A YEAR since it reopened following a multimillion-pound revamp, the Lighthouse Centre for the Arts in Poole continues to go from strength to strength.

And as a reflection of its new look and growing status, the largest arts centre outside London has attracted a host of big-name stars down to Dorset for its new season.

Drama, comedy, music and dance will all play a part at the venue over the coming months and there is also plenty on offer to keep children between the ages of four and 11 entertained, with a wealth of workshops planned for half-term and the run-up to Christmas.

The season will end in high style with the panto Peter Pan, which runs from Friday, December 12, until Saturday, January 10, and stars television favourite Matthew Kelly as Captain Hook and Tracey Childs as Mrs Darling.

One of the greatest love stories of modern times starts the season when Mike Maran returns to the venue next week with his adaptation of Louis de Berniere's Captain Corelli's Mandolin about wartime love in Cephalonia.

The exuberant one-man show, presented by Mike and with live music, runs from Thursday to Saturday, September 11 to 13, at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30. Tickets are £14.50 for evening shows, £9.50 for the matinee.

The next production is The Cemetery Club, featuring a host of big names including Anne Charleston, Michelle Dotrice, Shirley Anne Reid and Edward Woodward.

Ivan Menchell's entertaining play is about three widows who decide to re-enter the dating game, only to find their lives turned upside-down by the arrival on the scene of a handsome widower.

The Cemetery Club runs from Tuesday to Saturday, September 16 to 20, with performances at 7.30pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30. Tickets are £14.50 (evenings) and £9.50 (matinee).

September's entertainments menu continues with Mike Leigh's toe-curling dark comedy Abigail's Party, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday, September 23 to 27, and the Young Vic Theatre Company's adaptation of Hobson's Choice, which is on stage from Tuesday, September 30, to Saturday, October 4.

Other dramatic treats lined up include The Deep Blue Sea, starring Una Stubbs and Roger Lloyd-Pack and an adaptation of Rosemund Pilcher's much-loved novel The Shell Seekers featuring Stephanie Cole.

You can also see Sian Phillips in The Old Ladies and Susannah York and Donald Sinden in The Hollow Crown.

Music is also high on the agenda, with the blockbuster West End musical Buddy coming to the Lighthouse in November, plus weekly performances by the BSO, lunchtime recitals, jazz nights and, on Wednesday, September 24, an appearance by top group The Fun Lovin' Criminals.

Visual art will also be on display throughout the season and you will also have the chance to take part in workshops and enjoy a range of amateur productions.

Lighthouse chief executive Ruth Eastwood says: "Since we reopened last October there has been a wonderful buzz about the place.

"Performers are pleased with the Lighthouse and the big names and companies are queuing up to visit Poole.

"This means that people don't have to travel to London or beyond for quality arts and entertainment - the top shows are coming to us."

For bookings and full details of the performances and events on offer in the new season at the Lighthouse, call the box office on 01202 685222 or log on to www.lighthousepoole.co.uk