THE Best of British Variety Tour is coming back to The Anvil – for the third consecutive year.

The unique tour unites some of Britain’s favourite entertainers from past decades who will be dropping by Basingstoke in September.

Acts include television magician Paul Daniels, who has produced a stream of entertaining shows and enjoyed success on ITV and BBC as a host as well as a magician.

The magic man has built up a collection of awards and performed in front of Royalty and Prime Ministers across the world, starred in his own West End show and headlined in Las Vegas and Broadway.

Joining the line-up are The Krankies, known for their catchphrase Fan Dabi Dozi, and from many 1980s’ television shows, including Crackerjack and Krankies Klub.

More recently they have appeared on French and Saunders TV shows and performed at many Royal Variety Shows. Last Christmas, the Scottish duo took part in the Paul O Grady Pantomime on Channel 4.

Other acts on the tour include The Grumbleweeds, Irish singer Dana, and for the first time as a solo act, Syd Little – of Little & Large fame, a partnership of 48 years – will be joining the troupe. The special guest host will be Christopher Biggins.

The tour starts on August 13 and comes to Basingstoke on September 18. Tickets cost £26.50 and can be booked by calling the Anvil Arts box office, on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk. As a special World Cup offer, tickets purchased before July 11 cost £17.50 if callers quote “seventies”.