THE Anvil has some great shows heading its way this autumn.

Larger than life British actor Brian Blessed appears on September 16. Known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and telelvision, his eloquence and humour will have the audience captured from the moment he walks on stage until the moment he leaves. He’ll include anecdotes from Flash Gordon and Blackadder, and, as an avid climber, he may mention that he has conquered Everest and Kilimanjaro.

Our Finest Hour on September 22 sees the BBC Big Band remember through words and music the momentous turning point of World War Two, from the miracle of Dunkirk to the decisive victory of the Battle of Britain. The evening which includes We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover and A Nightingale Sang on Berkeley Square, will be presented by Kevin Whately, best known for Inspector Morse and Lewis.

The Russian State Ballet performs Swan Lake accompanied by a live orchestra on Thursday, 18 October. This popular ballet tells the story of Princess Odette who is turned into a swan by an evil curse. She spends her days as a swan swimming on a lake and her nights in her beautiful human form. The emotional ballet is performed to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent music.

Maximum Rhythm & Blues on October 27 is an evening not to be missed - The Manfreds with an original line-up of Paul Jones, Mike D’Abo, Tom McGuinness and Mike Hugg will be joined by celebrated jazz and R&B singer and keyboard player Georgie Fame.

Award-winning vocal group Sons of Pitches presents 100 Number One Hits on October 31. Expect fast-paced medleys and mind-bending mash-ups as The Sons attempt to hit their target of one hundred hits in just one evening! From Michael Jackson to The Beatles, ABBA to Eminem, the show caters for all ages; the boys have certainly given ‘a cappella a kick up the backside’ since winning BBC’s The Naked Choir in 2015.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Brendan Cole will be sashaying across The Anvil stage on November 8 with his latest spectacular production All Night Long. Joined by sensational guest dancers and band, live music, stunning special effects and Brendan’s own dazzling choreography and charm, this will be an evening to remember.

Woman to Woman on November 9 sees a collaboration between three of this country’s finest female singers – Judie Tzuke, Beverley Craven and Julia Fordham. They’ll be taking to the stage together performing their hit singles and album tracks accompanied by a 20-piece string orchestra. Hear Stay With Me Till Dawn, Promise Me and Happy Ever After amongst many more favourites.

Number one classical crossover artist Russell Watson brings his new show Canzoni d’Amore on November 16. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, he’ll wow the audience with his enigmatic and charismatic performance.

Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes make a welcome return to The Anvil on November 29.

Following the extraordinary reaction to their haunting cathedral tour Sanctuary, they return on a quest to reveal a fuller sound for the trio’s bold new studio album Joint Venture. Steve, Miranda and Phil will each play an opening set of three solo spots before being joined by Cormac Byrne, legendary percussionist of Seth Lakeman Band fame.

For more information or for tickets, visit anvilarts.org.uk or call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.