A mix of drama, music and films are promised at the Maltings Arts Theatre for their new season of events.

In homage to the recently departed Leonard Nimoy, and as part of the St Albans Film Festival, the first three Star Trek films will be shown on Saturday May 2.

Back from the future and firmly on Planet Earth is the season’s flagship production, Playhouse Creatures, by April de Angelis. The Maltings’ resident company, OVO, presents this fascinating insight into the first actresses to perform on stage. Drawing from historic fact about these leading ladies, including Nell Gwyn, Playhouse Creatures weaves a fictional tale that strikes a very modern chord. Full of comedy, backstage chaos, corsets and heart-breaking moments the play is a contemporary classic securing its place as a drama and theatre studies set text. The production runs from Thursday May 7 until Sunday May 10 at 8pm.

Followers of the regular eclectic folk events will be delighted to know that there are three concerts lined up this season on May 1, June 5 and July 10, featuring highly acclaimed artists alongside New Roots’ finalists - a competition for young musicians.

The Young People’s Puppet Theatre presents Two Russian Fairy Tales on June 20, the result of year-long collaboration with Aboyne Lodge Schools.

Dot productions returns to the theatre on July 17 with their latest witty adaptation, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. Six actors bring to life the tale of Catherine Morland, her penchant for gothic novels and her overactive imagination.

Dyad presents its critically acclaimed production, I, Elizabeth on July 29 and 30 before it returns to the Edinburgh Festival. Using only Elizabeth’s words, Rebecca Vaughan explores the young queen’s struggle to reconcile the desires of womanhood with the duties of sovereignty.

The season ends in August with a laugh out loud comedy performed by a new theatre company. Neville’s Island, written by Tim Firth (Calendar Girls) had a recent revival in the West End and follows four members of middle management whose training weekend goes horribly wrong when they get trapped on an island.

Maltings Arts Theatre director of programming, Imogen de la Bere said: “Our programming continues to attract audiences from the local area and further afield. We’ve seen significant growth in new audience members and the feedback about the warm, welcoming atmosphere as well as the quality of the shows is always a pleasure to hear. We’re also getting more enquiries about hiring the space; from meetings to choirs the venue is available for a very reasonable fee, which is vital support for us operating the theatre.”

More information on this season’s programme can be found at www.maltingsartstheatre.co.uk and tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo or by calling the box office on 0333 666 3366.