COMEDY, drama, dance and children’s entertainment all play their part in an exciting new programme at The Dukes.

The drama begins at the Lancaster theatre with I Was A Wife, written and starring highly acclaimed actor Polly Lister, recent winner of a UK Theatre Award following her outstanding performances during last year's Theatre by the Lake summer season.

Polly - who appeared in The Dukes Christmas production of Beauty and the Beast - goes on a raw and comic journey through marriage told with the help of characters she’s portrayed along the way, including the witch she played in The Dukes 2014 outdoor production of Hansel and Gretel.

A sought after acting talent, Polly's I Was A Wife runs from January 28 until February 6 in The Round. Directed by Dukes artistic director Joe Sumsion, its the first play to result from the innovative theatre’s Kick Start initiative.

The Dukes celebrates the 20th anniversary of Stones In His Pockets with a revival of the comic theatre sensation co-produced with The Theatre Chipping Norton in association with Oxfordshire Theatre Company.

Two actors performing in The Round play 15 eccentric and lovable characters from a quiet Irish village whose community is turned upside down with the arrival of a Hollywood film crew.

Stones In His Pockets will be staged at The Dukes from February 25 until March 12 before embarking on a national tour to more than 20 venues until May.

Always a must-see, this summer's Dukes open air 'spectacular' promises to be an absolute cracker - JRR Tolkien’s fantastical adventure The Hobbit, running from July 5-August 13.

The woods and pathways of Williamson Park will be transformed into enchanted forests and misty mountains filled with strange and wonderful creatures desperately searching for the lost Ring.

The Dukes plays its part in Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary year by welcoming back Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory with their versions of Hamlet and All’s Well That Ends Well from May 10-14.

As for comedy, there's plenty of laughter makers in The Dukes pipeline from March until May with appearances by Stewart Francis, Mark Thomas, Alan Cochrane, Rob Auton and musical comedy duo, Jonny and The Baptists.

Meanwhile, for those interested in the serious business of politics, popular Guardian columnist Owen Jones brings his Politics of Hope to the Lancaster theatre on February 3.

For the first time The Dukes hosts a special show for early years children aged one plus - Egg and Spoon on May 7. The production is part of a child friendly programme which also includes the return of Northern Ballet Theatre with Tortoise and the Hare on April 9, The Kitten With Dreams on April 16 and Lancashire Youth Dance Festival on April 22/23.

Also in the mix - and continuing its policy of nurturing young talent - from March through to May, The Dukes own rising stars will stage performances of The Crucible, A Grimm Evening, Second Person Narrative and Robots Rule The World.

Box office 01524-598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.