By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 10:56, Friday, 15 February 2008

KEN Barlow, Backbeat Beatles, Snake Davis and the Wizard of Oz... just some of the entertainment to tempt you in Rosehill Theatre’s new season programme.

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KEN: William Roache is coming to Rosehill Theatre

Whether you are a film buff, a music fan or a theatre-goer there’s something for everyone – adults and children.

The BackBeat Beatles return to the stage on Sunday, January 20 at 8pm. They promise to recreate the energy excitement and fun of the Fab Four.

Then there’s the Best of Joyce Grenfell, starring Caroline Fields from Radio Two’s Friday Night is Music Night.

With David Carter at the piano, it will be an evening of warmth, wit and gentle humour on Friday, January 25.

If you are a Harry Potter fan then The Unauthorised Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff sounds entertaining.

You can experience all the books in just one hour – live on stage on January 26. It promises a funny show featuring all the favourite characters, and even a game of Quidditch involving the audience (not recommended for under fives).

As always, there’s a feast of drama from local groups including Rosehill Players offering a second chance to see their version of Bouncers on Thursday, February 7 and Friday, February 8 at 8pm.

The play is set in and around a northern nightclub, with action focusing on four bouncers and their portrayal of 20 different characters.

Rosehill Youth Theatre presents classic show The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe.

From Tuesday, February 12 to Saturday, February 16 a group of enthusiastic youngsters will be performing the show in a world where animals talk and trees can walk.

Local theatre continues with Whitehaven Theatre of Youth’s production of The Wizard of Oz on Wednesday, March 19 to Saturday, March 22.

Melvyn Bragg’s The Hired Man is being performed on Saturday, February 23 at 7.30pm by New Perspectives Theatre Company.

Set in rural Cumbria in the early years of the 20th century, it tells the timeless, moving story of a young married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land, just as the traditional rhythms of English country life are being interrupted by the gathering storm of war in Europe. It is on tour in the UK for the first time.

Leading saxophonist Snake Davis hits the stage on Sunday, February 24 at 8pm.

Having performed and worked with James Brown, Lulu, Robbie Williams, Ray Charles, Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Small from M People, Snake is heralded as a true musician.

He will also be running a workshop on the day at 10.30am (for grades three or equivalent and upwards, and for all woodwind instruments).

Guitar fans will enjoy a concert by Preston Reed. He will be playing an array of guitars from acoustic to electric to classical.

Drawing on blues, rock, funk and jazz influences, multi award-winning musician Preston Reed weaves genres, rhythms and textures to produce a signature sound that has earned him world acclaim for his emotional power and stylistic creativity.

An Evening with William Roache, aka Ken Barlow from Coronation Street, is coming to the theatre on Saturday, March 8.

He has appeared in the soap continuously since the first episode in 1960 and will be talking about his life on screen and why he still loves playing Ken.

Other events include a Celebration of Traditional Taiko Drumming, tribute band Classic Clapton with Mike Hall and his two-hour journey through the music of Eric Clapton.

Other offerings for children include The People’s Theatre Company presenting The Witch’s Bogey on Saturday, April 5.

It is a family pop musical based on the Russian fairytale Baba Yaga and the Little Girl With The Kind Heart.

There will be a glittering cast, colourful characters and memorable songs.

In April, female psychic Mia Dolan will be back as will Talon – The Best Of Eagles and for Stones fans, there will be Rollin Clones.

As always there is also a wide selection of films and classical music from the likes of pianist Paul Lewis, pianist Gary Matthewman, Red Priest and the Doric String Quartet.

For further information and to receive a programme with all the events in telephone the theatre on 01946 692422.