THERE IS a rich arts scene both in Weymouth and Portland, whether we look at performing or visual arts. New art galleries seem to open each year providing opportunities for an increasing number painters, potters, photographers and sculptors setttling in the area.

Weymouth Museum, at present in Brewers Quay, Hope Square, although run entirely with volunteers except for one part-time paid person achieves an astonishing quality in its exhibitions.

It is preparing at present an exhibition about local female artists from the 1920s back to the 1600s and the team of researchers is documenting a fascinating record which will be exhibited in October.

As well as the Pavilion Theatre which hums with activity and wonderful productions throughout the year, other thriving performance spaces include the Royal Manor Theatre on Portland, Hope Church in Hope Square (also home to Weymouth Operatic Society) and Weymouth Drama Club’s The Warehouse in Hope Street also near the harbour.

In addition to these productions there are special events such as the Weymouth Music Festival, jazz and folk festivals, visits by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to the Pavilion Theatre along with top ballets companies, tribute bands which pack the theatre, international comedians, summer shows and professional and amateur pantomimes.

In addition Holy Trinity, St John’s and St Mary’s Churches are all well used for performances. St Mary’s hosts the popular lunchtime concerts organised by acclaimed local concert pianist Duncan Honeybourne and Weymouth Choral Society often presents their concerts at Holy Trinity. Other local churches are also home to choirs and hold concerts.

These two communities have a remarkable arts scene, theatre arts scene, a tradition which has been expanded from many years of high quality dance and voice teaching from dedicated teachers.

The quality of teaching whether for ballet, jazz dance, singing or acting, is reflected in the very high number of gifted young people who gain scholarships to the country’s top theatre arts schools. Part of the story is having the opportunity for taking part in professional shows at the Pavilion Theatre and also putting on their own shows to audiences of a thousand.

It will be 100 years in December next year since a theatre opened on the present Pavilion site. While the roof was being renewed in 1954, the theatre caught alight and burned down. It was 1960 before the new theatre was opened and now change is in the air again with the proposed redevelopment of the site.