THE autumn and winter programme at The Forum features some of the biggest names in British comedy, while the list of musical guests includes multi-million selling artists from around the world.

The loss of local theatre legend David Marcus, will be hard-felt by many, but the main core of the programme gets under way with a two-night tribute to the director of the Barrow venue's annual pantomime of many years. The memorial concert on Friday September 8 and Saturday 9 features performers from all generations of amateur dramatics.

There is also a three-day "Real Lives" event in September, the culmination of the Believe In Barrow week of events, featuring live music and guest speakers. On Friday 15, police chief Robin Oake discusses his most harrowing day, with Olympic medal-winning rower Debbie Flood appearing the following night, and ex-gang member David Hamilton on the Sunday.


The current producers of the panto, Shine and Co, also present a showcase on Friday 15, featuring talented locals alongside professional entertainers Yvonne Patterson and Chris Barker.

The first major name to visit is Rich Hall, presenting his Hoedown on Friday September 22. The US comic, performs improvised ballads, cracking good musicianship, and, of course, his world famous stand-up.

Dinosaur World is back on Saturday 23, where visitors can meet and experience these prehistoric beasts close-up, and the following week - from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 - is the latest showcase of works by Barrow Society of Artists. Renowned medium Psychic Sally appears in the middle of the week on Wednesday 27.

September rounds out with two top musical guests: Brit Award-winning hitmakers Go West bring their set of 80s hits on Friday 29, and the following night Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowell joins the Mad About the Musicals tour for a performance of Les Miserables, Phantom of The Opera and Miss Saigon show tunes.

Spotlight School of Dance get October under way from Monday 2 to Wednesday 4, and it's a comedy double-header at the end of the week, with Sean Kelly and the Storage Hunters stars T-Money and Green Mile presenting an evening of stand-up and a charity auction on Friday 6, and top TV star Jason Manford bringing his latest work-in-progress live show on Saturday 7.

Country music showcase Patsy Cline and Friends arrives on Thursday 12, with the Eurovision Song Contest winning singers, formerly of Bucks Fizz, performing their best-known songs, such as Land Of Make Believe and Making Your Mind Up on Friday 13.

Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society presents Calamity Jane over five nights, from Tuesday 17, and another showcase of local talent sees the South Lakes Rock School stage their Chart Attack concert on Monday 23.


A highlight for audiences of all ages will be the appearance of Dick and Dom on Wednesday 25 - the children's TV stars performing their first-ever live tour, packed full of their trademark silliness.

The music of Paul McCartney features in Macca the Concert, performed by West End leading man Emanuele Angeletti, on Saturday October 28, and the Russian National Ballet returns to perform the Nutcracker on Sunday 29.

Bob Drury presents Viva Neil Diamond, celebrating 50 years of the American pop icon's hits, to get November under way on Wednesday 1, followed the next evening by The Blues Band - a supergroup of sorts, with ex-Manfred Mann members Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness.

Another legend of live music, Lulu, features on the winter line-up, arriving with her band on Saturday 4, and following two nights of Instep School of Dance - on Monday 6 and 7, The Legends of American Country Tribute Show arrives on Wednesday 8.

Continuing the nostalgic feel of the month's programme, world renowned funk, soul and R'n'B band Shalamar headline on Friday 10, with a catalogue of chart hits, including A Night To Remember and I Can Make You Feel Good.

Ed Byrne has a Barrow date on his extensive UK tour, performing his new Spoiler Alert show at The Forum on Saturday 11, before a host of dance school showcases, as Walney Musical Theatre Company presents Starlight Express from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18, Dance Tazia stages Rock This Town on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22, Dance Fusion does Let’s Dance on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29, Imperial School of Dance brings Dance Krazy on Tuesday December 5 and Wednesday 6.

Among them will be The BBC Big Band presenting A Swinging Christmas on Friday December 1, before the annual seasonal extravaganza that is Barrow pantomime takes over The Forum from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 30. This year's production is Cinderella, and will star local actress Emily Dodd in the title role.

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