Entertainment & arts
The latest entertainment and arts news, including coverage of The Mowlem, the Swanage Drama Company and the music, film and arts festivals in Swanage and Purbeck.
Music festivals cancelled as Swanage company goes bust A local festival company has gone into liquidation meaning the end to two popular summer music events near Swanage in Dorset 
Red Arrows to headline Swanage Carnival 2025 The news everyone wants to hear - The Red Arrows will be returning to the town and putting on a spectacular air display at the start of Swanage Carnival week ... 
Uplifting stage show to raise money for Mowlem wheelchair lift Swanage’s beloved Allsort’d group is about to return to The Mowlem for their third major stage production - but this time, they want to leave a special thank you behind. 
Swanage’s disco diva brings Mid Life stories to The Mowlem A bold, candid and upbeat show which promises to get everyone dancing in the aisles is coming to Swanage in Dorset as part of a tour by the performing arts ... 
Book your place for Swanage’s new authors’ club Authors with fascinating tales to tell will be stopping off in Swanage in Dorset, to share their stories as part of a new series of book themed events. 
Purbeck sculptor creates art from mangled Ukranian door A front door, scorched and bombed during the war in Ukraine, has been made into an art installation by a Purbeck artist, to help tell the stories of displaced Ukraine ... 
Stage, TV and EastEnders fame for Wareham author Rachel A new stage musical about to begin a UK tour features a beloved character created by Wareham author Rachel Bright and illustrator Jim Field - Kevin the koala. 
Historical novel by Purbeck writer inspired by freedom fighter aunt Purbeck writer Greg Duncan drew from his family tree when he wrote his first historical novel - for his aunt had been a freedom fighter in France during World War ... 
The King of rock ‘n’ roll to crown Swanage’s Summer of Music Elvis is back in the building as part of The Mowlem’s Summer of Music festival - the first time a tribute show to The King of rock 'n' roll has ... 
Tim’s tasty play to inspire other Swanage writers A Swanage writer will reveal an excerpt from his latest stage play about a local obsession - fish and chips! - at an event to encourage others to become scriptwriters 
Swanage Folk Festival hands out big cheques Raising more than just a smile during the Swanage Folk Festival in September 2024 despite the wet weather, the organising committee was able to donate thousands to local good causes 
First night of Swanage’s new comedy club is sell out success There were plenty of laughs and a bit of bawdy adult humour to brighten up a Wednesday evening in January at the launch of The Mowlem Comedy Club in Swanage, ... 
Swanage’s new Jazz in the Studio hopes to hit right notes A new music venture is about to begin in Swanage, Dorset, to help cement the town's reputation as one of the leading centres for jazz in the South of England 
Nothing like a Dame as Brian resumes Swanage panto role One of Swanage Drama Company’s best known faces is back on stage this year as the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk gets ready to open at The Mowlem 
Top BSO musicians return to Swanage to perform popular classics Following on from a sell out show in 2023, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is bringing an ensemble of 14 musicians back to Swanage in Dorset to play music from well ... 
It’s lit as Swanage sparkles at Christmas! New festive lights in the centre of Swanage brought extra colour to the town for Christmas 2024 and lots of residents joined in by putting on impressive light shows in ... 
Swanage through to final stage of Town of Culture 2026 Four Dorset towns including Swanage and its surrounding villages have made it to the shortlist to become the 2026 Dorset Town of Culture 
TikTok teacher brings Christmas assembly bangers to Swanage A Dorset born music teacher and one of the most unlikely internet sensations is to perform a singalong of school assembly festive top tunes at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset 
Swanage could be Dorset Town of Culture 2026 A bid has been made for Swanage to become the Dorset Town of Culture in 2026, following in the footsteps of Bridport, and Weymouth and Portland 
New events to bring laughter and sass to Swanage In a bold move to attract new audiences The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, has announced that it’s to host a stand-up comedy club, as well as a Latin dance party 
Sweet dreams are made of this at Swanage’s Studio Music man and Langton Matravers resident Richard Evans is set to lift the lid on the secrets of the 1980s world of synthesisers and sequencers at an event in Swanage, ... 
May contain nuts: Swanage’s Evening of Entertainment returns! The scene is set for one of the funniest and possibly nuttiest stage performances of the year, as Swanage Drama Company and friends invite everyone to their annual revue show 
Major exhibition of Purbeck paintings goes on display The curator of an impressive art exhibition showcasing the artistic heritage of Purbeck is to reveal the stories behind the paintings at a talk in Langton Matravers in Dorset 
Bookmark your diary for new Swanage literary event Three successful Swanage authors will help to launch a literary festival in town which organisers hope will grow into an annual Dorset event 
Salsa explosion in Swanage may become permanent fixture Swanage in Dorset could soon sway to a Latin beat if new salsa classes at The Mowlem this autumn turn out to be a success 
Swanage dancer takes flight in world tour of Swan Lake A national and international tour of the iconic ballet Swan Lake is about to begin, with Swanage dancer James Lovell taking the lead role 
Comedian Jack Dee irons out creases in Swanage ahead of UK tour Arguably the most famous person to perform at Swanage's theatre in Dorset, Jack Dee went down a storm with the audience who braved the puddles on a Tuesday night 
Top sax player performs at Swanage Jazz Club in cancer tribute Swanage Jazz Club is hosting a gig with one of the UK’s top sax players, helping to raise awareness for a breast cancer charity after his wife died from the ... 
Remembering Steve as Swanage Blues Festival kicks off Swanage’s 40th Blues Festival in Dorset, the first without its creator Steve Darrington, opened with a moment of silence and a toast to his memory 
Sounds a success as new radio station opens its doors New community radio station Purbeck Sounds is officially going live on Saturday 5th October 2024 - and wants as many people as possible to join them for the launch in ... 
