Our performance programme is listed under
What's On; you can join the
Mailing List online to receive the programme by post or opt to receive email alerts. If you are happy to receive emails rather than post, or use this site to check what's on, it does help to keep our costs down. We are also hoping to get more sophisticated with the use of e-flyers for those who have specified particular fields of interest.
The majority of our performances take place in village halls. The combination of an inviting community space along with a local promoter as the host who has a great community involvement and/or love of the arts, provides a lively friendly atmosphere, familiar to many in the village and always welcoming to others.
While people agree that the atmosphere of watching a play or live music in a village hall environment is much more intimate and engaging than in a large theatre, there are a couple of points to bear in mind when planning a trip to a village hall to see a performance:
It is advisable to arrive in good time, to guarantee finding somewhere to park nearby and a good seat. It is also advisable to telephone the promoter beforehand to arrange disabled access if required and to check if there is a hearing loop. Reserved tickets can sometimes be pre-booked with an SAE or otherwise collected on the door. Seats are usually allocated on a first come first served basis, and are generally all on floor level (although some venues have raked seating for some floor-based productions).
Almost all evening productions have an interval, where a bar (licence permitting) is usually available, as well as occasional delicious homemade fare. The proceeds of the bar always go to the village hall fund unless mentioned otherwise.
Live performances are seated, unless stated otherwise on the posters or programme. Very occasionally venues hold dance events with limited seating, but this is advised when booking. In the summer months we programme open-air theatre shows, often against stunning backdrops such as Kimmeridge Bay, the stately grounds of Boveridge House, Cranborne, or Durlston Country Park. We encourage people to bring picnics, rugs and chairs to these very memorable open-air evenings.
We always appreciate feedback from our audiences. If you have any comments to make, or have a query, please either email: ian@artsreach.co.uk or call us: 01305 269512