RENOWNED punk poet John Cooper Clarke is among the star-studded line-up blazing a trail to Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre.

The Bard of Salford - who plays the Brewery on March 17 - shot to fame in the 1970s with his visceral verse reflecting harsh times of modern working class Britain. His work has remained vital and relevant and is quoted as a major influence by bands and artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Plan B.

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winning American music legend Tom Paxton is also billed for the Brewery's new spring season.

With a career spanning 50 years, Tom is regarded as a true great of American music and his songs have been recorded by the likes of Bob Dylan, John Denver and Dolly Parton. He will perform a rare gig with the duo The Don Juans at the Brewery on April 27.

Meanwhile, hailing from this side of the Atlantic, Julie Fowlis is one the biggest stars Scottish folk music has ever produced. Julie, who also provided the singing voice of Merida in hot Pixar animated movie Brave, is best known for singing in Scots Gaelic. However, her Brewery gig on January 25, will see her perform songs from her new Alterum album which includes songs sung in English.

On the theatre front, the five star gathering includes two shows courtesy of dynamic duo Natalie Morrell and Simon McElligott's The Knotted Project.

Kendalians Natalie and Simon perform their latest work Chit Chat Chalk Show on Saturday, February 24 (noon and 3pm).

A family show, the piece is a joint effort along with Hawk Dance Theatre, an exciting contemporary dance company based in Manchester, currently company in residence at the University of Salford, directed by another hugely talented Kendal performer Josh Hawkins.

Brilliantly devised by two of the UK's freshest and innovative young companies, the show delivers a powerful message about just how important it is for children to talk about their feelings.

Kids entertainment continues with much loved writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt. Best known for illustrating the Jaqueline Wilson books, he will take to the stage for his family friendly Big Draw-Along on April 14, a masterclass in how to create characters like Tracy Beaker.

Classic murder mystery fans can look forward to a terrific atmospheric adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Blackeyed Theatre on January 28. However, for something a little more contemporary, Hummingbird by Tooth and Nail Theatre (April 26) is a physical, acrobatic theatre show inspired by the true story of the infamous Lonely Hearts Killers, whose exploits gripped 1950s America.

For theatre lovers who want to experience a big budget production, the Brewery will be screening a variety of top shows from prestigious venues such as the National Theatre, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (February 26) starring Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell. There will also be three performances from the Royal Opera House, Rigoletto (January 16), Tosca (February 7), and Carmen (March 11).

Visual arts lovers should check out two special Exhibition on Screen films too. From the National Portrait Gallery, Cezanne: Portraits of Life (February 4) sheds light on one of the least known impressionist artists, and the award-winning documentary, Vincent Van Gogh: A New Way of Seeing (April 22) looks at his troubled life and iconic works.

Last, but by no means least, an eclectic comedy programme promises shows to tickle audiences of all ages with TV regular and Brewery favourite, Ed Gamble bringing his new show Mammoth to the Brewery's Malt Room on February 26, and Edinburgh Fringe 2017 sell-out, Phil Wang will showcase his politically influenced comedy with new show Kinabalu (March 3) which addresses current themes such as building walls and bolstering borders.

For further details of the Brewery programme visit www.breweryarts.co.uk or telephone the box office on 01539-725133.