Rescued Swanage Pier turnstile goes on display at museum A large piece of Swanage history has gone on public display in the town’s museum, a year after being rescued following a hugely successful crowdfunding appeal. 
Acclaimed director to launch Purbeck Film Festival 2024 Well known for films including American Beauty, Skyfall and 1917, Sir Sam Mendes is to be the star guest at the opening of the Purbeck Film Festival 
Thousands raised for cancer charity and Swanage Railway The parents of a young local man who sadly died of cancer, have thanked all those who supported the “wonderful and moving” Music by the Sea concert in Swanage, Dorset 
Toploader and N-Trance to headline Swanage concert Stars from the bands Toploader and N-Trance, who will perform at a new two day music festival in Swanage in Dorset, have spoken about how important the gig is to ... 
Mystery of Lawrence of Arabia’s Bovington death re-examined In a follow up to the feature film, a new documentary is due to be released questioning whether the death in 1935 in Bovington, Dorset, of T.E Lawrence – better ... 
Swanage celebrates and remembers at Music by the Sea concert A large crowd gathered for the all day concert in Swanage to remember Henry - a Swanage man who sadly died young - but also a day to celebrate a ... 
Swanage’s 40th blues festival to be tribute to its founder Swanage Blues Festival will go ahead in October 2024 to celebrate the legacy of its creator, Steve Darrington - thanks to his two stepchildren. 
Swanage Folk Festival set to make September splash The folk festival billed as the friendliest in the country is gearing up to take Swanage by storm with its biggest programme yet of music and dance 
In memory of Henry: Music concert returns to Swanage for fourth year Celebrating the life of a young Swanage man who sadly died of cancer aged just 25, the Music by the Sea concert is back and raising money for Cancare and ... 
Winners revealed at Purbeck Arts Club annual show An atmospheric study of Swanage Pier has been chosen as the best piece of art in an annual exhibition by Purbeck Arts Club in Swanage. 
Bagpiper on beach bringing bit of Scotland to Swanage A lone piper on the sands of Swanage has been entertaining - and intriguing - evening visitors to the town on long summer evenings. 
Swanage wheelbarrow race pushes the boundaries of sport Swanage Carnival 2024 drew to a close with one of the traditional stars of the show - a joyful free for all that might be best described as organised chaos. 
Swanage Carnival photo competition winners revealed The winning photos have been chosen from a record number of entrants for Swanage Carnival’s 2024 photo marathon contest. 
Sizzling show of amazing art from Swanage Painting Club The heat was on for Swanage Painting Club as artists launched their annual exhibition during carnival week and a mini heatwave! 
Secrets of Purbeck’s smuggling past revealed in new book The story of how one of England’s most notorious 18th century smugglers lived in Worth Matravers in Dorset and hid the contraband in churches across Purbeck, is detailed in a ... 
Grumpy comic Jack Dee to come to Swanage Swanage in Dorset will be first to hear a new show by top comedian Jack Dee as he visits The Mowlem to try out material ahead of a year-long tour. 
Pilgrims progress across Purbeck as murdered king is remembered A modern day pilgrimage has left Corfe Castle to cross Dorset, more than a thousand years after the murder of an English king in Purbeck. 
Arts Council funding brings young blood to Swanage Jazz Festival An outstanding lineup of musical talent is in store for Swanage in Dorset as more than 80 events are lined up for the town’s 2024 Jazz Festival. 
Plastic bottle waste from one Purbeck home pops up as tree A year’s worth of plastic bottles from just one household has been used to create a sculpture for Purbeck Art Weeks to highlight just how big the problem is. 
Allsort’d choir perform Corfe Castle concert after Mowlem triumph Fresh from the success of its stage adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Mowlem in Swanage, the Allsort’d choir is back in action. 
The Mowlem in Swanage shows off its new studio Following a £100,000 makeover, the Community Room at The Mowlem in Swanage has become a new performance space and its got a new name - The Studio. 
Ravens versus peregrines as BBC Springwatch returns to Purbeck BBC Springwatch cameras will be broadcasting live from RSPB Arne for the second year in a row to highlight Purbeck’s outstanding wildlife. 
Seahorse sculpture points out loss of Studland seagrass Drawing attention to the damage done to the endangered seahorse’s habitat at Studland, an artist from Church Knowle in Dorset has created a giant seahorse installation. 
TV’s Time Team reveal results of Wytch Farm dig New light has been shed on Purbeck’s history following TV’s Time Team crew three-day dig carried out in fields at Wytch Farm near Corfe Castle in Dorset. 
Purbeck back on TV for Channel 5’s Big Steam Adventure A new episode of a surprise hit TV show features Swanage, Corfe Castle and Kimmeridge, as three well known men of a certain age and charm, take a steam journey ... 
Swanage artist’s moo selfies likely to head to Cowes Swanage artist Lucy Tidbury has been chosen from hundreds to paint a design on a huge model of a lighthouse as part of a summer art trail. 
Purbeck stone carvers to demonstrate craft at Corfe Castle Keeping the local tradition alive, Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre is offering visitors to National Trust’s Corfe Castle, the chance to have a go at the heritage skill of stone carving. 
It’s Showtime again for Swanage dance school There’s going to be a very special Showtime at The Mowlem, when Swanage’s Ranger School of Dance stages its first full company production in 20 years as a tribute to ... 
Swanage nightclub transforms into top new venue Under new management and totally refurbished, The Fonc Lounge in Swanage has opened with a fresh new look in time for the summer season. 
Former Dr Who to appear on stage in Swanage Regenerating as one half of a famous crime solving partnership, a former Dr Who will be teaming up in Swanage with a previous mortal enemy. 
Refurbished Kimmeridge museum reopens with queues for star exhibit After a five week shutdown for a £220,000 refit of its Jurassic era fossil displays, The Etches Collection at Kimmeridge in Dorset has reopened just in time for Easter. 
