Kingswear Regatta will be on this weekend 17th and 18th July at Waterhead Creek and Jubilee Park Kingswear. It will as usual be packed with a full rowing programme on both days and lots of fun for the kids. On the Saturday there is a fun Dog Show and exhibition of vintage cars and on the following day the fete opens with more rowing events and start of the Duck Race. At 11am Merlin the Magician entertains the children. There will be lots of stalls including Splat the Rat, Face Painting, Snail Races, Grand Draw, Tombola, Human Fruit Machines, throw the sponge, Cream Teas, Jams and Chutneys, Handmade Jewellery and many others. Bacon Butties will be available for the early comers and a Lamb spit roast and fully licensed bar will be available from noon, as well as a pizza oven, Pimms Bar and Ice Cream stall. You can browse the stalls during the afternoon, when Merlin will entertain again and the school orchestra will be playing especially on the Sunday when Merlin the Magician will be appearing. Click here to see more.

Dartmouth dot TV have often said that this great "family" event must be the best small regatta in the World?  See you there!

2.  Out, damned spot:  Macbeth in the open air at Dartmouth Castle

The Inn Theatre Company, Dartmouth proudly presents Macbeth for this year’s Dartmouth Shakespeare Week running from August 3rd to 7th in the open air opposite Dartmouth Castle – a truly unique and evocative setting overlooking the mouth of the River Dart and out to sea.

Macbeth is one of the great tragedy-themed plays by William Shakespeare. 'The Scottish Play' - don't mention the name! is the only Shakespeare play with a villain as the 'hero'. It is probably the most oft-quoted play in the canon, 'Macbeth' is a darkly atmospheric study of ambition, temptation, fate, deception, guilt, remorse, retribution, crime, punishment and tragedy with, at its centre, the starkly ambitious figures of Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth.

Macbeth is played brilliantly by Vernon Davis – a truly inspirational and passionate performance - goaded on by his avaricious wife the darkly beautiful Lady Macbeth played very convincingly by Gina Carter. The cast of a coven of witches are spellbinding headed by Xowie Brandt, Jill Brock, Lesley Ash and Hecate played by the striking Sally Feetenby, Banquo, Malcolm and Macduff are played by season favourites Phil Scoble, Ben Hamilton and Max Brandt and backed up by an all too fleeting performance from Malcolm Macintosh as King Duncan.

Historically, the play is believed to have been written between 1603 & 1606, although scholars tend to favour the latter date. The links between King James, recently ascended to the throne, and the tragedy of Macbeth are evident and it is easily noted that, not long after a Scottish King came to the English throne, a play about Scottish history appeared….

Macbeth is co-directed by the Inn Theatre founder Jane Windsor-Smith and the first time in the director’s chair for the marvellous Gil Garland.  This will be a truly unmissable play – sinister and compulsive – in a strikingly beautiful setting, book now I urge you! Tickets are available from Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre 01803 834224 or more details on the Inn Theatre Company please click here. 

3.   The Lovely Bones

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon. 

An adaptation of the Alice Sebold's New York Times best-selling novel, "The Lovely Bones," tells the story of Susie Salmon, who is murdered, but continues to observe her family on Earth after her death. Although she is detached from the world she once knew, Susie witnesses the impact of her loss on her loved ones, whilst her killer skillfully covers his tracks and prepares to murder again. In a tone that is both emotionally truthful, and darkly humorous, Susie tries to balance her desire for vengeance against the love she feels for her family and her need to see them heal; and ultimately comes to understand that the concept of family can encompass both the living and the dead.

Films are screened at The Guildhall, Victoria Road, Dartmouth. The bar is open from 7.30pm and the films start approx. 8pm. Guest tickets are available on the night for £3.50 each from “The Windjammer” Victoria Road between 7.30pm & 7.55pm only.
No guest tickets will be sold on the door. To join Dartmouth Film Society, or for information, call Rob Bird on 01803 835849

4.   Small News

• A consortium of private business people are looking at an invisible underground car park under Coronation Park. Benefits are likely to be around 400 spaces, 80 or so dedicated to local residents (at a fee) and the possibility of boat parking through the quieter winter months. Rumours are that SHDC are being involved and the construction time might be only 12 months all in.
  
  Coronation Park would be re-instated exactly as it is, although undoubtedly in far better condition and raised by one metre to ward off future flooding. Playing cricket is going to be so much nicer with a properly finished and drained top grass surface. Just one question, is there really is a Russian submarine under there? Watch this space!
  
   

• Contrary to rumours, the Red Arrows will be with us on Regatta Friday 27 August.

Why not come and visit Dartmouth?

• Self catering accommodation click here
   
• Dartmouth B and B  click here
   
• Dartmouth Hotels click here
   
• A Tourist Guide to Dartmouth click here

Images copyright Dave Cawley, Andy Kyle, Tony Pike & others.