A FANTASTIC season is about to get under way at Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal.

The autumn programme encompasses everything rom Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Dickens adaptations to Indian dance and rap inspired poetry.

Well-loved classics, spontaneous comedy and alternative philosophical story telling can all be found on the schedule.

The season’s comedy fixtures begin with Bafta winning comedy star, Chris Addison (The Thick of It and Lab Rats) jesting alongside Zoë Lyons. This precedes Shazia Mirza and Danielle Ward and Have I Got News for You favourite Andy Hamilton with his Hat of Doom.

Using intricate choreography Rannel Theatre Company demonstrates its own form of Hip-Hop in Flhip Flhop – Everything Happens on the Break, while taking a different stance on dance are two contemporary Indian companies, Angika Dance and Shobana Jeyasingh Dance Company.

If you’re looking for something thought provoking, the selection of original drama should do the trick. Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman is a complex story about love, politics, society, illusion and cruelty. In a similarly dark analytical tone, award-winning artistic director Madani Younis presents Happy & Married?

Actor, writer, director and the Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, Sheila Hancock will take to the stage to discuss her new book Just Me. Just Me is a moving, honest and absorbing account of how she has dealt with life since the death of her husband, John Thaw.

In family orientated offerings for children, join five adventurous storytellers as they conjure up a visual storybook full of magic, adventure and wondrous characters including The Sun Dragon.

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys will perform a mix of 1940’s jazz and blues and Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band will also be providing music this season.

In addition to the diverse plethora of plays, a string of popular tales will be retold throughout the season, including OhWhat a Lovely War, Canterbury Tales, Romeo & Juliet, and Oliver Twist.

For full listings, dates and prices, call 023 9264 9000 or visit newtheatreroyal.com