Our comprehensive feast of culture

I went to see the brilliant comedian and musical maestro Bill Bailey last night at the BIC and it reminded me how lucky we are to have such a feast of cultural opportunities right on our doorsteps.

As well as the BIC, the Pavilion and Pavilion Dance we have Poole Lighthouse's many venues, Boscombe's O2 Academy, the Tivoli in Wimborne and the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

And that's not to mention the myriad smaller venues, pubs and clubs scattered across the conurbation.

We are never short of a cultural fix in this area and long may it last.

The continuation of live performance depends on continued support, of course, which is not always easy given the inexorable rise in the cost of tickets.

But there is enough variety - be it comedy, rock, blues, folk, jazz, dance, ballet, opera, musical theatre or classical music, to name but a few - for there to be something to please everyone, even just once in a while.

And if budget restrictions curtail regular attendance, the odd night out at a gig or show can be such a magical experience and well worth it.

You can read my Bournemouth Echo review here, should you so wish, to see what you missed or to relive the evening: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/17700135.review-bill-bailey-larks-in-transit-bic-bournemouth/