Swanage Lifeboat to appear in latest BBC Antiques Roadshow episode The BBC is to visit Swanage in Dorset for a third time as part of its latest Antiques Roadshow series presented by Fiona Bruce. 
New sponsor for fortnight of art across Purbeck Purbeck Art Weeks is gearing up for its annual summer festival and the brochure for 2024 will feature the striking work of a Swanage artist. 
Anything Goes as ocean liner docks in Swanage The energetic and nautical musical Anything Goes is all set to be performed at Swanage’s The Mowlem, nearly a quarter of a century after the first Swanage Musical Theatre production ... 
BBC radio team arrives in Swanage for live broadcast The stage is set in Swanage, Dorset, for a political showdown in the wake of the government's Spring Budget as the BBC radio outside broadcast truck rolls into town. 
More jazz for Swanage as new club launches The opening night of a new jazz club at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club was a sellout success, attracting world class stars to Swanage in Dorset. 
Home grown Swanage talent makes artistic splash at The Mowlem Self taught Swanage artist Josh Hollingshead has been around the world to find inspiration for his paintings - and is now in high demand at home. 
Top comedians film at Purbeck’s Square and Compass pub TV and stage comics Bill Bailey and Paul Merton stopped off for a pint in Worth Matravers in Dorset on a mission to get men to talk about mental health. 
A final farewell as Swanage based radio station closes Purbeck Coast radio has broadcast for the last time from its base on Swanage Pier - but even as the station went off air, its last words were ‘We’ll be ... 
Popular BBC radio programme to be recorded in Swanage Politicians will be heading to Swanage in Dorset to be quizzed live on BBC Radio 4 by a local audience for the news show Any Questions? 
Purbeck gets more music, drama and comedy this spring A new programme of music and theatre performances has been launched by Dorset touring arts charity Artsreach for spring 2024, and The Mowlem in Swanage has announced another new comedy ... 
Purbeck Coast community radio station axed The plug is to be pulled on the popular local radio station Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM based on Swanage Pier, due to, “a lack of funding and practical pressures”. 
Pop up sculpture surprises dog walkers on Swanage Beach The Sheps Hollow is constantly evolving due to the climate but the latest change was unexpected - a sculpture of a man running through a door thrusting a baton! WATCH ... 
Cultural organisations in Purbeck get £120,000 in grant funding A pot of nearly £1.5 million is being distributed over three years across the Dorset Council area to arts and heritage organisations and accredited museums, with a share going to ... 
Panto brings Cinderella sparkle to Swanage Promising to liven up the greyest of January days in Swanage in Dorset, the cast of the pantomime Cinderella at The Mowlem is now rehearsing in the theatre as it ... 
BBC returns to RSPB Arne for live Winterwatch shows A team of 60 camera crew, engineers and producers from the BBC are heading back to RSPB Arne near Wareham in Dorset for a week in January 2024 to broadcast ... 
Art organisation offers bursaries to support Purbeck artistic talent Artists in Purbeck, including those in Swanage, are being encouraged to apply for a bursary to help them develop their careers and access new opportunities. 
Top US comedian to perform new show in Swanage Following the recent sell out comedy performances of Seann Welsh and Andy Parsons at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, another star comedian has been booked for 2024. 
Chadwick actor makes surprise appearance in Swanage A special preview showing of the film One Life starring Sir Anthony Hopkins in Swanage in Dorset was made even more special when a surprise guest dropped by. 
Chadwick link gets Swanage special preview of top movie Starring the actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, the film One Life about the rescue of children from the Nazis on the eve of World War Two, is to be released in ... 
BBC snubs Purbeck by filming Enid Blyton stories in Cornwall A new series of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories is to be broadcast on the BBC - but has been filmed hundreds of miles away from the Purbeck countryside which ... 
Competition launch for Swanage’s best Xmas decorations Homes and businesses in Swanage are being urged by the local chamber of trade to enter into the festive spirit by decorating their houses, flats and windows for Christmas. 
Yule feel festive as concerts fill St Mary’s Church with joy Two choirs are to bring the joys of the season to St Mary’s Church in Swanage, Dorset with concerts of festive music. 
Polar Express magic arrives in Swanage for Christmas With twinkly lights, singing, dancing, hot chocolate, cookies and even some snow, The Polar Express railway experience will be running trips from Swanage station, up to the North Pole 
Swanage theatre seeks new blood with help from its friends Young adults are being invited to connect with The Mowlem as part of a new scheme to invigorate the Swanage arts centre - and it won’t cost them a penny. 
Street artists inspect damage to Swanage seafront art trail Despite the ravages inflicted by Storm Ciarán on the new flood barrier artwork along Swanage seafront in Dorset, the official launch of the art trail went ahead as planned. 
Lots of variety as Swanage star performers take to the stage One of the longest running Swanage showbiz traditions - the annual evening of entertainment for charity - is returning again to The Mowlem in Dorset. 
Swanage based letter writing society celebrates global success A letter writing phenomenon which started life in Swanage in 2017, has now stamped its presence on all seven continents of the world. 
Bridgerton artist shares his world vision in Swanage exhibition Swanage concept artist Lewis Peake, who's helped create TV worlds from Bridgerton's Regency London to the Game of Thrones universe, has brought his own world view to The Mowlem. 
Street art floods Swanage to protect from winter storms Once grey and drab, the concrete flood defence barrier along Swanage’s seafront in Dorset, has been brightened up, making it easier to spot for those with a visual impairment. 
Corfe Castle music event made possible by new marquee A music performance at Sandy Hill Arts in Corfe Castle has been able to go ahead this autumn, thanks to the Arts Council England providing the funding for a marquee, ... 
