Angel Heart & Rattlebox Theatre - The Misadventures of Thor

THOR! Tall… brave… strong… but not too bright. Sometimes his days are not always full of heroic thunder, but instead are filled with hapless blunder! Like the day he was almost married to an oafish giant. Or when he thought he was shortchanged as the golden presents were handed out. And then there was the time he had to be rescued by his own son, Magni, who was only three days old!

Hear these ancient Nordic tales brought to life by Ulf and Odd, two skalds, or storytellers, in a comedic romp through the life and times of the Viking gods.

Rattlebox and Angel Heart Theatre present a brand-new family show, with their usual flair for skilfully blending puppetry, storytelling and larger-than-life characters into a performance full of wonder and delight! SKOL!

“What an incredible show for myself and my two kids. Thoroughly engaging, exciting, funny, and educational, with Viking 'factoids' scattered throughout. Absolutely gorgeous hand carved puppets. The set created such and inviting scene too, we all gathered around in anticipation. We loved being able to come up and meet the puppets and puppeteers afterwards. Just brilliant!” Audience feedback, Green Scythe Fair

Recommended for ages 5+ and their families – bring a cushion!

Running time: 60mins no interval

Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity

www.artsreach.co.uk 

A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down.

Starring Olivia Coleman and Benedict Cumberpatch

It’s hard to believe it’s over 60 years since Hank B Marvin, Bruce Welch, Jet Harris and Tony Meehan recorded Apache. This was the monster hit that launched the Shadows instrumental career and founded a nation of bespectacled guitarists dreaming of acquiring their very own Fender Stratocaster. We are delighted to welcome ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ back by popular demand  to The Exchange

With their immaculate appearance, synchronised dance movements and clean, pure melodic sound, the Shadows chalked up 35 hits of their own (not counting another 33 hits with Cliff Richard), giving them more hits than any other British group and securing them a unique place in the annals of popular music.

‘The Bootleg Shadows’ perform a show that encompasses the Shadows amazing career from 1960 up until the early 80s.Including All the hits and popular “Cliff”  vocals including some surprises!

Concert audiences are invited to relive fantastic hits such as Apache, Foot Tapper, Man of Mystery, Atlantis, Wonderful Land, Kon Tiki, Don't Cry for Me Argentina, FBI plus many, many more

In the company of Binks, Geoff, Howard, Nathan and Lloyd, the audience is taken on a tour of the Shadows career, with plenty of humour to make it a night out to remember. For anyone who loves the sounds of the 60's - and enjoys a few laughs on the way – ‘The Bootleg Shadows’ perform a unique tribute that has audiences humming the tunes and doing the Shadows famous 'walk' long after they have left the theatre.

Tea with William Barnes

In the company of The Ridgeway Singers & Band

The Exchange and Artsreach are proud to present an annual celebration of Dorset!

Dialect poet William Barnes was born in Bagber near Sturminster Newton on 22 February 1801. A scholar, linguist, artist, priest and inventor, Barnes wrote over 800 poems in the Dorset dialect. Barnes also relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.

Alongside a delicious cream tea, The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Phil Humphries along with vice president of The William Barnes Society and folk musician Tim Laycock, will perform folksongs and dance tunes from across the county including One Night as I Lay on my Bed collected in 1906 by the Hammond brothers from George House of Beaminster, Away Dark Thoughts from Winterborne Monkton and, The New Rigged Ship and The Young May Moon from the Hardy family manuscripts. This years’ programme also includes a musical setting of William Barnes’ poem Rustic Childhood.  

Recitals of some of Barnes’ much-loved poems will keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset in this wonderful celebration of the life of William Barnes.

A pop-up producers’ market will also take place in the atrium of The Exchange, open to the public from 11am-3pm, so why not pop along and do a spot of shopping before the show – there will be lots of Dorset goodies for you to discover!

www.artsreach.co.uk 

Dorset Food & Drink Pop-Up Makers Market!

Sunday 23 February, 11am-3pm

The Exchange and Artsreach are delighted to present a pop-up producers and makers market to coincide with the annual Tea with William Barnes celebration. With stalls selling delicious food and drink, locally made products, crafts and art, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Open freely to the public and taking place in the Atrium of The Exchange, why not come along and try some famous local produce, or perhaps you’ll discover something brand new made in Dorset! The Bibbern Gallery Cafe will also be open upstairs.

Clay Tiles workshop with Deborah Clarke

In this relaxing 2 hour workshop you will be able to explore textures and mark making in clay, creating two small coasters inspired by Dorset landscape. Add colour to your creations using engobes (a liquid clay coating) to highlight the textures and details. Your pieces will be kiln fired and be ready for collection 2-3 weeks later. Dress for Mess!

Limited availability 15 spaces only

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 

Five talented musicians and vocalists perform all of Smokie’s hits, including If You Think You Know How to Love Me, Meet You At Midnight, Something Is Making Me Blue, Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone, Oh Carol, and of course their most famous song, Living Next Door To Alice. They will also perform some 60s classics covered by Smokie like Needles And Pins and Have You Ever Seen The Rain. Audience participation is guaranteed!

PAUL BONNER – Drums and amazing “Smokie” vocals.

Started his first Band aged 15, provided backing vocals for 60s Stars. Was a TV Cameraman before

joining “The New Honeycombs” playing Theatres and Venues.

EDDIE WHEELER –  Guitar/Vocals.

