How did The Magnets come to be one six-piece band?

We started out at as students at the University of London, and at one point had as many as 12 guys in the group. Over time some left to get proper jobs, but a hardcore of us stuck it out to become professional. Six is perfect for acappella, with one guy doing the drum noises, and five voices - from low to high - left over to create some nice crunchy chords.

What music inspires you both as a band and as individuals?

We've covered songs by an incredibly diverse range of artists, from Joy Division to the Jackson 5, via Bon Jovi and Kraftwerk, which gives you an idea of the range of musical influences behind The Magnets. Our show is also influenced by the many great performers and acts we've been lucky to see and work with around the world, particularly at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Edinburgh is where we've come of age as a live act, and you might detect a hint of stand-up in the way we interact with the audience, and cabaret in the variety and theatricality of our show.

Covering all genres of music - are there any songs you are desperate to add to your repertoire but yet to perform?

We've had a request from a great long-time supporter to do Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell in seven styles and seven languages. That would just about take the biscuit.

You have supported Tom Jones, Michael Ball and Lisa Stansfield on tour and performed at Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Jubilee - what has been the most nerve-racking performance for you?

Live TV is always pretty terrifying, but our hometown (London) shows are always the most nerve wracking because that's where you are performing in front of family and friends, the people whose opinion you value the most.

Most recently we headlined the legendary Roundhouse - that was intimidating, and now we're booked to play the Shepherd's Bush Empire in October. It'll be a pretty introspective dressing room before that one!

You are currently in Oz - what are you most looking forward to about performing in the UK later this year (other than performing at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon)?

We've got our schedule right this year. In 2011 we toured Oz in the winter and missed out on the best of the British summer. This year we've enjoyed the late Australian summer, and we'll be touring the UK in the lovely spring months of April and May. Touring at home is great. There are no cultural barriers to overcome, no excess baggage to pay and you get to stay at home whenever you a playing close by. And we are very much looking forward to our first ever show at the Wyvern Theatre - we've heard great things about it from people we know who have played there. See you there!

The Magnets will be appearing at the Wyvern Theatre on Thursday April 19. Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.