From sing-alongs to pigeons at war...

The UK’s first stage adaptation of A Farewell To Arms and a new version of Cinderella are highlights of The Dukes forthcoming season.

A Farewell To Arms, which runs from October 10-25, sees The Dukes joining forces once again with acclaimed theatre company, imitating the dog, to mark the centenary of the start of World War One.

Based on Ernest Hemingway’s real-life wartime experience, A Farewell To Arms tells the story of an American ambulance driver and his tragic relationship with a British nurse.

In complete contrast, The Dukes will celebrate the festive season with a brand new take on the classic fairytale of Cinderella from November 28-January 10.

Adapted by award winning writer Ian Kershaw and performed in The Round, Cinderella will feature live music and songs, fantastic puppets and loads of laughter.

This autumn at The Dukes also sees the return of some entertaining old friends.

The Lancaster theatre welcomes back Northern Broadsides from September 9-13 with their unique version of the classic comedy, She Stoops To Conquer.

And guaranteed to warm up those cold November nights, the biennial festival of contemporary theatre, dance and music from South Africa – Afrovibes – returns.

Among the famous names taking to The Dukes stage this autumn will be saxophonist Courtney Pine who headlines Lancaster Jazz Festival on September 18.

John Cooper Clarke, the poet laureate of punk, appears on October 28 and among the highlights of the comedy season will be Tommy Tiernan(December 5); Richard Herring(October 31) and Tim Key(September 28).

The Dukes will swing to the sound of the Sixties on November 22 when it stages Sing-A-Long-A-60s Hairspray featuring a screening of this crowd pleasing musical as part of a Sixties themed evening.

For families, The Dukes hosts Around The World In 80 Days on October 2 and Pigeon, a show celebrating the role of pigeons in World War One, on October 27.

The Dukes will also be playing a role in Light Up The Streets on November 7, a special night-time art experience animating Lancaster’s beautiful buildings and squares.

And as well as staging Cinderella, The Dukes festive offer also includes The Puppini Sisters Christmas Special on December 12 along with seasonal film screenings.

To get a taste of the autumn line-up, The Dukes will be hosting a free Season Launch on September 2 featuring live music, sneak previews of performances, interviews with directors and video footage of forthcoming shows.

To book tickets for any of the new season events call box office on 01524 598500.

Or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org