CHELMSFORD Theatres are full of fun and laughter for all ages with a fantastic selection of drama, comedy and music to suit all tastes this May. The musical menu kicks off with Masters of the Musical (May 3) who are back with the UK s favourite musical th

CHELMSFORD Theatres are full of fun and laughter for all ages with a fantastic selection of drama, comedy and music to suit all tastes this May.

The musical menu kicks off with Masters of the Musical (May 3) who are back with the UK's favourite musical theatre concert bringing selections from Les Miserables, Blood Brothers, Grease, Mamma Mia and many more.

If folk music is more your cup of tea, innovative singer and fiddle player Eliza Carthy will be showcasing original material from her new album Dreams of Breathing Underwater (Saturday May 9).

Local composer Jeffery Wilson performs the last of his Classical X-tra concerts (May 15) when saxophonist Jane Elston is accompanied on percussion and piano.

The music continues with the return of Whole Lotta Led (May 22), a Led Zeppelin tribute, and two chances to sing-a-long-a to your favourite musical films on Saturday May 23, Hairspray (4pm) and Rocky Horror Picture Show (8p).

The undisputed 'Princess of Jazz', Jacqui Dankworth performs a one night only live concert on May 28.

If drama is more your thing, there is just as much on stage for you too.

To Break a Man (May 6) follows Flora, a disturbed young woman with an unbearable insight into the Human predicament and Harry an ordinary man caught between doing the right thing and doing the thing that is best for everyone.

Back by popular demand, classic comedy Stones In His Pockets (May 21) returns to the Civic stage.

When a major Hollywood film studio descends on a village in rural Ireland, the demand for extras from the local community is huge. As the story unfolds, just two talented actors brilliantly bring to life over 15 extraordinary characters.

On the comedy front, Jongleurs returns with two hours of top laughs from the brightest talent on the circuit (May 7).

The amusement continues when multi-award winner Andy Hamilton and his Hat of Doom tour comes to Chelmsford (May 7). The show contains "mild peril" and is brimming with jokes, stories, gossip, music, cash prizes, nudity and trampolining.

The comedy concludes for May when Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre plus support from Men with Bananas arrive at the Cramphorn Theatre (May 20).

For children, there is Grandpa Joe's Magic Show (May 29), a brand new play written especially for children aged four to seven.

If music is more their thing, The World at Your Feet (May 31) is an orchestral concert suitable for children aged seven to 11.

For more information or to book any of these shows, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or contact the box office on 01245 606505.