Find events in Dorset, from village fêtes and jumble sales to the county’s biggest shows, alongside theatre, live music, exhibitions, markets, talks, walks and family days out. The Dorset Life What’s On calendar brings together things to do across the county, with dates, locations and details to help you plan.
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A Few Crusted Characters
7 June 2025 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
To celebrate their 20th year, the New Hardy Players bring Thomas Hardy’s famous series of short stories to Abbotsbury Swannery. Dorset’s most celebrated author’s answer to ‘The Canterbury Tales’, this is a series of comic and tragic stories, with small scenes of village gossip from 200 years ago, told by an ensemble of authentic Dorset voices.
Suitable for all ages, the play is followed by country dancing with live music in the best tradition.
Come early and bring a picnic! No seating provided.
Come early and bring a picnic! No seating provided.
Written by Victoria Bowles after Thomas Hardy. Directed by Penny Levick and Alastair Braidwood.
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