An arcade entertainment centre has recently opened in Poole Dolphin Centre with over 80 classic and the newest games to play.  A set price hourly session can be booked and then once you’re in you have that time to go on as many games as you like and our children did their best to cover all the favourites before trying some we’ve never seen before.

The games are much bigger and more impressive than the ones you get in normal seaside arcades and our children have different tastes so my son enjoyed the typical shooting games and cars and my daughter enjoyed bowling, air hockey and an updated version of a sport game I loved as a child where you had to press the button fast to spin and then launch a discus ect.  For one of the games you did actually have to run on the footpad and jump and my daughter loved her character doing gymnastics.

There was a few that stood out for me which included the piano where you play the keys shown in order, the giant Pac Man which brought back many happy memories, a dance machine, a Star Wars fighter pod and a huge projected game where you had to kill the bad pirates in lost city.

The staff are all really friendly, especially the manager who is very keen for the venue to be inclusive and told me that there is a monthly SEN session with reduced capacity, machine volumes turned down low and lights turned up.  At present they are in the process of organising party packages however if you wish to bring a group for a special occasion they will do everything they can to ensure they have fun and will allocate a seating area for you.

Good to know:

Arrive 10 minutes before your time slot to check in at reception and receive your hand stamp.  There are currently no toilets within the arcade so it’s best to go beforehand so you don’t lose any time.  The nearest one is upstairs in the Dolphin Centre near Wilkos.

There is no food or drink sold in the arcade (this may change in the future) but you are welcome to bring anything you need and use one of the tables in the viewing area.  Maybe not a roast dinner though haha.

For more information, session times, prices and SEN dates, please visit High Score Arcades.

Everyone knows the 1987 film Dirty Dancing and the stage show met every one of my expectations and more.

Baby and Johnny are the lead characters who meet at the Kellerman’s Resort and find love despite coming from different worlds.  Johnny is a hot dancer whose job is to entertain the guests and Baby is an innocent 17 year old who swoons every time she sees him (who can blame her).  When Johnny’s dance partner falls pregnant Baby saves the day by stepping in to dance with him.  But, she needs dance lessons fast and it doesn’t take long for the pair to find romance.

The cast of talented dancers and musicians make it a show to remember with incredible choreography and some very steamy scenes.  And of course Dirty Dancing wouldn’t be the same without the songs which include ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’ and ‘Do you Love me?’

The band is brilliant and I can’t not mention Baby’s sister who was hilarious, especially when she did her talent contest scene.

Even after all these years I can still remember all the iconic scenes with Baby and Johnny and the audience was electric each time they were played, especially when Jonny said ‘no one puts Baby in the corner’!

The final scene saw everyone up on their feet and clapping, it really was a joyous end to the show.

So if you need a fun girls night out then check out the Bournemouth Pavilion for tickets.  You’ll have to be quick though because it’s only on until Saturday 24 June 2023.

Dirty Dancing, you’ll have the time of your life!

Please note, the show is not advised for children under the age of 14 as there are scenes of partial nudity and the storyline addresses a very sensitive topic.

Dorsetmums was invited to see Dirty Dancing for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

Image credit: Dirty Dancing on Stage