What the Dickens?

A STRANGE meeting in a churchyard sets in motion a chain of events that will shower a young man with money, break his troubled heart and lead him deep into a labyrinth of deception and discovery.

TS Theatre presents the dark-hearted classic Great Expectations, a story about transformation, loss and - ultimately - forgiveness.

TS Theatre have previously brought One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to the Wyvern and more recently performed the debut of Director Peter Hynd’s original play Four Sunsets at the Arts Centre. The company have also performed Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the RSC and have taken productions to venues around the South West and in London.

The performance will take place in the beautiful setting of Lydiard Park at 7pm tonight. The gates open at 6pm and entrance is via Hay Lane. People are asked to bring their own rugs or low-backed seating. No dogs are allowed.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £10 for children or £44 for a family of two adults and two children. For tickets or information, call Lydiard Park on 01793 465270 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

Ole for rock

ROCK music from Bournemouth and Barcelona will be pulsating through Swindon tonight.

Saints of Sin are an anthemic rock band from Christ Church in Dorset, who are making a name for themselves on the summer festival circuit, including a storming set at the Isle of Wight Festival.

The musicians’ sound has a 1980s hard rock vibe, which sits well alongside the mad antics of StOp sToP. The two bands make a welcome return to The Victoria in Old Town, from 8pm.

Jacob AM is the band leader, bass player and singer of StOp sToP, who started his music career on the streets of Barcelona and Milan, before moving to America and living in a van on Los Angeles’ Sunset Boulevard.

The restless soul of an off-kilter rock ‘n’ roller drifted through life and his music, until he pulled together his ideal band line-up. In 2010 the debut album, Unlimited, was created. Back in Spain by this time the album soon drew StOp sToP a strong following, but in 2011 the musicians decided to give the UK a try. Jacob found himself back living in a van - with three others.

StOp sToP struck a record deal with the German label Metalapolis Records and have been touring ever since, winning new fans for their songs at Rocklahoma in the USA, Ice Rock Festival in Switzerland, SleazeFest in Germany, and Legends of Rock in the UK. When they come to Swindon they will perform a mix of songs, some from their last album Barceloningham.

Tickets are £3 from 01793 535713.

Board bus for world taste treats 

FOOD lovers are in for a tasty treat this weekend as a pop-up street festival comes to the Orbital Shopping Park.

Shoppers will be presented with a wide range of street food options from all across the globe when the Eats From The Streets event runs on Saturday and Sunday.

The festival will see artisan vendors serve up a whole host of cuisines, including Russian dumplings and kebabs from Soviet Kitchen and loaded American hot dogs and burgers.

The Rovin’ Bar will be mixing up its signature jam jar drinks.

Centre manager Jamie Turner said: “As the popularity of both show no sign of slowing, it’s no surprise that we’re hosting the event again this year.

“We’ve really enjoyed bringing new and exciting foods from across the globe to shoppers’ doorsteps, and this year’s event is shaping up to be even bigger and better with more stalls and more flavours on offer.”

Visitors will be able to tuck into their food on board a converted double decker Routemaster bus, which has been transformed into a dining area. Food will be served between 11am and 6pm.