The Theatre Royal in Bath is one of the oldest working theatres in the country and many stars have graced its stage over the years...

There are some great shows on stage over the coming months at the Theatre Royal, Bath.

One of Britain's oldest and most beautiful theatres it offers year-round top quality drama, comedy, opera, dance and frequent Sunday concerts.

Many productions visit either en route to, or from, London's West End.

The line-up for the spring season at the Theatre Royal includes The Best Of Friends, starring Patricia Routledge, Roy Dotrice and Michael Pennington from April 3-April 8. Patricia Routledge is one of the most popular British actresses. Her numerous television series include Keeping Up Appearances and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

From April 10 until April 15 Losing Louis visits the Theatre Royal Bath starring Alison Steadman and David Horovitch. This comedy centres around a family reunion, which following the death of their father, causes moments of social embarrassment for two brothers and their wives, with side-splitting results.

Alison Steadman has starred in films such as Secrets And Lies and on stage and television in Abigail's Party. Her television roles include The Singing Detective, Pride And Prejudice, and Fat Friends.

Simon Callow also returns to the Theatre Royal Bath from April 17 until April 29 in Present Laughter.

The Ustinov Studio, at the rear of the Theatre Royal, features alternative drama, classical music, jazz and comedy and The Egg, also part of the Theatre Royal, opened last year and is a theatre for children and young people showing a range of plays for toddlers, children and teenagers alongside performances by young people, school projects, and after-school and holiday workshops.

Meanwhile, The Rondo Theatre, in the Larkhall area of the city is a studio theatre with a friendly bar in the auditorium. The Rondo presents a wide-ranging programme of the best in professional, amateur and community theatre, comedy, music, films and spoken word events.

Its programme features some of the most innovative and experimental touring companies in the country, as well as hit shows from the Edinburgh Fringe.

It has built a reputation as one of the best small venues in the country, without losing sight of its important role as a community resource.