Started playing guitar at age 5, turned professional at 17

working in Europe backing and supporting many big names. later worked as a Studio musician

playing and singing on many hits. He is currently a long standing member of “Vanity Fare” touring

most of the world and also enjoys performing solo.

HOLGER SKEPENEIT –  Keyboards/Vocals.

Born in Germany, Started playing classical piano at age

8, moving to Jazz and Blues at 14. Graduated with First Class Honours Degree at Leeds College of

Music. During his career he has performed with many dozens of famous names and composed

music for award winning films.

CLIFF JONES – Guitar/Vocals.

Performed with various International Bands playing Europe,

Scandinavia and The Middle East. He has appeared on TV shows, performed on Radio and more recently enjoys a solo career.

JEFF MALIN –  Bass/Vocals…Started playing in a school Band and at 16 joined “Beat Syndicate”

supporting groups such as The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Lulu etc. More recently he spent 14

years with “The New”.

Lino Printing with Caroline Buckman

Explore the basics of lino printing in this hands-on, interactive workshop for beginners! We will spend some time practicing carving on test blocks to build confidence, before moving on to carve your own small design into A6 lino. You'll learn allabout the inking and printing process (the technical but fun part!), and can use an easy-to-use Woodzilla press to make multiple prints of your design in different colours! Everyone will come away with a small selection of prints to hang on your wall or gift to friends. Be prepared to embrace the slightly unpredictable, inky world of printing, and embrace the 'happy accidents' that lino printing can bring! Bring lunch and Dress for Mess.

Limited availability 6 places only

BSO Tea Time Trio - Cake Concert

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Cake Concerts are relaxed chamber performances which take place in informal, social environments, combining easy-listening repertoire with refreshments, cake and good company.

BSO Cake Concerts demonstrate the power of music to connect people, rekindle relationships with loved ones, and even recall past experiences. Specifically developed for people living with dementia, Cake Concerts are open to everyone, whether living in the community or in care and residential homes. These accessible events ensure everyone can experience the joy of live music. Performing on flute, harp and cello, the Teatime Trio share a selection of works including popular classical hits and light film music, while audience members enjoy refreshments and a slice of cake.

“I cried all through the second half. My parents had an amazing morning.” Audience comment 2025

“Relaxed and friendly - and good to know someone is thinking of us.” Carer’s comment 2025

Running Time: 90mins including refreshment breaks.

Tickets £6 including light refreshments. Free carer tickets available

This series of dementia friendly events has been co-ordinated by Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity, with thanks to support from the Talbot Village Trust, Dorset Community Foundation and The Britford Bridge Trust.

www.artsreach.co.uk

Join one of Britain’s most distinguished stage and screen actors, Edward Fox OBE, for an intimate evening of conversation and storytelling.

In discussion with his friend Richard Digby Day, celebrated theatre director and raconteur, Edward will share anecdotes, humour and insights drawn from a remarkable career spanning more than five decades,  from his early days in repertory theatre to acclaimed performances in The Day of the Jackal, A Bridge Too Far, The Go-Between, Gandhi, and Edward & Mrs Simpson.

Audiences can look forward to:

Anecdotes from a glittering career across stage and screen.

Candid reflections, warmth and wit.

The chance to ask questions and hear first-hand stories from a true national treasure.

An Audience with Edward Fox promises a sophisticated, nostalgic and uplifting evening in the company of one of the greats — who knows all the other greats.

Seriously Collins – A Tribute to Phil Collins & Genesis

Experience the Magic of Phil Collins and Genesis!

Seriously Collins: The Genuine Tribute Show

Get ready to be transported back in time as we celebrate the legendary hits of Phil Collins and Genesis! "Seriously Collins" isn’t just a tribute show; it’s an electrifying journey through the music that has touched hearts and defined generations.

Incredible Vocals: Prepare to be mesmerized by our frontman’s uncanny vocal resemblance, capturing the soulful essence of Phil Collins with astonishing precision.

Captivating Performance: Our talented musicians and performers recreate the energy, charm, and charisma of the original band, delivering an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

Immerse Yourself: Feel the nostalgia and passion as you relive the prime of Phil Collins and Genesis, experiencing their iconic concerts and magical moments once again.

Book Your Tickets Now: Don’t miss out on this incredible evening filled with music, memories, and the timeless legacy of Phil Collins and Genesis.

No Gimmicks, Just a Genuine Tribute to One of the Biggest Artists of Our Generation.

CODA: The Ultimate West End Musicals Experience

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, laughter, and West End magic as CODA bring their multi-award-winning show, The Ultimate West End Musicals Experience, to The Exchange!

Starring the sensational Soprano Carley Dawson and the charismatic Bass Baritone Mark “#ManInTheHat” James, CODA return with an all-new look as they launch the first dates of their 2026 UK Tour. This dynamic duo are renowned for their powerhouse vocals, warm stage presence, and the unmistakable musical chemistry that has captivated audiences across the country.

Expect a dazzling celebration of songs from the world’s most beloved musicals, including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Miss Saigon, Wicked, and many more—some performed in CODA’s own beautifully crafted signature style.

It’s a show bursting with iconic melodies and theatrical flair, where audiences are encouraged not just to listen, but to laugh, sing along, and even dance if the moment takes them. Whether you’re a lifelong musical lover or discovering these legendary songs for the first time, CODA promise a night that lifts the heart and leaves you humming all the way home.

Join us for an evening of West End favourites performed with passion, humour, and sheer vocal brilliance.