Folk ensemble Slim Chance have been celebrating their 40th anniversary with an active schedule that includes releasing a new single and performing at clubs and festivals across the country. And now they come to the Astor Theatre in Deal on Saturday, October 26.

The five piece that was formed by Ronnie Lane of the Small Faces and the Faces, has been reformed to combine excellent musicianship, classic songs and a great vibe.

Slim Chance now boasts five original members – Charlie Hart, Steve Simpson, Alun Davies, Steve Bingham and Colin Davey – all of whom recorded and performed with Ronnie.

They are joined on many gigs by Geraint Watkins on the piano.

Collectively their credits include working with Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Paul Weller, Roger Chapman, Dave Gilmour, Pete Townsend, Geno Washington, Ralph McTell, Chris Farlowe, Mick Jagger and Chris, Roger Daltrey and more. In May last year the re-born Slim Chance released their first album – The Show Goes On – on their own label, Fishpool Records, joined by Geraint Watkins and Nick Pentelow. The album received great reviews from such magazines as Uncut describing the it as “showing uncanny empathy with Ronnie’s joie de vivre spirit… beautifully played and clearly delivered with much love”.

The current show is a lively affair, honed down as the new Slim Chance has acquired its own distinctive character. Songs featured include the newly released cover of How Come, The Poacher, Ooh La La, Kuschty Rye and Debris as well as equally strong Lane classics like Any More For Any More and One For The Road.

The concert starts at 8pm. Tickets £14 in advance/£16 on the door.

Telephone 01304 370220 or online at www.theastor.org.

For more information on Slim Chance, visit: www.slim-chance.co.uk.