Swanage band Galaxy Thief gets big break with star performer Finishing a whirlwind year with the biggest indoor show of their career so far, Swanage band Galaxy Thief has been picked to support a popular singer songwriter at Poole’s Lighthouse. 
Swanage workshop with art and soul turns 10 years old An arts group which was set up to offer friendship and care alongside traditional crafts has found such a rich seam of support that it's now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Threat of closure for Swanage based community radio station Swanage Pier Trust which runs Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM, says the community radio station is struggling to continue due to a lack of funding. 
Film Festival honours Swanage schoolboy who made millions smile One of Swanage’s most famous school pupils is being celebrated at the 2023 Purbeck Film Festival - and it's bound to bring a smile to many. 
Campaign to save Swanage Pier turnstile hits target in days A crowdfunding campaign launched to save an historic cast iron turnstile from Swanage Pier in Dorset has reached its target inside three days. 
Open air dance event to celebrate natural beauty of Swanage A contemporary dance company is to present two free open air performances in Swanage in Dorset to shed light on its natural beauty - and audiences will be at the ... 
Toploader: Dancing in the Swanage sunset at music festival As the sun started to set over Swanage in Dorset, well known band Toploader took to the stage and got everyone dancing at the Music by the Sea festival in ... 
Swanage gets star billing in new series of BBC Antiques Roadshow The new TV series of Antiques Roadshow returns to BBC1 this autumn with the opening episode coming from Swanage in Dorset. 
National magazine focuses in on Swanage photographers A friendly photographic club with an emphasis on making the most of the stunning Swanage and Purbeck scenery has been featured in a national magazine. 
Dino-mite movie night on Jurassic rocks at Swanage Purbeck Film Festival showed it is in no danger of becoming extinct with a special 30th anniversary showing of Jurassic Park on the Swanage cliffs where dinosaurs once roamed. 
Giant sand lizard spotted on Purbeck hillside A huge sand lizard has been unveiled at East Creech near Corfe Castle in Dorset with the aim of highlighting how big a problem the decline of this tiny endangered ... 
Search for Swanage’s top talent to share stage with star band A competition for talented singers and songwriters will see the winner appear on the same Swanage stage as World Cup band Toploader this summer. 
Swanage Carnival photo competition winners revealed While some Swanage Carnival events were blown off course by the weather, the announcement of the winners of the carnival’s photomarathon went ahead undeterred by the high winds. 
Visitors drawn to Swanage Painting Club’s latest exhibition The joy of art keeps bringing visitors back to Swanage Painting Club’s annual exhibition, almost 50 years after it first started. 
Plastic plesiosaur joins in Swanage Carnival fun in the sun From a packed beach on the first day of Swanage Carnival, people were able to enjoy the unusual sight of a plesiosaur swimming across the bay. 
Swanage theatre gets cash boost for new stage lighting system The Mowlem in Swanage in Dorset has won a share of a £64,000 funding pot to pay for improving its stage lighting system. 
Relive your youth at Langton’s ‘old skool’ rave with Judge Jules A dance festival of Nineties and Noughties club music is being held for the first time at Wilkswood Farm in Langton Matravers near Swanage.in Dorset. 
All that jazz makes welcome return to Swanage’s Sandpit Field The sounds of jazz swung back into Swanage as the annual summer festival of mellow melodies made a triumphant return to Sandpit Field after a five year absence. 
Tales of Princess Di’s Purbeck visit to raise funds for dance school Princess Diana’s former bodyguard is to present an evening of his favourite memories at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset to raise money in memory of his aunt, local dance teacher ... 
Durdle Door closed for filming star-filled Netflix show Visitors to Durdle Door in Dorset were turned away as the beach and car park were closed for the filming of a Netflix fantasy series. 
Antiques Roadshow delights thousands as cameras roll in Swanage Television royalty Fiona Bruce has brought the BBC Antiques Roadshow to Swanage in Dorset for the first time ever in its 45 year history - and the town will feature ... 
Swanage Coastguard reveals surprise item as BBC pitches up After months of anticipation, the BBC Antiques Roadshow has arrived in Swanage in Dorset and it’s prompted the local coastguard team to tell its story about a mystery package that ... 
Picture this – new photography exhibition at Swanage gallery Having only ever displayed paintings rather than photographs, an art gallery in Swanage decided to branch out after a chance remark. 
Major lottery grant awarded to Corfe Castle arts hub A year after being formed, Sandy Hill Arts next to Corfe Castle station has just been granted nearly £30,000 to fund a programme of diverse music events. 
Thirst for more drama in Swanage’s Showbar The refurbished bar in The Mowlem in Swanage is now staging performances and most appropriately, its first show was called Thirst. 
Swanage’s swimmers take second dip into theatre performance After the sell out show of SW!M in 2022 - a combination of storytelling on the stage followed by dancing and swimming in Swanage Bay - the all-female group is ... 
Newly discovered 1930s posters to jazz up Swanage’s Mowlem A treasure trove of theatre memorabilia has been found at The Mowlem and is about to play a part in brightening up the Swanage seafront showbar. Top artistic talent goes on display across Purbeck A fortnight of open studios, exhibitions, concerts and workshops has kicked off as part of Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2023. 
Roarsome dino art near Worth Matravers washed away by storms An amazing piece of art at a quarry near Worth Matravers, created for a David Attenborough TV show on dinosaurs, has been lost to the weather. 
Promoting theatre in Swanage is child’s play for touring company A touring theatre company specialising in children's shows has just relocated to Swanage - and wants to help promote The Mowlem. 
‘Rural romp’ to be performed in Studland Offering a combination of agricultural antics, farmyard frolics and pizza to draw in the crowds, a two man comedy show has been booked to perform in Studland in Dorset. 
