DARWEN Library Theatre has been hailed 'a theatre of tomorrow' in the wake of its new summer schedule.

The praise has come from comedian Jim Bowen, host of TV's 'Bullseye' and a former Accrington schoolteacher.

He said: "I will be paying my second visit this year and I can't wait. It's a lovely intimate place and to me, the big theatres are a thing of the past and this is the future.

"It's great to be able to talk to your audience, and that's exactly what you do in Darwen.

"The manager is really attracting the names and I think it will just get better and better."

The Library Theatre is hoping this summer for its most successful season so far.

Its brochure, which comes out tomorrow, aims to attract similar crowds which gave the theatre almost 20 sell-outs in spring.

Manager Steve Burch said: "We've just had a fantastic season and have raised a few eyebrows with the calibre of artists we've been fortunate to attract.

"The theatre is now firmly established on the small-scale touring circuit."

Big names to visit Darwen this season include comedian Phil Cool and 'The Bolton Bullfrog' Bernard Wrigley.

There is also Elvis impersonator Jay Ashton plus Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, to be performed in Bold Venture Park, and a wide variety of children's shows from Little Red Riding Hood to Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

The fourth annual Darwen Music Live festival in May features local, national and international artists.

Coun Kate Hollern, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "Since its major refurbishment, the theatre is certainly proving to be a huge success as it goes from strength to strength."

Details of forthcoming events are available from the box office on 01254 706006 or the theatre in Knott Street.