There is some great contemporary theatre to look forward to in the Courtyard new season, including 4Play Theatre Company's rendition of Patrick Marber's Closer, Red Shift Theatre Company's Get Carter and European Arts Company's Pinter Double Bill - all cutting edge stuff which should appeal to a wide audience.

The extra comedy night is sticking and Mark Steel is the latest in a line of big-name acts who will be taking to the main stage on March 23.

Also continuing are the poetry caf on the first Thursday in the month and the Kids Club, which brings short, fun shows to the venue aimed at nursery age children and upwards.

New for next year is the Education Extra addition to three of the main house shows, incorporating post-show discussions and workshops where beneficial.

There's big band sound for the traditional music lovers (Syd Lawrence Orchestra on January 13); a continuation of the folk club and more big names at the invitation of Hereford Concert Society.

The innovative Leominster-based About Face Theatre Company will perform a cautionary tale about the dangers of not listening to a child in Rickety Tickety Tin.

This is a black comedy, suitable for families with children aged eight plus, inspired by the likes of Tim Burton.

Anyone who hasn't yet encountered this company should make a date for January 17 and 18 now.

For a change in pace Hatstand Opera bring their opera cabaret Love, Lust and a Damn Good Chardonnay to the venue to cheer up Monday, January 23 - a good introduction to the world of opera for newcomers and a light-hearted laugh for aficionados.

Off-the-wall one-offs include Philip Cox (Fagin in Oliver!) returning to Hereford with his Get a Life! Get a Life Coach! (January 24); mime artist and clown Nola Rae (January 31) and drag queen Ceri Dupree with A Song, A frock and a Tinkle.

2Faced Dance have secured a visit from Edinburgh Fringe 2004 hit Rumble on March 3 and the current resurgence in interest in The Canterbury Tales should make Mappa Mundi's production on March 1 popular.

Britten Sinfonia will accompany three Charlie Chaplin shorts in association with Borderlines film festival (March 29), which also draws An Audience with Barry Norman (March 30).

Continued work in the community, youth work and visual arts make this as strong a season as ever.

Call for further details on 0870 1122330.