PAINES Plough blew theatregoers away last year with some stunning performances in its Roundabout theatre dome pitched on Abbot Hall.

So impressive were they that the Brewery Arts Centre - which put on the productions - was keen to bring the award-winning theatre company back to Kendal.

Fait accompli: the Brewery has successfully tempted Paines Plough to return to showcase three brand new shows, which will run from Thursday-Sunday, October 6-9, in the Roundabout theatre once again located on Abbot Hall's Old Bowling Green.

This year's series of cutting edge performances feature Growth by Luke Norris (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) a comedy about a hip and trendy young guy who finds a lump on one of his testicles and has to make some serious life decisions;

I Got Superpowers for my Birthday by Katie Douglas (Friday and Sunday), a fast-paced and fantasy filled adventure following three almost-teens as they go on an epic quest to save the planet. Special schools shows available; and Love, Lies and Taxidermy by Alan Harris (Saturday and Sunday), a funny yet heart-warming boy meets girl love story exploring the the lives of young people and the difficulties they face with parents, peer pressure and relationships.

Roundabout spent August drawing packed houses at the Edinburgh Festival; Growth scooped the prestigious Scotsman Fringe First award which is given to theatre that demonstrates outstanding originality.

Alongside its trio of Kendal performances, Roundabout will also host a variety of extra events, including music from the Kendal folk band The Hey Down Treaders, who performed a sold-out gig at Roundabout last year, stand-up comedian Ed Gamble with his new show Stampede, and a spoken word gig from Furness-based collective Some Some Unicorn.

Paines Plough is regarded as the ‘national theatre of new writing,’ and renowned for its acclaimed productions.

Ticket sales for Roundabout in Kendal last year were apparently the highest on the company’s major UK-wide tour, which included high profile venues such as The Lowry in Salford.

PP's joint artistic director James Grieve said they were thrilled to be returning with Roundabout: "We loved our visit last year, the stunning location outside Abbot Hall beside the river with Kendal Castle towering opposite, the warmth of the welcome from local people and audiences.

“Kendal has long been one of our favourite places to tour and we can’t wait to pop-up Roundabout once again with a festival of outstanding new plays and much more for everyone to enjoy.”

Brewery chief executive Richard Foster and his team are understandably excited about Paines Plough's return: He added: "The huge audiences we enjoyed for last year’s event showed there is a real appetite for cutting edge new writing in the region and we are looking forward building on that success with another packed programme of superb shows.”

Box office 01539-725133 or visit www.breweryarts.co.uk.