NOW That's What I Call A Christmas Show will be returning to the Milton Rooms in Malton in December.

The traditional variety show will include song, dance, comedy, magic and music, and will feature headline performances from local musical theatre performer Lauren Hood and Prima Vocal Ensemble.

Other acts appearing include Kirkham Henry Performing Arts, Josh Benson, Sarah Dean, David Swann and last year’s MC Wayne Biggin.

Lauren Hood is making a welcome return to the Milton Rooms after performing twice as Cinderella in York earlier that day.

Born and raised in Norton, she made her professional debut as Carrie Pipperidge in the West End production of Carousel, for which she was nominated for a TMA award, and then appeared at York’s Grand Opera House as Frenchy, the pink-haired beauty school drop-out, in the national tour of Grease in October 2012.

In August last year, she performed at the Leeds Grand Theatre as Penny in the national tour of Hairspray.

Prima Vocal Ensemble is the York community choir established in 2010 by musical director Ewa Sa?ecka and pianist Greg Birch. Now with more than 80 members, the group is still expanding and attracts audiences and singers from all over North Yorkshire.

Josh Benson is well known on York stages for his musical theatre performances, having performed leading roles with York Stage Musicals and York Light opera Company from a very early age.

In recent years he has gone on to develop his comedy and magic routines, performing at places such as Leeds City Varieties. He also landed a starring role in a film about the life and times of legendary comedy duo Morecambe & Wise.

The evening will also feature performances by singers and dancers of Kirkham Henry Performing Arts, including traditional “carol singing by the fire” by younger members.

There will also be cameo appearances by Sarah Dean, otherwise known as “The incredible string blonde!” due to her ability to sing and play the harp at the same time, and David Swann, Yorkshire’s answer to James Taylor, who will debut a Christmas song that he has written for the evening.

Rob Davies, show organiser and Ryedale Special Families fundraiser, said: "We're trying to create a feel-good variety show that, if not already, will really fill everyone with the spirit of Christmas.

"As far as I’m concerned, I couldn’t have organised this without the help of everyone on the line-up, but in particular Angela Kirkham from Kirkham Henry and Ewa Sa?ecka from Prima Vocal Ensemble."

Tickets are on sale now at just £10 directly from the Milton Rooms, telephone 01653 696240 and all proceeds are in aid of local charity Ryedale Special Families.