’s brought Clevedon’s finest, Stu Mcloughlin, along for the ride to play (almost literally) all the other parts!

Hilarious, tender, idiotic and musically virtuosic by turns, Living Spit’s two-man adaptation of A Christmas Carol promises a feast of festive foolery that’ll have you splitting your sprouts with laughter, or your money back!*

*only joking about the “money back” bit!!

"Christmas tradition laced with really, really good comedy."

Bristol Post

 

“The jokes are brilliantly bad, the songs are wonderful and all in all the whole performance is hilarious. Its proper fun for all the family, which is exactly what you want at Christmas.“

Bristol 24/7

Parental Guidance; Suitable for ages 10 years + due to occasional bad language and regular terrible puns!

Legends of Motown is a high energy tribute show jam packed with all of Motown’s biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era. Undoubtedly the golden era of music, the show pays tribute to the legendary artists that appeared on the Motown label at that time. Get ready to be wowed with a song list that won’t fail to have you up and out of your seats and dancing in the aisles. Make it a night to remember with the music authentic to the Motown label from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Jackie Wilson and many more!

Expect mega hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “You Can’t Hurry Love”, “My Girl”, “This Old Heart of Mine” and a few Christmas classics like “Santa Claus is Coming To Town”, and “Sleigh Ride” for a special Christmas show!

www.legendsofmotown.uk 

https://facebook.com/legendsofmotownuk 

https://instagram.com/legendsofmotownuk 

https://twitter.com/motownband_uk 

“Legends of Motown delivered a powerful performance with stellar musicianship and contagious energy. Superb vocals, pitch - perfect harmonies, classic tunes and undeniable musical talent ensured an enjoyable atmosphere and experience forall in attendance.” ***** backseatmafia.com

“The show is well executed with a fiery setlist - not a single seat was down by the end of the night as they had everyone dancing in the aisles.” *****

“They had so much energy that flowed through to the audience, with amazing vocals that are perfectly accompanied by an extremely high quality band. *****

‘A Christmas Night at the Opera’

Featuring the great operas of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach, Gilbert & Sullivan and more. The distinguished cast appears in sumptuous period evening dress, recreating the grandeur and glamour of past times.  

Join in the Christmas spirit with a singalong carol!

London Festival Opera brings together international artists from the major companies including the Royal Opera, ENO and Glyndebourne with exceptional young singers.   Past performances have been throughout the UK and Europe, including in one of the world’s greatest opera houses La Fenice in Venice, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Africa and India.

Operatic masterpieces, fabulous singing, spoken introductions and elegant costumes combine to make this a performance not to be missed for all opera lovers and newcomers alike.  A programme of passion, drama and humour accompanied by superb orchestral backing tracks.  

 

‘Outstanding singers’                                                

THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘Opera at its very best’

OXFORD TIMES

BSO Curious Creatures

An ensemble of fourteen musicians from across the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra invite you to join them on a musical journey through the natural world, in a programme presented especially for families.

 

Travel with us on this symphonic venture through verdant forests and across the open ocean. Embrace the wild with a catchy Mancini tune and Elgar’s spirited The Wild Bears. Explore the elements with Williams’ ode to the sea and de Falla’s frenzied Ritual Fire Dance, and enjoy an orchestral adaptation of a popular work by Björk with music that delves into emotions of the heart through the crystallisation of minerals and rocks. The sing-a-long favourite from the blockbuster Moana and Vaughan Williams’ musical flight of the lark completes the programme. Proudly presented in partnership with Artsreach, this adventurous afternoon is an escapade fit for all to join in with!

Supported by The Pitt-Rivers Charitable Trust

Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with the new 2024 production of their hit show, a spectacular spirit lifting, heartwarming, afternoon of festive nostalgia. filled with over 60 of your all-time favourite Christmas songs and Carols that will have you singing along from start to finish and bringing back so many wonderful memories of Christmases past.

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. December 2019 saw Mad Dog Mcrea released a 5-track EP titled ‘It’s a Sign’.

The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!

PLEASE NOTE: The raked seating, which seats 151, will be out for those who wish to sit. The seating is unreserved and unfortunately cannot be prebooked. floor will be open for dancing and for those who prefer to stand at this show.  

