ALTHOUGH 2019 has just begun, Anvil Arts has some great new shows for you to book later in the year.

Families can look forward to In the Night Garden Live at The Anvil on September 14 and 15, when Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are in Basingstoke in their brand new live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day.

Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all!

See all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music.

Now in its 10th year, In the Night Garden Live is one of the UK’s favourite family events.

Pip-pip, onk-onk!

Mummy Doesn't Give a **** - An Evening with Gill Sims comes to The Haymarket on September 20 in a show suitable for those aged 16 and over.

The author of online sensation Peter and Jane, Gill is the number one best-selling author behind Why Mummy Drinks, its follow up Why Mummy Swears and the recently announced Why Mummy Doesn't Give a...

Join Gill as she is interviewed about her blog, books, character and much more. There will be readings from her books and a chance to ask questions.

Why Mummy Drinks spent over six months in the Sunday Times bestsellers Top Ten. Gill’s second book Why Mummy Swears, published in early 2018, was also a number one Sunday Times bestseller. Gill has sold over half a million books.

The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah is at The Haymarket on October 11.

Benjamin befriended Nelson Mandela, fought in the 1980s race riots and recorded radical reggae music with Bob Marley’s former band. He was unable to read and write at school but became one of Britain’s most notable poets. And now he’s back to continue his first tour in eight years, which coincides with his autobiography, The Life And Rhymes Of Benjamin Zephaniah.

In a compelling and inspiring show, Zephaniah will explain how he fought injustice and discrimination to lead a remarkable life, while sharing a selection of favourite stories and poems.

Ben Elton, who exploded into the national consciousness hosting Channel 4’s ground-breaking Saturday Live, comes to The Anvil on November 5.

Back after a 15 year absence, the Godfather of modern stand-up returns to the medium he did so much to define. Back on the road with an all new show, Ben promises to try and make sense of a world which appears to have gone stark raving mad.

As Ben says: "The last time I toured I was still smarter than my phone. Things have definitely taken a funny turn."

For details of all the shows now on sale visit anvilarts.org.uk or call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.