A NEW season of music, comedy and drama has been announced at Bridport Arts Centre.

Music from Fairport Convention, an evening with Roger McGough, comedy from Stephen K Amos and two children’s performances including Hansel and Gretel are just some of the highlights.

The season begins with comedian, writer, broadcaster and all-round British institution Arthur Smith. He is simply one of our funniest and most original comic performers and is guaranteed to bring you a night of hilarity, mirth and scandal…with a touch of rudeness thrown in for good measure (Friday October 4 at 7.30pm).

There will be plenty of music early in October with the founding fathers of British folk rock Fairport Convention (Saturday October 12, 7.30pm), tribute act Extremely Dan will showcase the sounds of one of Americas most iconic bands Steely Dan (Saturday October 5, 7.30pm). Children have the chance to watch Prokofiev’s family favourite Peter and The Wolf brought to life with a live wind quartet on October 25, 11am and 2pm).

Other acts include longstanding art centre favourites Philip Clouts Jazz Café and morning classic concerts from Concerts in the West.

Roger McGough is the author of more than 100 books of poetry for adults and children will take to the stage on Friday October 25, 7.30pm. His exuberant new collection Joined Up Writing ranges from forgotten friendships and the idiosyncrasies of family life to the trauma of war and contemporary global politics. These poems explore the human experience in all its shades of light and dark but always with McGough’s signature wit, irreverence and vivacity. This is the nation’s favourite poet at his finest.

If you’re a fan of classic theatre The Monster and Mary Shelley will provide an atmospheric, moving and darkly comic exploration of fear (Saturday November 2, 7.30pm). Younger audiences can enjoy the classic story of Hansel and Gretel (Friday December 20, 11am)

The season is bursting with comedy and other highlights include star of Live at the Apollo Stephen K Amos (Saturday November 16), A hilarious and intoxicating look at the history of drink with Thinking Drinkers – Heroes of Hooch (Saturday November 23, 7.30pm), musical funny man Mitch Ben (Saturday November 30, 8pm) and star of Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow Andrew Lawrence (Friday December 13, 8pm).

Marketing manager Lisa Wilcock said “This is a season to entertain you and to make you laugh. The programme is packed full of comedy and hilarious shows like Thinking Drinkers. There is also some fantastic live music and thought provoking theatre. We hope to see you soon."