GIVING a new meaning to the expression ‘knees up’, the all-singing, all-dancing string quartet Bowjangles present their own brand new Bowlympic Games for 2012, touring Dorset this month alongside the Torch Relay.

A hilarious take on this year’s excitement, this show sees Bowjangles attempting fencing, rowing, gymnastics, boxing and more – all while playing their instruments, singing and dancing.

Ezme Gaze, who is the band’s cellist, said: “We are busier this year than ever before, largely because of Olympic fever that is everywhere especially in London.

“Bowlympics is a light-hearted take on this year’s excitement.

“About 18 months ago we were talking about it and were joking about the name Bowlympics as a play on Bowwjangles, but then we thought: ‘Hang on, this might actually work!’ We stage the show like a proper sports programme on the BJBC – Bowjangles Broadcasting Corporation – but it does tend to get a bit silly, with the fencing part turning into something from Pirates of the Caribbean or Zorro.

“In the second half of the show we play a revue of all our favourite pieces including classical pieces, music from the shows and jazz standards. It’s a great family show and there really is something to please everyone.”

It promises to be an action-packed performance.

You can catch this crazy show at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis on July 10 (call 01297 442138), Portesham village hall on July 11 (01305 871925) and on July 12 in Milborne St Andrew near Blandford during the torch relay at 12.30pm and then at Gillingham School (call 01747 833844). On July 13, the show will be at Cerne Abbas village hall (01300 341521), July 14 at the Portman Hall, Shillingstone (01258 860319) and on July 15 in Studland village hall (01929 450204). All shows, apart from at Milborne St Andrew, are at 7.30pm.