Seven stage shows not to miss...

1. The Swimmer on Thursday, June 27, The Sherling Studio, 8pm

A comic, one-woman physical theatre show about swimming to France with dollops of goose fat and a glint of foolhardy eccentricity.

2. Gladys Knight on Saturday, June 29 at the BIC . Doors open at 7pm (Gladys is due on at 8.20pm).The Empress of Soul is known for her collection of classic hits. Midnight Train To Georgia remains one of the most famous Motown records to date.

3. I Am Turtle on Saturday June 29, The Sherling Studio at Lighthouse at 11am. A tale to enchant listeners young and old as the ancient Sea Turtles guide us through wrecks and shells and reveal what we can do to take care of their ocean home.

4. The Wizard of Oz runs every night until Saturday at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee at the Tivoli in Wimborne. This all time classic is presented by Wimborne Musical Theatre.

5. Broadstone Community Band on Saturday, June 29 at Lighthouse Poole at 7.30pm. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Broadstone Community Band under Musical Director Damon Corio present a concert in aid of Forest Holme Hospice Charity and Dorset Cancer Centre.

6. The Big Chris Barber Band, on Sunday, June 30 at the Regent Centre, 7.30pm. Often regarded as the godfather of modern British popular music thanks to his introduction of US blues artists in the 1950s, Chris Barber is in his 70th year as a bandleader.

7. Sir Ian McKellen on Tuesday, July 2 at Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm The veteran actor celebrates his 80th birthday with a new one man show.