THE sounds of the 60s can be heard at the Palace Theatre on Saturday when The Animals and Friends take to the stage in their 40th anniversary tour.

The band, still with some original members and accompanied by the Class of '64, specially created for the tour, relive the days of one of the 60s greatest rhythm and blues groups. Drummer John Steele, guitarist Hilton Valentine and keyboard player Mickey Gallagher, of the original line-up, have been joined by Peter Barton, formerly of The Move and former Kinks bass player Jim Rodford.

They will be playing hits such as House of the Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out of This Place and Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.

The "support" band line-up includes Mick Avory of The Kinks, Chip Hawkes of The Tremeloes, and Eric Haydock of The Hollies. They will be performing hits of their respective bands including Silence is Golden, The Air That I Breath and Sunny Afternoon.

Meanwhile, a celebration of the finest singers of the swing era takes place on Friday evening.

A Swinging Swell Party - Legends of Swing II, recreates the greatest hits from Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra performed by Chris Vincent, Anna Blake and Jez Unwin.

Great musical standards like Fly Me To The Moon, Over The Rainbow, New York, New York and Get Happy, plus many more, will be included and the singers will be accompanied by the Jazz All-Stars.

A Palace Theatre spokesman said: "A fabulous evening of sophistication, nostalgia and witty banter, show-stopping standards and a rip-roaring finale will give you truly unforgettable entertainment."

Tickets, priced £12 (£11 Reddicard) are available from the Information Centre or by calling 65203. Tickets for the Animals are £14.

Ticket requests can also be e-mailed to:

palace.bookings@redditchbc.gov.uk