MALVERN Theatre’s spring season kicks off in comedic style with Mike Leigh’s comedy Abigail’s Party on January 15 starring Eastender’s Hannah Waterman followed by Agatha Christie’s Go Back For Murder from January 28.

The diverse series of plays continues with The Almeida Festival production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the new stage adaptation of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong.

In March, Edinburgh Festival 2012 hit Maurice’s Jubilee and Lee Hall’s The Pitmen Painters come to the theatres followed by August Wilson’s Fences, starring Lenny Henry, in April.

The Forum Theatre also enjoys a diverse line-up in the New Year with a focus on contemporary theatre and dance including the return of both National Dance Company Wales and Ockham’s Razor with their new show Not Until We Are Lost.

From the makers of Peppa Pig comes Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom live on stage for the very first time in May.

The programme also includes comedy from Andy Parsons and Rich Hall and some of the biggest names in music.

A major highlight is something of a homecoming for former Malvern resident and world-famous violinist Nigel Kennedy, who closes his UK tour with two nights in the Forum Theatre in May.

Irish folk group The Dubliners return in March after deciding to continue in the music business after the sudden death of founding member Barney McKenna.

The line-up now includes Sean Cannon, Eamonn Campbell, Patsy Watchorn and Gerry O’Connor.

Other notable appearances in March include The Bootleg Beatles, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and A Tribute to Led Zeppelin - Mothership.

The Hollies return in April and there will also be appearances from the likes of soprano Lesley Garrett, pianist Freddy Kempf and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

To book tickets or for more information call 01684 892 277 or visit malvern-theatres.co.uk