A COLLECTION of some of the most popular family fairytales will be performed in the open air next summer as part of the Dukes Theatre’s new season.

The Lancaster-based theatre has announced that its famous promendade production in the city’s Williamson Park will be Hansel and Gretel and More Tales from the Forest, which will run from July 4 to August 16.

Although the open air production is perhaps the showpiece of the new season, there are also a series of highlights scheduled throughout the year.

These include the premier of a play based on the life of Blackburn film-makers Mitchell and Kenyon whose early footage provides some of the most detailed studies of life in Lancashire’s mill towns at the turn of the last century.

The production, directed by Darwen-born Amy Leach will feature specialist projection as well as live action and runs from April 19 to May 10.

Other theatre productions include a new version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and the return of Northern Broadsides with An August Bank Holiday Lark.

Broadcaster Stuart Maconie will present The People’s Songs, telling the social history of Britain through pop singles and other musical treats include whos by Blazin’ Fiddles and the Lancashire Hotpots.

Comedy is well represented in the new programme with Robin Ince and Josie Long mong the stand-ups visiting the Dukes.

The Northern Ballet will also be returning to the theatre with a special ballet for youngsters, Three Little Pigs.

For details of the new season, contact the box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org