WITH an impressive line-up of top comedians, award-winning musicals and fringe plays, the Wyvern Theatre’s new season is raising the bar.

The venue has announced its packed spring and summer programme both for the main theatre in the town centre and the arts Centre in Devizes Road and promises to cater to every taste.

In keeping with its reputation as a favourite stop on the comedy circuit, the Wyvern will welcome big names including Stewart Francis, Alan Carr, Milton Jones, Reginald D Hunter, Lee Nelson and Al Murray, to name a few.

Have I Got News for You’s Paul Merton and panel show fixture Katherine Ryan will also return to the town.

“I am very proud to present a packed programme of high quality entertainment in Swindon,” said Derek Aldridge, Wyvern Theatre director.

“The Wyvern and the Arts Centre are venues loved by audiences and performers alike and I look forward to welcoming all over the coming months.”

Following on from the successful run of Dreamboats and Miniskirts, more national tours will roll into Swindon for week-long runs, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring The X-Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, and Amelia Lily alongside Eastenders’ Matt Lapinkas.

Avenue Q will also come to the town in July, followed by classic 1960s feelgood show Hairspray.

An adaptation of Peter James’s best seller Dead Simple starring Jamie Lomas will take residence for a week at the Wyvern from April 20 to 25. The History Boys will follow between June 1 and 6.

Sex in Suburbia, starring Claire Sweeney, also promises to surprise and entertain.

Between April 7 and 14 The Place at the Wyvern will play host to Swindon’s third annual Madam Renards Mini Fringe.

It will showcase local companies including Whole Hog and Swindon Community Opera.

April will also see the Banff Mountain Film Festival come to the Wyvern.

Children will not be forgotten, with a flurry of classics including The Wind in the Willows, Pinocchio, and Danny The Champion of the World.

Music lovers will not be disappointed, with an eclectic programme of folk, rock and everything in between.

Critically-acclaimed Paul Carrack will take to the stage on March 12, followed by Showaddywaddy, Irish folk band The Fureys and the Abba Reunion tribute act over the next three months.

For a full programme of events, go to swindontheatres.co.uk.