The words 'culture' and 'community' feature prominently in the launch literature, underlining the approach of new director Joe Sumsion, and his own background in community theatre.

Whilst producing drama remains at the heart of what the Dukes do, the new autumn season sets out its stall with a clear ambition to produce quality drama and to provide a place to showcase and nurture local talent, whilst also bringing to Lancashire the 'best of the rest' from around the world.

A £350,000 investment has seen the development of a more adaptable studio space, The Round, which will open its doors this month, and provides an intimate new performance area for drama, music and dance.

Joe Sumsion says: "We feel passionately about this venue and know that local people care deeply about its future.

"This truly is the season of passion. If you are interested in love, life, death and relationships, family intrigue, beauty, betrayal and obsession; if you want to laugh, cry, think more deeply, and be deeply moved, there is much for you to enjoy at the Dukes this season."

The autumn programme of homegrown drama features The Bomb, inspired by Jo Berry, whose father was killed in the 1984 Brighton Bomb, and her meeting with Patrick Magee... who planted the bomb.

Jo Berry and Patrick Magee will be at the Dukes on October 14, talking about their experiences and their journey together.

Before that, Northern Broadsides bring Dario Fo's political farce Accidental Death of an Anarchist to the Dukes from September 30 to October 4.

Drama takes a rural turn with the first visiting theatre production to play in The Round, from November 4-8. Farnham Maltings' production of The Drawer Boy is described as a funny, sensitive slice of Canadian farm life.

Two North West-based theatre companies visit in November. Obstacles to Coming Home from Preston-based Angel Club North is on November 1 and Anima from Momentum Theatre (November 14-15) are both new pieces of visual theatre.

A developing music strand at the Dukes sees local legends, Lava (October 3) and Lancaster bands Heroes of She, (September 20) How's My Pop, One Chip Potato and The Madrigals (November 28) together with acclaimed, jazz saxophonist, Courtney Pine (August 23).

In other theatre highlight, Potted Potter - all the Harry Potter books retold in 70 minutes - runs from September 26-27; Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf - a romp through an obsession - is on October 18; and classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty runs from November 21-January 3.

Box office: 0845 344 0644.