THE autumn and winter programme at The Forum promises to be a packed one, with some well-known names and faces taking to the Barrow venue’s stage.

As has become its trademark in recent years, the programme once again features a host of well-known comics scheduled to visit, with famous TV face Omid Djalili once again the stand-out name. The Iranian-born comic has been a regular visitor to the region, and once again stops off in Furness on Wednesday November 9. The show comes early on in his brand new Schmuck For A Night tour.

Comedy mixes with mind-blowing tricks, as Pete Firman, star of BBC1's The Magicians, brings his solo show to Barrow on September 30. Fresh from his 10th year at the Edinburgh Festival, he brings his trademark blend of crowd-pleasing comedy and jaw-dropping magic.

In a similar vein, one of Britain's greatest-ever entertainers is celebrated in a new stage production. The Tommy Cooper Show tells the story of the original star of comedy and magic, and comes to The Forum on October 9. The following week, on October 13, Roy "Chubby" Brown performs at the venue as part of what is rumoured to be his last-ever stand-up tour. The stand-up wraps up on December 10 with a Christmas Comedy Night, featuring leading names from the UK circuit.

Country music star Nathan Carter kicks off the musical programme on Thursday September 8, performing material from his new album, Stayin' Up All Night , which topped the Irish charts earlier this summer. Two days later he is followed by The Magic of Motown show, paying tribute to the hits of the genre, while on October 8, The Lancashire Hotpots bring the hits of their own, with another set-list of humorous anthems.

The month also features The Illegal Eagles - Britain's foremost Eagles tribute - on October 14, South Lakes Rock School's An American Trilogy showcase on October 24, the latest visit from chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata two days later, and The Legends of American Country the following evening.

R&B and soul superstars The Stylistics return with another collection of greatest hits on November 4, with former X-Factor contestant and West End performer Ray Quinn bringing his No Man's Land tour to Barrow on November 6.

Think Floyd - covering the classics from prog rock icons Pink Floyd - appear on November 11, and similarly, T-Rextasy hits the stage on December 3, bringing the 70s anthems back to life.

Two local acts perform seasonal shows to round out the year: Voce's Magic of Christmas , and Chris Barker's A Musical Christmas arrive on December 8 and 9 respectively.

As ever there are a number of theatrical treats on offer too, with the A590 Theatre Group performing a charity show for Headway on September 3 to get things under way.

Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society have a five-night run of Grease to look forward to from October 18, while Walney Musical Theatre Company also enjoy five nights of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from November 15.

This year's family pantomime, Peter Pan , promises to be the biggest and best yet, and running from December 13 to 31, will bring the curtain down on 2016 in style.

Other highlights in the autumn/winter programme include: Psychic Sally on October 7; Ballet Theatre UK performing Romeo and Juliet on October 25; CBeebies favourite Sid’s Show arrives on October 29; hypnotist Andrew Newton returns on November 3; Lady Boys of Bangkok bring their latest show to Barrow on November 24; and The Christmas Reunion , featuring familiar local faces from both stage and screen, on December 2 will also be one to look forward to.

A full programme, including dates, times and ticket information, is available online at www.theforumbarrow.co.uk