The heart and soul of Swindon's close harmony singers are laid bare next week when Ten in a Bar take centre stage in their annual show.

The mixed harmony entertainment group, led by musical director Jill Hodge, is known for its unusual arrangements of classic popular songs.

Jill said: " You can expect to be transported through a cornucopia of the best-loved songs from shows, including Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Joseph and Hairspray to name but a few!

"Classic songs abound, such as Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud in a new acappella arrangement, and a song combining the True Colours of Cyndi Lauper fame and Brave by Sara Barreilles set to dazzle. There will also be old favourites such as All About That Bass, with Heather Reynolds taking the lead, and Martin Read leading on Sam Smith’s Writing on the Wall.

"The grand finale takes on The Greatest Showman’s This is Me in a fabulous new arrangement in eight parts – it promises to bring the house down!''

Ten In A Bar were invited to perform at the Uncelebrated Journey Concert in the Wyvern Theatre, hosted by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, in October last year.

Jill conducted a 100-strong mass choir singing A Thousand Years, One Day Like This and Viva La Vida, all arranged by Ten in a Bar’s own pianist, Kirstie Smith.

The singers will again perform the finale from Uncelebrated Journey in The Heart & Soul of Ten In A Bar show.

Jill's new mini musical is set in the shop window of the former Swindon department store, McIlroys, and spotlights the dreams and aspirations of three mannequins.

Using musical numbers from a myriad of theatre shows the story unfolds alongside the strange happenings on the street below.

Jill said: "It could be described as a kind of fairytale with edge as it also highlights current issues in today’s modern world.''

The show also includes another comedy sketch on the theme of Valentine’s Day for the men.

The show runs for four nights at The Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon from Wednesday, February 20 to Saturday, February 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14 including booking fee from 01793 524481 or £13 on 01793 740447. Booking forms and details from www.teninabar.com - Flicky Harrison