THE new season at Skipton’s Mart Theatre kicks off tonight.

Skipton Musical Theatre Company is staging the musical, Oliver, which runs until Saturday.

Tickets are selling fast and it is advisable to phone ahead for tickets rather than turning up on the door.

There are three nights of comedy lined up in November with John Shuttleworth on the 14, with A Wee Ken To Remember, a comedy Night on the 15th in aid of the Skipton RFU Under 16s and Dave Spikey on the 21st with his Punchlines tour.

Next on stage is veteran British singer Kiki Dee. She will perform on Friday, November 28, backed by an eclectic mix of guitar-based music performed by her musical partner of almost two decades, the composer and producer Carmelo Luggeri.

On Saturday, November 29, young members of Bad Wolf Theatre Company will take to the stage to perform Ever After Part 2- The Revenge Of Rumpelstiltskin.

Although this is a sequel to their first Ever After performance, it will explore the backgrounds of certain fairytale characters and paint them in a very different light.

The King lives on in Chris Connor who is back for two nights.

"Last year we had to turn people away, so Chris is bringing Elvis back on both Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6," said the mart's artistic director, Andy Lynan.

The season will culminate with Cinderella, packed full of magic, a bit of cheekiness and a smidge of audience participation.

Created by The Mart Theatre and featuring professional actors, it will be performed from Friday, December 19, to Sunday, December 21.

"Once again we will be offering family of four tickets for £24 to make it accessible to a wider audience," said Andy.

And he added: “It’s all set to be a great season and I’m now lining up performances for next year.

"I can confirm that we have Gareth Gates performing for us on Saturday, March 14, and he will be supported by Jai McDowell who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2011."

For more information or tickets, visit themarttheatre.org.uk or call 01756 709666.