SHERLOCK'S Last Case opens this year's much awaited Old Laundry's Bowness Theatre Festival on Thursday, August 20.

True to the spirit of Conan-Doyle's original Sherlock novels, Charles Marowitz black comedy will be in the spotlight for a three-week run and has all the drama and intrigue of a terrific detective story while at the same time poking fun at the super sleuth's eccentric personality.

Also part of the festival will be the excellent LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), returning to Bowness with a thrilling trio of productions - John Steinbeck's extraordinary tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of dreams, Of Music and Men on October 22, Simon Stephen's Olivier Award winning On the Shore of the Wide World (October 23), and the Chekhov masterpiece The Seagull (October 24).

And it wouldn't be an Old Laundry season without a major contribution from the master playwright himself Alan Ayckbourn. Sir Alan revives Confusions, one of the most popular and studied plays of the last 40 years, and to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his Stephen Joseph Theatre, his latest piece of theatrical genius, Hero’s Welcome.

Performances run from November 3-14.

The line-up of top entertainment also includes The Falcon’s Malteser, a hilarious family film noir pastiche following the adventures of the hopelessly inept private detective Tim Diamond and his sharp witted brother Nick.

Staged on Friday, October 30, (7.30pm), the production features slapstick, comedy songs and a cast of four playing 20 brilliant characters.

One of the finest musical pairings in the classical world graces the festival on Saturday, November 21 (7.30pm) - Emma Johnson and John Lenehan.

Heralded as "England’s best loved clarinet player" by BBC Music Magazine, Emma has been captivating audiences in the UK and abroad with her fresh, spontaneous and virtuosic performances ever since she won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award in 1984. In partnership with her long-time collaborator, pianist, John Lenehan, she presents a sparkling programme that features at its heart two of the great landmark sonatas of the clarinet repertoire by Brahms and Saint-Säens, framed by dynamic and irresistible works by Weber, Chopin, Lutoslawski and Leonard Bernstein.

Also on the music front will be acclaimed folk band Lau (November 27), award-winning fiddle player, Jackie Oates (November 28) and The Dylan Project, featuring a group of highly regarded folk rock musicians that includes Steve Gibbons and Dave Pegg.

On a sad note, this year's Old Laundry season is dedicated to the great virtuoso violinist, Peter Cropper, who died recently aged 69. Founder and leader of the one of the world's greatest chamber ensembles, the Lindsay String Quartet, Peter was a dear friend to the Old Laundry Theatre team and performed at the Bowness venue many times.

For further information and to book tickets for the festival telephone 08445-040604.