Drama, music, comedy, dance, pantomime... all mixed with the stardust of top performers, actors and actresses are lined up for a busy six months at the Theatre Royal, in Bury St Edmunds, which unveils its autumn season today.

Running from September to February there are a host of productions set to suit all tastes and ages over the coming months.

Ian Lavender, known for his role as Pike, in Dad’s Army, and Ruth Madoc, better know as Gladys Pugh in Hi-De-Hi, will be linking up for the heart warming You’re Never Too Old, in September.

It is coming straight from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival prior to a tour of the UK.

The Theatre Royal is also producing its own work. Teaming up with the Whepstead-based, Original Theatre Company, the playhouse will be co-producing Three Men in a Boat, also in September.

In January the theatre will also be producing its very own production of Sign of the Times, written by playwright Tim Firth (Calendar Girls) and directed by Karen Simpson who is also behind this year’s pantomime Cinderella. Tickets are already selling fast for the festive treat which includes more than 70 performances over six weeks running from November 28.

Christmas is not limited to panto, as audiences can get into the festive spirit with Ballet Theatre UK’s Swan Lake, A Christmas Carol and the annual Christmas concert at St Mary’s Church.

For opera lovers, there’s Carmen and La Traviata and families will find much to keep them entertained with a fun production of The Princess and the Pea and a stunning production of Lionboy, complete with circus and live percussion.

Meanwhile, Private Peaceful will touch the heart with a bittersweet tale of a First World Ward soldier facing the firing squad.

For tickets and further details call 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org