ENTERTAINERS from both sides of the River Mersey are preparing to stage a second variety show at the Liverpool Empire.

Produced by Wirral musicians Gary Murphy and Rob Fennah, Music With Laughter will be staged on Saturday, October 22.

Hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler, the show will be headlined by Liverpool band The Christians.

The line-up also includes comedian Sean Styles, impressionist Stevie Riks, Wirral singer Jade Tremarco, The Gary Murphy Band, Brian 'Saxophone' Jones, Joe Wall, Johnny Kennedy, Willie Miller and former Holby City star Mark Moraghan.

Rob Fennah and brother Allan, better known as Alternative Radio, will also perform.

The show also features a special guest appearance from rising blues and country star, Liverpool-born Delta Maid, whose debut album 'Outside Looking In' was released in May to rave reviews.

The first Music With Laughter show was staged in April.

Looking forward to returning to the venue, Gary Murphy said: "It was obvious, by the audience reaction, that this type of variety theatre was extremely popular and we couldn’t wait to get started on the next one."

Rob Fennah added: "Not only do we want to give our audience a great night out; we also want to give them good value for money.

"With thirteen top acts on the same bill, Music With Laughter is the biggest variety show to hit town in years so I think we've done that."

Looking forward to Delta Maid's performance, Rob said: "She’s the one to watch. She got a voice like Patsy Cline and sounds American, but I think she was actually born in Wavertree.

"She is signed to Geffen Records, who were the last to sign John Lennon, and is a powerful performer.

"It’s always a joy to put someone like her on stage."

Also taking to the stage is Stevie Riks, whose humorous impersonations of The Beatles, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and others made him a sensation on You-Tube and the BBC.

He has been hailed by many critics as the most original impressionist around.

Rob continued: "Millions of people around the world have watched Stevie, and this will be an opportunity for everyone to see him perform live on stage.

"He's absolutely brilliant and is sure to bring the house down!"

Tickets for 'Music With Laughter' are available from the Liverpool Empire box office at www.liverpoolempire.org.uk or 0844 871 3017.

The Globe has three pairs to give away for the show.

For a chance of winning, answer the following question: Which 1980s Liverpool band will headline the show?

Send the answer, with your contact details, to Music & Laughter, Wirral Globe, Haymarket Court, Hinson Street, Birkenhead CH41 5BX.

The entry deadline is 5pm on Monday, October 10.