A NEW music show sees Fiona Bruce from BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow trying to seduce Poldark!

Swindon’s Ten In A Bar are presenting the polar opposite of a bodice-ripper in their annual production, encompassing a number of popular period dramas, but with a twist.

Inspired by Mr Darcy’s wet shirt scene, Jill Hodge, the close harmony group’s director, has written a sketch around the characters of Downton Abbey, Poldark, Call The Midwife, Antiques Roadshow, The Go Between and Mr Selfridge.

She has thrown out the tight bodice and saucy minx style and brought in her own theme, linked by a young boy who continually pops up on the wrong set.

“The idea is he’s from The Go Between," said Jill. “The show does have a few convoluted twists but the theme is the objectification of men instead of women, but toned down.

“All the songs that go with the period drama sketch are modern, such as Dynamite for Poldark and Price Tag for Mr Selfridge,’’ she said.

Ten In A Bar will be appearing at Swindon’s Arts Centre, in Old Town from Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday, February 20.

Liz Hancock is the newcomer to the group and she takes the part of TV presenter Fiona Bruce. Joining her in the cast are a couple of former members, James Canning playing Mr Selfridge and Helen Reynolds as Demelza.

“They are a good group, truly dedicated,’’ said Jill. “They have learned one song a week since October and in the run up to the show we rehearse three times a week.

"They are all keen to be the best they can. We are a light hearted group who enjoy a challenge, but the music matters.’’ Jill has been head of music in different Swindon schools, and now works as a specialist learning support tutor in autistic spectrum disorders, at New College.

She has directed school choirs and vocal groups including The Ridgeway School Choir and the Swindon Songsters.

She started Ten In A Bar in 1992 and the reputation for close harmony singing was soon established, and then Jill added the quirky side of the group, her comedy sketches.

Other features of the new show are the singers take on War of the Worlds and special interpretations of Roar by Katy Perry, Royal by Lorde and an acapella version of Man In The Mirror.

“We are also tackling a 1960s section with songs from The Jersey Boys and some classical numbers from young and very much alive composers such as Eric Whittaker and Ola Gjeilo from Norway,’’ said Jill.

The group recorded a CD for their 20th anniversary which will be on sale at the concert and Jill is now beginning to think about their 25th anniversary.

Tickets for Ten In A Bar which starts at 7.30pm are available from 01793 524481. - FLICKY HARRISON