BEV Lee Harling is best known in north Essex for making music using pans, cheese graters and even vegetables.

But when she appears at High Barn next month, she will be performing under a very different guise.

The chart-topping Mediaeval Baebes are a group of songwriters, multi-instrumentalists and vocalists.

They create their unique sound by setting medieval texts to original scores, singing in an array of long-forgotten languages and using classical and medieval instruments.

Formed in 1996, they are Bev, Katharine Blake, Emily Ovenden, Esther Dee, Melpomeni Kermanidou and Sarah Kayte Foster.

They are accompanied live by an additional four musicians.

As well as performing all over the world, the six-piece have sold almost half a million records, their albums consistently reaching the top of the UK classical music charts. Next week, the group are playing an already sold-out gig at the High Barn, in Great Bardfield. The reason such a high-profile group are playing such a small venue is down to Bev.

She says: “I’ve had quite a long association with the venue, playing with my other band, Bev Lee Harling and the Kitchen Sink.”

This involves the classically-trained Bev playing jazz-inspired numbers on pots and pans, cheese graters and other such kitchen utensils.

“We don’t have a sink,” Bev giggles. “We have a lot of fun with it, and I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to develop the act.

“One of my friends suggested chopping veg on stage, which actually worked rather well.”

Based in North London with her musician boyfriend, who just happens to be one of the Baebes’ instrumental backing group, Bev grew up in Hastings, before following her musical dream by moving to London, aged 18.

She says: “I was trained as a classical violinist, but when I went to university I didn’t really fancy doing it for a degree, so I auditioned on my voice alone and to do jazz work.

“After graduating, I did some violin sessions – one with the Backstreet Boys – and lots of music nights.”

One of which was put on by Baebes founder Katharine Blake.

Bev says: “One day a position came up in the group and Katherine asked me to join. I’ve been a Baebe for four years now, and I love it.

“One of my favourite concerts is this cathedral tour we do every year, but I also like the Christmas ones as well. With the candles and the songs, it really is a beautiful atmosphere.”

For next year, the band are currently working with renowned creative director Micha Bergese, who was responsible for Jeff Wayne’s War Of the Worlds, to create a new theatrical spectacular.

Bev says excitedly: “It’s going to be amazing. A real theatrical experience, with acrobats, fire-eaters and jugglers – I can’t wait.”

The Mediaeval Baebes perform at the High Barn on December 8, at 7.30pm.

Tickets are now sold out, but there may be some returns, available by calling 01371 811291.

The group are back at the Great Bardfield venue for a special Valentine’s Night show on February 14.