A new drama about cryonic freezing will launch our new season.

The Ockerbys On Ice, running from September 30-October 22, is the first home produced show of the autumn season.

This funny, heart-warming play about an ordinary couple who win a shot at immortality thanks to cryonic freezing has been written by Debbie Oates, one of our Associate Artists.

A long serving Coronation Street scriptwriter, Debbie’s previous work for The Dukes includes adaptations of Treasure Island and A Christmas Carol as well as an outdoor walkabout version of Oliver Twist.

The Ockerbys on Ice has been partly supported through The Dukes our first crowdfunding campaign, and will be performed in The Round.

For Christmas, The Round will be transformed into a toy shop from November 25-January 7, as we present our own version of Pinocchio, a captivating and enduring tale full of wonderful characters, laughter, music, puppets and songs.

Our new comedy season features Mark Watson(October 15); James Acaster(October 22); Tiff Stevenson(October 28) and Mark Thomas(December 10).

And multi-awardwinning comedian, Tim Fitzhigham appears as Will Kempe, Shakespeare’s stand up, on November 2 with Austentatious improvising a brand new Jane Austen work before your very eyes on November 25.

Our busy visiting programme also includes A Gambler’s Guide To Dying(September 24); Fire In The North Sky by leading UK storyteller Nick Hennessey(October 6); and a special commission by Cath Roberts, arguably the UK’s most exciting saxophonist, composer and large ensemble leader(September 17).

We also play a major role in Light Up Lancaster, part of the Light Up The North Consortium. This inspiring free event animates the city’s historic buildings, streets and squares from November 4-5.

To book tickets for any of the new season events, ring our box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org