TYLDESLEY Little Theatre has announced a 2001/2002 season that will be eagerly awaited, following a year that has earned great praise locally, and earned a GMDF nomination for the quality of its set design.

Last season's plays 'Underground' and 'Loose Ends' were each named in connection with the Design & Technical Trophy -- hardly surprising as the first depicted the interior of a London tube train and the latter featured a whole caravan on stage!

Now, audiences can be told what to look forward to between September and May next year, in a season that will combine TLT hallmarks -- big-name writers, excellent scripts and the dedicated efforts of the society members themselves.

The season's opener, staged from September 25 to 29, is the hilarious and touching Straight and Narrow, by Jimmie Chinn. This comedy for grown-ups looks closely at family life as Bob tries to desperately keep a certain skeleton in his closet, while coping with an argument with his partner, an interfering mother and two sisters -- one pregnant for the fourth time and the other pining for her runaway husband. David Hadcroft will be directing for the tenth time.

December 1-8 brings festive fun with the 14th of TLT's traditional pantomimes. This year, Beauty and the Beast promises to combine a classic fairy tale with songs, dances and comedy.

Ian Taylor, an acting veteran of 11 previous pantos, will take over the directorial reins and become the society's fifth panto director.

Without pausing for a rest, he will also direct the all-female cast in Banzaar & Rummage', from January 29 to February 2.

The play is written by Sue Townsend, author of comedy character, Adrian Mole. This show will offer six finely crafted characters who will combine hilarity and panthos as they struggle bravely to come to terms with their troubled lives, while organising a jumble sale as a form of therapy.

Mike Rimmer will direct for the second time from March 19-23 when he presents Secondary Cause of Death, as a sequel to the previous comedy thriller hit Murdered to Death, which recently saw a successful revival at St Vincent's, in Bolton.

This new play, written by skilled comedy writer Peter Gordon, follows the further adventures of the bubbling Inspector Pratt and will combine the best of the British laughs and thrills ... a sort of Carry on Christie.

The season ends in the third week of May as one of TLT's longest-running and most critically acclaimed members, Margaret Speakes, will direct the classic sixties play Celebration, which looks at a selection of wonderful, lovable characters over the course of a wedding and a funeral.

Something for everyone, is the proud boast of Tyldesley Little Theatre. Members are looking better than ever and are inviting you to join them for the very best in non-professional theatre.

If you've joined them before, then you'll know what to expect. If not, isn't it about time that you discovered what you've been missing?

Full details of the new season and a money-saving season ticket are available by ringing the Box Office on 01204 655619, or the theatre, 01942 886908, or visit www.tyldesleylittletheatre.co.uk Please contact us with all your theatre and show news on 01942 670669.

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