Bradford is to welcome a trio of smash hit West End shows to its packed theatre programme.

Theatre goers are already snapping up tickets for the arrival of Cats, the longest running musical in West End and Broadway history, at the Alhambra in July.

But today Bradford Theatres announced that two more hit shows are also heading for the city.

On Monday, June 16, Olivier award-winning comedy Stones in his Pockets will begin a week-long run at the theatre, followed on Tuesday, September 30, by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down The Wind.

The musical, which wowed the crowds when it visited Bradford last year, is adapted from the 1961 film.

The musical version, brimming with Lloyd Webber tunes, is transplanted from rural England to America's Deep South.

Other highlights of the new programme include a return by former Phantom of the Opera star Peter Karrie, who will be joined by Coronation Street star Suranne Jones and Amy Nuttall, Chloe of Yorkshire soap Emmerdale, to perform well known songs from a variety of West End shows.

An Alhambra spokesman said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be able to present another season of fantastic drama, dance and music. There really is something for everyone over the next few months, from the spectacular and long-awaited Cats to major West End drama Stones in His Pockets and Andrew Lloyd Webber's heart-warming musical Whistle Down the Wind.

''We're also delighted to welcome back Northern Ballet Theatre, who return in September with their sumptuous production of the classic Romeo and Juliet."

Across town, St George's Hall is also lining up a crowd-pulling season of top draw shows with Status Quo, 60s sex symbol and former Seekers star Judith Durham, comedian Dominic Holland and astronomer Patrick Moore alongside old favourites such as Ken Dodd.

A St George's spokesman said: "Again at St George's we have something for everyone - an exclusive regional date with the dazzling Russian Cossack Dancers, comedy with Dominic Holland and some great music with a Proms Night with the British Philharmonic Orchestra, 60's pop princess Judith Durham and a fabulous triple bill of jazz featuring among others, Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen."

l For ticket details contact Bradford theatre box office on (01274) 432000.

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