EIGHT new professional theatre productions will be previewed at the Maltings Arts Theatre as it goes into its new autumn season. As well as theatre, there will also be music, children s theatre and activities and special events to draw in audiences as the

EIGHT new professional theatre productions will be previewed at the Maltings Arts Theatre as it goes into its new autumn season.

As well as theatre, there will also be music, children's theatre and activities and special events to draw in audiences as the evenings darken.

The theatre, on the second floor of the Maltings shopping centre in St Albans, is also continuing to show old and new movies for all ages with family film Over The Hedge telling the tale of a mischievous raccoon being shown at 2pm next Saturday, October 3.

As well as a performance by Stan Tracey on October 10, music-lovers can look forward to The Stumble at 8.30pm next Saturday, October 3, Matt Schofield on Saturday, November 14, and Lillian Boutte with Denny Illett on Saturday, December 5.

Lunchtime concerts are also back with local duo Isabel Beyer and Harvey Dagul on Wednesday, October 14, and Wednesday, November 11, playing a selection of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, JS Bach, Schubert and Liszt.

Two very different production companies are putting on shows at the theatre. Gonzo Moose is presenting anarchic gothic spoof comedy Is That A Bolt In Your Neck? on Friday, October 16, which finds three fearless actors playing over 20 roles in a fast-paced performance.

And the most famous gothic horror story of them all, Bram Stoker's Dracula, is brought to life by Proteus Theatre Company on Thursday, October 29. The production uses a mix of circus, physical performance, aerial, film and music.

A number of popular theatre companies with children are returning to the Saturday afternoon slot at the theatre.

They include Magic Carpet Theatre presenting The Wizard of The Castle on October 17 with The Wonderful Wacky Wizard's Workshop earlier on the same day.

Krazy Kat bring an adaptation of Shakespeare with My Tempest on October 31 with shows at 11am and 3pm. Featuring a deaf/hearing cast of four actors together with puppets, music, song and sign language, it introduces children to the richness of Shakespeare's language and story-telling.

The season finishes with the family pantomime Aladdin and His Magic Lamp, a brand-new version of the classic packed with all the traditional panto ingredients.

Tickets and further information about all shows can be obtained by calling the box office on 01727 844222.