Q: WHAT do Sheridan Smith, Ryan O'Neal, Jimmy Carr and the Addams Family have in common?

A: They're all treading the boards in Bradford Theatres new summer season, announced exclusively in the Guide today.

The season boasts big musicals, not least the acclaimed West End production of Funny Girl, the first UK tour of The Addams Family and the National Theatre's Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.

Described by critics as "utterly irresistible", Funny Girl stars Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice and boasts some of the most loved songs in film and theatre history, including Don’t Rain On My Parade.

The Addams Family sees the kooky clan brought to the stage in a spectacular musical comedy from the writers of hit musical Jersey Boys. Former EastEnders actress Samantha Womack stars as Morticia and Les Dennis is Uncle Fester.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - winner of seven Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards - brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life. They said it could never be adapted for the stage - this hugely popular and acclaimed production proves them wrong.

Broadway and West End smash hit Beautiful, opening its first ever UK tour here in Bradford, is the story of Carole King’s rise from being half a songwriting team with husband Gerry Goffin to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in music history.

La Cage Aux Folles, starring John Partridge and Marti Webb, is the story of Georges and drag artiste Albin, whose idyllic life in St Tropez changes when Georges’ son announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician. Drama and hilarity ensue when a meeting of the parents forces the couple to cover up their colourful lifestyle.

Other shows include The Wedding Singer, Dirty Dancing, The Commitments, the Buddy Holly Story, 60s musicals Shout! and All Or Nothing and Love Letters, a romance about first love and second chances reuniting Hollywood legends Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal.

The Alhambra's Murder Mystery Dinner Shows continue with Death on the Alhambra Express, Dying to Tell You and Who Wants to Die a Millionaire at Restaurant 1914, and there's Comedy Dinner Shows Edmund and Queenie, inspired by classic sitcom Blackadder.

Tickling ribs this summer are comics Russell Kane, Jimmy Carr, Stewart Lee and Count Arthur Strong, while Graeme of Thrones sees an avid 'Thrones' fan re-creating the fantasy saga on stage.

There's music from singer Joe Longthorne and Darkside, performing The Pink Floyd Show, and paying tribute to two of the world's biggest singing stars are The King of Pop, with leading Michael Jackson act Navi, and Bowie Experience, celebrating the music icon's sounds and styles.

From children’s author David Walliams comes an "explosively funny space adventure" featuring two big hippos and one enormous dream. The First Hippo on the Moon, featuring puppetry and music, is suitable for ages three-plus. Also for younger theatre-goers is a new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox.

The summer season also sees the return of Bradford Catholic Players to the Alhambra, in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

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