AN EPIC wartime romance by a celebrated playwright is one of the season highlights in a jam-packed autumn season at Theatre Royal Winchester.

A major revival of Flare Path by Terence Rattigan is brought to the stage from(October 12 to 17 ) by the producers of the hugely popular production of Sebastian Faulk’s Birdsong which toured last year and stars Olivia Hallinan (Lark Rise to Candleford) and Leo Ockenden (Mr Selfridge).

For young children and their families there’s Here Be Monsters (September 19 and 20), featuring the villainous Captain Cut-Throat and his fearsome crew as they set sail through monster-infested waters; The Scarecrows’ Wedding (October 8) and What the Ladybird Heard (November 12 and 13), based on the books by Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo and The Stick Man. Rounding off the family offering for older children is Snow White (October 27 and 28), created for family audiences by award-winning dance company balletLORENT, and Ministry of Science Live (November 3), a highly explosive science show that comes with a bangto entertain and educate 6-12 year olds.

For music lovers, Theatre Royal Winchester welcomes jazz legends Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman (October 6); The Blues Band (October 31) with their showmanship and virtuosity; Lee Mead (November 8), bringing the enchanting eras of the 1940s and 1950s to musical life and quintessential English singer-songwriter Ralph McTell (November 11). Winchester’s very own vocal harmony group The Spitfire Sisters (November 26) also visit for the first time with songs from their new album as well as 40s favourites from the 40s.

Comedy is brought to Winchester by Winchester Comedy Festival (November 1 to 4) with comedians including John Lloyd, Katherine Ryan and Kerry Godlimanto name a few of this year’s acts. Award-winning comedian Andy Hamilton (November 6) arrives in a brand new solo stage show.

Looking ahead to Christmas, audiences should prepare for Fe Fi Fo Fun! Tthis year’s panto is the udder-ly hilarious Jack and the Beanstalk (December 8 to January 3). Theatre Royal Winchester’s traditional family panto is a winner with everyone aged 3 to 103. After Jack Trott accidentally sells Daisy the cow for a worthless bag of beans he sets off on a daring adventure to get her backChaos and comedy ensue.

Dance lovers will be enthralled by Ballet Black’slatest story A Triple Bill (October 9) and for fans of Hallowe’en horror join Gallows Productions for an evening designed to surprise and scare at The Lock-In (October 30 and 31), a 12-hour theatrical extravaganza to push eventhe bravest of theatre-goers.

If puppetry ismore your cup of tea , then don't miss Australian based company Strange Arrangements with Drifters (November 4), an energetic and humorousshow exploring the excitement of imagination.

Tickets and details from www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.