theatre Royal Winchester is set to welcome a host of performers for the tenth anniversary of its rebirth.

Big names for the new season include comedians Rob Brydon and Ed Byrne and I’m a Celebrity… winner Christopher Biggins.

Launching the autumn season on Sunday, October 2 will be a special party for children who turn ten this year.

Youngsters sharing the age of the revamped theatre will be invited to transformthemselves into pirates and vampires.

The party will be followed by children’s drama Vampirates – billed as Pirates of the Caribbean meets Twilight.

The following day there will be a tenth anniversary gala performance by Ballet Black at the venue in Jewry Street.

Comedians lined up include Ed Byrne, on October 5, Mark Watson on October 28, and Jason Byrne on November 3.

Rob Brydon’s visit will be on November 5, for a 1pm matinee. Tickets are already sold out.

He will be followed by Tom Stade on November 15, and Chris Addison on November 26.

Drama includes I, Elizabeth, on September 30, in which Rebecca Vaughan explores the Tudor monarch’s battle to balance womanhood and sovereignty. Following that will be the the comedy What Would Helen Mirren Do? on October 12. It is directed by Peter Ellis, also known as Chief Superintendent Brownlow from The Bill, and stars his wife, Anita Parry.

Other drama highlights include London Classic Theatre’s production of Equus from October 20 to 22.

The play is a psychological thriller about a 17-year-old convicted of a bizarre crime.

Scamp Theatre will then perform Michael Morpurgo’s wartime story for youngsters, Friend or Foe, on November and 2. Then, from November 17 to 19, Mappa Mundi’s production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing comes to town.

One-night shows this season include Fascinating Aida on November 4 and An Evening with Christopher Biggins on October 9.

There will also be Penny Dreadful’s Etherdrome, an original comedy about the discovery of pain relief, on October 23.

Live music at the theatre will include Clare Teal on October 15 and Ralph McTell on October 29.

Other concerts include The Blues Band on November 5 and Blazin’ Fiddles on November 13. Family events include The Honey Honey Show on October 26, an Abba tribute show featuring the mischievous Benny Bear and original members of Bjorn Again.

The autumn season will end with this year’s pantomime, Cinderella. It features some familiar faces from previous festive shows. and will run from from December 7 to January 2.

l For more details about the autumn shows go to theatreroyalwinchester.

co.uk call the box office on 01962 840440.