Breaking: Strictly star Shirley Ballas is coming to Newbury

The Watermill theatre loves its Strictly Come Dancing stars - both Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood have been involved in its musical productions - and now it has just announced a special one-off fundraising event with head judge and world Latin champion Shirley Ballas.

In Conversation with Shirley Ballas will be the first in a new collaboration with award-winning independent Hungerford Bookshop.

The BBC One show’s star takes to the stage in the unique and intimate setting of the Watermill auditorium, providing a one-off opportunity for audiences to get up-close with the dancing legend, as she talks about her new book Dance to the Death.

Emma Milne-White from Hungerford Bookshop said: “Hungerford Bookshop is delighted to be working with the Watermill - it holds a special place in so many hearts. Books and plays bring stories to life, and we look forward to introducing audiences to interesting authors and literature at this important arts space.

“Our first joint event will be a lively, fun and frank interview with star of Strictly, Shirley Ballas. We can't wait to hear what she has to say about her latest murder mystery - full of suspects and spice! And maybe she'll give away some Strictly secrets too..."

In Conversation with Shirley Ballas will take place at 3pm on Wednesday, October 23 at the Bagnor theatre.

Tickets start at £36, to include a copy of her brand-new book published by Harper Collins on October 10 (RRP £18.99, also available in eBook and audio), and book signing after the show.

The Watermill’s executive director Claire Murray said: “We are thrilled to be working with our friends at Hungerford Bookshop on what we hope will be the first of many collaborative events.

“We champion new writing on stage at the Watermill, and it’s so exciting to expand on that and celebrate new writing from the page too!

“We’re also no strangers to Strictly stars, with Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood each bringing their choreographic talents to our work over the last few years, so we hope Shirley will feel right at home here!

“This partnership with Hungerford Bookshop is especially important to us at this time, as we continue to navigate a future with no statutory funding. Collaborating with independent creative organisations at the heart of the community is a great way for us to support each other and continue to deliver work that welcomes everyone to enjoy the magic of storytelling."

After solving a series of murders at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, all Lily Richmond and Susie Cooper want is a peaceful Christmas. The last thing they expect is to find a dead body backstage at the Royal Albert Hall.

Even worse, the victim is one of Lily’s students, a trust fund debutante set to be the new star of the ballroom dancing world. Lily and Susie set to investigating, but every clue throws up more questions, and around every corner lurk more suspects. And along the way, familiar faces on the dance scene will make themselves known – some that ought to stay in the past.

Will the unlikely duo manage to wrap up the case in time to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones? Or is there a greater danger behind the scenes than they could have imagined?

Pre-priority booking for In Conversation with Shirley Ballas is open from Tuesday, October 1, with priority booking for Watermill members opening from October 4, and on general sale on October 8.

Visit www.watermill.org.uk for more information and to book.