THE work of singer songwriter Nick Drake is being celebrated at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Saturday.

The Songs of Nick Drake is touring in what would have been his 60th birthday year.

The show features the vocal talents of singer-songwriter and acoustic music producer, Keith James, and inventive double bass player, Rick Foot.

A Gala Theatre spokesman said: "They complement each other not in imitation, but in appreciation of Drake’s exceptional and timeless music, and their tour is dedicated to his work.

"It has won them legions of admiring fans wherever they appear, including a hugely successful set at Glastonbury music festival in 2007."

The show includes a screening of a new documentary about Nick Drake’s life and music and features contributions from artists his music influenced, including folk singer, Kathryn Williams.

A complex and melancholy character, Nick Drake released three albums in his short lifetime; Five Leaves Left, Bryter Later and Pink Moon, but they never sold more than 5,000 copies after their initial release. His music has since found a new audience in later generations, and he has been cited as an influence on bands such as REM, The Cure, Kate Bush and Paul Weller. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets costing £12-£13 can be booked by calling 0191-332-4041 or visiting www.galadurham.co.uk