Raucous bands and elements of the beautiful and bizarre will fill the Rose Theatre this month in a masks and basques night, writes Neelam Saredia.

The theatre will be transformed with top hats, pipes, basques, glitter and feathers.

The weird and wonderful cabaret, burlesque and circus themed night is a fundraiser for the Mayor of Kingston’s Charitable Trust.

Doug Cowan at the Rose said: ‘’We are really happy for the venue to be a host for the Mayor’s Charitable Trust of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

"They do great work for the borough. We’ve done various cabaret performances in the variety cafe but this is the first time we’ve had a big night in the auditorium like this.”

The event will raise money for Yorda Adventures, Kingston Carers Network and Community Brain as well as setting up a safe area in Kingston which provides basic medical attention and therefore reducing the pressure placed upon the NHS, and creating an education support programme with a local college helping people to get back in to mainstream life.

Also at the Rose, folk singer Martha Tilston and friends will take over the auditorium on Saturday, January 19 and a magicians from the International Brotherhood of Magicians will perform amazing tricks on Sunday.

Masks and Basques, Friday, January 19, starts at 7.30pm. Strictly over 18s. Tickets £15-£18. No mask- no entry.

Martha Tilston and friends. Saturday, January 19. 7.30pm. £12 - £16.

Magic at the Rose. Sunday, January 20. 7.30pm £8-£10.

www.rosetheatrekingston.org