A TOP class line up of musicians, classic and contemporary theatre, and some of television’s biggest comics take centre stage in the Brewery’s new season.

Among the five star performers in the Kendal arts centre’s spring programme is everyone’s favourite Essex boy comedian Russell Kane (March 14) who has become a household name since winning the Best Comedian award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2009.

The laughter line-up also includes top stand-ups Andrew Lawrence (February 4) and Terry Alderton (February 18) - both appeared on BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow last year.

The music programme is packed with a cracking mix of acts from across the globe, including Miles Hunt, frontman of 1980s/90s indie-pop hitmakers the Wonderstuff.

Miles plays with former Stuffies bassist Erica Nockalls, performing tunes from his new body of work alongside stripped-down versions of the Wonderstuff’s greatest hits.

One of the United States most celebrated young country singer/songwriters Zoe Muth brings her unique brand of Americana to the Brewery on January 26 when Zoe, and her Lost High Rollers, pay a rare visit to the UK as part of a major European tour.

A coup for Brewery music programmer Mike Chadwick, he explained that Zoe came to the attention of the music world in 2010 with her debut album and dubbed Seattle’s own Emmylou Harris.

While her first self-titled, self-released album announced her arrival on the country music scene, Zoe’s 2011 album Starlight Hotel has cemented her status as a major player in the Americana genre. Mike added: “When you hear Zoe’s voice you can’t help but think of the early female legends of country music such as Emmylou Harris and Loretta Lynn. With the assistance of her formidable band, Zoe is able to switch from gingham-clad heartbreak to rousing hony-tonk with effortless ease.”

Meanwhile, on March 1 English folk royalty Fairport Convention take to the Malt Room stage to mark their 45th anniversary; on March 9/10, there’s a two-day blast of guitar talent and musical showmanship with Tommy Fest - masterclasses and gigs from some of the world’s leading guitarists, Tommy Emmanuel, John Etheridge and Adam Palma; and former Rory Gallagher bass player Gerry McAvoy celebrates the life and music of the Irish guitar legend with his Band of Friends on March 17.

For theatregoers, there’s classic works, hilarious comedy and thought provoking pieces about famous literary figures.

Comedy lovers can see Wakefield Theatre stage John Godber’s Weekend Breaks for a two-night run on February 24/25; Steven Berkoff’s brilliant adaptation of Franz Kafka’s masterpiece The Trial performed is in the spotlight on February 29 courtesy of Blackeyed Theatre, while the Shakespearian tragedy Macbeth will be played out on March 1.

And fans of dance should make a date to watch champions of comedy dance theatre Pony Dance serve up a madcap whirl of weird and wonderful moves to a soundtrack of garish music on February 8.

Brewery chief executive Richard Foster said they were all really excited about the spring season: He added: “The season kicks off a very special year for the Brewery as we’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary.”

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