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.

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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

Tightwire Workshop

Ahead of the performance at The Exchange, children and young people can join professional circus artist, tightwire walker and hair hanger Poppy Plowman for an exciting taster session in balancing on ropes, beams and tightwires!

Suitable 5+, children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.

Places limited – advanced booking essential.

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.

The band’s lively setlist includes Tex-Mex classics like "La Bamba", "Wooly Bully", and "Speedy Gonzales", along with a mix of Spanish ballads and original tunes. The fun-loving spirit of Los Pacaminos is infectious, turning any evening into a celebration of music, rhythm, and great company. The combination of accordion, guitar, and traditional Tex-Mex beats will transport you to the heart of the Southwest, all within the intimate setting of Boisdale. Each member of Los Pacaminos brings something special to the band, With a lineup of seasoned musicians delivering every note with passion, this is a night that will have you singing along and dancing until the very last song. Please note Paul Young will not be appearing this evening as he is recovering from an injury.