JOHN Lyon gives his pick of the best South West theatre and music this month:

Plymouth Theatre Royal

BLOCKBUSTER musical The Sound of Music has begun its eagerly awaited UK tour at Plymouth's Theatre Royal and you can catch it until Saturday, September 18.

Michael Praed stars as Captain Von Trapp alongside Kirsty Malpass as Maria in Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group's smash-hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein show.

Michael Praed's musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of Aspects Of Love and Copacabana. His television credits include Dynasty and Robin of Sherwood.

Also at the Theatre Royal before heading for the West End this autumn is Lend Me A Tenor, The Musical which runs at the Theatre Royal from Friday, September 24 to Wednesday, October 6.

Ian Talbot will direct Peter Sham and Brad Carroll's new musical based on the award-winning West End and Broadway hit comedy by Ken Ludwig.

The riotous, unpredictable explosion of mistaken identities and unexpected romance has a cast of 27 which includes Matthew Kelly (Saunders), Damian Humbley (Max), Michael Matus (Tito), and Sally Ann Triplett (Maria).

Lend Me A Tenor premiered in the West End in 1986 where it received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy. In 1989 the show received its Broadway premiere, bagging seven Tony Award nominations, winning two.

Box office: 01752 230447.

Plymouth Pavilions

The Moody Blues, part of the original British invasion of Supergroups in the 1960s, gig at Plymouth Pavilions on Wednesday, September 8. Expect anthems like Nights In White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon and I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band) in a night of rock nostalgia.

Another Pavilions' highlight, on Thursday September 23, is Derek Acorah, whose TV appearances have made him one of Britain's most popular and best known mediums, resulting in recent sell-out shows.

Box office: 0845 146 1460.

Barnfield Theatre, Exeter

THE Magnets, one of Britain's hottest new musical acts, are heading for Devon as part of their UK autumn tour.

The dynamic vocal group has drawn world-wide praise thanks to their hugely original, innovative approach to contemporary a cappella singing. They appear at Exeter's Barnfield Theatre on Thursday, September 23.

Following support slots on tour with Tom Jones and Michael Ball and a sell-out show at London's Roundhouse earlier this year, the group has an 18-date tour in support of a new album Gobsmacked after a recent three-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Magnets are a six-man sound machine, fusing glorious harmonies with jaw-dropping beatboxing to make music to rival any band with instruments. Gobsmacked is their most daring show yet, giving an all-vocal remix to artists as diverse as Beyoncé and Kraftwerk, via a multiplicity of styles and vocal stunts, but absolutely no musical instruments.

Box office: 01392 271808.

Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton

IF it's family fun you are after NoFit State, a leading contemporary circus, is coming to town. And if you thought traditional circus was just for kids, and possibly a little boring, try to see this one.

The Brewhouse brings the troupe to Taunton on Sunday, September 26 with their new production Parklife. The open air extravaganza takes place on the pitch at Somerset County Cricket Club with a preshow at 8pm followed by the finale performance at 8.30pm.

This will be a unique show with circus tricks performed high in the air, live music jams, bicycle ballets and performers bending themselves into unrecognisable positions, pushing themselves to the limits.

Comedy highlight at the Brewhouse from Monday, September 20 for three nights is the Armstrong and Miller Show which is bound to have sold out already. Bafta award winners Ben and Alexander are previewing their show prior to a national theatre show.

Box Office: 01823 283244.

● Here's a date for your diary: The Theatre Royal, Plymouth has announced that Lenny Henry will be gracing the stage, fresh from his award winning stint in Northern Broadside's Othello, on Sunday, April 10, 2011 with his brand new one man show Cradle To Rave. Box office: 01752 230447.