THE new Autumn Season at The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has a tantalising array of shows to suit all tastes and interests, ranging from cutting-edge drama and top comedy acts to exciting and varied musical events.

The season starts with a stylish production of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion on September 9 from the highly acclaimed Dot Productions. Full of wit, wisdom and a blistering exposé of the class system, it tells the well-loved story of the Cockney flower girl who seeks to become a fair lady.

More classic drama follows with Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (October 12), a collaborative production from Elysium Theatre Company and Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham; and Eugene Ionesco’s dark comedy The Lesson performed by Icarus Theatre headlines later in the season on November 5.

Music lovers are set for a varied programme of performances with everything from opera to popular tribute bands. Early in the season, Heritage Opera presents Mozart’s sunniest comedy The Marriage of Figaro on September 10.

Snake Davis – one of the world’s most in-demand rock, jazz and soul sax players teams up with singer, songwriter and guitarist Gareth Moulton for an evening of gorgeous mellow music on Thursday, October 66, and local folk band Fourum celebrate their 50th anniversary with a feel-good concert that will raise the roof on 8 October.

Fans of the 80’s pop favourites Duran Duran, will want to mark the date (October 14) for the Duran Duran Experience – widely regarded as the premier Duran Duran tribute band in the UK. This is followed by two nights (October 29 and 30) of Buddy Holly & The Cricketers to continue rocking and rolling the audience.

Music aficionados will remember Dunstan Bruce, ex-frontman with the chart-topping band Chumbawamba. He is in Richmond on September 17 performing his new play Am I Invisible Yet? – a rollercoaster of despair, anger, love and ultimately hope.

Making a welcome return to the Theatre is the ever-popular Mikron Theatre Company with Red Sky at Night (September 23) with a drama that will explore the wild and wonderful world of the weather. Also back on the Richmond stage is Mark Farrelly who last performed Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope. His current production – Howerd’s End (30 September) – will explore the life (and love) of one of Britain’s most-loved comedians, Frankie Howerd.

Lovers of fine clothes, drama and sheer extravagance will be pleased to hear that the History Wardrobe will be at the Theatre with Woman in Gold on October 1. Inspired by the artist Gustav Klimt, this will explore the lure of gold in fashion and the hidden world of women in art.

Those fancying something a bit different would do well to try Shock Horror on October 15, a cutting-edge chiller from multi-award-winning artists Thunder Road that will excite, unsettle and thrill those brave enough to book.

Is That a Bolt in Your Neck? on October 28 – is a comedy inspired by the gothic horror movie classics of the 1930s.

The Georgian Theatre has an established reputation for stand-up comedy and the new season sees American comedian Rich Hall take the mike on 2 and 3 November. Montana’s transatlantic messenger is well-known for his rants, knife-edge observations and musical interludes.

The Theatre is also hosting two dates in the Richmond Walking and Book Festival with best-selling author and columnist Sally Coulthard (19 September) whose books delve into the traditions of rural life, as well as the award-winning writer, geographer and TV presenter Nicholas Crane (21 September) talking about the first data gatherers of Peru.

Always highlights of the Autumn Programme are the town’s talented community groups. Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society is performing Shakespeare’s magical comedy masterpiece A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 10 to 12 November, and Richmond Operatic Society presents Calendar Girls: The Musical from 16 to 19 November. Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the show is based on the true story of a small Yorkshire Women’s Institute who launched a global phenomenon.

The Georgian Theatre’s legendary pantomime rounds off the season. Pinocchio enjoys a festive run from 2 December to 8 January. There will be the usual laugh-out-loud comedy, amazing musical routines and fantastic sets and costumes that will tell the age-old story of the little wooden puppet who dreams of being a real boy.

Details of all shows and events available at the Box Office, via www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk or on 01748-825252.

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