ONE OF the best theatres in the south of England, if not the whole UK, Theatre Royal Plymouth, has announced its autumn programme.

Blood Brothers: Tuesday, August 19-Saturday, August 30 – The international smash hit musical comes to Plymouth this summer. Set in Willy Russell's native Liverpool, it tells the captivating story of twin boys separated at birth only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother's haunting secret.

Born In The Gardens: Monday, September 8-Saturday, September 13 – Gleefully observant, hilarious throughout and quintessentially English, Born In The Gardens stars Stephanie Cole and Simon Shepherd and tells the story of Maud and her son Mo who have a penchant for keeping the past alive.

Othello: Saturday, September 20-Saturday, September 27 – Frantic Assembly in co-production with the Theatre Royal explodes on to the stage with this electrifying take on Shakespeare's most brutal and gripping tragedy of paranoia, sex and murder.

The Doubtful Guest: Thursday, October 2-Saturday, October 4 – Brimming full of strangely fantastical music and performances, Edward Gorey's absurdly bizarre comedy is brought vividly to life by Hoipolloi.

The Hound of the Baskervilles: Tuesday, October 7-Saturday, October 11 – This stunning new production of the classic Conan Doyle story set on Dartmoor will unsettle, thrill and entertain. Starring Peter Egan and Philip Franks, it is guaranteed to be one of the cleverest pieces of theatre you will see.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Wednesday, October 15-Saturday, October 18 – Birmingham Royal Ballet return this autumn with Beauty and the Beast, a classic fairytale of passion and prejudice, choreographed by Birmingham Royal Ballet's director, David Bintley.

The Witches of Eastwick: Monday, 20-Saturday, October 25 – Marti Pellow stars as the devilish Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick, a bewitching musical based on the Warner Brothers' motion picture starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Cher.

Carousel: Monday, October 27-Saturday, November 1 – A true classic, Carousel follows the story of carousel barker Billy Bigelow; his life, loves, downfall and eventual redemption and stars Lesley Garrett CBE, Britain's most popular soprano.

High School Musical: Tuesday, November 4-Saturday, November 15 – Disney's High School Musical on stage follows the much-loved story of the movie, featuring all the favourite characters and songs plus two brand new numbers performed by the country's hottest dancers and an electrifying live band.

Slava's Snowshow: Tuesday, November 18-Saturday, November 22 – Snowshow has taken the world by storm, delighting and touching theatergoers in over 80 cities across the globe. Winner of the Time Out, Olivier and Drama Desk Awards for 'Unique Theatrical Experience', Snowshow combines comedy and poignancy with stunning spectacle and breathtaking images.

Rambert Dance Company: Wednesday, November 26-Saturday, November 29 – Rambert returns to Plymouth this autumn with the Eternal Light Tour 2008, a diverse programme from the beautiful and lyrical to the powerful and energetic.

Glyndebourne On Tour: Tuesday, December 2-Saturday, December 6 – The tour opens with Bizet's extraordinary, passionate score of Carmen and is followed by Adrian Noble's vivid and colourful realisation of Mozart's masterpiece The Magic Flute. These two classic revivals are complemented by a new production of Hansel Und Gretel, direct from Glyndebourne's renowned summer festival.

Calendar Girls: Monday, December 8-Saturday, December 13 – At first glance it should look like your classic WI calendar. Jams, cakes, sewing and all that. Except for one tiny thing… It features a star-studded cast including Lynda Bellingham, Patricia Hodge, Sian Phillips and Brigit Forsyth. Adapted by Tim Firth from his smash hit film, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious.

Cinderella: Friday, December 19-Saturday, January 24 – The greatest pantomime of them all! Starring Lesley Joseph as the Fairy Godmother and back by popular demand, Matt Slack, the most famous fairytale in the world, Cinderella, will be turned into a dazzling family musical extravaganza this Christmas.

Tickets can be booked by phone 01752 267222, in person at the box office or online at www.theatreroyal.com