LOOKING for things happening in Herefordshire?

We've compiled some upcoming theatre shows in and around the county, including a production of

These are three of the events published in the what's on section of the Hereford Times this week (August 1).

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers

(Image: Courtyard)

JOIN the celebration of Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers for their 30th anniversary with a special show of big beats, visual treats and energy at the Courtyard this October. 

Taking the audience on a journey "in time", a ride through their 30 years, the concert is a full theatrical experience, with dynamic choreography and heart-pounding rhythms contrasting with atmospheric soundscapes.

As Europe's longest-established taiko group, Mugenkyo are widely recognised as the ground-breaking pioneers of this exciting art-form, thrilling audiences at thousands of performances worldwide, now returning with their first major UK tour in almost 5 years.

In the meantime, Mugenkyo have been busy on projects such as collaborating on the ambitious.

World of Gods with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, filming for the Hollywood film Tin Soldier in Greece with Jamie Foxx and Robert De Niro, a 2-week run at the World Expo in Dubai, the BBC TV Tokyo Olympics, a 26-date run at the Adelaide Fringe, the Fire & Light site-specific project and regular online workshops and performances.

This year they return to the road with an electrifying and uplifting performance of skill, stamina and soul.

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers will be in the Main House on Thursday, October 10 at 7.30pm.

To book tickets, or for more information contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.

Tribute to Neil Diamond

(Image: Courtyard)

FROM London’s West End comes a lavish tribute production, A Beautiful Noise, a joyful celebration of Neil Diamond’s music performed at The Courtyard this October.

Delivered with an assured virtuosity by the award-winning Fisher Stevens to the standard and scale that these timeless songs deserve, this concert pays tribute to the performer, songwriter and entertainer whose name will echo down through the ages.

From his Brill Building hits to The Jazz Singer and unforgettable live concerts, Neil’s legacy is celebrated in every note of this show.

Revisiting over 130 million albums’ worth of classic hits, from Love On The Rocks to Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am... I Said, America, Cracklin Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer, and many more.

The show stars Fisher Stevens and the cast of professional musicians and singers who performed at the Lyric theatre in London’s’ Shaftesbury Avenue.

The tribute show helped achieve the high standards of Diamond’s  class by David Mackay, who created hits for some of the biggest names in the music, including Cliff Richard, Dusty Springfield, The Bee Gees and Clapton.

David was the musical director for many West End successes, including 125th Street and Jailhouse Rock.

As Fisher Stevens says, "It is my privilege to celebrate that talent, take the audience on a musical journey.”

A Beautiful Noise is packed with all the classic hits and does just that. A Beautiful Noise: The Definitive Tribute To Neil Diamond will be in the Main House on Saturday, October 12 at 7.30pm. To book tickets, or for more information contact the Box Office on 01432340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.

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Murder on the Orient Express

(Image: Malvern Theatres)

MICHAEL Maloney will star as Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in Lucy Bailey’s new production of the UK and Ireland Tour of Murder on the Orient Express.  Agatha Christie Ltd and Fiery Angel will bring Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic to the stage, which is coming to Malvern Theatres, not far from Herefordshire.

Michael said of playing Poirot, “I am very excited and honoured to be joining a long line of extraordinary actors who have taken on the role of Hercule Poirot and hope I can be so, too.  To work with such a talented director as Lucy Bailey and with top producers Fiery Angel is a gift and a privilege.  Here's to Orient Express hurtling through your town or city soon!”