The Exchange are excited to host the founding members of Los Pacminos JAMIE MOSES ( Queen & Paul Rogers, SAS Band, Tom Jones, Paul Young, Mike and the Mechanics) and DREW BARFIELD (The Keys, Paul Young, Joe Jackson and Level 42) as they team up as Dos Amigos!

They will be performing some Los Pacaminos favourites as well as a range of well known classics - from the 60s to Present Day.

 

An intimate gig with two legends of the industry!

Traditional Celtic music at its best! With fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, haunting ballads and a good dose of humour, the Tannahill Weavers have transformed traditional

material and brought it into the modern world, vitally alive and kicking.

Members of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, in 2019 the Tannahill Weavers were  nominated for Folk Album of the Year and Folk Band of the Year in Scotland. Recently they

have been joined by piper Iain MacGillivray, who is Scotland’s youngest Clan leader and has worked recently on such exciting productions as Outlander and Men in Kilts, and has performed for a huge list of stars and dignitaries in recent years.

"Formed from a Paisley pub session in 1968, seminal trailblazers the Tannahill Weavers now also rank as national treasures." -Glasgow Celtic Connections 2018

"The music may be pure old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll." -Winnipeg Free Press

"An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new." - New York Time

BSO West End to Hollywood

Artsreach and an ensemble of fourteen musicians from across the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra invite you to join them for a brand new concert of film and stage inspired music, journeying from London’s historic West End to the glittering lights of Hollywood! The programme will be guided by a BSO presenter and includes well known favourites from films and shows such as Chocolat, James Bond, Toy Story, Harry Potter, The Artist, Moulin Rouge and more alongside less familiar cinematic works.

At last, an Irish music show that has come out of Ireland without the clichés that usually follow! There are no flat caps or twee costumes here. Instead you get incredibly talented musicians and dancers who simply want to bring you the sound and fun of Ireland in an intimate and homely setting.

The live music, Irish dancing and banter is infectious and enters the psyche in seconds. The show itself features All Ireland champion musicians and dancers who combine a unique blend of light hearted audience interaction with fascinating stories about the music and the instruments themselves.

The original show was set up in Dublin by a group of musicians who wanted visitors to the city to experience what a real Irish house party is like. It’s all presented in a fun and humorous way resulting in a fabulous theatre going experience.

Look forward to seeing you at The Irish House Party soon!

Classic Liverpool band The Christians return to The Exchange by popular demand.

Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits such as Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World as well as the Hillsborough charity number one single Ferry Across The Mersey.

The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s and are headed by lead singer Garry Christian, who still deserves the Daily Mirror’s description as having “One of the finest voices in pop”. Garry is in better form than ever.

They have recently had tours with Go West, Hue & Cry, Roachford, Belinda Carlisle, Level 42 and released their new album WE to critical acclaim.

For more information see www.thechristianslive.co.uk

 Martin Fry - A Lexicon of Life

A Look At Life And A Look Of Love

The hits earned their place in pop history. From Poison Arrow to The Look Of Love, from All Of My Heart, and Be Near Me, to When Smokey Sings, ABC were the band that redefined glamour and cool. Led by the charismatic Martin Fry, they enjoyed TransAtlantic success as The Lexicon of Love proved as artful as a Warhol silkscreen, and glossier than Marilyn’s lipstick. ABC’s The Lexicon of Love was a brilliantly distinctive debut album, fizzing with bright ideas, and unapologetically flamboyant. Frontman Martin Fry harked back to a golden era of luxe, as though Cole Porter had been re-imagined among the narrow streets of Sheffield. Little wonder his sleek, opulent, and beautiful debut retains the affection of listeners four decades on. With good reason, it has stood the test of time. And so has Martin Fry, who will bring an evening of stripped-back music and conversation to UK theatres in celebration. His intimate tour follows a sold-out tour of the UK, which included three  sell out nights at London Palladium, and coincides with the publication of his autobiography. That’s the look, that’s the look… The Look of love.

* Meet’n’greet packages and VIP packages are both available and include

£82.50 Meet 'n' Greet = includes a pre-show meet’n’greet, goodie bag and ticket for the show

£50 VIP = includes goodie bag and ticket for the show

£32 standard seats = admits the ticketholder to the show