TWO musical spectaculars ranging from songs from the shows to baroque classics are being staged at the Palace Theatre this week.

Beyond Broadway, boasting numbers from hit shows such as Chicago, The Lion King and Cats, takes place tomorrow and Friday, with Vivaldi by Candlelight, featuring top London musicians, on Saturday.

The Beyond Broadway cast includes Australian-born Dean Macrae, who recently left the West End production of Phantom of the Opera, in which he played Raoul, and Winnie Clarke, who made her West End debut in 1998.

Also featured are talented husband and wife Ed O'Driscoll and Lynn Clough, from cabaret trio Three's Company.

The London Stage Ensemble will prove the music under the direction of BBC Radio 4 regular Simon Townley.

Vivaldi by Candlelight is part of a successful Classics by Candlelight series of touring concerts and features The Locrian Ensemble in period costume and evocative candlelit setting.

The ensemble, formed in 1995, has recorded works for BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM and television and film scores such as Tom and Viv and Wilde.

The programme includes musical gems such as Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Pachelbel's Kanon.

Tickets cost £11 or £10 (with Reddicard) for Beyond Broadway and £11 or £10.50 (with Reddicard) for Vivaldi by Candlelight from the box office on 65203.