The Courtyard's autumn season is underway, with a programme that features a selection of famous faces from the world of music and comedy alongside a sprinkling of magic.

A highlight of the new season will be the Jane Austen romantic classic Pride and Prejudice, which will be on stage next month (from Tuesday, October 3 to Saturday, October 7. Directed by The Courtyard's associate director, David Durant, the production will be performed by members of The Courtyard Youth Theatre alongside professional actors.

The Courtyard will welcome a host of comedians this season including Phill Jupitus on Sunday, September 10, Jeremy Hardy on Sunday, September 17, America's Got Talent winner ventriloquist Paul Zerdin returns to the UK from headlining the world-famous Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas with his sparkling new show, arriving at The Courtyard on Friday, October 13 and Andy Parsons will bring the laughs on Wednesday, October 18. And, of course, there'll be plenty of opportunity to be entertained by some of the best up-and-coming comedians on the circuit at the regular Heineken Comedy Clubs.

The Brit Classical Award winner Russell Watson will be performing on Tuesday, September 19, followed on Wednesday, October 11 by X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent favourites Rhydian and Richard and Adam. For folk fans, The Courtyard will welcome Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman (Thursday, October 12), John Tams and Barry Coope (Thursday, November 16) and Martin Carthy (Thursday, December 7) for intimate performances in the Studio Theatre.

During October half term families will be spoilt for choice with a whole week of live shows including Don’t Dribble On The Dragon which features magic designed by the late Paul Daniels and Channel 5’s Milkshake Live!, while Herefordshire’s Family Festival returns with a magical theme for its third outing, another fun-packed day of activities and entertainment.

The magic doesn’t end there for families as the season will culminate in a festive spectacular with The Courtyard’s annual pantomime Sleeping Beauty which will see Phylip Harries back on stage as Dame. Younger audiences will also be able to experience festive wonder as Little Red Riding Hood will be the Christmas Children’s Show in The Studio Theatre.

For the full autumn programme, visit courtyard.org.uk. To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit the website for online booking.