THERE is a host of good things going on across Dorset this weekend.

Theatre, music and exhibitions all have their place in the run-up to Christmas and the next few days are no exception.

The Upwey Potters offer the chance for people to buy unique seasonal gifts today, tomorrow and Sunday between 10am and 6pm at the Old School Village Hall in Upwey, near Weymouth.

Pots Presents and Pies is a display of the ceramics produced by this talented local group, with demonstrations and information about 2009 events, including pottery taster workshops and other activities at the thriving village hall.

Fans of The Boy Who Lived are in for a top treat tomorrow when Potted Potter returns to Dorset with two shows at Lighthouse in Poole.

Ace comedians Dan and Jeff perform all seven Harry Potter books in 70 minutes, acting out all the parts themselves. The show is hilarious, simply brilliant and unmissable – and the audience even gets the chance to take part in a game of Quidditch! Performances are at 4pm and 7pm. Call 0844 406 8666 for tickets and full details.

Classical guitarist Michael Partington is one of the most engaging of the new generation of concert players, and you can catch him at West Knighton Church tomorrow at 7.30pm.

His programme will include music by Joaquín Turina, Arnaud Dumond, Couperin, Purcell, Ravel, Astor Piazzolla, Bryan Johanson, Stephen Goss, and Mario Castelnuovo–Tedesco. For full details and tickets call 01305 854205 The haunting, soothing sounds of Imbube singing, made popular by of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, comes to will be ringing out across the county thanks to young performers Umdumo WeSizwe.

The group transforms serious themes into joyous and celebratory songs using only the musical energy of bass and tenor voices, which with lively harmonies and tip-toe dance routines will truly mesmerise.

You can see them at West Lulworth village hall tomorrow (7.30pm, call 01929 400181 for tickets and details) and at Evershot village hall on Sunday (8pm, call 01935 83580).

There is also a workshop at Evershot village hall on Sunday afternoon, starting at 3.30pm, which costs £5 and is open to all. Call 01935 83580 to book your place.

Cowardy Custard, which takes place at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis tonight and tomorrow, is a celebration of Noel Coward staged by members of the town’s dramatic society, Community Players, operatic society, youth theatre, panto society and BOF.

Devised for the Mermaid Theatre in London, this is a sparkling evening of wit and entertainment that will cheer the dreariest evening. Performances are at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 3pm. Tickets are £8.50 for evening shows, £6 for the matinee from the box office on 01297 442138.

You can also start Christmas early with a carol concert in aid of the RNLI in St Mary’s Church, in Kings Road, Swanage tomorrow at 7.30pm. The performance includes a performance of Bach’s Mass in G minor, Christmas motets and Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols. Tickets are £7.50 for adults plus concessions.