STAR names from the worlds of comedy and music are coming to Otley Courthouse.

The arts venue has just launched its new programme for September, 2018 to February, 2019 - and it features some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Phill Jupitus, of Never Mind the Buzzcocks fame, is part of a lineup of visiting comics that will also include Geoff Norcott, Jeremy Hardy, Zoe Lyons and Sam Avery.

Forthcoming musical highlights, meanwhile, look set to include performances by ‘Queen of Folk’ Peggy Seeger and by two of the original members of The Animals - the band whose 1964 version of House of the Rising Sun was a massive, transatlantic hit.

The Courthouse is also looking forward to presenting a variety of quality drama performances, talks, family shows and live and recorded screenings over the six months.

Marketing and Development officer Katie Stitson said: “Once again we have packed this season with a diverse and winning variety of music, comedy, theatre, talks and family shows featuring an array of award-winning artists.

“Music highlights will include performances by original Animals John Steel and Mick Gallagher, folk legend and Fairport Convention founder Ashley Hutchings, violin trio Celtic Fiddle Festival, and top British soul jazz and funk saxophonist Snake Davis.

“We also have rock and roll legends King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys as well as local, up-and-coming solo performer Chantel McGregor - plus folk favourites Coope, Simpson, Freya and Fraser for their Narthen Christmas show.

“For our family audiences we are delighted to welcome back Fideri Fidera with their production of Oskar’s Amazing Adventure, tutti frutti with their adaptation of The Snow Queen, Topsy Turvy theatre with Christopher’s Christmas, and Fidget Theatre with Birds Nest Billy.

“Keeping up our tradition of bringing diverse theatre to the Courthouse this season we also welcome back James Hornsby with his one man show Oliver Twist, based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, and Reform Theatre company with This Might Hurt, written by John Godber.”

Talks to look forward to include Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen by Kate Williams, presenter of BBC2’s Restoration Home, while author Andy Beck will be discussing his acclaimed book The Wainwrights in Colour.

The venue’s live and recorded screening programme, meanwhile, will continue with National Theatre Live productions of King Lear, starring Ian McKellen, and Antony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo.

There will also be screenings of La Traviata, from Teatro Alla Scala, and Romeo and Juliet featuring American ballet dancer Misty Copeland.

Tickets are on sale now - call (01943) 467466 or visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk .