THEATREGOERS are set to enjoy drama with Dorchester Arts as it celebrates its 30th anniversary with support from a law firm.

Battens Solicitors, through its charitable trust, is supporting a series of drama productions staged by Dorchester Arts as part of its new autumn programme.

This is the fourth time the trust has contributed £1,500 to back a season of programming at Dorchester Arts.

Dorchester Arts, which is based in School Lane just off The Grove, is celebrating its anniversary landmark with an opening production of The Pearl, an adaptation of the novella by John Steinbeck.

Dumbshow Theatre will be staging the play at Dorchester Arts Centre on Friday at 8pm.

Mark Tattersall, artistic director of Dorchester Arts, said: “Over the past 30 years Dorchester Arts has gone from providing a small programme of youth theatre workshops to staging more than 70 professional performances a year, many of them featuring nationally-recognised touring theatre companies. “We have only managed to do this thanks to faithful local support from individuals, public and private funders and more recently from business supporters like Battens.

“Our aim is to enrich the cultural life of the town and we’re delighted that local businesses share that vision.”

Through its charitable trust, Battens is able to support the communities in which its clients live and work.

As well as sponsorship and fundraising initiatives, staff members work in a range of voluntary roles in schools, charities, sports clubs and other organisations.

Christine Butterfield, Dorchester-based Solicitor in Battens’ Wills, Estates and Trusts Department, said: “The autumn drama season includes some fantastic productions. We are delighted to be supporting Dorchester Arts in their 30th anniversary year as they continue to provide such great live entertainment in the county town.”

Other highlights of the drama season include comedy for the whole family at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Saturday with the children’s show The Queen’s Knickers.

For older children and adults alike, the Lyme Regis-based Shanty Theatre Company will be performing their adaptation of The Story Giant on Wednesday October 1 also at the Corn Exchange.

Theatre for adults at the same venue includes Passion on Wednesday October 8; a gripping new play presented by AsOne Theatre that follows five stories of soldiers and families 100 years apart.

Historical horseplay is provided at Dorchester Arts Centre from Living Spit Theatre Company on Friday October 24 with their new production Elizabeth I – Virgin on the Ridiculous with live original music and silly songs.

To round off the season, theatre company Forest Forge embark on a UK tour this autumn with the world premiere of a brand new play – Kaite O’Reilly’s Woman of Flowers, performed at Dorchester Arts Centre on Saturday, October 25.