THERE are lots of exciting shows heading to The Anvil next month and the Gazette has rounded up the best ones.

Highlighting the natural world and why it matters, Anvil Arts has three well-known wildlife TV presenters bringing their shows, and the important topics that they cover, to its venues during April.

Farmer, best-selling author and activist Kate Humble takes you on an uplifting, inspiring, funny and emotional roller coaster of a journey in Humble By Nature at The Haymarket on April 5. Full of warmth and passion for the natural world, the show features travel, adventure and animal stories throughout.

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Naturalist, conservationist, award-winning photographer and author, Chris Packham’s new show, Pictures from The Edge Of The World is at The Anvil on April 9. The show is to challenge conventional ideas about where beauty is found, what good photography and art is, and what it is for. Everyone is tempted by glamour, the big, the brash and the beautiful. But Chris champions the underdog, finding beauty in ugly places.

Adventurer Steve Backshall will be bringing the sea to the stage with his brand-new show Ocean - his love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet at The Anvil on April 19.

The Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra will be at The Anvil on April 7 with a programme that includes Dora Pejačević’s four orchestral songs (1915), Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, and Mahler’s Symphony no. 1. Conductor is Jan Latham-Koenig, joined by Marija Vidovic (soprano) and Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin).

Madama Butterfly (April 12) is the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant. The popular opera includes the Humming Chorus and the moving aria One Fine Day, and features exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

The Britten Sinfonia bring a distinctly Russian programme on April 26, with rising stars Mishka Rushdie Momen and Matilda Lloyd.

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The Easter Panto this year is The Wizard of Oz ( April 21).

The panto will star Bobby Davro as the famous Scarecrow. It is packed with brilliant dance routines, well known pop songs, lots of audience participation and plenty of laughter for all the family.

More family fun comes with CBeebies favourites the Twirlywoos Live (The Haymarket, 30 April) when Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick, and their friends discover the wonderful world around us. Expect mischief, music, and plenty of surprises when they set sail in their big red boat.

For the latest information for all shows at Anvil Arts, visit the website anvilarts.org.uk.

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