THE summer season at Darlington Civic Theatre ranges from musicals to classic comedies and thrillers, along with a goodly smattering of shows for children.

Classic British comedy sees the Kenneth Williams extravaganza Stop Messing About (May 4-8). The action is set during a live recording for radio, packed full of funny sketches, parodies and songs, reuniting Kenneth Williams with his Carry On co-stars Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick.

The ever-popular Rocky Horror Show returns (May 10-15) with all the timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn It Janet and pelvicthrusting Time Warp.

Bernie Nolan stars in Mum’s The Word, a show that takes a humorous look at motherhood, which has had eight record-breaking UK tours and a West End run (June 14-19).

For thriller fans, Columbo: Prescription Murder stars Dirk Benedict in the role made famous by Peter Falk, with British actor Patrick Ryecart also in the cast (June 21-26).

This is the first stage adaptation of the hit American TV series.

Ian Dickens Productions returns with Inside Job (July 20- 24) with Emmerdale actors Matt Healy and Christopher Villiers and a plot that involves three bombs, three motives, and only one possible outcome.

The Civic’s association with the Northern Sinfonia continues with a concert of works by Purcell and Handel on Friday, May 21, conducted by Bernard Labadie, an expert in baroque music.

The month of June is given over to music, including songs of the 1980s in 80’s Mania (June 4) featuring hits by Duran Duran, Culture Club, Wham and Madness, audience participation to the double film bill of Sing-ALong- A-High School Musical 3 and Sing-A-Long-A-Hairspray (June 5), Elkie Brooks’ 50th Anniversary Tour (June 10) and Back For Good (June 11), recreating the magic of Take That hits.

For children, the Bafta awardwinning Peppa Pig’s Party (June 2-3) is recreated live on stage for the first time. This is followed by another hit show for children, The Gruffalo (July 1-3), a musical adaptation of the best-selling picture book.

Summer comedy includes Keeping Up Appearances, based on the BBC sitcom (July 12-17) a new play by Roy Clarke, originator of the series.

An Evening With The Grumbleweeds (June 29) follows the duo’s pantomime success with new comedy antics.

One night shows include The Hairy Bikers with Big Night Out (May 18) following the previous sell-out in Darlington.

Actor and comedian Mark Little stars in Defending The Caveman, direct from the West End, described as “a hilariously funny, but horribly truthful show about the basic differences between men and women” (May 19 and 20).

Showgirl glamour – as performed by 16 Thai male entertainers wearing hundreds of costumes – is the theme of the Fantasy & Feathers tour by The Lady Boys of Bangkok (June 30).

Tickets are on sale for all summer shows and the pantomime Peter Pan which will star The Grumbleweeds playing Smee and Starkey.

New season brochures are available at the usual outlets or visit darlingtonarts.co.uk.

The box office number is 01325-486555.