The Hereford Times

Great nights out on offer as the evenings draw in

2:06pm Thursday 16th August 2007

THE new season at The Courtyard kicks off on September 6 in great style with a brand new production of The Hired Man, a musical hailed by Sheridan Morley on its initial appearance as "the best musical of the year... unbeatable and unmissable".

But there's plenty more on offer. The genuinely eclectic mix that we've come to expect from the Courtyard is once again in evidence, with plenty to choose from, whether it's comedy, music, dance or drama.

A comic highlight is promised with the appearance on September 26 of Sean Lock, winner of the British Comedy Award for best live performer. And throughout the forthcoming season, the hugely popular Courtyard Comedy Club, sponsored by Bulmers, will be a regular fixture.

On the dance front, Diversions, Wales's National Dance company, presents a brand new triple bill set to equally diverse music, while lovers of more traditional dance have the ever-popular and hugely colourful Coppelia presented by the European Ballet Company to look forward to on October 13.

Drama comes in many forms. There's Henry V for Kids; Reform Theatre's production of Like A Virgin, a hilarious romp through teenage life; Lost Content from New Classics and the always-eagerly-awaited panto in December. With a beautiful princess and a wicked queen, the timeless Snow White promises plenty of opportunity to cheer on the goodies and boo the baddies.

One of the most popular Saturday night TV shows in recent months was Any Dream Will Do, and Hereford's Joseph fans will have their very own chance to sing along as Sing-along-a-Joseph comes to the Courtyard - the film version starring Donny Osmond, complete with on-screen lyrics - fancy dress not obligatory but any multi-coloured coat should get you in the mood.

You'll also find tributes to The Blues Brothers Band and the King as The Elvis Collection starring Billy J McGregor comes to Hereford.

From Pam Ayres to a dazzling adaptation of Aristophanes's Clouds and on to Fiddler on the Roof, the Courtyard promises plenty of great nights out as the evenings draw in.

For further information or to book tickets, call 0870 1122330 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk