TONY Benn heads a star-studded season at Middlesbrough Theatre next week.

The veteran Labour politician and former Cabinet Minister will talk about his life, diaries and about the future, with the audience invited to put questions and join discussions.

As well as his long career in politics, he is a well-known broadcaster and author of 14 books - his latest diary, Free at Last - is published later this year.

Other top names lined-up for the theatre, in what is its most adventurous season to date, include Barry Cryer, Trevor Bannister, Rosemary Squires, Elaine Delmar and Kenny Lynch.

Barry Cryer, billed as a master of mirth, appears on Friday, June 7, with pianist Colin Sell from Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.

Rosemary Squires will pay tribute to the words and music of Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart amongst others in Swing Is in the Air on Thursday, August 22.

Also in the show will be Elaine Delmar, Kenny Lynch and the Brian Dee Trio.

It is one of three musical offerings for the summer, with The Elvis Collection starring Billy J McGregor on Friday, August 23, and Buddy Holly and the Cricketers on Friday, September 27.

Trevor Bannister, still best remembered as Mr Lucas in Are You Being Served, will be joined by Radio Cleveland's Sue Sweeney next Friday, to launch the theatre's pantomime, Mother Goose. All party bookers are invited to attend.

Bannister, one of the country's leading Dames, heads the panto cast, with Sue Sweeney playing Fair Modesty. Ring 01642 815181 for details of this event.

Ms Sweeney is also the host for the North-East area finals of the Silver Stars Talent Contest on Thursday, June 27, as the theatre sets out to find the region's senior showbiz star.

Drama lovers are not forgotten, with the return of the rep season from Tuesday, Agusut 27, to Saturday, September 21.

A permanent company of professional actors will present a mix of popular comedies and thrillers, each running for a week.

The programme is Taking Steps by Alan Ayckbourn, The Gentle Hook by Francis Durbridge, Noel Coward's Hay Fever and The Edge of Darkness by Brian Clemens, the creator of The Avengers.

Another treat, on Saturday, July 20, is a special presentation of David Mamet's most controversial play, Oleanna en route to the Edinburgh Festival.

Crashing together the ideals of free speech and political correctness, Oleanna has split audiences around the world and is guaranteed to get people talking.

Children's shows include Mr Men and Little Miss on Saturday, June 8, Playdays Summer Singalong on Tuesday, July 23, and Ronald McDonald's Adventure in Space on Saturday, August 31.

In September, Shakespeare 4 Kidz makes its annual visit with a musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream (23-26).

Details of the programme are contained in the brochure, available at the usual outlets or by calling 01642 815181