LIVE theatre direct from London and Stratford Upon Avon as well as theatre for families are among the highlights at The Berry Theatre this spring season.

New hi-tech satellite equipment has been installed at the Hedge End venue, which will enable it to screen live theatre direct from the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

As part of the National Theatre Live season, three productions are being lined up: Treasure Island, Beyond the Beautiful Forevers and The Hard Problem.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny – Treasure Island (January 22) kicks off the National Theatre Live season.

It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger.

At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and their dangerous voyage begins.

The season continues when the star of TV’s The Kumars and Goodness Gracious Me Meera Syal takes centre stage in Behind the Beautiful Forever (March 12).

Pulizter Prize-winner Katherine Boo spent three years in Annawadi recording the lives of its residents.

From her uncompromising book, winner of the National Book Award for Non-Fiction 2012, David Hare has fashioned a tumultuous play on an epic scale featuring the comedienne.

The final National Theatre Live production is penned by playwright Tom Stoppard who returns to the National Theatre with his highly-anticipated new play The Hard Problem (April 16), directed by Nicholas Hytner.

And there will be plenty for young children this spring season starting in February with a stage version of Monty Python member Terry Jones’ children’s book Nicobobinus (February 7).

In a land where dragons are locked in boiler rooms and mountains move like the oceans, Nicobobinus and his best friend Rosie embark on a wild adventure to cure him of a golden curse.

Obstructed by kidnapping pirates and savage nine foot monks, will they find the cure in time or be forced to return to their home in Venice, changed forever?

This adaptation of Nicobobinus stays true to Jones’ acclaimed work and embodies that same adventurous, jovial spirit that is evident in the Pythons.

Later on in February another popular children’s book will be brought to life at the venue.

From the moment his tall, red-and-white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat (February 28) is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met.

With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home?

Members of The Berry Youth Theatre will be taking to the stage in April in the classic tale of James and the Giant Peach (April 10).

Join the theatre company as they introduce audiences to James Henry Trotter and his extraordinary friends – five giant insects.

This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved, fantastical tale is packed with tongue-twisting rhymes, original music and unforgettable characters to tell the story of how James Henry Trotter, came to live in a very special house in Central Park.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company will be back at The Berry Theatre this spring with their latest rib-tickling show.

They’ve already skewered history, the Bible and the world’s most celebrated playwright, now the Reduced Shakespeare Company tackles the subject it was born to reduce – comedy.

Following a hugely successful and critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 the Reduced Shakespeare Company is coming to the Hedge End theatre with The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) (March 6) And two productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company will be live streamed to Hedge End direct from Stratford Upon Avon.

The first RSC production coming to the venue is Love’s Labour’s Lost (February 11).

The second production Love’s Labour’s Won is live streamed to The Berry Theatre on March 4.

Christopher Luscombe directs one acting company in both Love’s Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won (usually known as Much Ado About Nothing).

To book tickets or to find out more about any of this season’s productions call the box office on 023 8065 2333 or visit the website theberrytheatre.co.uk.