Even as it prepares to wave goodbye to a busy and successful summer, Frome's ever-popular Merlin Theatre barely draws breath as it announces its eclectic Autumn and Winter season.

Theatre director, Claudia Pepler, explains the way a programme is put together for this multi-use, regional venue: "Unlike a city venue, we can't stage a show every night, so the art of putting a programme together is to include something for many varying tastes and all ages.

"Equally important the professional visiting companies is the non-professional, local work, which means this season we will be hosting Frome Drama club with The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists as well a nostalgic, hilarious remake of Blackadder ll, plus, of course a Christmas show for the whole family in December and Rock The Tots for the very young.

"We have a special showing of the film 'Wilding' and we are utterly delighted to have both Jack Dee and Rob Beckett bringing their work-in-progress, so Frome audiences get to hear their new material before anyone else."

Making the most of the warm 'Indian Summer', the Merlin's outdoor amphitheatre space, ECOS, will host award-winning, national touring professional company Illyria for two final outdoor shows.

Bringing rugs and picnics, Gilbert and Sullivan lovers will delight in the joys of The Gondoliers on 3 September, and the following week Sherlock Holmes, is brought to life as The Hound of the Baskervilles provides mystery and intrigue on 12 September.