HISTORY, horror, drama and dance, plus stand-up and song, are set to entertain audiences during a city theatre’s coming season.

Visitors to the Gala, in Durham, are now enjoying a different kind of theatre spectacle, with the main auditorium stripped of seats and transformed to house the walkthrough war-time experience, 1916: No Turning Back.

It returns to its more conventional look next month, however, with the seats back in place ready for the new season.

But, the First World War commemorative theme continues, with the premiere of the theatre’s first in-house production in six years.

The Fighting Bradfords, exploring the war-time experiences of the most celebrated brothers in British military history, Roland, George, James and Thomas, runs from September 8 to 17.

Featuring first-hand accounts, family anecdotes and correspondence, the production, written by Tyneside-based playwright Carina Rodney, tells the story of the highly decorated siblings, whose First World War medal haul included two Victoria Crosses.

Local interest is expected in another biographical offering, Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company’s Tony’s Last Tape, based on the diaries of legendary politician, the late Tony Benn, a regular at Durham’s annual Big Meeting, on October 7.

Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece, Frankenstein, as performed by Blackeyed Theatre, is on October 17 and 18.

Comedy features heavily with familiar stand-up performers, small screen and radio show hosts Miles Jupp, Andy Hamilton, Marcus Brigstocke, Omid Djalili, Seann Walsh, Jeremy Hardy and Jason Byrne, all featuring in the autumn schedule.

Musical highlights include Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Stacey Kent, the Lindisfarne Story, featuring Ray Laidlaw and Billy Mitchell, and rock veteran Midge Ure.

English Touring Company will perform a double bill of opera, Xerxes and Ulysses’ Homecoming, on successive nights, while contemporary dance, with Gary Clarke Company’s mining industry reflective show, Coal, both featuring in mid-November.

As Christmas approaches the younger kids will be entertained by Elf and Elfie, and this year’s panto is Jack and the Beanstalk, from November 24 to January 7.

Details of the full programme and ticket booking are available via www.galadurham.co.uk, or the Gala box office, on 03000 266600.