Concerts, Theatre & Cinema in Dorset

The Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, is a major cultural venue in the South West, known for its diverse program across cinema, theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.

The Regent in Christchurch is a historic 505-seat cinema and theatre presenting new films, live music, comedy, stage productions, event cinema and accessible performances throughout the year. Situated on Christchurch High Street, the venue also has a daytime café, performance bars and a programme ranging from major touring shows to local productions. Discover what’s on, how to book tickets and the practical information you need before visiting The Regent Centre Christchurch.

The Mowlem is a prominent seafront venue in Swanage town centre, offering a combined cinema, theatre, and community space with stunning views across Swanage Bay.

Discover the best cinemas in Dorset, including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area - essential knowledge for any local film buff. With a variety of excellent films displayed in these venues weekly, movie-goers are bound to enjoy the immersive experiences these locations offer.

Find out more about the best venues in Dorset for live theatre and music. For anyone looking to get immersed in a dramatic show, or discover their next favourite singer, these locations offer a range of performances every week that showcase talent both locally and nationally.

The Cerne Abbas Music Festival 2027 will take place in July in the beautiful village of Cerne Abbas. Enjoy three evenings of exceptional chamber music performed by internationally renowned musicians in the stunning surroundings of St Mary's Church. Featuring works by celebrated classical composers, this much-loved Dorset music festival offers an intimate concert experience and advance booking is recommended.

Built in the 1920s, Bournemouth's stunning Art Deco Theatre continues to be home to countless concerts and theatrical performances every day. This vintage venue serves as Bournemouth's regular home for West End stage shows, Opera, Ballet, Pantomime, Comedy and concerts

Perched majestically on Bournemouth's golden coastline, the Bournemouth International Centre has been the beating heart of the town's entertainment scene since it first opened its doors in 1984. The venue boasts multiple spaces that cater to every conceivable gathering, from intimate meetings in the Solent Suite to the grandeur of the main auditorium.

Purbeck Film Festival: Cinema Under the Stars 2026 runs on selected evenings from 15 August to 5 September, bringing outdoor film screenings to Corfe Castle, The Blue Pool, Knoll House Hotel, Careys Secret Garden and Langham Wine Estate. The programme includes family favourites, musicals, cult classics and thrillers, with tickets from £6.50. Visitors can bring blankets and seating for a memorable evening of open-air cinema in some of Dorset’s most atmospheric locations.

Purbeck Film Festival 2026 takes place from 16 October to 1 November, bringing independent, international, classic and contemporary films to cinemas and unusual venues across Purbeck and wider Dorset. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the UK’s longest-running rural film festival is expected to feature special guests, filmmaker events, themed screenings and community cinema experiences. The complete programme and ticket prices will be announced nearer the festival.

Sherborne Abbey Festival 2027 is expected to return to Sherborne from Thu 29th Apr to Thu 6th May 2027, celebrating world-class music in the beautiful surroundings of Sherborne Abbey and venues across the town. While the 2027 programme is yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to a week of classical, choral, opera and jazz performances. This page will be updated as soon as official festival details are released.