EXPECT a fabulous evening of top musical talent when Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston take to the stage at the Royal Manor Theatre on Portland next month.

Miranda’s rich, spine tingling vocals and strident yet sensitive double bass playing are much in demand and she enjoys working alongside some of the finest musicians in the world including West Country legends Show of Hands.

She is increasingly in demand both as a double bassist and singer and has worked with Pressgang, Robb Johnson, Firebrand, Steafan Hannigan, Leon Rosselson, Bill Jones, Roger Wilson, Alan Burke, Kirsty McGee, Jenny Crook, Reg Meuross and Little Johnny England and has toured throughout the United Kingdom, North America, Canada and Europe.

Miranda has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004, augmenting their sound with her powerful double bass and rich harmonies.

In this time the band have moved on from their folk duo image, and evolved into a hard hitting acoustic band, selling out UK and European tours and headlining some of the biggest festivals across the world.

She has been working with Rex Preston for several years and their unusual pairing of double bass and mandolin has a timeless feel and universal appeal.

Rex Preston was last seen on the folk and acoustic scene when his band Jane on Thunder reached the final of The BBC Young Folk Awards. Since then he has been building a strong portfolio of electronic music.

Rex said; Rex said: “I was in a band called the Scoville Units, which is sadly no more, and when that band folded we just carried on from there.

“The mandolin and double bass may not be the most obvious combination, but it is unique and the instruments seem to have a wonderful natural rapport.”

The Portland gig is on April 25 and tickets are £10.