Star Wars returns to Purbeck: The sequel! The Star Wars: Andor TV series have set up camp again near Swanage in Dorset, ahead of filming for the second season of the popular TV programme. Take your seat to help secure The Mowlem’s future A huge £160,000 fundraising appeal to help ensure The Mowlem's future begins with a chance to sponsor a seat in the auditorium. 
Swanage group Allsort’d to stage first musical production Already well known locally for its singing performances, Allsort’d is all set to achieve the dream of putting on a musical at The Mowlem in Swanage. 
Second home tax in Dorset delayed Dorset Council was set to charge owners of second homes double council tax from April 2024 but its plans have been thwarted by the slow progress of government legislation through ... 
BBC Antiques Roadshow to come to Swanage Swanage Pier and Prince Albert Gardens are to host the popular BBC TV programme Antiques Roadshow presented by Fiona Bruce. 
Seed of an idea blooms at Durlston art exhibition An arts project which was expected to run for just 15 days is to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a major exhibition at Durlston in Swanage. 
Swanage born Hot Fuzz film director becomes patron of The Mowlem An award winning UK film director has been revealed as the first ever patron of the Swanage theatre in Dorset after a chance meeting in his home town. 
Still rocking it at 96, Sir David opens his last BBC series at Old Harry Sir David Attenborough will open his final BBC series from Old Harry to celebrate the best of British natural history. 
Swanage Jazz Festival offers ticket discount to local residents Building on last year's success, Swanage Jazz Festival 2023 will be returning to its traditional home of Sandpit Field and offering a discount to Swanage residents. 
Dorset arts charity brings symphony orchestra to Swanage The Mowlem on Swanage’s seafront is to host an appropriately nautical performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. 
Swanage Blues Festival joins forces with The Mowlem For the first time in its 22 year history., the Swanage Blues Festival is finally to collaborate with The Mowlem. 
New film released about Swanage’s sea swimmers The women who swim in Swanage Bay, star in a new film which follows them as they prepare to plunge into the world of theatre performance - WATCH THE FILM 
Chance to come and sing in Swanage with top musicians New dates have been announced for the opportunity to tune up the vocal cords and get expert tuition from distinguished church musicians at St Mary’s Church. 
Swanage’s panto is back at The Mowlem – oh yes it is! Robbing the rich to give to the poor is the topical theme of this year’s Swanage panto Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. The Mowlem getting its act together for 2023 After a number of false starts, there’s a new drive to breathe a fresh lease of life into Swanage’s much loved but architecturally controversial theatre. 
Purbeck company sees business boom over panto season Twin brothers from Wareham are responsible for putting the magic into no fewer than 30 major UK stage productions this Christmas 
Lawrie drums up support for new Swanage samba band Music master Lawrie Sandford hopes to bring some Brazillian warmth to winter nights in Swanage by starting up a local samba drum band 
Delve into Swanage’s history as centre opens its doors for weekend For the first time in three years, the Swanage History Centre is opening its archive to the public so they can find out more about Purbeck’s past. 
BBC faces Lulworth ban after Doctor Who ‘deceit’ at Durdle Door The BBC may be banned from filming at Lulworth Cove again after it was accused of irresponsibility by showing Doctor Who regenerating on top of Durdle Door. 
Top author from Wareham gives boost to local library Successful children’s author Rachel Bright has cleared a space in her busy autumn diary to support Wareham Library. 
Swanage star charged extra to take home Best Actress award Swanage actress Nicole Faraday has picked up the biggest award of her life at an international film festival - and was promptly charged excess baggage fees to bring it back ... 
Swanage festival is best value in UK as entrance fee stays at 2012 price The best-value entrance ticket in live music events anywhere in the UK has just gone on sale in Swanage - and it hasn’t risen in cost since 2012. 
Historic maps to go on display in Swanage An exhibition featuring a private collection of maps and charts of Dorset, the world and the universe, is to open for just two days at All Saints Church Hall in ... Local musical talent on show at ‘feelgood’ Swanage concert Despite predictions of rain, the sun shone on the Music by the Sea concert in Swanage in memory of Will and Henry, two local lads who died tragically young. 
Dramatic Purbeck viewpoint gets pop up art installation The ancient landscape at Swyre’s Head near Kingston in Dorset is temporarily getting a modern addition called The Wind Hive. 
Summer exhibition of art opens in Swanage to help ‘boost morale’ The Isle of Purbeck Arts Club summer exhibition is back with artwork and poetry plus a chance to find out more about the club. 
Songwriter returns to Swanage for ‘the most beautiful views’ Folk legend Richard Digance is making a return visit to The Mowlem in Swanage, a theatre he describes as having ‘the most beautiful views from a dressing room’ anywhere in ... 
Psychedelic orchestra cycles from France to Corfe Castle for concert A very unusual orchestra is to arrive in Corfe Castle by bike, as part of a musical tour that started in France and will end in Dorset. 
Swanage painters are back with a splash With plenty of new artwork, Swanage Painting Club’s summer exhibition has opened - the first time in two years. 
It’s no joke – Mr Punch signs three year deal with Swanage Town Council The traditional Punch and Judy puppet show is back on Swanage Beach and the mayor dropped by to deliver some good news. 
Music fans expected to fill town for Swanage Jazz Festival The popular appeal of jazz by the sea means there’s just a few tickets left for the 31st Swanage Jazz Festival. 
New royal work of art unveiled in Swanage for Platinum Jubilee To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a new mural created by local school children, has been officially unveiled by the Swanage Town Mayor - WATCH THE UNVEILING. 
Swanage sea show goes swimmingly well Bathed in sunshine, an extraordinary performance of words, dance and swimming took place in Swanage on midsummer’s evening - WATCH VIDEO. 
Wild swimming just got wilder with unique Swanage show An extraordinary double bill of theatre about swimming in the sea is to take place on midsummer’s evening in Swanage. 
