Catch up with a right bunch of characters

ACTOR, comedian and star of The Fast Show, Simon Day will bring his show In Character to the Swindon Arts Centre on Friday.

Among his characters are prog rocker and humanitarian Brian Pern, who will perform a piece involving music and some modern dance, and Billy Bleach, the Fast Show pub bore. Billy, a clever but long-time unemployed know-it-all, who lives with his mum in Bermondsey, will be speaking to the public for the first time since being in rehab for gambling and constant sexist remarks in the pub.

We will also meet Geoffrey Allerton, confirmed bachelor and unpublished Yorkshire poet – who will be reading from his poetry collection Marking Time.

Tony Beckton, one of Britain’s most dangerous men and habitual criminal, having served 27 years in various prisons, will be reading from his memoir Beyond Reason. He will also be discussing the problems he faces trying to go straight and not headbutt any traffic wardens.

Simon Day’s show begins at 8pm and tickets are £21 to £26. To book, call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

Making an impression

AMERICA’S Got Talent winner and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin returns home to the UK, fresh from headlining the world-famous Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, ready to perform at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre on Saturday night.

Zerdin brings a sparkling new show, featuring his all-star cast of infamous puppets. Join Paul, Sam, Albert and Baby, plus two crazy, brand new characters for an evening of laugh out loud stand-up comedy and ventriloquism.

A regular on the Royal Variety Show, Zerdin has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show on BBC1, and at the London Palladium.

And if you fancy a pie and a pint before the show, a supper will be available from 6.30pm.

Enjoy a meat or vegetable pie, served with mashed potato and gravy, with an ice-cold Hop Head beer, or a small glass of wine or soft drink. The pre-show meal costs £10 - tickets to the show are bought separately.

The show begins at 8pm and tickets are £21. Call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

Tune in for a night of music

THE Remi Harris Trio will play an eclectic programme of music in The Place, at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, on Saturday.

Taking their inspiration from Gypsy Swing, infused with jazz, blues, funk, world music and more, the trio plays original compositions, jazz standards and new arrangements of music by Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, Peter Green and more.

Remi plays on both acoustic and electric guitars, accompanied by a hot club rhythm section of acoustic guitar and double bass. The trio has toured worldwide, as well as performing at Buckingham Palace, the Montreal Jazz Festival, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum, and on BBC radio and television.

The concert begins at 7.30pm, in the restaurant space, and tickets are £12. To book, call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.