TREVOR HEATON, EDP Whats On Editor King's Lynn Art Centre, a couple of hundred yards from its “big sister” venue the Corn Exchange has lined up a typically varied programme of music, theatre, lectures and other goodies to enjoy this autumn.

TREVOR HEATON, EDP Whats On Editor

King's Lynn Art Centre, a couple of hundred yards from its “big sister” venue the Corn Exchange has lined up a typically varied programme of music, theatre, lectures and other goodies to enjoy this autumn.

This season at the historic King Street venue (Shakespeare is supposed to have played there) you can enjoy music from legendary bluesman Long John Baldry, the Harold Pinter classic The Caretaker and a lecture from Everest explorer Ted Atkins.

British rhythm and blues legend Long John Baldry will be appearing on November 13. Baldry has been living, breathing and above all playing blues, rhythm and blues and rock'n'roll for more than four decades in a career which included his classic hit Let the Heartaches Begin – and for the fact that his original backing band Bluesology included a certain Reg Dwight. Teaming up with Butch Coulter and Dave Kelly, it's going to be a night to remember. Further concerts include folk rock band Rock, Salt and Nails (November 6) making a return appearance, plus an evening in the company of jazz and blues musician Georgie Fame and Sons (December 4) and traditional folk music courtesy of the beautiful voice of Scottish singer Isla St Clair (November 6).

The Royal Geographical Society has been bringing lectures to King's Lynn Arts Centre since 2002. In September this series continues with the story of Mercator – The Man Who Mapped the Planet, presented by writer, journalist and adventurer Nicholas Crane (September 11).

Continuing the lecture theme, local explorer Ted Atkins (October 9) returns with amazing stories and breathtaking images from his latest Everest Expedition completed earlier in the year.

Theatre has always been a strong suit at the venue, and the autumn productions include Pinter's The Caretaker (November 20), London Classic Theatre Company return with a classic of 20th century theatre first performed in 1960. The Caretaker is a study of loneliness and power games, which still has the ability to shock and amuse some 40 years after its debut.

Bram Stoker's The Judge's House (October 23) is presented by Rumpus Theatre Company. Adapted by John Godrum, the tale of a student taking up residence in a deserted house will send a shiver down the spine – appropriate enough for the author of Dracula!

Kicking off the chilling theme will be David Benson's Haunted Stage (September 18). Following recent performances at the Edinburgh Festival, David will re-tell classic ghost stories and tell of ghostly experiences he encountered while carrying out research for this show.

Children's theatre is not forgotten with The Magic Circus (December 11), and stand-up comedy aimed at the over-fives with James Campbell (November 13), with a show full of his witty, silly and surreal take on life which will have kids in hysterics.

Additional shows to look out for are Jaleo Flamenco (October 16) and Norfolk's comic folk legend Sid Kipper (October 2), plus a show that mixes words, images and music to create the story of Peddars Way (October 13) starring Hugh Lupton and Helen Chadwick.

This autumn will also see the first performance by the Arts Centre's new youth theatre, Kult Theatre (September 25) made up of children aged nine to 18, who will be premiering two short pieces both entirely created and performed by Kult Theatre members. For full details of these and other shows, call the box office on 01553 764864 or visit www.kingslynnartscentre.co.uk