Music and comedy lovers are in for a treat next month as the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane’s new-look variety show gets ready to raise the roof at The Anvil.

The show, which will raise funds for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal and the Grand Order of Water Rats, will feature performances from well-known entertainers and musicians as well as a local dance school on Saturday 4 October.

Yes keyboardist and David Bowie and Cat Stevens collaborator, Rick Wakeman CBE, will headline the show playing a selection of his greatest hits. He will also perform a set with his son Adam.

Other acts include local ventriloquist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett’ magician and illusionist Mark Shortland, classical singer Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues, comedian and impressionist Hilary O’Neil, parody band Triple Cream and progressive rock duo Wilson and Wakeman.

Showcasing the borough’s local talent will be Marina’s School of Dance, giving local young people the opportunity to appear in a professional show. The evening will be compered by well-known comedian and after dinner speaker Adger Brown.

Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Colin Phillimore said: “This is going to be a great evening of music, magic and laughter which will raise funds for my Charity Appeal and The Grand Order of Water Rats.

“This fantastic line-up offers a wonderful evening of entertainment provided by well-known performers, alongside the borough’s home-grown talent. I encourage people to get their tickets before they sell out.”

Tickets for the show, which will take place on Saturday 4 October at 7.30pm, cost £30 for adults, £20 for over 65s and £15 for under 16s (plus £3 booking fee) and can be bought from The Anvil Box Office on 01256 844244 or by visiting www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/the-mayors-variety-concert-2025

For more information about the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which this year is supporting St Michael’s Hospice and the Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool, visit: https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/mayorcharity