The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret.

Meet crazy characters like Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, as well as a cast of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards.

?Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs – unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages!

For children aged 4+ and their families.
The Sea Show is 50 minutes long.

Bringing you the authentic sounds of 1920s and 30s America - jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel - with a side order of murder, betrayal, liquor and redemption!

Evoking a bygone age with both their sound and look, The Jake Leg Jug Band have proved hugely popular at top jazz festivals and clubs across the UK. Their latest album, Live at Green Note (the band's 10th in 13 years), was released in March 2025. Blues Matters Magazine noted “the sense of fun that band injects means that this album is never anything less than  foot-stomping.”

Expect to hear long-forgotten songs played on a range of vintage instruments including washboard, harmonica, comb and paper, musical saw, bones and, of course, the humble jug! 

Duncan Wilcox: vocals and double bass
Warren James: vocals, guitar and banjo
Liam Ward: vocals, harmonica, jug, washboard, saw and kazoo
Plus guest musicians 

The golden voices and fertile soundworlds of Sheffield folk duo, Rowan and Anna Rheingans, create an immersive and uplifting musical journey. 

Exploring evocative influences from across Europe, the sisters' performances take in baroque fiddle tunes and trance beats, metal-inspired arrangements of traditional ballads and improvisations with phone Voicenotes. Their unmistakable brand of avant-garde trad blends ancient song and universal stories with future imaginings, dystopias and dreams.

Previous winners of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Original Track and nominees for Best Band, with their uniquely blended sound of fiddles, voices, feet, banjos, electric guitar, synths and the powerful bass drones of the medieval tambourin à cordes, The Rheingans Sisters remain one of the most visionary acts on the British folk scene today.

The Rheingans Sisters’ latest album, Start Close In, was released in September 2024 to critical acclaim and was celebrated at #2 in the Guardian’s Top 10 Albums of 2024.

A thrilling programme of Haydn, Henze and Saint-Saëns from this acclaimed young trio. 

The Mitsu Trio was formed in 2020 by British pianist Tyler Hay, Japanese cellist Akito Goto and Catalan violinist Laura Custodio Sabas. All three members met at the Purcell School for Young Musicians when they were just teenagers, where they formed a strong musical connection.

Aside from the vast standard repertoire for piano trio, the Mitsu Trio enjoy exploring less played composers, such as Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu and Brazilian composer Henrique Oswald. They are also strong advocates of contemporary music, having given the world premiere of Simon Speare’s piano trio, and having held workshops with the young composers at the Purcell School for Young Musicians.

Laura Custodio Sabas, violin
Akito Goto, cello
Tyler Hay, piano

Programme
Haydn: Piano Trio XV:24
Hans Werner Henze: Kammersonate
Saint-Saëns: Piano Trio No 1 in F major

Jazz duo Beraha and Law conjure up a spellbinding, intimate atmosphere with beautiful interpretations of jazz standards alongside original compositions.

British/Turkish vocalist, composer and lyricist?Brigitte?Beraha and leading UK guitarist/composer?Ant?Law launched their album Ensconced in 2024 to great acclaim. It was described as “jaw-dropping, fulfilling and uplifting” in UK Jazz News.

Their programme includes standards ‘A Kiss to Build a Dream On’ (made famous by Louis Armstrong) and Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Some Other Time’ from On The Town that Beraha and Law interpret afresh.

Inspired by Law’s compositions, Beraha exhibits rich lyrical storytelling, from wistful memories of growing up in the south of France in ‘Who We Are’ to the tale of a gifted horse in ‘Clever Hans’. Her deeply expressive vocals, alongside Law’s inventive and melodic acoustic guitar artistry, are the elements at the very heart of their music.

Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and folk musician, Steve Knightley, unveils his new four-piece band.

Following the outstanding success of his Winter Yards solo tour, Steve joins forces with three incredible musicians – guitar virtuoso David Delarre, master percussionist Evan Carson and double bass maestro John Parker. With the backing of Midnight Mango, this powerhouse ensemble promises a rich, dynamic live experience, breathing new life into Steve’s critically acclaimed Winter Yards album. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this is an unmissable opportunity to witness one of folk music’s most revered figures in a bold new setting.

Tangle Theatre’s fast-moving production drives through the political chaos, power struggles and friendship betrayals at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest thriller.

“It must be by his death…”

Julius Caesar has become a tyrant. Cassius sees the threat. Brutus is torn by loyalty. Together, they conspire to kill Caesar.

When Cassius and Brutus murder Caesar in full public view on the Ides of March, they think they have heralded a new political age. Instead, chaos erupts, and civil war begins. Who will seize power? Will this bring conflict or stability? Will the new ruler also fall to corruption?

Adapted and directed by Anna Coombs with John Pfumojena’s original music performed live on stage, this high-energy production brings African-inspired storytelling into the heart of ancient Rome.

Julius Caesar continues Tangle’s long-term commitment to championing African and Caribbean artistic excellence, presenting classic plays in new and surprising ways to audiences of all kinds.

Age recommendation: 12+
Content warning: the show deals with themes and depictions of war, murder and suicide.

All-female vocal trio Voice perform a programme of a cappella songs that explore the beauty, heartache and humour of love.

Over 18 years together, performers Victoria Couper, Clemmie Franks and Emily Burn have built a dedicated fan-base across the world; developed a rich, varied repertoire of their own arrangements, new commissions, and rarely performed Early Music and have honed a truly unique sound.

Patterns of Love spans hundreds of years, from the medieval period to the present day, with music from 12th century Germany by Hildegard of Bingen, 13th century France, Shakespearean song and folksong arrangements from the UK and Ireland. The programme also includes special commissions and new music by British composers Marcus Davidson, Liz Dilnot Johnson, Stevie Wishart, and Ayanna Witter-Johnson.

This is an uplifting concert filled with rich harmonies, beautiful lyrics, space for reflection and both sad and funny stories.

Luke Wright is back with a sticky-floored celebration of the ordinary, conjuring up a world of Tuesday lunchtimes and small town boozers in poems that burst with inventive language.

Wright is a poet and raconteur at the top of his game. Both brazen and elegiac, his poems pull on the tidy hem of responsible existence to unravel the frustrations of family, politics and masculinity in 21st century Britain. These are fun and filthy poems from someone who knows what they’re doing. If there were any justice, he’d be Poet Laureate – or King.

Forget your “best life” – come and live your worst. These are the kind of poems you can get drunk to, full of audacious rhymes, insane sonic trickery and big-hearted storytelling. Expect loads of laughs, a few more coins in the swear jar and a sore head in the morning.

Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold and funny adventure story for little rebels, based on the book by Bethan Woollvin.

Once upon a time in a Viking village, everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing, trees are falling down and there’s lots and lots of crashing and bashing. The silly Chieftain won’t listen to the three littlest Vikings, but can they work together to figure out what’s going on and save the day?

Three Little Vikings is all about cooperation, bravery, and getting your voice heard!

Writer and illustrator Bethan Woollvin is also the creator of Little Red (winner of the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition), I Can Catch a Monster and Luna and the Sky Dragon.

Produced by Wrongsemble, an award-winning Yorkshire-based theatre company dedicated to creating exciting performances for children and families. Known for their innovative storytelling and engaging productions, Wrongsemble aims to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.

Prepare for a mythological marathon: twenty of the greatest Greek myths crammed into one chaotic, side-splitting show.

When two members of Clevedon-based comedy theatre company, Living Spit, are overhead bragging about how good they are, Zeus, enraged by their hubris, decides to teach them a lesson. His punishment? A Herculean challenge…

Join Living Spit as they tackle everything from Hades to Heracles, Midas to Medusa, with their trademark blend of harebrained humour, questionable wigs and a total disregard for historical accuracy. Can they conquer the labyrinth of legends before time runs out? Or will the gods have the last laugh?

Warning: may contain togas, ridiculous puns and possibly an overworked Trojan Horse.

We’re delighted to welcome Living Spit back to Bridport Arts Centre after their 2024 musical comedy hit, There’s Something About Typhoid Mary.

Written by Stu McLoughlin
Directed by Craig Edwards

Age guidance: 8+
Running time: 80 mins

The multi award-winning band seamlessly marry humour, provocative lyrics, traditional Irish tunes and rock to entertain and take you on a ride you won’t want to get off!

The Crows’ passion and energy on stage is infectious, never failing to deliver a great time with their vibrant live show. Their music pushes the boundaries of the Irish folk genre, the jumping jigs and reels will get you dancing while their enquiring and provocative lyrics will make you think.

They started their journey in 2007: the music flowed and they’ve not stopped since. With 4 albums under their belt (their 5th, Unite, will be released on 4 October 2025) and several national and international awards, the band are an awe-inspiring force on stage – unstoppable and passionate.

A mix of fiery fiddle playing and conscious lyrics alongside driving drums and bass, they make a hell of a noise for 4 people!

Paul O’Neill: guitar and lead vocals
Caitlin Barrett: fiddle and vocals
Laurence Aldridge: drums and vocals
Jim Smith: bass and vocals

The rich, tender and emotive sounds of the Axminster-based indie-rock band have quickly made a mark on the music scene.

Formed in 2021, Swiss singer songwriter Leonie Prater and Black Country-born guitarist Thomas Rogers each bring their own unique flair and background to the band. In 2025 they released their self titled debut EP, Leonian Dream – championed by BBC Introducing, Radio X, Amazing Radio and Future Hits.

With a sound that blends dreamy indie rock soundscapes, Leonian Dream crafts songs that resonate with both heart and soul. Their music has been compared to Wolf Alice, Wet Leg, and Annie Hamilton and is characterised by powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs and catchy hooks, creating an infectious energy that captivates audiences.

Haydn and Mozart from the first period instrument string quartet to be selected as BBC New Generation Artists.

The Consone Quartet are fast making a name for themselves with their honest and expressive interpretations of repertoire, notably from the classical and romantic eras.