New artistic talent given chance to shine at Purbeck Art Weeks After a turbulent few years for creative talent, the premier art festival in Swanage and across Purbeck is providing a platform for new artists to exhibit. 
Massive month of art kicks off in Swanage Over the next four weeks, artists in Swanage will be opening their doors to visitors - first as part of Dorset Art Weeks then swiftly followed by Purbeck Art Weeks. 
Corfe Castle art gallery branches out A new arts hub - based around the old Boilerhouse Gallery - has been launched in Corfe Castle with exhibitions, music and spoken word events planned throughout the summer. 
Getting back in the swing – a series of summer concerts for Swanage A programme of concerts in Swanage, aiming to raise a smile as well as money for charity, are hoping to hit the right note this summer. 
Lost BBC comedy tape found in Swanage Museum archive A recording of a long-lost BBC comedy show has been discovered among archive tapes belonging to Swanage museum. 
Perfect marriage of pencil and metal at Durlston’s latest exhibition Finely detailed wildlife pencil drawings and exquisite silver and copper metal work, combine to make up the new exhibition at Durlston Country Park in Swanage. 
New Swanage musical rolls off production line after three years Swanage Musical Theatre Company is back after a three year gap with a production of Made in Dagenham, the show about women factory workers and their fight for equal pay ... 
Historic aerial photos of Swanage go online for first time Fascinating aerial photos have been newly published online by Historic England including hundreds capturing Purbeck from the skies over the last 100 years. 
Follow the yellow brick road to Corfe Castle! Members of Corfe Castle amateur dramatic group Double Act are hoping it will be third time lucky for their latest production, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 
Plenty of drama going on at The Mowlem A weekend of gripping theatre and film is planned for The Mowlem in Swanage - one production in support of the local school and the other for Ukraine. 
Crime novelist relaunches author events at Swanage Library An award-winning crime writer, who features Dorset as the setting for her novels, will be talking about her writing at Swanage Library. 
Swanage Blues Festival charts its way through ‘uncertain times’ The Blues Festival is back in Swanage with a stomping line up of acts and it's been nominated for Festival of the Year by the UK Blues Awards. 
Jazz festival returns to Swanage after two year Covid break The line-up has been announced for this year’s Swanage Jazz Festival, back after a two-year absence because of Covid. 
Swanage Panto performers say: Covid? It’s behind us…! This year’s Swanage panto has been the ‘hardest ever’ with illness and positive Covid tests causing one cast member after another to miss rehearsals. 
Swanage’s theatre on financial knife edge as Covid impacts again With audiences staying away due to renewed fears over Covid, The Mowlem is launching a winter appeal to raise £5,000. 
D-Day tank at Studland beach for documentary filming The history series for National Geographic is due to be broadcast in autumn 2022. 
Swanage Rep company gets Covid grant boost The production company behind the Swanage Rep theatre season at The Mowlem has won a government grant, raising hopes of a return next year after the ‘unprecedented and unpredictable’ impact ... 
Swanage-based radio station scoops silver at national awards Community radio station, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM located on Swanage Pier, has achieved recognition in the prestigious 2021 Community Radio Awards, less than three years since its launch. 
Firework extravaganza set to light up the Purbeck sky Bonfire night is back with a bang with the spectacular annual event at Swanage and Wareham Rugby Ground returning after a gap of two years because of Covid. 
Route into Purbeck remains closed as work to clear 10 trees starts The main road into Wareham and through to Swanage is expected to remain blocked all day as the huge task of clearing the road starts - SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO 
Film festival returns to Purbeck for silver anniversary After a year away, the longest running rural film festival in the UK – the Purbeck Film Festival – is back! 
Local community gets to see Swanage’s theatre in a new light A multi-sensory backstage tour of The Mowlem in Swanage has been a surprise hit giving people a chance to peek behind the scenes. New Lawrence of Arabia film made in Purbeck finally gets its premiere The release of the film Lawrence: After Arabia was delayed in 2020 but there will be special screenings this autumn across Dorset including Swanage. 
Prizes awarded to support young artists across Purbeck The Isle of Purbeck Arts Club has awarded cash prizes to the latest winners of its annual children and young people’s art competition, made possible by a generous legacy. 
Blues party returns to Swanage after Covid intermission The much-loved Swanage Blues Festival shuffles into town this weekend with an eclectic mix of musicians and singers - the first since March 2020. 
Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM nominated for radio awards Local community radio station, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM, has been shortlisted in the annual national Community Radio Awards. 
Swanage Town Band back at new bandstand for Chadwick fundraiser Bright sunshine greeted Swanage Town Band’s first performance at the bandstand since it was refurbished - WATCH VIDEO. 
Singing in Swanage making a comeback after months of silence The director of music at St Mary’s Church in Swanage, is urging everyone to ‘Come and Sing’ again after Covid stopped everyone singing in public. 
Swanage theatre director brings extraordinary show to the Lighthouse After a long 18 months, Swanage-based artistic director Claire Hodgson says it’s incredible to be putting on a stage show again. 
Purbeck Art Weeks’ Rollington Barn exhibition is back! With plenty of work produced during lockdown, the Rollington Barn exhibition near Corfe Castle is bursting with paintings, photography, prints, ceramics and greetings cards. 
TV soap actress takes on Rita role at The Mowlem in Swanage Coronation Street actress Kimberley Hart Simpson is starring in a new production of Educating Rita at The Mowlem as part of the Swanage Rep series. 
What’s on in Swanage in September 2021? With so many events having been postponed due to Covid, there’s lots happening in September 2021 in Swanage. 
“Best ever” Swanage Rep show finally goes ahead A show described as ‘the best production’ ever by Swanage Rep finally makes its debut on stage after a week’s delay. 
Popular Swanage Lifeboat Lego movie gets a sequel Following the runaway success of last year’s Swanage Lifeboat Week Lego animation, 12 year old Christian has now released a follow up movie. 
