A NORTH Yorkshire theatre announced details of its new season - but not one of its productions will be held at the playhouse.

Contractors are expected to start work within weeks on a £1.1m restoration of the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.

In the meantime, plays, musical shows and touring performances will be staged at The Zetland Christian Community Centre in Victoria Road.

Channel Theatre Company opens the new season with The London Merchant on Saturday, April 20.

Alan Price on Saturday, June 1, The Taming of the Shrew by Ballet Gwent on Friday, September 20, and the Barber of Seville by Opera Della Luna on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28 are among other highlights this year.

The Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society performs Richard Harris's Visiting Hour between Thursday, May 2, and Saturday, May 4.

Theatre manager Bill Sellars also directs the group when they perform Court In The Act later in the sum- mer.

Full details are available in the new programme available at the Zetland centre or by telephoning (01748) 823710.