Producer Julie Brown said: "What really excites me about this season is that we're bringing such a wide range of work to The Dukes, running across all art forms.

"We've scoured the country for the very best quality work which we think our local audiences will love.

"It's equally great to be showcasing the very best local talent, whilst also internationally renowned companies such as Out of Joint to Lancaster."

Here's a rundown of some of the highlights:

DRAMA
* God Bless the Child, Billy Holiday's remarkable life story – September 11 and 12.
* Motherland, hard-hitting drama about women whose lives change when their men fight in Iraq and Afghanistan – October 1 to 3.
* The World's Wife, a new stage version of the Carol Ann Duffy's popular collection – October 15 and 16.
* Mixed Up North, a funny yet moving new play set in Burnley by Out of Joint and Octagon Theatre, Bolton – October 28 to 31.
* Moby Dick performed by internationally acclaimed physical comedy company Spymonkey's – November 5 to 7.

COMEDY
* Laurence Clark, a comedian with cerebral palsy, attempts to reclaim the word 'spastic' through humour – September 6.
* Jason Manford – October 11.
* Ian McMillan, poet, comedian and broadcaster – October 18.
* Jon Richardson, Lancaster's most successful comedy export in recent years - October 25.
* Multi-awardwinning Mitch Benn and his band's two hour show packed with new songs and old favourites – November 22.

MUSIC
* More Music present Made in Morecambe – October 9.
* Mostly Hums, the folk-tinged Lancaster-based rock group launch their fourth studio album Jump the Shark – October 10.
* Afro-pop band Orchestre DC. Dansette – November 27.
* Lancaster label Barnbox – November 28.
* Renowned Flamenco guitarist Juan Martin – December 3.

FOR CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE
* In Time for Tea, Lancaster-based Handheld Theatre bring back their enchanting puppets - August 27 to 29.
* We All Fall Down, inventive storytelling set during the Great Plague – September 10 and 11.
* Ball Pond Bobby, an adventure in the world of round and round – October 21.
* Les Trois Mousquetaires, all action adventure comedy performed in French by Théâtre Sans Frontières – October 23 and 24.
* Time for the Good Looking Boy, an urban ghost story – December 1 and 2.