Dramatic Dorset coastline captured in new exhibition by Swanage artist Much acclaimed watercolour painter, Cathy Veale is exhibiting her work at the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park in Swanage. 
Top trombonist returns to Swanage for concert cancelled last year It's a special homecoming for a talented local musician who became a professor at the Royal Academy of Music at just 25. 
Timing it just right – Purbeck Valley Folk Festival gets to go ahead With huge relief and excitement for the musicians and organisers, the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2021 has kicked off, despite plenty of other musical events being cancelled. 
Swanage Rep show postponed after positive Covid test The opening nights of The Princess and the Pauper at The Mowlem in Swanage have been delayed after a production team member tested positive for Covid. 
Musical with sign language set for national tour after Swanage debut A brand-new reworking of a classic story which integrates sign language into the performance gets its debut at The Mowlem theatre in Swanage. 
Swanage artists join new exhibition and raise money for charity An idea born out of lockdown has led to an exhibition of work by more than 30 artists from Swanage and the wider Purbeck area. 
Simon and Garfunkel tribute act returns to Swanage Stopping off in Swanage before appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years is at The Mowlem. 
Aled Jones in Swanage for filming of BBC’s Songs of Praise Hundreds of residents and visitors flocked to Prince Albert Gardens for the first Songs of Praise filming of hymn singing for 18 months - SEE PHOTOS. 
Iconic Purbeck landscapes captured in new exhibition at Durlston Well-known landscape photographer Andy Farrer took inspiration from his local surroundings for an exhibition showcasing his new work. 
Warning of traffic delays ahead of Camp Bestival at Lulworth A temporary one-way road system, reduced speed limits and parking restrictions are to be put in place to help manage traffic in Purbeck, ahead of the music festival at Lulworth ... 
Little Horrors relaunch The Mowlem theatre in Swanage Live theatre is back at The Mowlem and first up is an exuberant musical production by students from The Swanage School. 
Aled Jones and BBC’s Songs of Praise to film in Swanage For the first time in 18 months BBC's Songs of Praise will be recording a congregation and it’s chosen Swanage as its location. 
Live music returns to Swanage venues A series of tribute bands are lined up to bring live music back to The Mowlem and Harmans Cross. 
“Don’t learn to love your Covid cage” says Purbeck artist An art installation of people in cages has popped up on the top of a hill near Corfe Castle, to shine light on the way Covid has changed our lives. 
New art exhibitions open at Durlston for Dorset Art Weeks After months of waiting, artwork is back on display at Durlston Country Park in Swanage, just in time for the start of Dorset Art Weeks. 
The Mowlem aims to become Swanage’s “thriving cultural centre” Closed by Covid restrictions since the start of the year, Swanage’s theatre and cinema, The Mowlem has revealed plans to bounce back. 
Seahorse sculpture unveiled in Studland amid plans to protect its habitat As moves progress to restore the seahorse’s natural environment in Studland Bay, a local artist has created an eye-catching seahorse sculpture. 
Architect plans reveal site design of new Swanage statue A first glimpse of what the new sculpture of local man, Trevor Chadwick will look like when it is installed, has been made public. 
Morris Dancing brings “joy and laughter” to Swanage care home Staff at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage celebrated St George’s Day with Morris Dancing as part of Captain Tom’s 100 Challenge. 
Poster by well-known Swanage artist to make up to £2,000 at auction An original poster of Clavell Tower in Kimmeridge, alongside a poster of Bond’s Folly near Creech Grange are set to go under the hammer. 
Swanage to feature in TV programmes to celebrate Easter Filming has been taking place in Swanage, including St Mary’s Church, for Christian broadcaster TBNUK. 
Purbeck Art Weeks postponed until late summer The annual Purbeck art festival, which usually takes place in May, is to be moved until later in the year due to Covid restrictions. 
Swanage Folk Festival to go ahead but jazz festival bows out for 2021 As long as Covid restrictions are lifted as planned, Swanage Folk Festival will take place in September 2021, but the jazz festival has now cancelled until 2022. 
Swanage Jazz Festival cancelled in July but may move to later in year A musical medley of jazz, folk and blues could take place in Swanage this autumn as the town's main music festivals may all happen in September. 
Big cash boosts for Purbeck community hubs Two Purbeck organisations are set to receive an injection of cash from Dorset Council as part of a grant scheme to support our cultural and community centres in Dorset. 
Foundations laid for the Albert Memorial in Swanage The concrete slab has been poured to form part of the base for the Purbeck stone obelisk that is to be reconstructed in Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage. 
Sweet gesture by The Mowlem Swanage’s theatre, The Mowlem has decided to share some of its tasty treats, after it was forced to close once again due to the coronavirus lockdown. 
Discover Swanage Pier’s amazing wildlife in new exhibition Swanage Pier is offering a rare glimpse of life under its waves with an underwater photography exhibition. 
Swanage Mayor backs plan to breathe fresh life into The Mowlem Swanage’s mayor has voiced his full support for a regeneration of the town’s iconic Mowlem theatre. 
Early glimpse of the life-size sculpture to grace Swanage seafront Great progress is being made on the statue to remember the Swanage man, who rescued 669 children from Prague in 1939 from German occupation, and the fundraising to pay for ... 
The Mowlem reopens after lockdown with a surprise! Love it or hate it, the exterior of Swanage’s theatre likes to be controversial and this Christmas, we've been gifted something unexpected - SEE VIDEO. 
Art auction aims to help the homeless through the winter months Purbeck artists are reuniting to help Dorset’s rough sleepers this Christmas following a successful charity art auction in the summer. 
100 year old armoured Rolls Royce celebrates birthday with new Tank Museum film Bovington’s Tank Museum has commemorated the 100th anniversary of its oldest running vehicle by releasing a film to watch while the museum is closed under lockdown. 
