POOLE Lighthouse has lined up a bumper autumn season of shows, described by the arts centre as "possibly the busiest in its history". 

As the arts industry responds to the restoration of full capacity allowances, Lighthouse has booked more than 130 performances and screenings to be held before the end of the year. 

The season gets underway with two sell out Concert Hall performances by two very different artists.

On September 2, Lighthouse will welcome Australian polymath Nick Cave with long-time collaborator Warren Ellis for the opening night of their first ever tour as a duo. This will be followed a day later by Pam Ayres – whose association with Lighthouse stretches back to its opening season in 1978 – with her latest show, Up in the Attic. 

Also lined up for autumn tour dates are the likes of Jimmy Carr (October 7), Grayson Perry (October 10), Frank Skinner (October 16), John Bishop (December 2) and astronaut Tim Peake (December 4).

Bournemouth Echo: Tim Peake to speak on December 4Tim Peake to speak on December 4

During lockdown, Lighthouse showcased hybrid performances of its resident Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with an award-winning series of live-streamed concerts that achieved more than 65,000 views. 

Using a combination of circus, music and film, Extraordinary Bodies premiere their latest work Human on September 17 and 18. 

Further highlights of a revitalised dance and theatre programme include the return of companies such as Gecko (October 20 and 21), Strictly Theatre (November 9) and Motionhouse (November 30 and December 1), as well as the award-winning pop-up venue Roundabout at Hamworthy Park. 

Bournemouth Echo: Motionhouse. Picture: Dan TuckerMotionhouse. Picture: Dan Tucker

Line ups of new and established talent is also expected at the regular Coastal Comedy, Studio Jazz and Live and Unheard strands before the season reaches its climax with Beauty and the Beast, the first ever Lighthouse family pantomime produced entirely in-house. 

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Lighthouse will also host the Global Rainbow attraction from November 18 to 20, an art light installation that will beam seven rays of laser rainbow-coloured lights across the region.

For more information, visit: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk