A THEATRE is marking its centenary this year by presenting a world premiere - about its own ghost Alice.

The chilling story is part of Harrogate Theatre's centenary season, being staged from October 20 to November 11 by the playhouse's own production team.

Alice, like the old building itself, is a legend, and her life and times have been captured in the play by Sheffield writer Rony Robinson.

Alice is described as a fleeting figure in a swirling skirt with piercing eyes.

A theatre spokesman said: "Alice is the full story of our own much loved ghost, but patrons should beware. She has a wicked sense of humour. Certainly this new thriller will make the audience wish they had brought a pillow to hide behind."

The new season heralds a remarkable U-turn in fortunes for the theatre. Three years ago it was forced into temporary closure amid a financial crisis. But it is now firmly in the black and facing its best future for years under a new management team.

The theatre is currently in the middle of a four-year renewal plan, having secured its third trading surplus in a row of £30,000, bringing a three-year surplus to £88,000.

Curtain up on the season starts with Return of the Forbidden Planet (September 15 to October 7) described as Shakespeare's forgotten rock 'n' roll masterpiece.

The pantomime Sleeping Beauty runs from December 1 to January 13, and the season concludes with Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge (January 26 to February 17).