BOLTON Little Theatre (BLT) has revealed its packed programme of shows for its 88th season bringing the best in comedy and drama right into the heart of the town.

"We see it as something like our mission” said David Smart, BLTs Chairman.

The season starts next month with Jessica Swale’s riotous comedy Nell Gwynn which takes the audience on a journey through the life of one of history’s most colourful women: the infamous 17th century actress and mistress of King Charles II.

In November the society pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I with the poignant tale Private Peaceful which is a stage adaptation of the book by "War Horse" author Michael Morpurgo.

The show will also feature a montage of writings and songs from the First World War and the Sunday matinee will coincide with the 100th anniversary itself.

The family panto this year is Dick Whittington following the future Lord Mayor of London’s journey to the capital and the hilarious characters he meets along the way ­— with the theatre urging people to book early for the show which tends to sell out early.

The New Year opens with a recent adaptation of an old French play ­— and having only recently ended its highly praised north of England tour ­— the "delightfully wicked" For Love Or Money, a tale of rivalry and greed.

Two first class dramas follow in March and April with These Shining Lives dramatising the true story of the Radium Girls who painted the luminous faces on watches ­— before the world realised quite what havoc radioactivity could wreak ­— and The Dresser set amid the destruction of World War II and illustrating the moving and complex relationship between two men who have given their lives to the theatre, one a faded Shakespearean actor and the other his loyal assistant.

Finally the group bring Ladies In Lavender to life in May, Charles Dance’s portrayal of the disruption a young violinist brings to the lives two spinsters in 1930s Cornwall, before closing the season with the warmly hilarious Bill Naughton comedy of family struggles in 1960s Bolton: Spring & Port Wine.

"We’ll be continuing our film nights under the 'Film@BLT' banner which allows us to re-run classic films on our big screen," said David, "and would be pleased to hear what films the Bolton public would want shown ­— we’re always open to new ideas, just contact us via the BLT box office number or using admin@boltonlittletheatre.co.uk. We also run several film 'Singalonga' nights on the big screen which have proved very popular ­— particularly the ‘Frozen’ evenings"

There will also be production from visiting societies.

David is keen to attract new members too – so if for those who fancy just saying "hello", Monday night is social night down at the theatre in Hanover Street can pop down after 7.30pm for a drink and a chat.