West End musicals Hairspray and Chess, rock legend Bryan Adams, comics Jason Manford and Frankie Boyle, dance act Flawless and a Glee tribute show are all part of Bradford Theatres’ glittering autumn season.

Starting in September, the line-up features a range of shows and concerts, including new comedy and dance seasons.

Comics tickling Bradford’s ribs include Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Ross Noble, Al Murray, Armstrong and Miller, Brian Conley, Billy Pearce, Reginald D Hunter, Sean Lock, Ken Dodd and Jenny Eclair.

The Best of British Variety Show features old-school acts The Krankies, The Grumbleweeds, Paul Daniels, Syd Little, Dana and Christopher Biggins.

For dance fans there’s Northern Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake, a new show from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Essence of Ireland, and Blaze – The Streetdance Sensation. And dance act Flawless, finalists on last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, bring new show Chase the Dream to town. Don’t Stop Believin’ is a tribute to popular TV show Glee, and Thriller-Live pays tribute to the magic of Michael Jackson. A highlight at the Alhambra is Hairspray, the story of a big girl with a big heart in 1960s Baltimore, starring former Coronation Street actor Michael Starke and Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees.

Other musicals include Tell Me On A Sunday, starring Claire Sweeney, Chess – directed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood – Evita, Oklahoma! and Dreamboats and Petticoats, returning by popular demand.

There is a rare chance to see Bryan Adams in an intimate venue, when he brings his Bare Bones tour to St George’s Hall, and there’s more rock from Status Quo. Jools Holland brings his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and for folk fans there’s Seth Lakeman and Bellowhead. There’s more music from Georgie Fame, the Black Dyke Band, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Opera della Luna, and Take That tribute show Back for Good.

The Naked Truth, a comedy about a pole-dancing class, stars former Emmerdale actress Claire King, Maureen Nolan and Michelle Heaton from Liberty X.

Other shows include a One Man Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the Texas Tenors, American Wrestling and the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers.

The season ends with Alhambra pantomime, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “We have a fantastic array of shows, with the very best in musicals, dance, comedy, children’s shows, variety performers and singers.

“One of the most talked-about touring shows is Hairspray, in Bradford for two weeks. Another highlight is Chess. The opportunity to see this show on a professional UK tour doesn’t come around very often – the last one was ten years ago. Comedy is strong, with the best on the circuit at St George’s Hall and two Jongleurs comedy nights at King’s Hall, Ilkley.”

  • Tickets for all shows are available on (01274) 432000.