Eden Project

CORNWALL'S answer to Glastonbury, well, almost, gets underway on July 4.

Rock stars and bands head for the Eden Sessions and the promise of superb music in unique surroundings.

Kasabian will play the world-famous Eden Project stage that night. The Leicester-based indie-electro five-piece beat Muse and Arctic Monkeys to the Best Live Act title at the NME Awards in 2007.

Razorlight, fronted by the irrepressible one-time Vogue cover-star Johnny Borrell, headline on July 9 with the Maccabees. Paul Weller headlines a special Eden Session in support of The Prince's Rainforests Project on July 10. London-based singer Florence Welsh and the Machine support.

British rockers The Kooks, with sold out shows all over the world as well as a support claim-to-fame with the Rolling Stones, perform on July 18. New Zealand singer-songwriter Ladyhawke open.

Full booking details are on the Eden website, visit: www.edenproject.com.

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

EXPECT a celebrated motor car to fly when West End blockbuster Chitty Chitty Bang Bang begins its UK tour with a two-week run at Plymouth's Theatre Royal from Friday July 3 until Saturday July 25.

With a cast and crew of more than 100 (including 10 dogs), sensational sets, a full orchestra and stunning special effects, this action-packed show is the story of the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The family show is bursting with magical songs including Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Nominated for three Olivier Awards, winning Best Musical at the 2002 Variety Awards, nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway, it holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive stage prop.

Tiverton Comedy Club

CONTROVERSIAL alternative comedian Ian Cognito headlines the next Tiverton Comedy Club on Monday July 6. Expect verbal fireworks. For a start, he's too unconventional for TV and in 20 years on the UK Comedy circuit, he's never appeared on the small screen — and proud of it. His stand-up style is confrontational, aggressive and comparisons have been made with US comedians Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks. Support is madcap Brit Chris Lynam and compere Craig Campbell.

Tickets at Comedy Hall on-line: www.comedyhall.co.uk.

Plymouth Pavilions

DUE to overwhelming demand, a third Devon date has been added for An Evening with Michael McIntyre.

Two September performances at Plymouth Pavilions sold out quickly so another was pencilled in for Wednesday September 9. And if you missed stand-up star Jimmy Carr at the end of last month, he plays another gig at the Pavilions on July 31. Box office: 0845 1461460.

Northcott, Exeter

SUMMER in the city wouldn't be qutie the same without Exeter Northcott's Shakespeare in the park.

In association with Ludlow Festival they present Romeo and Juliet at Rougemont Gardens, Exeter, from Thursday July 16 to Saturday August 8. Box Office on 01392 493493.

Brewhouse, Taunton

THE Bard also takes centre stage in Taunton this month. On Thursday July 23, catch celebrated feminist Germaine Greer at the Brewhouse Theatre, talking about the intriguing life of Shakespeare's wife. She combines literary-historical techniques with documentary evidence about life and times with and without Will, in Stratford-upon-Avon in an attempt to put The Bard's marriage in its social context. Box office: 01823 283244.

Princess Theatre, Torquay

AS holiday-makers head for the seaside, Torquay's Princess Theatre moves into a summer season of fun and family shows. Although one that's certainly out of that category is the Lady Boys of Bangkok on Monday July 27. Combining the heady spice of Bangkok's exotic nightlife with the glamorous showgirl appeal of Las Vegas this spectacular, flamboyant show is performed by 16 of the world's most beautiful showgirls, although every one of them is a Thai male. Expect a glamorous and funny review. Box office: 0844 8472315.