THE new season at the Courtyard looks exciting in more ways than one.Commencing with the Courtyard Community Company production of Oliver!, which runs for three weeks from September 1-24, it's a strong suit.

The major autumn musical is always something to look forward to, with The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof big successes in previous years.

It's a chance for the production arm of the venue to prove its salt and this year it promises greater things than ever.

A new producer has been brought on board - Nikolai Foster - who has been highlighted as 'one to watch' by the industry's Stage magazine.

His previous work at Sheffield's Crucible theatre met with huge national acclaim, which is something the Courtyard is aiming to tap into.

Breaking box office records in London when it opened in 1960, Lional Bart's Oliver! went on to become the longest running musical of the decade.

"We're stepping out and showing the theatre world what we can do," said Courtyard marketing officer Sophie Dubber.

New developments for autumn are the long-awaited programming of a second comedy club each month (it will now run on the first and third Friday in the month) and the introduction of a poetry cafe, which will take place in the bar on the evening of the first Thursday in the month.

There are return visits by several audience favourites, including the Russian Cossack State Dance Company (who sold out last year), The Academy of Ancient Music (part of the Orchestras Live schedule), Foursight Theatre, Reform Theatre Company and Diversions Dance Company.

Particularly interesting, Foursight Theatre - renowned for their physical theatre - presents Six Dead Queens, based on the wives of Henry VIII (October 18).

Mid Wales Opera will perform its new production of Carmen (November 9), continuing its tradition of original and thought-provoking work.

Marvellous melodies, colourful characters and orchestration, a rivetting tale of passion and tragedy make this one of opera's greatest entertainments and a good introduction to the genre.

Also in a dramatic vein, and new to the venue, is Volcano Theatre Company's The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (November 8).

In a contemporary take on the greatest love story of all time, Volcano has 'ruthlessly edited and tightly rearranged' the plot to present Shakespeare that is 'shaken, stirred and brought bang up to date'.

"It's a new angle on an old story, that is passionate, exciting and hard-hitting, different and interesting," said Sophie.

The home-based 4Play Theatre Company presents its version of the recent Oscar-nominated film Closer by Patrick Marber (October 12-15), which judging from previous shows (Popcorn, Bouncers, Waiting for Godot) is one to look out for.

Dance lovers will enjoy European Ballet Company's Cinderella (October 9) and for those who like their dance a bit more edgy there is Earthfall's water-based production At Swim Two Boys (October 17) and Diversions Dance Company with its international triple bill (September 27).

Nightjar provides its usual eclectic mix of world-class music, Hereford Concert Society presents an increasingly high-profile schedule of classical music and there is theatre for children with the Kids Club.

Cinderella (December 2-January 7) should provide an end-of-year treat for us all, with Nick Collett directing Lyndsey Maples script. Another Courtyard Production, the panto is always a highlight.

Get your hands on the new brochure - which has a new format that will make it stand out both for content and design - by calling 0870 1122330.