THE tale of a musician's journey from cult figure to folk idol is coming to a west Dorset theatre.

Two special events will be held at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis to honour the memory of Nick Drake.

Drake may have only recorded 31 songs during his short life but – following his suicide at the age of 26 – his renown as one of the most cherished folk singers of the early seventies has become firmly cemented in the minds of subsequent generations.

A former BBC soundman at the legendary Maida Vale studios, Keith James has played more than 2,000 shows dedicated to the music of Nick Drake. Over 15 years Keith has become an ambassador for Drake’s music and is known as the country’s best interpreter, securing him performances at almost every acoustic music festival.

There’s even been a Glastonbury performance. Keith performs this special show at the Marine on Friday, November 17.

The second event is Strange Face. It’s a one-man spoken-word show by Michael Burdett. After finding a lost Nick Drake recording in a skip, he armed himself with the music, a camera and a pair of headphones, and travelled the length and breadth of the country. He found 200 people prepared to stop, listen and talk including Billy Bragg, Martin Freeman and Noel Fielding. In this event Michael tells a fascinating story of the people he photographed and their stories, which The Times called 'a gorgeous one-man show' as their pick of Edinburgh Festival.

*Nick Drake events, Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, November 17 and 23. Call the box office for tickets.