SMASH hit show Matilda heads up a sparkling new Bradford Theatres season, unveiled exclusively in the T&A today.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi award-winning Matilda The Musical, at the Alhambra for a month from February - the only Yorkshire venue on its UK tour - is inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination, dares to change her own destiny.

At St George’s Hall, which re-opens in January, singer Barbara Dickson will be the first act taking to the stage following the £9.5 million refurbishment.

Also at the new-look venue is Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Buttershaw writer Andrea Dunbar's bawdy play which was turned into the popular 1986 film, shot in Bradford. A co-production by Out of Joint and Octagon Theatre, Bolton, and told with "wicked humour, startling insight and a great ear for dialogue", Dunbar’s semi-autobiographical play - written when she was a teenager - is a vivid portrait of two girls caught between a brutal childhood and an unpromising future.

Other acts at St George's Hall include comics Rhod Gilbert and Stewart Francis; Strictly stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag; the Hallé; George Hinchliffe's Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain and comedian and this year's Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Robert White. The spectacular Spirit of the Dance; Singalonga The Greatest Showman and The Dreamboys are also at the historic venue.

At the Alhambra, the spring 2019 line-up also comprises West End hit Motown The Musical, set to have audiences dancing in the street. With just $800 borrowed from his family, Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in Detroit and launched the careers of legendary artists, not least Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Featuring more than 50 classic hits including My Girl, What’s Going On and I Heard It Through The Grapevine, the show is a fast-paced, affectionate tribute to Motown and its maestro.

Other big shows at the Alhambra include Ghost, a haunting tale of lost love and the afterlife, based on the hit movie; much-loved family show Annie, starring Anita Dobson; New York-set musical comedy Avenue Q; Club Tropicana starring Joe McElderry; the RSC’s Romeo and Juliet; comic Jason Manford; lively musical Dirty Dancing; and the acclaimed Mark Morris Dance Group's tribute to the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Over at King's Hall, Ilkley, there are one-woman shows from Great British Bake-Off presenter Sandi Toksvig and controversial TV personality Kim Woodburn, while Dan Snow presents An Evening with the History Guy.

There's comedy from Mark Steel and music from Steeleye Span and an array of tribute acts - Swede Dreamz Abba Tribute; Sincerely Yours: The Vera Lynn Story; Neil Diamond tribute Sweet Caroline; the Counterfeit Stones and - dust off those leg-warmers - the Best of Wham.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres said: “We have a terrific season in store for spring 2019. The Alhambra, just voted the Most Welcoming Theatre in Yorkshire and The Humber for the second year running, has a sensational line-up, with a number of shows here on their first UK Tour.

"There’s a varied programme of top-notch comedy, music and drama at St George’s Hall. Audiences can expect a better experience now that facilities at the historic hall have been brought up-to-date, with better sight-lines and comfort in the auditorium.”

* Tickets for all Bradford Theatres shows are available on (01274) 432000 and bradford-theatres.co.uk