Comedy and controversy headline at The Grove this spring

The line-up includes Jimmy Carr, Rich Hall, Paul Merton, Roy Chubby Brown and veteran entertainer Jim Davidson who are all guaranteed to sell out the venue.

This season there’s controversy, comedy, drama and, I can’t believe I’m writing this in November 2011, news of NEXT Christmas’s panto (yes 2012 – book your tickets now!) which will be Snow White.

And for film fans there’s an opportunity to enjoy beautiful digital screenings with a superb line-up of movies that include a couple of free taster tickets to those living in the LU postcode district.

Drama comes from the Grove debut of Peter Shaffer’s award-winning and astonishing Equus (which features nudity, adult themes and strong language so please leave the kids at home) and former Corrie star Beverley Callard who headlines the girlie comedy Hormonal Housewives. There’s also a new adaptation of Great Expectations and a new piece called Kiss Chase about the perils of school reunions.

For children there is the return of Peppa Pig in a new tale, plus Buried Moon and the Snail and The Whale plus an show from Cbeebies’ Andy Day called Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas.

But music is The Grove’s forte and they welcome back opera with Ellen Kent’s productions of La Traviata and Madama Butterfly performed by the Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv.

Happy Monday’s lead singer Shaun Ryder appears for one night only plus there’s a packed programme of tribute acts and musicals (see the theatre’s website for full details.)

The Grove’s education department continue to offer a full range of fantastic workshops and classes to take part in, including a circus skills, drama, panto and dance plus an opprtunity to get involved in the venue’s youth theatre.

For more information call the boo office 01582 602080 or go online www.grovetheatre.co.uk

*Meanwhile don’t forget the end of the autumn season. There is a tribute to Buddy Holly on December 2, a production of A Christmas Carol a day later and this year’s panto, Jack and The Beanstalk runs from December 9 until January 2.