Formed at the Royal College of Music in London, the Consone Quartet launched their professional career in 2015, shortly after which they were awarded two prizes at the 2015 York Early Music International Young Artists Competition. They went on to win the 2016 Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Prize and in 2022 were awarded a prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust fellowship.

The quartet has been enthusiastically received at London’s major venues, as well as further afield in Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria and Slovenia. Consone are artists-in-residence at Paxton House (2023-2025) and at Saxon Shore Early Music Kenardington (2024-2027).

Agata Daraškaite, violin
Magdalena Loth-Hill, violin
Elitsa Bogdanova, viola
George Ross, cello

Programme
Haydn: String Quartet in G major, No 5, Op 33
Mozart: String Quartet No 17 in B-flat major, K 458

An evening pulsating with the sounds and energy of Paris in the 1930s.

The heartfelt wail of the blues; the sultry heat of the campfire; the crazy swirl of the bal musette – all fused together with virtuosity and passion in the melting pot of 1930s Paris. The result was gypsy jazz.

Now La Vie en Rose play this exuberant, toe-tapping music with a swing and joie de vivre as fresh today as when Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli first conjured it from the back streets of Pigalle.

The band comprises five musicians with wide-ranging individual backgrounds in classical music, traditional jazz, rock, blues, country, ragtime and roots, pulled together by the shared pleasure of gypsy jazz and hot swing.

David Jones: guitar
Rebecca Willson: violin
Laurie Light: guitar
Yann Mahdjoub: double bass
Nick White: clarinet

Renowned for their electrifying fusion of traditional British folk music and high-energy dance, the band join us as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

The Demon Barbers will present a spectacular show featuring fresh new material alongside reimagined favourites from their acclaimed back catalogue. With multiple awards, including the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Live Act, they have captivated audiences across the UK and beyond, and this tour promises an unmissable event for both long-time fans and new audiences alike.

Fronted by Damien Barber, they will feature an exceptional lineup of musicians, including Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne (squeezeboxes and vocals), Hugh Vincent (bass), Alix Shepherd (keyboards) and longstanding drummer, Ben Griffith, whose dynamic rhythms have been an integral part of the Demon Barbers’ iconic sound since 2004.

Glad Tidings abound as Charlie Bicknell and Louise Innes return to bring joy and merriment.

An evening of shamelessly festive insanity. Classical Nativity intertwines with contemporary insensitivity, all performed with dazzling ingenuity. See what I’m doing here?

Angels, shepherds, scented candles and a glitterball rocket ship, what’s not to Love…actually? Operaptic numbers (no, that’s not a typo), a man formerly known as Tiny Tim and a goose. Maybe.

“Appalling….the whole show is an irreverent travesty, needless frivolity and foolishness.” Jacob Marley

“I rather liked it.” Bob Cratchitt

“Yeah, baby, yeah.” Austin Powers

The Mellstock Band invites you to their Christmas fireside with a seasonal mix of jovial songs, stirring dance music and haunting carols.

This is a costume show with early instruments, song and spoken word, celebrating all things comfortable, with hearty harmonies, soulful solos and exuberant instrumentals. The band brings to life the sound of a nineteenth-century village band with fiddle, clarinet, concertina and serpent.

The music is linked together by carefully selected readings of work by Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens, John Clare and William Barnes, telling the story of Christmas celebrations in nineteenth-century England. Better than a bowl of hot punch!

Dave Townsend (director): concertina, voice
Caroline Butler: violin, voice
Tim Hill: clarinet, voice
Philip Humphries: serpent, voice

A festive feast of seasonal silliness and a merry mixture of Yuletide foolery.

The Cratchit family is having a party and you’re all invited! Join Mrs Cratchit, cousin Edith and Uncle Hugo as they celebrate Christmas with a marvellous mix of festive songs, stories and parlour games.

Created and performed by Mary Woodvine, Craig Johnson and Jenny Beare, who between them have decades of theatrical experience with Kneehigh, Wildworks, the Minack, the RSC, the National Theatre and countless village halls.

A delightful hour of music and laughter.

Age recommendation: 10+

in author Kate Innes to explore the world of archaeology that inspired her latest novel for children, An Ancient Haunting.

Abandoned by her mother, bullied at boarding school, haunted by a poltergeist… Lily Ash is only 12, but she already thinks her life can’t get any worse. Then her uncle forces her to join his next archaeological excavation on the Greek island of Crete. As she explores the ancient Minoan site of Knossos with local boy Micky, Lily discovers that its powerful spirits have been waiting a very long time for someone with her psychic abilities.


Kate Innes
Kate’s work in poetry and fiction is inspired by her background working in archaeology and museums. She seeks out the stories held within places and objects – exploring the physical and spiritual lives of our ancestors.

This event is part of a programme of activities around the exhibition Primordial Dance.

Age recommendation: 9+

Free (voluntary donation to BAC).

Namaste Motherf*ckers is the new show from Cally Beaton (QI, Live at the Apollo) – a quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife. Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention – taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers. A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more. The show includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Cally (who knows, Jeff the wonder dog may even be there too).