RICHARD Ashcroft is set to return with the October 19 release of his fifth solo studio album ‘Natural Rebel’.

The album will be released on his own RPA label and will be his first released via BMG. ‘Natural Rebel’ represents the latest chapter in a hugely successful solo career for the former Verve frontman and Ivor Novello winner. Featuring ten new songs, all of which were written by Ashcroft, ‘Natural Rebel’ was produced by the singer-songwriter alongside Jon Kelly (Paul McCartney, Kate Bush) and Emre Ramazanoglu (Bobby Gillespie, Jarvis Cocker).

The majority of its recording took place at State of the Ark Studios in Richmond, with further sessions at The Bunker, Tileyard Studios and Hoxa HQ.

‘Natural Rebel’ is now available to pre-order from https://RA.lnk.to/NaturalRebelPR on 180 gram vinyl, CD and cassette.

A limited edition clear orange vinyl in a gatefold sleeve is available to pre-order from HMV and select independent stores.

Finally, Ashcroft’s official store offers exclusive bundles which include signed formats, a limited edition clear blue vinyl in a gatefold sleeve, and highly collectible signed test pressings.

Ashcroft will play some intimate shows this autumn, including a date at Middlesbrough Town Hall, in support of ‘Natural Rebel’.

n Richard Ashcroft, Middlesbrough, Town Hall, Sunday October 28. Tickets via www.gigsandtours.com.

Danielle Hope will join the cast of award-winning smash-hit musical Rock Of Ages which comes to Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 8 October for a week-long run.

Danielle is perhaps best-known for having won BBC One's Over the Rainbow, which lead to her professional debut in the lead role of Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard Of Oz at the London Palladium.

Since then, Danielle has starred as Éponine in the West End production of Les Misérables, as Maria in the UK tour of The Sound Of Music, and recently finished touring the UK as Sandy in Grease.

Danielle will join the previously announced Kevin Kennedy, Zoe Birkett, Luke Walsh, Lucas Rush, Andrew Carthy, Vas Constanti and Rhiannon Chesterman. Rock Of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems.

Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy features classic rock anthems including We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can't Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

  • Rock Of Ages runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 October. For more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk