Comedies, hard-hitting dramas, classic West End productions and a musical starring singer David Essex – Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre today announced its packed autumn programme.

Bosses today said that the season of shows featured one its most star-studded line-ups ever. The programme kicks off with Jane McDonald – The Tour.

The singer made a name for herself on the BBC programme The Cruise and went on to present Loose Women for six years.

She will be on stage belting out some of her favourite songs at the Lichfield Street venue on September 10.

Former Steps favourites Ian “H” Watkins and Faye Tozer will star in Rhinestone Mondays, a linedancing comedy. The show runs from September 13 to 17.

Cirque du Ciel’s production of Shanghi will run from September 30 until October 1. The two-hour extravaganza combines acrobatics, modern dance and martial arts.

A host of famous faces will strip off in Calender Girls from October 24 to 29. The fastest-selling tour ever has triumphed in the West End and it will come to Wolverhampton starring Lynda Bellingham, Jennifer Ellison and Rula Lenska.

Su Pollard of Hi-de-Hi! fame takes to the stage in Annie from November 1 to 5. On November 28, Dreamboats and Petticoats opens, running until December 3.

Sister Act comes to Wolverhampton from February 7 to 18. David Essex, currently in EastEnders, is starring in Fun of the Fair from April 10 to 14. The show is billed as a rollercoaster ride of a musical, underscored by Essex’s hits including Hold Me Close.

Other shows include Keeler, featuring Alice Coultard and Paul Nicholas from November 14 to 19, as well as Birds of a Feather from March 19 to 24.

Grand spokeswoman Vicky Price said today: “This is probably the best star-studded season we have ever had. It’s a really exciting time for the Grand.”

Tickets for the autumn season will go on sale on August 8.