The English Symphony Orchestra is set to grace the Swan Theatre’s stage "with a singing and dancing musical celebration of English humour and eccentricity".

A spokesman said: "Fresh from the recent success of their all-singing, all-dancing celebratory gala night at Huntingdon Hall, the ESO returns with their second concert as Worcester Live’s newly appointed Orchestra in Residence.

"Walton’s wacky and whimsical theatrical diversion Façade forms the heart of the evening, which explores all things eccentrically English, from the theme tune to Poirot to Noel Coward’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen."

The spokesman added: "The evening will be hosted by Worcester-based actor, director and musician Ben Humphrey, who is also Associate Director of the Worcester Repertory Company – the Swan Theatre’s resident professional theatre company, well known for its annual outdoor productions at the Commandery, and Shakespeare performances at Worcester Cathedral."

Hailed as "the International Orchestra of Elgar Country", the ESO is currently enjoying a major artistic resurgence having recently released their first full-length CD in 10 years.

This is a recording of Krenek Piano Concertos which has won a string of five-star reviews and landed on the Sunday Times Best Recordings of 2016 list.

Last year also saw the release of the ESO’s recording of the Elgar Piano Quintet as arranged for symphony orchestra by Donald Fraser – a recording that became Disc of the Month on Classic FM – and 2016 also saw the orchestra win Classical Music Magazine’s ‘Premiere of the Year’ accolade for the second year in a row.

Kenneth Woods, the orchestra’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor said he was "delighted" that the Orchestra is now partnering with Worcester Live, the company that runs both the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall, as well as the Historic Ghost Walk of Worcester and the annual Worcester Festival.

He said: “The new alliance between Worcester Live and the ESO brings together two of Worcester’s most important cultural organisations in a project to build new audiences for classical music in the county, and to expand music education opportunities for young people in the area.”

Chris Jaeger, Chief Executive of Worcester Live said:“Developing the audiences of the future is all about collaboration. This kind of cooperative approach is the best way to engage new listeners”.

The dates for the diary are Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8.

Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01905 611427.