Sarah Singleton looks at dramatic happenings in Swindon this week

Everyone’s favourite soldier and adventurer, Ant Middleton will be hosting a special evening at the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday from 7.30pm.

A man with an appetite for a challenge, Ant rose to fame after presenting SAS - Who Dares Wins on Channel 4, followed by leading roles on Mutiny, and Escape. In this adventure-filled one man show, Ant regales the audience with tales of his life in the military, having achieved the elite force holy trinity by serving in the paras, the marines and the SBS. Expect tales that will defy belief for their danger and daring. Tickets are £26.

Comedian Dara O’Briain, one of the most recognisable faces on British TV as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Robotwars and Go8Bit, is hosting a sell-out show at the Wyvern on Monday night.

Find out more about birds at Swindon Arts Centre on Monday, when bird handlers Lloyd and Rose Buck present Our Life with Birds. The show promises to give audiences a rare opportunity to meet golden eagles, peregrine falcons, hawks, owls, starlings and many more - all raised and trained with the utmost loving care. Tickets cost £17.

Graham Harvey, for 20 years the agricultural story editor of the Archers and writer of more than 600 episodes, brings No Finer Life to the Swindon Arts Centre tonight. This true tale of an unlikely Cotswold hero and an enduring romance is set in the Oxfordshire countryside at the end of World War Two. Graham Harvey will be taking part in an after-show conversation – included in the ticket price of £17.50 -where he will discuss the issues in the play…and all things Ambridge.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday at 2.30pm and 6pm, watching a team of performers showcasing amazing Chinese performing arts. From the cheerful spirit of the auspicious Lion Dance, to the majestic and awe-inspiring contortion, the show is a colourful display of Chinese cultural tradition. Tickets are £26.50.

Julian Metzger is playing cello, with Paul Turner on piano, at the next in the Swindon Recital Series at the Swindon Arts Centre on Sunday. The recital offers an opportunity to hear Beethoven’s entire output for cello and piano in one day, as the five sonatas and three sets of variations will be played over two concerts in order of composition, exploring Beethoven’s musical development. The concerts will take begin at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at £16 for each performance.