THE autumn season at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, lines up acclaimed touring companies, cutting-edge drama, top-name comedy acts, world-famous singers and a spot of magic.

The main highlight is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre’s touring production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona from September 1-4.

Richmond is the only venue north of Liverpool to stage this riotous interpretation of the Bard’s earliest play which has been set in the 21st century.

Actress, singer and composer Toyah Wilcox appears at the theatre on October 6. From fame in the early 1980s with hits such as It’s A Mystery and I Want to be Free, her career includes eight Top 40 singles, 20 albums, two books and acting roles in more than 40 stage plays and ten feature films.

Fellow music legend Kiki Dee performs with Carmelo Luggeri on November 12 in an acoustic show marking her 50th year in show business and status as one of the UK’s finest vocalists.

Morgan and West, a time travelling magic act, present Parlour Tricks on October 13. According to their promotional literature, the pair met at Oxford University in the 19th century but gave up academia for music hall and gasp-inducing illusion that amazes audiences.

Popular North-East folk singer Bob Fox returns on September 23. He spent years in the multi-award winning production of War Horse and has twice been nominated as Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Folk Awards.

Local folk band Fourum perform their latest Dales’ inspired compositions on October 1, followed by Muker Silver Band on October 8, and virtuosos Spanish guitarist Eduardo Niebla on October 22.

Richmond Jazz Festival over three nights from September 9-11 features music ranging from the legendary Alex Shaw to the young local talent of Richmond Jam.

Stand-up comedians include Shappi Khorsandi on September 22 and Rob Rouse on October 28.

North Country Theatre's latest production, a new version of Rudyard Kipling’s story of obsessive love The Wish House, is on September 28 and 29, followed by Mikron Theatre Company’s entertaining play Pure – The Business of Chocolate on September 30 and Pipeline Theatre’s Spillikin: A Love Story on November 13, exploring the intriguing relationship of human and robot against the emotive background of Alzheimer’s and odd-couple romance.

For full details and tickets, call the box office on 01748 825252.