Midland and Shropshire theatre guide

Fans can look forward to An Improvised Jane Austen novel starring Cariad Lloyd, best known from Peep Show and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, among others.

Theatre Severn spokesman Craig Reeves said: "Austentatious are saddling the horses once more for their next Grand Tour. After five sell-out Edinburgh Fringe runs and three sell-out national tours, the award-winning and critically acclaimed improvised comedy show will be gracing stages across UK.

"Fans can join the all-star cast as they improvise a brand new Jane Austen work before your very eyes, based upon a single suggestion. As audience members take to their seats, they are encouraged to write the titles of imaginary Austen novels, one of which is selected – entirely at random – and immediately performed.

"Presented in full period costume with live musical accompaniment, Austentatious is a hilarious Regency treat, not to be missed."

Past 'lost' masterpieces have included Sixth Sense & Sensibility, Double 0 Darcy and Mansfield Shark. No two shows are ever the same.

Austentatious said: 'We are looking forward to driving our carriage and bringing our Austen-inspired larks to audiences up and down the country. The audience make-up the titles, so no show is ever the same and it is a joy to have absolutely no idea what will happen - every night. As we approach the 200th anniversary of Jane's passing in 2017, and celebrate the 200th birthday of Persuasion - it is a delight to be able to still be inspired by her wonderful stories and characters."

Following appearances on Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 4 Extra, a sell-out residency at London's Leicester Square Theatre, and a Chortle Award for 'Best Character, Improv or Sketch Group' in 2014, Austentatious are thrilled to be readying the carriage once more.

The show features Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Cariad Lloyd and Joseph Morpurgo, and an impressively talented cast whose recent TV credits include Peep Show, QI, Have I Got News For You, The IT Crowd and Toast of London.

TV gardener Monty Don will give a talk at Lichfield's Garrick Theatre on Tuesday.

Venue spokeswoman Rhiannon Brierley said: "Monty Don is a renowned gardening writer and BBC television presenter and the nation's favourite and most respected gardener.

"Hear him speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, about how he made his own organic garden from a bare field and how understanding and working with nature enriches and empowers us all."

Monty's TV credits include Gardeners' World, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Big Dreams, Small Spaces, Real Gardens, Lost Gardens, Fork to Fork, Growing Out of Trouble, Around The World In 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm and Mastercrafts. And on BBC Radio 4 he presents Shared Planet.

Stafford Gatehouse will welcome Kiki Dee on Thursday.

Venue spokesman Tom Waldron said: "Acclaimed singer Kiki Dee, who's famous 1974 duet 'Don't go breaking my heart' with Elton John went to the top of the UK and US singles charts, is set to host an acoustic performance with guitarist Carmelo Luggeri in the MET Studio at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre next month.

"For almost two decades, Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their acoustic live show across the UK and Europe. Performing in this spellbinding, stripped back fashion allows each of their exceptional talents to shine through and create a wonderfully warm sense of intimacy for the audience.

"2013 marked Kiki's 50th year in the music industry and has cemented her status as one of the UK's finest and most revered vocalists. To celebrate, the duo released their critically acclaimed album "A Place Where I Can Go" featuring 11 new tracks, including the haunting duet "Horses" with Scottish singer Eddi Reader."