LAST year was a runaway success for Dorchester Arts Centre and, judging by the line-up pencilled in for the new season, 2003 looks set to be a cracker too.

Top of the list must be the return visit by the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is bringing The Merry Wives of Windsor and Coriolanus to Dorset's county town towards the end of March.

Tickets will be very much in demand and postal booking for the theatrical event of the year started this month - so get yours now or face disappointment.

Arts centre spokeswoman Jennie Runeckles said: "Obviously this is the biggie of the season and interest is as high as - if not higher than - it was for The Tempest last year.

Although the RSC performances are the main event of the next few months, the arts centre is also hosting a variety of other shows to suit all tastes and ages

"People are even booking for both productions, so our message is 'if you want tickets, get down here now before they go!'"

Although the RSC performances are the main event of the next few months, the arts centre is also hosting a variety of other shows to suit all tastes and ages.

Music is prominent, as the monthly Bluesnight presentations continue with performances by SPIKE drivers, Sonny Black and the Dukes, Jim Crawford, the Guy Tortura Band and Lee Sankey and Ian Segal, while folk and jazz are represented by Martin Simpson and Candy Time.

Sammy Hurden is also holding informal singing workshops from Tuesday, January 21, until Tuesday, February 18 (7.45pm, £30 in advance).

Budding bards can take part in the Poetry Dorchester workshops and meetings (11am, starting Wednesday, February 19, £20 for seven weeks, £3.50 per session) and also enjoy a Poetry Caf night with Jeni Couzyn on Friday, March 14, at 7.30 (£5 plus concessions).

Youngsters have not been forgotten wither, with a performance of Quicksilver by Kneehigh Theatre on Friday, January 24, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £9 plus concessions and there are also family deals available.

There are also dance workshops run by Benji Reid pencilled in for the spring half-term. They run from Tuesday, February 25, until Thursday, February 27, and are aimed at dancers aged 15 plus.

Fishtank Dance, which is suitable for youngsters aged 14-18, also meets every other Sunday - call (01202) 884340 for details.

Jennie Runeckles added: "We think we have laid on a wide variety of stuff, genuinely something to suit everyone. We're looking forward to a terrific season."

Finally, you get the chance to give something back to the arts centre by joining in the fun at the annual fund-raising St Valentine's Day bash at Athelhampton House.

This year's theme is gangsters and molls, so dress up and have an entertaining fun night out! Tickets, at £20, include food and music.

For further details of events, call (01305) 266926 or pick up a brochure from the centre, bookshops and libraries.