Ana Sofia Varela is one of the emerging stars of the Portuguese fado music scene and this is her first UK tour.

Well known in her native country for many years, she is now breaking through to an international audience with her innovative approach while also keeping traditionalists happy.

Fado is a folk music style developed by Lisbon's working class in the hard days of the early 19th Century and has grown to take a special place in the Portuguese character.

Billed as the oldest urban folk music in the world, its origins are uncertain.

Some claim it came from an African dance, others see the ocean as the inspiration for its rolling laments.

Despite its traditional nature, stars like Mariza have recently helped put fado on the world stage and spark a new interest in the music among young Portuguese.

Aficionados insist a performance isn't a success unless the audience are moved to tears.

This is music as drama - despair, forbidden love and unrequited desire are acted out through the songs. It reflects the emotion the Portuguese call "saudade" - a longing for impossible dreams.

Ana Sofia started off singing in local clubs as a teenager in Portugal's rural Alentejo region. She was quickly spotted by the fado elite and was invited to join Lisbon's influential Clube De Fado, where she has become a fixture.

Her haunting vocals, accompanied by acoustic guitars, capture the spirit of fado. She mixes in her own interpretations of the style, adding flamenco touches and new songs, but remains tied to the roots of the music.

Start 8pm, Tickets £14, Call 01273 647100