WHILE the county sweltered this week in near record-breaking temperatures, the Evesham Arts Centre gave news of its autumn and winter programme, which a spokesman said would be red hot and "one hundred per cent live."

The spokesman added: "As well as top professional acts such as Toyah Wilcox, Shappi Khorsdandi, Rich Hall, Jackson Live and the fabulous Vienna Festival Ballet, there’s plenty of local talent on display too with Phoenix Youth Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz and EODS’ production of Chess – The Musical.

"And no winter season would be complete without a Panto and once again Phoenix Theatre Group delivers the goods with their production of Snow White."

Looking ahead, to February 2017, the Immersion Theatre Company will take audiences "on a magical journey with Alice in Wonderland".

The venues's popular Folk in the Foyer sessions will continue throughout the autumn, with more acclaimed artists playing live in the Foyer Bar.

And punk and new wave goddess, Toyah Wilcox will go unplugged with a set of her best loved hits, from a career stretching back 35 years; as she also will provide inside knowledge and insights along the way.

The spokesman said: "From filming pop videos on horseback at 5am to acting alongside Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier, this is a show which lifts the lid on working in the entertainment business."

Toyah will be her inimitable self, but a number of tribute acts have also been planned for the season, including Jackson Live in Concert in September, described as "a fantastic show in tribute to the King of Pop".

Other tribute shows will include Frank Sinatra – My Way, and Into The Shadows, in October.

November will see Queen – A Celebration by GaGa, return to the Arts Centre stage.

Heading into festival times, the D-Day Darlings will perform a festive selection of the most Christmas songs from the 1940’s era and will invite audiences to sing along.

The spokesman said: "It's also a great season for lovers of brass bands as the highly acclaimed Flowers Band visit the Arts Centre in September and Bretforton Silver Band will perform their much loved Christmas concert in December."

Classical music fans will be offered The Eeden Quartet; talented young violinist Savitri Grier; pianist Jayson Gillham and award-winning clarinettist Matthew Scott. Comedy has not been forgotten.

The spokesman said: "With a comedy line-up that keeps on getting stronger and stronger, fans won’t be disappointed with this season’s offering.

"Shappi Khorsandi and Rich Hall top the bill delivering comedy that packs a side-splitting punch-line."

The Vienna Festival Ballet returns in December to dance live on the Arts Centre stage with their interpretation of the traditional Grimm brothers’ tale, Snow White.

Tickets for most shows are available now from www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk, in person or by phone from Evesham Almonry Heritage Centre and Tourist Information on 01386 446944.

Extra shows booked after the brochure is printed will be announced via the website www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk