"BIGGER, badder, better!" Theatrical hard rockers Captain Mildred are returning after a 15-month break and it’s fair to say they’re fired-up for their big comeback weekend in Margate and Ramsgate tonight (Friday March 30)and tomorrow (Saturday, March 31).

"This is rock 'n' roll cabaret! Everything about this show is over the top," said frontman Matt Silk, "even my mic stand is, frankly, ludicrous.

"It’s why we decided to take a break - we wanted to come back with lots of new toys and make everything about a Mildred gig even more crazy than it was before."

The five-piece, from Ramsgate and Herne Bay, are already known for augmenting a hard rock set with stunts and illusions. Silk could often be seen with his hands shooting flames or seemingly putting a knife through his arm.

"It’s all very tasteful!" claims the vocalist, unconvincingly. "We use a lot of magic-type illusions but it’s not about being a magic show, it’s about dramatising the songs.

"I grew-up loving Kiss and Alice Cooper - bands that gave you something to watch, as well as listen to. It’s great fun trying to do that in a pub gig setting."

And the band’s setlist?

"Before our break, we’d been gigging for 10 years - so we’re playing all the songs that have been our favourites from over that time, some of which we’ve not done in a very long time - plus a few brand new ones.

"Without giving away too much, Green Day, AC/DC, Biffy Clyro, Iron Maiden, Madness and Abba are all featured.."

Did he really say Abba?

Captain Mildred play The Britannia, Margate, on Friday 30 March, and The Red Lion, Ramsgate, Saturday 31 March.

See captainmildred.com for more about the band.