The Winter’s Tale, Mercury Theatre Colchester, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, until Tomorrow, 7.30pm. £27 to £12 plus discounts. 01206 573948.

ONE of the world's most renowned theatre companies, Cheek by Jowl, make a very welcome return to Colchester with their latest Shakespearean production, The Winter's Tale.

As timely today as it was when Shakespeare wrote it more than 400 years ago, this show has already toured the US, Europe and Asia.

An Evening with The Archers actress Sunny Ormonde, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, tomorrow, doors 7.30pm. £12, £10 concessions. 01206 500900.

THE actress behind outrageous Lilian Bellamy in Radio 4’s The Archers for the past 16 years reveals all the behind the scenes stories about the world's longest running soap opera such as where did that laugh come from? Did Victoria Wood really pull a pint in the Bull? And how big are Tom's sausages?

Colchester Chamber Choir and Chris Allard Song of Songs, St Peter ad Vincula, Church Green, Coggeshall, Sunday, 7pm. £16. 01206 820813.

IMPROVISED jazz riffs running alongside and through classical choral works - yeah, I'm not sure how that's going to sound either.

Best go and check out two of the best musical outfits in our area, Wivenhoe jazz guitarist supremo, Chris Allard and the brilliant Chamber Choir.

An Evening with Lesley Garrett, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Monday, 7.30pm. £26. 01206 573948.

WHO said Mondays were a dull start to the week. Not with one of the country's most dynamic and adorable opera singers.

Celebrating more than 30 years, join Lesley as she sings some of her favourite musical, classical and popular songs, followed by a Q & A.

Third Angel: Partus, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Wednesday, 7.30pm, and Thursday, 10.15am. Pay What You Can. 01206 500900.

THE most excellent Third Angel return to Colchester with their latest show, a story of love, fear, resilience and bravery in which four different women from different backgrounds are all brought together for birthday they'd never forget.

As well as an evening show, there's also a chance to enjoy it the following morning - theatre for breakfast? Why not!