WITH top hats, rabbits, disappearing ladies and other magical delights, all will not be as it seems when Bash Street Theatre returns to Dorset, for one week only this spring.

Inspired by the variety shows from the Victorian music halls, The Last Illusion promises an evening of music and pathos, with an aura of magic and mystery.

The show tells the story of a retired magician and his wife who look back and remember the good old days spent ‘treading the boards’ in the variety theatres of a bygone age.

But when a theatrical agent needs a last minute replacement act for a local cabaret evening, René and Renaldo agree to come out of retirement and prepare for one last farewell performance.

Formed in 1991, Bash Street has built a reputation for inventive and fast-moving comic-strip shows, and has been delighting audiences young and old with their unique style of circus-theatre at major festivals throughout the UK, Europe and Asia.

Many may remember their first visit to Dorset with The Lion Tamer, a compilation of sketches involving circus skills, live music and silent comedy.

This spring, and with music, silent comedy and illusions, Bash Street are back with a family show will take you on a poignant magical mystery tour to the past – and back again.

You can see The Last Illusion on March 6 at Child Okeford Village Hall (call 01258 861391 for tickets and details), at Corfe Castle Village Hall on March 7 (call 01929 480483), at Broadmayne Village Hall on March 8 (call 01305 854205) and at Portesham Village Hall on March 9 (call 01305 871925).

All performances are at 7.30pm.