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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 52 The Pirates of Penzance Frederick, accidentally apprenticed to pirates as a child, is indentured to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday. On the day he reaches 21 he leaves the ship, announcing that he now intends to dedicate his life to the pirates’ destruction. 18 July: Maumbury Rings, DORCHESTER, DT1 1QZ. 7pm. £20 / £18. 01305 266926 / dorchesterarts.org.uk . 27 August: The Sherborne, Newland, SHERBORNE, DT9 3JG. 6pm. £24.39. thesherborne.uk . King Arthur & The Holy Fail Arthurian Legend meets Monty Python as The Three Inch Fools return with an epic quest of improbably proportions in their latest historic comedy… In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a would- be hero waiting in the wings who went by the name of Arthur. When Camelot is rocked to its core by a tragic (and frankly improbable) incident involving a large table of an undisclosed shape, Arthur is thrust into the quest of a lifetime. Will he bravely battle through blistering cold and scorching fire to save his beloved realm, or will he crumble as fate refuses to cooperate? Destiny awaits, chivalry calls, and the quest to end all quests begins. Saddle up - things are about to get legendary. 20 August: The Bay, KIMMERIDGE, BH20 5PF. 6.30pm £18.50 / £8. 07879 473693 / artsreach.co.uk . Mark Watson A recent encounter with a stranger caused Mark to spend some time pondering the uncertain future facing humanity. He explores this - along with equally pressing matters like the worst word he has ever said in public, the current state of the UK sausage industry, and much more - in a typically frantic and fun-packed new show. 27 June: Hardye Theatre, Queens Avenue, DORCHESTER, DT1 2ET. 7.30pm. 01305 266926 / dorchesterarts.org.uk . Dorset Opera Festival Dorset Opera Festival is hosted every July at Bryanston School's Coade Theatre and state-of-the-art Elder Concert Hall, offering fully staged operatic productions featuring international soloists, a full orchestra, and a massive chorus. 21 - 25 July: Coade Theatre, BRYANSTON, Blandford, DT11 0PX. dorsetopera.com . Michelle Wolf: Best Job in the World Primetime Emmy nominee Michelle Wolf has established herself as one of the most influential voices in the comedy landscape. Her stand-up specials across HBO and Netflix have garnered critical acclaim and top viewing figures. Wolf has headlined across the world, including her infamous appearance at the White House Correspondents Dinner. She has had two sold-out Edinburgh Fringe runs and scored a prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination. Wolf is also known for her appearances on The Daily Show (Comedy Central) and The Break with Michelle Wolf (Netflix). 23 July: Komedia, 22 - 23 Westgate Street, BATH, BA1 1EP. 7pm. £31. 01225 489070 / komediabath.co.uk.