THERE is a double-helping of shows lined up for Winsford as the Mikron Theatre Company makes a welcome return – and there are tickets up for grabs for Guardian readers.

The UK’s most prolific theatre company, who this year are performing at 130 venues across the country, will be staging both of their new shows on consecutive nights in September.

John Malam, chair of Over Allotments Association, said: “This is the sixth time we’ve booked Mikron to come to Winsford, and now Winsford Town Council have booked them too, as part of the annual Salt Fair.”

Mikron will be performing “Canary Girls – Heroes on the Home Front” at Winsford Academy Theatre, on Friday, September 16.

The Canary Girls show tells the true story of the women munition workers of World War One. The chemicals they handled gave their skin a yellowish colour, giving them the nickname “Canary Girls”.

The next night, Saturday 17, the same cast of four will entertain an audience in a marquee at Winsford Marina, when they perform “Pure – the Business of Chocolate”. It’s the story of chocolate’s humble beginnings to big business takeovers, as the nation fell in love with the sweet stuff.

“There’s nothing quite like a Mikron show,” said John. “I once asked if I could buy the DVD, but was told, quite rightly, that the shows are never recorded – it’s live, professional theatre. You have to be there on the night to see it.”

Winsford is now firmly on the map for Yorkshire-based Mikron, and the town regularly gives them some of the largest audiences of their season. This year Mikron are celebrating 45 years of touring, delivering professional theatre anywhere an audience can gather.

Both shows will be told in Mikron’s trademark fast-paced style, with original songs and humour throughout. The talented cast perform multiple roles and never leave the audience’s sight, not even for a costume change.

Over Allotments Association and Winsford Town Council are also giving away a pair of tickets for each show to Guardian readers.

To enter, send your name, phone number and which show you would like to see to Mikron Theatre Competition, Winsford Town Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford CW7 1AH, or email mail@winsford.gov.uk. Closing date for entries is 4pm, Thursday, September 15.

Winners will be contacted by phone, and tickets will be available to collect on the night at the venue.

Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions), and can be ordered via Over Allotments Association on 01606 863540 and Winsford Town Council on 01606 593582.