Artreach's summer programme features nine productions visiting 16 venues across the county.

Supported once more by legal firm Blanchards Bailey, there’s a whole variety of things on offer.

Blending the folk and urban traditions of her Zambian homeland with London’s vibrant eclectic music scene, singer-songwriter Namvula returns to Dorset this summer following the launch of her highly anticipated second album Quiet Revelations. Backed by a stellar band of some of the UK’s most respected African and jazz musicians, Namvula is also set to appear at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend just one week after this Artsreach tour, which will take her to Broadmayne.

An annual highlight of the Artsreach summer programme, students from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School present George Eliot’s ‘Mill on the Floss’ on their West Country tour, which calls in at Frampton. Don’t miss this chance to see the stars of tomorrow on stage today.

Miracle Theatre’s open-air summer show unpacks Chekhov’s bittersweet comedy The Cherry Orchard, about a once-wealthy family, whose idleness and extravagance brings them to the brink of bankruptcy. Grab a blanket and pack a picnic for a night of theatre under the stars at Kimmeridge Bay!

The hilarious duo Living Spit return with their magical bovine romance, One Man & His Cow, as part of a brand new ‘Play, Pie and a Pint’ tour, calling in at Drimpton. Trevor loves Judy. Judy loves Trevor. They’re best mates. Trouble is, Trevor’s family don’t approve. They think that Trevor should leave his prize cow alone and get on with looking after his farm. Jam-packed with farmyard frolics, agricultural clichés and rural wrong-doings that will mercilessly milk every funny bone in your body, settle in for this hilarious rhyming play whilst enjoying a pie n pint!

Following a sell out show last summer, Artsreach are delighted to be bringing the acclaimed cast of Pop up Opera back to Dorset for one special performance in the stunning ballroom of Charlton Down’s Herrison Hall. These professional opera singers are dedicated to making opera enjoyable and inviting, without losing the quality of musical performance.

Enjoy a cultural evening of chant, mantras, music and dance by Tibetan Monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery at Fontmell Magna; a magical window on to a world of reincarnation and Buddhist mysticism which has inspired audiences in theatres and festivals throughout Europe.

Families in Dorset don’t have long to wait until the release of the Artsreach Children’s Summer Workshop programme but in the meantime, Squashbox Theatre Company invite you all to meet some friendly forest creatures and encounter crazy characters from folklore and fairytales in Tales from the Trees, coming to Durlston Castle.

Artsreach co-director Yvonne Gallimore said: “Following a fantastic spring season we are excited to unveil this varied summer programme, and are grateful to our season sponsors Blanchards Bailey for their ongoing support, along side the arts council, county council and district councils. Outlets where you can pick up a copy of the new programme include libraries, arts centres and tourist information centres across Dorset.

Go to artsreach.co.uk for tickets.