FUSING music and dance from Vienna, the Johann Strauss Gala is coming to the Cliffs Pavilion as part of a nationwide tour.

Hosting the performance is the irrepressible showman, Rainer Hersch, who with his inimitable wit and panache will take you back to 19th century Vienna on a light-hearted journey through a programme of the finest waltzes and polkas from the Strauss musical dynasty and other timeless dance music.

Rainer will be conducting the Johann Strauss Orchestra’s performance of classic Strauss pieces, including Blue Danube Waltz, Radetzky March, Roses From the South and Lucifer Polka.

Soprano Kristy Swift will perform a selection of songs from the era of romance including Arditi’s Il Bacio (The Kiss) and Lehar’s Vilja from the Merry Widow. Completing the line-up will be the highly-acclaimed Johann Strauss Dancers, in glorious period costumes, as they capture the experience of the occasion, dancing to the most popular waltzes ever composed.

Tickets for the show at the Cliffs Pavilion on Wednesday, January 15, range from £23.50 to £31. To book, visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.