AN EASTER eggstravaganza of entertainment is coming to Dorchester this month boasting fun for all the family.

A nationally-acclaimed show adapting the true story of the Elephant Man comes to the Corn Exchange on Friday, March 27 following a sold-out national tour.

The performance by London-based Fourth Monkey Ensemble is a stone's throw from the birthplace of the Elephant Man's doctor, Sir Frederick Treves, in Dorchester's Cornhill.

And the fun is not over there as Dorchester Arts is staging two exciting shows for children and their families at the Arts Centre.

The Feather Catcher - a fun playful story of friendship – comes to town on Monday, March 30 at 3pm when audiences can expect a combination of humorous characters and live music.

The show is aimed at families and children aged three to six, who can play with the performers after the show.

Dorchester Arts will also be welcoming back Birdnest Theatre Company performing My Friend Mole on Friday, April 3 at 11am and 2pm.

For the adults, alt-folk line up Blueflint – a celebrated support act for The Proclaimers – will be performing at Dorchester Arts Centre on Saturday, March 28.

Blueflint is defined by singers Deborah Arnott and Clare Neilson who are accompanied by a five-piece line-up intertwining banjos, fiddle, piano, electric guitar, bass and drums.

The Sirkis/Bialas International Quartet also return to the Arts Centre on Thursday, April 2 having recently released their new album 'Come to Me'.

The quartet consists of jazz favourite Asaf Sirkis, Polish vocalist Sylwia Bialas, pianist Frank Harrison and bass player Patrick Bettison.

Dorchester Arts spring season of drama is supported by Battens Solicitors Charitable Trust.

The law firm, which has an office at High West Street, set up the trust in 1985 to support community initiatives, local charities and other causes.

The Elephant Man production tells of the life of Joseph Carey Merrick. Abandoned as a child, his deformities led to a life performing as a Victorian freak-show attraction and medical marvel.

It was not until he crossed paths with the famous surgeon Sir Fredrick Treves, that he experienced some semblance of normality at the London Hospital for his remaining years.

The production's venue, the Corn Exchange, will soon be the home of Dorchester Arts.

Artistic director Mark Tattersall said: "The Elephant Man is one of the highlights of our busiest season so far, with more than 30 dates.

"It is only through the backing of such strong local supporters as Battens that we can bring these kinds of acclaimed productions to the town.

"It is fitting that the performance will be in our new home, the Corn Exchange, and in the hometown of Sir Frederick Treves. It promises to be a memorable night."

For more information on any of these events visit dorchesterarts.org.uk or call 01305 266926.