ONE of this country’s greatest songwriters, Richard Thompson, makes a very welcome return to The Anvil on Friday. 27 October, with support from Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker.

Richard Thompson is a most distinctive guitar virtuoso, capable of breath-taking drama and sublime delicacy, prompting Rolling Stone to hail him as ‘a perennial dark-horse contender for the title of greatest living rock guitarist’. His songs have been covered by everyone from Alison Krauss to Robert Plant.

The show on the will draw on Richard's new double-disc album Acoustic Classics Vol. 2 and Acoustic Rarities as well as his extensive back catalogue.

The following evening, you can see three music acts of the eighties join forces for one spectacular night of entertainment when Midge Ure with his Band Electronica, The Christians, and Altered Images featuring Clare Grogan take to the stage.

With millions of albums sales and definitive tracks, plus over 30 years perfecting their craft performing to audiences at sold out stadiums, intimate unplugged sets and everything in between, this is a golden opportunity to see three stars of the era perform live in one great night out.

Midge says of his band Electronica “I want to revisit some material that I've not really been able to perform with the recent acoustic line up, so you can expect to hear songs that haven't been aired for a while as well as the classics and a couple of surprises! I've really enjoyed touring with a band and now I want to expand back to a four piece and return to a more electronic-based format."

Also on stage will be The Christians with original band member Garry Christian, and Clare Grogan with Altered Images hits.

On Wednesday, 1 November, Arlene Phillips reveals all from 40 years in show business when she comes to The Haymarket.

Working with Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Starlight Express, We Will Rock You, Annie, Strictly Come Dancing … the list goes on and on.

Arlene has been an inimitable choreographer and director for over four decades. Whether you know her from provocative dance group Hot Gossip or as the toughest judge on Strictly Come Dancing, prepare to be surprised and entertained by the stories behind the multi-award winning musicals, the music videos, the television shows, and films.

Arlene will chat on stage to Jacquie Storey about a lifetime in dance and there will also be an exclusive performance from the local winners of Arlene’s Best Dance Group Competition.

Anvil Arts’ full autumn season is now on sale and the most up-to-date information can be found on the website anvilarts.org.uk. For more information or for tickets, call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.