THIS autumn promises to be a varied and intriguing one for patrons of Lighthouse in Poole, the UK’s largest arts centre outside London. Drama, dance, comedy and music all feature heavily in the newly published brochure, with the rest of the season following suit until the festive pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk.

The Carte Blanche contemporary circus continues to build momentum with this season’s Circus With A Twist programme. The Big Bang Factory, L’Iceberg and Soiree De Gala continue the groundbreaking circus collaboration between France and the UK, bringing these exciting, innovative performances to Poole.

The free Family Circus Fun Day in October will be a packed day of performances, workshop and backstage tours along with the opportunity to get involved with circus events and activities, including juggling and trapeze. Theatre and drama is as strong as ever, beginning with the hilarious Faulty Towers Dining Experience where dinner is served by Basil, Sybil and Manuel.

The comedy continues with Joe Pasquale in Ha Ha Holmes! The comedy line-up also includes the return to stand-up for Jack Dee after a six year absence, Radio 4 favourite Jeremy Hardy, James Mullinger, as well as the return of the hugely popular Jongleurs comedy nights.

Then take a trip into Anthony Burgess’s ‘horrorshow’ A Clockwork Orange. This all-male version is electrifying and testosterone-filled physical theatre. An eccentric adult version of Alice in Wonderland and The Pickwick Papers are grown up theatre at its best. Other highlights include Pocket Merchant, Teechers and Ghosts.

Families and young children are in for an explosion of fun with Horrible Science, complete with jaw-dropping 3D Bogglevision. Family tales include Aliens Loves Underpants, Emil and the Detectives, Michael Morpungo’s Toro! Toro! and Arthur’s Dream Boat. Wrapping up the Children’s shows for this year at Christmas is the delightful and magical tale The Night Before Christmas.

The Lighthouse has plenty of music to keep toes tapping, and highlights include the return of Studio Jazz and Lunchtime Recitals and world music sessions Making Tracks. Other musical events of note include percussion soloists Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jackson Live in Concert, Charlie Lansborough and Elkie Brooks. Don’t miss The Three Phantoms, Brit Floyd P-U-L-S-E 2013 tour featuring the brand new Floydian animation and projection and Slade and Sweet.

The live entertainment continues with, Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show, Ready Steady Cook Live with chef Lesley Waters and star host Russell Grant. Enjoy star-studded evenings out with Bay City Roller Les McKeown, Pam Ayres, Michael Portillo and Ray Mears.

2013 ends with festive season silliness as Lighthouse presents its giant of a pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, starring television star Debra Stephenson as Jack (Coronation Street and the Impressions Show) and Patrick O’Kane (Game of Thrones, The Borgias) as Fleshcreep.

Free copies of the season brochure are available from the Ticket Office on 0844 406 8666.