DELVE back into the myths of ancient Britain with one of the country's top singers at a special event in Chipping Norton next week.

The Green Branch is an evening of music drama which will take audiences into the atmosphere of Ancient Britain and its archetypal myths.

"The singing is sometimes classical, sometimes folk. The stories are as old as the hills," say promoters.

The show is a tribute to Cotswold composer and historian Tim Porter, who spent much time researching the world of the Celts.

His work includes the popular folk-opera Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a new version of the Cornish Mystery Plays and the more modernistic Trystan.

The show, which will celebrate his writing, will star Sally Bradshaw, a vistuoso classical soprano, described by Pavarotti as having 'a beautiful face and a beautiful colour of voice'.

Known for her versatlity, Sally Bradshaw's recording of Handel's Agrippina was chosen as Sunday Times record of the year. Not only has she recorded with the likes of Mike Oldfield, the Pet Shop Boys and Marc Almond, she opened the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1999 live from Milan, performing Puccini's Tosca to a worldwide TV audience of one billion.

She will be joined by Gerald Delrez and Steven de Proost for The Green Branch which is at The Theatre on July 10, starting at 7.30pm. Call the box office for ticket details on 01608 642350 or visit www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk for more details.

l An adaptation of Don Quixote, The Last Night in La Mancha, commissioned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Cervantes' classic novel, is being performed by local theatre company YETA at The Theatre on July 7 while, back by popular demand is the Reduced Shakespeare Company performing The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) on Saturday, July 9. Box office as above.