Expectations are great for Dame Harriet’s show

International theatre and TV star Dame Harriet Walter is to perform at Dorchester Arts on Friday, March 10.

Dame Harriet, who is a patron of Dorchester Arts, will appear at What the Dickens! – a fundraising evening celebrating all things Dickensian.

Dame Harriet is known for her many film and TV appearances including Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, The Crown and Belgravia She will be performing extracts from Dickens’ novels, along with her husband, actor Guy Paul. The evening also includes performances by fantastic

Formidable! Fifi and her accordion’s French fancies

Take a tour through more than 100 years of French musical history with artists Fifi La Mer and Oliver Wilby next month.

Presented by Artsreach, this acclaimed show features the dulcet tones of chanteuse Fifi on accordion, and the talents of Oliver on clarinet, members of the saxophone family and accordion. Together the pair will take audiences on a journey through a century of French music, from Offenbach and Gainsbourg to Michel Legrand and Edith Piaf, sharing tales of the mystery, romance and heartache that we so often associate with Paris, alongside a repertoire of musical gems.

Fifi La Mer was born in Paris and, when not touring with this popular show, performs with her band ‘Oh la la!’, who have played to sell out venues including The Elgar room at the Royal Albert Hall, and and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

Jazz musician Oliver Wilby regularly tours with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and the Ray Gelato Giants amongst others.

Expect a toe-tapping tribute to French music

01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com from this entertaining duo as they play Cranborne Cecil Memorial Hall (07770 227095) at 7.30pm on Friday, March 10; at Powerstock Hut (01308 485730) at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 11; and at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall (07786 880676) at 3pm on Sunday, March 12. Further information and tickets are also available online at artsreach.co.uk magician The Great Baldini, as well as local choir the Encore Singers. With a light Dickensian supper served, this will be a very enjoyable evening in support of Dorchester Arts and its community work. n Tickets and more information at dorchesterarts.org.uk

Historic setting for exhibition

Enjoy an exhibition of West Dorset artists’ work hosted in a 17th century building next month. Bridport Art Society’s Easter exhibition will take place at the Salt House in West Bay from 10am to 5pm from Friday, April 7 to Monday 10.

A society spokesperson said: “The preserved stone interior provides a well-lit spacious setting for members’ hung work. As well as attracting a local audience, the exhibition attracts visitors who are in the bay over the holiday weekend.” n For more details visit bridportart.com