FOR an exciting month of entertainment this March, look no further than Chelmsford Theatres. The month kicks off with a new production of the hit show, Voice of the Heart – Karen Carpenter (March 1), which includes the greatest tracks from The Carpenters.

FOR an exciting month of entertainment this March, look no further than Chelmsford Theatres.

The month kicks off with a new production of the hit show, Voice of the Heart - Karen Carpenter (March 1), which includes the greatest tracks from The Carpenters.

Staying on a musical theme, the Civic Theatre is presenting Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson with Chris Parkinson (March 4). They've spent more than 30 years at the forefront of the English folk scene and they perform some fantastic traditional songs.

Melvyn Bragg drops in to the Civic Theatre (March 2) for an evening of unique insights into the prolific author and broadcaster's life. His appearance is part of the Essex Book Festival 2009 (www.essexbookfestival.org.uk)

There is a double helping of fun for children with a stage version of The Tiger Who Came To Tea (March 5-7).

The Cramphorn Theatre's smallest patrons are in for a treat as Baa Moo Yellow Dog (March 24) comes to town. For children aged two to five, this is a play with oodles of imagination and is uniquely performed using integrated British Sign Language.

Drama is also well featured with three top shows at the Civic Theatre. It starts with The Pickwick Papers (March 18) presented by European Arts Company. Expect dueling, elopement, bribery and fisticuffs on the haphazard journey of Samuel Pickwick.

Humble Boy (March 26 and 27) is an award-winning comedy that follows the story of Felix Humble who returns to his Middle England home following the sudden death of his father. Past and present collide with love and uncertainty, and life will never be the same again.

A Funny Valentine (March 28) is the story of Chet Baker, by Mike Maran. In 1961 they shared a prison cell and 28 years later they shared a hotel room - that was the night Chet Baker died. Only his friend- the storyteller - knows what really happened. An unforgettable evening of live music, jazz and genius.

The London Chamber Orchestra (March 15) bring a programme of Beethoven and Hummel with the Hummel Piano Concerto, featuring celebrated soloist Melvyn Tan. There is also a pre-concert talk which is free to all ticket holders.

In the Cramphorn Theatre is Songs of Love, Ragas of Longing (March 28) with Ken Zuckerman; with Indian Folk melodies on the Dhotar and classical raga on the Sarod. He is joined in the second half by gifted Soprano Annie Dufrese. This show is part of Essex on Tour (www.essexontour.co.uk)

To book any of these shows, call the box office on 01245 606505 or book online at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres