QUALITY not quantity is key to Artsreach’s June programme. First up, we welcome back the Rude Mechanicals theatre company who are performing their latest production Mother Sweetapple at a variety of venues across the county.

The play is set in Tuscany in 1340.

A girl in a powder blue dress wanders in the scorching sun through a field of horse-high sunflowers. Filippo, a hot headed young man and son of the local landowner, attempts to seduce her.

Years later, now a rich merchant, he returns home. In his path is a woman, Mother Sweetapple, who has been locked in a walled garden for 21 years. Part fairytale, part detective story, the play bit by bit reveals who she is and how time like sleep changes our perceptions and values.

The story is hilarious and bawdy but poetic and challenging too and is perfect summertime viewing for adults and older children.

You can see it at Cranborne Lodge (Wednesday, June 10, call 01725 517028), Child Okeford Rec (Friday, June 12, call 01258 861391) and at Durlston Country Park, Swanage (Sunday, June 28, call 01929 424443).

All performances start at 7.30pm.

The play is also being performed at the Abbey House, Abbotsbury on Saturday, June 27 at 7.45pm to raise funds for the St John Ambulance. Call 01305 751167 for tickets.

The Tashi Lhunpo monks also return to the county for two dates.

The Power of Compassion is a dramatic and fascinating performance of masked dancing and sacred chanting from one of the most important and revered teaching monasteries in Tibet.

You can witness this breath-taking performance at village halls in Toller Porcorum, Dorchester on Saturday, June 13 (call 01300 320373) and Durweston the following night (call 01258 453170). Both shows are at 7.30pm.

Finally, the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School gives a final performance of Tess of the D’Urbervilles at the Sturminster Newton Exchange on Wednesday, June 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets and details are available from 01258 475137.

For full details of the month’s events and to book tickets, call 01305 296512. And watch out for the charity’s Summer Supplement of children’s activities over the holiday. Details will appear in the Echo’s What’s On pages nearer the time.