THEATRE veteran Simon Callow is among performers during the new season at Burnley Mechanics, featuring firm favourites, big hitters and new talent.

Leading actor Simon promises a wonderfully vivid account of the exploits of Orson Welles as he delves into the mind of one of the most complex artists of the 20th century.

Hot jive and swing band The Jive Aces perform on March 4, while British singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore appears on March 10 and Celtic folk-punk band Ferocious Dog visit on April 2.

Blues-rock three-piece Willie And The Bandits provide a modern element to the quality blues line-up that the Mechanics are renowned for on March 11.

There will be tribute shows including Totally Tina on February 27, recreating the live experience of the legendary queen of rock and roll, A Night Of Dirty Dancing, celebrating the greatest movie soundtrack of all time on March 18, and ELO Experience paying homage to one of the world’s best recording bands on March 12.

The Valley Academy return with the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Starlight Express, in which young boy’s toy trains come to life for a competition, in April.

Mini Makers had better get ready because CBeebies royalty Mister Maker And The Shapes will be bringing plenty of dancing and interaction, arty colourful fun and a ‘big make’ for everyone to join in with, on April 2.

Annual favourite and all-action family show American Wrestling returns for another red hot rumble on March 5, while school children can look forward to a ludicrously lyrical and magically musical performance in Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie, an extraordinary travelling circus, on March 17.

Visit burnleymechanics.co.uk or call 01282 664400 to book tickets.