CHELMSFORD Civic and Cramphorn Theatres are getting ready to open their doors again for a fantastic month of entertainment this September. To get the ball rolling, an array of great acts hits the Civic stage for Variety Lives! on Saturday September 12. Pr

CHELMSFORD Civic and Cramphorn Theatres are getting ready to open their doors again for a fantastic month of entertainment this September.

To get the ball rolling, an array of great acts hits the Civic stage for Variety Lives! on Saturday September 12. Prepare for a heady cocktail of intelligent stand-up, brilliantly observed character comedy, clever wordplay and sweet music, featuring Hattie Hayridge (Red Dwarf's talking computer, Holly), Barbara Nice, Barb Jungr and Otiz Cannelloni.

The music continues with the return of Musical Vienna by Candlelight on Saturday September 19. The Locrian Ensemble are joined in celebrating Viennese music by a prominent guest soprano and two dancers. Attired in sumptuous period costume and in a stunning candlelit setting, they perform music by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Lehar and Johann Strauss.

One last musical treat in the Civic Theatre this September comes in the form of

After 25 years of the hit phenomenon that is Fascinating A�da, Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman are back and coming to Chelmsford on Sunday 27. With beautiful harmonies and intricate rhymes, the ladies are looking forward to entertaining with some new songs as well as old favourites.

If drama is more your thing, there are two small scale dramas to choose from. The first on offer, The Man Who Was Hamlet, on Thursday 24, sees the return of George Dillon with his own drama about playwright Edward de Vere of Hedingham Castle and whether he might have in fact been William Shakespeare?

And the second, Sherlock Holmes - The Last Act! on Wednesday 30, stars Roger Llewellyn as the world's greatest fictional detective confronting the most complex case of all - his own psyche. Both take place on the intimate Cramphorn stage.

New season highlights include the fabulous Dinnerladies (October 5-7) adapted from Victoria Wood's hit TV show and starring original cast members. If something more thrilling is required, look no further than Strictly Murder (October 19-24) written by the man who created The Professional and The Avengers.

To book these shows and Cramphorn Film screenings and to find out about the rest of the Autumn season go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or contact the box office on 01245 606505.