Tune in and spook out to Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM’s Halloween special! The community radio station, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM, based in Swanage, is broadcasting a Halloween Spooktacular throughout the day and up to the witching hour. 
Giant fish art installation catches the attention of Swanage beachgoers With great panache, local artist Eilidh Middleton delivered a message to half term holiday makers about the tragic consequences of overfishing our seas. 
The seabed laid bare in Wild Seas exhibition at Durlston Castle In an attempt to reveal the mystery of what lies under the sea along our Jurassic coastline, a new exhibition has just opened. 
The Mowlem – despite Covid, the show must go on! Swanage’s independent theatre and cinema, The Mowlem has revealed details of its festive programme scheduled for the run up to Christmas. 
Swanage loses one of its nearest multiplexes as Poole Cineworld closes Film fans in Swanage will have to look elsewhere to catch the latest releases as the town loses one of its nearest multiplexes with the temporary closure of Poole’s Cineworld. 
Albert Memorial gets planning permission to be re-erected in Prince Albert Gardens After fifty years of neglect, the obelisk that was erected in Swanage to commemorate the life of Prince Albert has been given permission to be rebuilt. 
Bringing live music back to Swanage, the Legion hosts first gig since lockdown The Royal British Legion in Swanage takes its first step back into regular live music, with a night of uplifting rhythm and blues with Hugh Budden and Andy Stone. 
After six months of lockdown, Mowlem to reopen its doors! After coronavirus forced it to close, The Mowlem theatre in Swanage is to finally reopen with a cinema screening of Matthew Bourne’s ballet, The Red Shoes. 
Purbeck lockdown art goes on exhibition The Isle of Purbeck Arts Club members are revealing what they got up to during lockdown in an exhibition - SEE ORIGINAL ART OF LOCAL SCENES 
Special celebrations for Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM The community radio station for Swanage and the surrounding area, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM is marking its first birthday with a special week of broadcasting. 
‘That’s the way to do it’ – Punch and Judy returns to Swanage! Refusing to be beaten by a global pandemic, Professor Joe Burns is as pleased as Punch to be back with a socially distanced show We’ve all got the blues as another Swanage festival is cancelled With the Swanage Blues Festival not until October 2020, there was still a glimmer of hope it may go ahead but now it too has been scuppered. 
“Absolutely gutted” says Swanage Carnival team Swanage Carnival should have been in full swing this week but despite the cancellation due to coronavirus, the committee are still hoping to raise a smile. 
Durlston art exhibition gets last minute go ahead With most events cancelled, it's a small miracle that Swanage-based artist Tony Kerins' exhibition has opened at Durlston Castle. 
Swanage art gallery bucks high street trend While many shops are struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Purbeck New Wave Gallery opens today in bigger and better premises in the High Street. 
Santa gives creative boost to Swanage school kids Funding including a donation from Rotary's Santa sleigh fundraiser, means 150 art goody bags are going to Swanage pupils to get them creative over summer. 
Swanage Town Crier wins world’s first virtual town crier competition! Despite stiff international competition, Swanage Town Crier, Andrew Fleming has become the first ever virtual town crier world champion. 
Swanage Library to partially reopen with a ‘bag of books’ system Library users will be able to get their hands on real books from Swanage Library as part of a phased reopening. 
The Purbeck Gazette keeps going, despite cash crisis A collapse in advertising revenue means The Purbeck Gazette isn’t currently being printed but the June edition is out online from today. 
Defying studio closure, Purbeck Coast FM stays on air Despite government guidelines forcing the community radio station to close its studio on Swanage Pier, it’s managed to continue to broadcast throughout the pandemic crisis. 
Further blow to Swanage, as Carnival is cancelled With a "heavy heart" organisers say Swanage’s biggest annual event, that brings in over a million pounds into the town, won't go ahead. 
Painted pebble mania sweeps Swanage Swanage Bay is famous for its beautiful sandy beach but now pebbles have started to pop up everywhere! 
2020 season announcement by Swanage Rep Theatre Company The Swanage Rep Theatre Company says that regretfully, this year's performances are to be postponed. 
Latest Durlston art exhibition opens to visitors, but not as planned … ‘A Dorset Wanderland’ hasn’t been cancelled but instead it’s been moved online, to be viewed from an appropriate social distance! 
Catch it, archive it, catalogue it – Capture Dorset’s history in the making People in Swanage and across the county, are being sought to keep a diary about the impact of coronavirus on their community. The Mowlem to close “until further notice” Due to the Government’s coronavirus advice that people should avoid theatres, the Mowlem in Swanage has announced that it's closing from Thursday. Blues Festival kicks off at the Legion The Swanage Blues Festival got off to a rip-roaring start on Thursday with a brilliant evening of entertainment. 
Big Blues party swings into town The 33rd Swanage Blues Festival gets underway this Thursday, with music fans filling the pubs and venues across the town. Renovation of the Mowlem under consideration, as new board members appointed Three new trustees have been appointed to the Mowlem board and a major renovation project is currently under consideration. 
Corfe Castle featured in new Harry Rednapp documentary Harry Rednapp appears on ITV television in a documentary that features him taking part in an archery contest at Corfe Castle. 
Foot stomping success for The Swanage School’s production of Fame The musical, Fame, performed by a cast from The Swanage School, played to packed audiences at the Mowlem. 
Jazz festival headline acts revealed with bigger vision for 2020 The Swanage Jazz Festival is going to be a three day affair in 2020, boosted by the success of last year’s event. 
Opening fanfare for Swanage Bandstand restoration The Swanage Bandstand opening ceremony goes ahead, despite the rain, following a two and a half year restoration programme. Swanage Carnival 2019 gives more than £28,000 to charity A record number of visitors to the 2019 Swanage Carnival meant £28,000 has been donated to 26 good causes.