THE new Derby Live season has been unveiled with some of the biggest names in stand-up, stage and music ready to entertain.

There are productions from the renowned Hull Truck theatre company and a real mix of comedy with everything from Rich Hall to Jenny Éclair, and Pete Firman to Roy ''Chubby'' Brown.

"We can put comedy into all the venues here," says programme manager Bob Rushton.

"For the agents and promoters we're a must-book centre now. Dara O'Briain says in his biography that we're up there in the top ten for the UK."

Joe Pasquale, Al Murray and Isy Suttie (who was brought up in Matlock) are also on the comedy bill, while theatrical attractions include Keeping Up Appearances, John Godber's Teechers and Morse Mystery, House of Ghosts.

Hyacinth Bucket and her family are coming to Derby Theatre in November for a week-long run in Keeping Up Appearances, based on the BBC TV series.

Bob said: "People see the big names and familiar faces and know it's going to be a hit. Certainly featuring people who are on TV gives it wide appeal, which means we're hitting new audiences."

With Rachel Bell as Hyacinth, Gareth Hale, of Hale and Pace, Allo Allo's Kim Hartman, Debbie Arnold from Eastenders and Brookside's Steven Pinder, it really is an all-star cast.

One must-see production is Dolly, brought to Derby by New Perspectives, he said. "The company are fabulous and this new piece of writing is great – the tagline says it all… 'Cloning meets Country and Western Musical!'," said Bob.

"The title, tagline and description are all odd enough to make people want to see it. As soon as I saw this was being developed I set about getting a date here.''

Dolly playfully explores the science and morality of cloning and asks what makes us who we are – nature, nurture, or the power of our dreams.

John Godber's Teechers is one of the offerings from Hull Truck, and is on at the end of October.

Bob added: "House of Ghosts will also be a very classy piece. For one thing, Colin Baker (Doctor Who) is involved, and secondly it's by Calibre, who are well known for doing great things.

"Everyone loves Morse and Lewis. The novels stand the test of time. This is a very well put together piece."

The award-winning Penny Dreadful company is back with The Missionary's Position in November: they've done the story, a vaudeville tale, told in their fringe-based fun style.

Don't Stop Believin' is another fun night out: it promises an evening of singing and dancing to all your favourite songs.

Bob said: "It'll leave people on a high and they'll be singing along whether they want to or not! There's great student appeal and it's also something for a family audience."

Adrian Edmondson is back with his band The Bad Shepherds, and there's more for music-lovers with a season of jazz throughout the summer.

Further highlights include Dan Antopolski, "the comic with an ear for dialogue and a bod for sin", Bellowhead, the 11-piece folk band and An Evening with Tony Benn, where the former Derbyshire MP will no doubt give his views on the current administration.

Professor John Coyne, from the University of Derby said: "This season we are delighted to be celebrating our first anniversary of opening Derby Theatre with a great selection of homegrown productions and visiting shows.

"We are thankful to our colleagues at Derby Live for organising these exciting events."

More details can be found at Derby Theatre, the Assembly Rooms, the Guildhall Theatre or online at www.derbylive.co.uk.