A new production of Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew marks the launch of a new season of plays at Salisbury Playhouse. Probably the most famous play ever written about the battle of the sexes, it finds Petruchio trying to tame the feisty and volatile Katharina. Tel 01722 320333.

Meanwhile new theatre company Umbrella presents its newly-penned comedy Bella, Bella, Donatella at Salisbury Playhouse's Salberg Studio today (Sept 20) and tomorrow (Sept 21). The comedy finds the tough but beautiful Donatella running into trouble when she take revenge on a difficult customer at her riverside inn. Tel 01722 320333.

Kid's favourite Postman Pat delivers an afternoon of entertainment for children at The Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth on Sunday (Sept 22). His latest adventure is called Where's Jess? Tel 01202 456456.

Veteran left wing politician Tony Benn brings his celebrated An Audience With... evening to the Pavilion in Bournemouth on Sunday (Sept 22). Listen to the hugely-experienced former parliamentarian talk for half-an-hour and then indulge in a glorious verbal free-for-all. Politics like it used to be. Tel 01202 456456.

The Fruit Salad Drama Group presents Alan Ayckbourn's Mr A's Amazing Maze Plays at Bryanston Arts Centre. Suzy lives with her mother and her dog Neville... her father went up in a hot air balloon and never came back down... Get the picture. Seven to 17-year-olds get to grip with Ayckbourn's take on life. Tel 01258 456533.

The Ministry of Entertainment brings Doodlebugs and Bogeymen to Sturminster Newton Village Hall tomorrow night (Sept 21). The show tells the story of World War II as seen through the eyes of West Country evacuees. Tel 01258 472333.

Musician and performer Tim Laycock brings the Sprat Jacket and Other Fishy Tales to Portesham Village Hall tomorrow (Sept 21). A fascinating collection of songs and anecdotes collected from six different Dorset villages. Tel 01305 871780.