DORCHESTER Arts is looking forward to a packed autumn programme.

The programme kicks off next week and is promising something for everyone to enjoy.

With Dorchester Arts now settled in to its permanent home at the Corn Exchange it is offering one of its biggest programmes yet.

Across entertainment, music and theatre there is plenty to enjoy.

Marketing officer Laura Mulhern said: “It’s a packed programme. We are getting bigger and better than ever. There is such a wide range on offer.”

Musical highlights include Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman on Friday, November 6.

English jazz ‘legend’ Courtney Pine will be performing on the clarinet and will be joined on the night by Mercury nominee and MOBO award winning pianist Zoe Rahman.

Artistic director Mark Tattersall, thinks the inclusion of two top acts highlights the strength of the programme as a hole.

He said: “The reaction has been fantastic.

“We want to bring acts that really surprise people so we’re excited.

“It is a sign of things to come.”

There will be a range of genres, including classical music from five-piece Opus Anglicanum on Friday, October 9 and Bhangra music from RSVP on Saturday, October 24.

The aim of the programme is to offer as much range as possible.

Laura said: “We have got something for everybody.

“Not everybody is going to be in to jazz or classical music. We’re trying to offer as much as a range as we can.”

The range of theatre performances is just as varied, with two classics of screen and literature getting a reimagining during the programme.

First up on Friday, October 2 is an adaption of the 1945 film Brief Encounter.

Dorchester Arts and the public are excited to have such a big name attracting people.

Mark said: “People are really interested in a recreation of a real classic.

“This is a completely new take.”

Alongside this there is a production of Emma by Jane Austen on Sunday, November 29.

For something different on Friday, October 9 Colin Cloud: Forensic Mindreader will be performing at the Dorchester Corn Exchange.

He is described as the closest thing to Sherlock Holmes with his powers of deduction.

Performances are taking place primarily at the Corn Exchange but also at the Shire Hall, Dorset County Museum and Brownsword Hall.

All taking part at the Corn Exchange is the Christmas season which will see a performances of Hansel and Gretel and The Snow Queen as well as a musical performance entitled a Brief History of Christmas.

Also for the Autumn programme is the Live for Five scheme.

Anyone aged from 14 to 25 can apply for the scheme and can then enjoy a selection of the autumn performances for just £5.

For more information on the scheme and the full autumn programme go to dorchesterarts.org.uk