ONE of the UK’s most respected songwriters is putting down her pen and stepping on stage for a soulful performance in Bridport.

Charlie Dore has been winning awards for her song and lyric writing throughout her career.

But although her songs have been covered by the good and the great, including Tina Turner and Celine Dion, it’s her live concerts that reveal the best songs she keeps for herself.

Joining her onstage at Bridport Arts Centre on July 1 will be her long time collaborator - the talented musician Julian Littman.

Charlie and Julian met in the 1970s when they were 16 and were playing in pubs and clubs.

Several decades later, it’s easy to see why Charlie calls Julian her honorary brother – the vibe onstage still has a natural, sparky and off-the-cuff energy to it.

Charlie’s songs are known for bittersweet, subversive and original lyrics, sitting atop addictive melodies and intricate harmonies.

The songs refuse to be pigeon-holed, and have won two Ascap awards and an Ivor Novello nomination.

On stage, Charlie and Julian are constantly swapping guitars, mandolin, ukulele, harmonies and Indian harmonium between them.

n Charlie Dore and Julian Littman, at Bridport Arts Centre on July 1 at 8pm.