THE Havant-based Spring Arts & Heritage Centre has just launched its new autumn season and it's already proving to be one of its most successful.

It has two sold-out shows from comedians Jenny Eclair and Chris Ramsey, and is close to selling out shows from jazz singer Claire Martin and broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby.

The Spring’s delighted director, Sophie Fullerlove, said: ‘I’m always a little anxious when I programme a new season as you’re never quite sure how people will take to your choices.

"But the response so far has been overwhelming and so positive. On our first day after the new brochure went live we had a queue out of the door of people wanting to book tickets.

"That’s a first for us – and the fact that we actually had two sold-out shows before our brochure even went to the printers I hope reflects the quality of the acts we attract to Havant.”

The venue’s new brochure showcases over a hundred shows, talks, gigs, exhibitions and workshops, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Acclaimed theatre company, Propeller Theatre, bring their bite-sized

version of the Bard in Pocket Merchant on October 15, while a new version of HG Wells’ classic novel, The Shape of Things to Come, adapted by Coronation Street writer Kevin Fegan, debuts on November 5.

A new partnership with Havant’s Park Community School sees The Spring bringing comedy trouble-maker Lee Nelson to perform in the school’s new theatre space on September 25.

Music is well served with chart-topper Kiki Dee celebrating 21 years of touring together with guitarist Carmelo Luggeri on November 21, while seminal 80s band China Crisis play on November 27.

Perennial rockers Showaddywaddy plan to show gig-goers 3 Steps to Heaven on December 20.

Award-winning crime writer Mark Bilingham, creator of the Tom Thorne novels, joins forces with country music band My Darling Clementine for a night of dark deeds told in story and song on November 28.

There’s a unique talk on the importance of paper to the development of civilisation in a debate held on October 9 between author Alexander Monro and Havant Literary Festival director Tim Dawes. That’s followed the next day by a special open day where The Spring invites everyone in for a host of free family events on the many uses of paper.

There’ll be demonstrations in calligraphy, book making, brass rubbing and parchment making, a working printing press and poet Simon Mole will be asking people to create a poetry postcard.

The day concludes with a special musical performance from folk band Jigfoot with dance tutors on hand to teach you some authentic Hampshire step dancing.

There are talks on a variety of subjects, from corsetry in the nineteenth century and the history of morris dancing to our national obsession with tea.

Christmas-themed events range from traditional family classics such as Hansel and Gretel to a Winter Baroque Carnival from early music stars Red Priest.

In addition there is a full season of great films, a wide selection of classes and workshops for adults and young people, a great choice of free exhibitions and a series of fascinating heritage-related collections.

Full details at www.thespring.co.uk or call the box office on 023 92472700.