AS The Courtyard enters its 10th anniversary year, the new season brochure is published, packed with the exciting and diverse mix of live events, film and Kids Club activities it has built a reputation for.

A strong programme of dance, drama, music and comedy is on offer between April and July, brought to The Courtyard by visiting companies and local talent.

And running throughout the season there will, of course, be the perenially popular Courtyard Comedy Club and the recently introduced and hugely successful Open Mic @ The Courtyard nights, folk music from Nightjar Folk Club and an expanded programme of children's events under the Kids Club banner.

With TV shows such as 10 Years Younger and How to Look Good Naked enjoying huge popularity, the appearance at The Courtyard of The Three Graces on Wednesday, April 16, has sure-fire appeal - Gaiety, Splendour and Mirth (the three graces) are invited to appear on a chat show to share their knowledge, advise the nation on all aspects of beauty and put the old adage to the test. Is real beauty only skin deep?

May offers two very different plays that have stood the test of time. First up, on Saturday, May 10, is The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde's most popular and razor-witted social comedy, a Cyd-gynhyrchiad Mappa Mundi/Creu Cymru/Theatr Mwldan co-production.

Later in the same week, on Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, London Classic Theatre present a more recent social comedy, the now-iconic Abigail's Party, Mike Leigh's ruthlessly funny examination of suburban life.

A more gentle look at life will take to the stage on July 2, when Bristol Old Vic Theatre School present Cider with Rosie.

Dance lovers will be thrilled with the diverse selection on offer this season, with performances from Ballet Central making a return to The Courtyard with a new repertoire and the exciting and exuberant jazz and dance show that is Harlem Hot Feet recapturing Jazz Age New York.

In June, Transitions Dance Company present Mixed Bill in which 12 dynamic young dancers perform a rich and varied repertoire.

From Thursday to Saturday, June 26 to 28, Hereford's internationally renowned dance company, 2FaCeD presents D-Cypher, a fusion of break, street and contemporary dance.

On the music front, one of the highlights of the coming season is sure to be the appearance of Ola Onabule, whose crowning achievement in a career that has seen him opening for Roberta Flack and Gladys Knight, was being the sole live performer at David and Victoria Beckham's wedding.

Familiar names from TV and radio include Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovett, who both star as the face of Holly the computer in Red Dwarf, in Double Header, a unique comedy evening celebrating the show's 20th anniversary; Richard Digance on Wednesday, June 4, and Rodney Bewes on Friday, June 6, presenting On the Stage and Off - the brief career of a would-be actor.

These, though, are just some of the highlights of a wide-ranging programme of events taking place in the coming four months.

Following the most successful panto season ever, booking has now opened for this year's panto, Jack and The Beanstalk, which will enjoy a longer run than last year's, opening on Friday, November 28, and running until Saturday, January 10.