When Julian Fellowes, the actor, director and Academy award-winning screenwriter, officially opened The Exchange in Sturminster Newton in 2007, he unlocked the door to a host of musical icons. The result of a remarkable community initiative to regenerate this historic town, The Exchange was built on the site of the former cattle market as a humble community centre with big aspirations to become a leading north Dorset venue.

Stars including Ruby Turner, Robert Winston, Ronnie Scott’s All Stars and Georgie Fame plus Marty Wilde, Jonathan Dimbleby, Sir Ian McKellen, Paul Young and Hazel O’Connor have all performed on the stage since it first opened its doors.

Paul Young and Jamie Moses with Los Pacaminos

Toyah

A leading venue indeed. Renowned for looking after the many people who visit, The Exchange has secured a long and loyal following from the stars who return. Much to the delight of the volunteers, the staff and the trustees, Julian Fellowes returned to give a special performance in honour of the art venue’s tenth anniversary in September 2017.

Sharon Clifton said: “Having started as a volunteer in 2007, I became a staff member in November of that year. We literally hit the ground running and it was quickly acknowledged by the trustees that we needed a manager.”

“In 2008 Robin Savill was appointed as our first manager. We have had three managers since Robin, all bringing their own talents and vision for the benefit of The Exchange. There have been many changes over the years, and through it all, The Exchange has gone from strength to strength and is renowned as an arts venue for North Dorset and beyond.”

“The success of The Exchange is thanks to the small team of trustees and staff, the large team of volunteers and the continued support of many in our local community and beyond.

As a charity with no outside funding the support of our many volunteers is absolutely vital. Such is the expertise of our theatre technicians, Andrew Marsh, Tim Lacey and Tom Felton, that the many people who adorn our stage express surprise that they are volunteers. All our volunteers are the backbone of The Exchange whether they help in the café, box office, at events or behind the scenes. We love them!”

Kate Humble with technicians Andrew Marsh, Tim Lacey and Tom Felton

Sharon explained: “We are renowned for looking after the many people who visit us, and who inevitably want
to return to our stage.
Famous names such as
Georgie Fame, Marty Wilde,
Pasadena Roof Orchestra,
Toyah, The SAS Band, Los
Pacaminos, Sir Ian
McKellen, Pam Ayres and
Des O’Connor have already appeared at The Exchange.”

While the art venue plays host to these big box office names, this building on Market Hill is a thriving community hub with a series of rooms for the many local groups who meet here to exercise, socialise and hold meetings. The Floral Group, Garden Club, U3A plus the Sturminster Dance Club, Stagecoach, Zumba, Pilates and Line Dancing meet here regularly.

And of course The Bibbern Gallery, the café and exhibition space attract throngs of people meet, chat and put the world to rights. Sharon said “Although we have been closed since March we are reopening for events in January. Following the second lockdown we held a successful Christmas Fair on December 5 and despite the terrible weather, people came out in support of us and the many traders who attended.”

“It was so exciting to be able to open up again.
It has been a ping-pong year, opening and closing as we had to, following government guidelines throughout the year.” Sharon added: “We are looking forward to reopening for events in January, albeit with reduced numbers due to social distancing. This has been a challenging year for the Arts but we at The Exchange look forward with positivity and hope for a bright future.”

What’s On

• January 14 – Living Spit bring their new production of Beauty and the Beast.
• January 29 & 30 – Taboo perform Flea the Pandemic Dorset 1348.

• February 13 – Down for the Count Swing Orchestra.

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