Warwick Arts Centre's spring summer 2023 season features a host of big names, inspiring adaptations, and even more free activities.

After the huge success of Stick Man over Christmas, another Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler story heads to the Coventry venue as Tall Stories present an adaptation of The Smeds And The Smoos (1-4 Jun 2023). On a far off planet, a red Smed falls for a blue Smoo in a warming tale inspired by Romeo and Juliet.

Other shows for families include the spectacular Dinosaur World Live (25-26 Feb 2023), perfectly timed for Half-Term, while Ian Nicholson and Sam Wilde bring their viral lockdown hit based on Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back (12 Feb 2023), prior to the arrival of Peut-Être Theatre's The Dark (5 Mar 2023) - a captivating adaptation of the story by Lemony Snicket, and illustrated by Jon Klassen, in which the young Laszlo meets the dark ...

Also heading to Warwick Arts Centre's stages are a revival of Abigail's Party (14-18 Mar 2023), an adaptation of Mike Leigh's classic study of '70s suburban life by London Classic Theatre, and an exciting new take on Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights (16-18 May 2023) courtesy of Inspector Sands and China Plate, while a returning Rifco Theatre Company present Happy Birthday Sunita (20-24 Jun 2023) - a new comic drama from the creators of hits such as Dishoom!, Glitterball, and The Deranged Marriage.

Elsewhere, the internationally lauded James Wilton Dance reveal their fourth full evening work, The Four Seasons (7-8 Mar 2023), which is set to Max Richter’s recomposed version of Vivaldi’s famed concertos.

Having previously visited the Arts Centre with trio Yorkston/Thorne/Khan, musician James Yorkston returns with members of The Second Hand Orchestra and former Cardigans vocalist Nina Persson (9 Feb 2023), while other notable gigs include appearances from pianist and soundtrack composer RIOPY (10 Feb 2023), Dublin powerhouse Hothouse Flowers (5 May 2023), The Proclaimers, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra (21 May 2023), and Warwickshire singer/songwriter Ellie Gowers (15 June 2023).

A huge comedy programme is headed by Coventry's own stand-up superstar Guz Khan (4 Feb 2022) with his biggest solo hometown appearance to date, plus Maisie Adam (12 Feb 2023), long-running radio panel show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue (2 Mar 2023), rising newcomers Colin Hoult (11 Mar 2023) and Eshaan Akbar (30 Apr 2023), and presenter/comic, Judi Love (27 May 2023).

Also making their way to the Coventry venue over the coming months are plant-based chef sensations Bosh! (3 May 2023), 'The Body Coach' Joe Wicks (7 May 2023), Great Pottery Throw Down's tearful Keith Brymer Jones (25 May 2023), and Countdown wordsmith Susie Dent (21 May 2023).

In the Mead Gallery, British artist Katrina Palmer presents her largest commission, What's Already Going On (12 Jan-2 Apr 2023), transforming the space, while the centre's three cinemas screen some of the very best films, including Steven Spielberg's lauded semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, the Cate Blanchett-starring Tár, and Civil Rights Movement-era biopic, Till.

There's also loads of free stuff for all ages, including Jazz Fridays (weekly jazz gigs), Family Sundays (free creative workshops), Workshop Wednesdays (drop-in free creative sessions), and free music-making workshops covering such themes as songwriting and tech.

For tickets, visit: warwickartscentre.co.uk