FROM Hollywood blockbusters to heart-rendering drama and heart-warming comedies, the theatre stars of Bolton are hoping there’s something for everyone this season.

Members of Bolton Amateur Theatre Society (BATS) have been hitting rehearsal rooms in preparation for the coming months of shows.

BATS chairman Paul Cohen said: “Looking at the next season I can see that there is a lot to look forward to.

“Classic plays and musicals mixed with new and contemporary pieces that, mixed together with an array of concerts and musical extravaganzas makes for an exciting year with something for everyone!”

Kicking things off this week is St Simon & St Jude ADS’s musical From Stage to Screen, featuring a full cast and more than 200 costumes, which is on until Friday.

Then on Sunday there will be more tuning up as Bolton Festival Choir & Orchestra host a concert featuring music from Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Lessons’ And Death Shall Have No Dominion, and soloists will be Richard Pollock and Terence Ayebare, followed by Adlington’s St Paul’s Players production of Bugsy Malone from September 7 to 10.

Other musicals to look to include Godspell by BCMCS Musicals, Adlington Music and Arts Society’s trip to 1920s’ New York with Thoroughly Modern Millie, CATS Youth Theatre with Anything Goes, Adlington’s St Paul’s Players take on the high-praised Made in Dagenham, and some classic Gilbert and Sullivan with Three Towns Operatic Society’s HMS Pinafore.

Groups like the Brixi Singers and Opera 74 will also add a sprinkling of seasonal concerts.

Meanwhile there seems to be murder on the mind with not one, but two Agatha Christie plays from both Bolton and Farnworth Little theatres, while St Simon and & St Jude parody the great detective writer with Inspector Drake’s Last Case while Tyldesley Little Theatre take on their own mystery with Murder in Company.

More unusual offerings include the Marco Player’s adaption of Alfie and Kindertransport which tells the story of a child refugee in Britain after escaping from Nazi Germany, and Terry Pratchett fans will be making their way to Bolton Little Theatre for Wyrd Sisters – his Discworld reworking of Shakespeare.

Phoenix Theatre Society returns with a laugh, starting off its season with Salford-based comedy Hobson’s Choice before following up with the Hollywood blockbuster A Few Good Men.

Of course, theatres will also be turning their attention to pantomime season, with offering including Cinderella, Treasure Island and Puss in Boots.

Mr Cohen added: “I would urge the community to come along and experience these great productions and share the thrill of live theatre at its best.”

To find out more visit b-a-t-s.net.