SITTING on a train back to Wirral after a first night it is always encouraging to see so many people clutching programmes from Liverpool theatres.

Wirral audiences are important to all theatres, a point noted by every artistic director - that's why they cater for so many tastes and genres.

So in a nutshell what can we expect from Williamson Square and Hope Street?

Well the Globe raises the curtains ...

Here we go.

The Odyssey: Missing Presumed Dead by poet and playwright Simon Armitage is a premiere directed by Nick Bagnall. It will be a September treat.

The Playhouse, in a co-production with West Yorkshire Playhouse, will also present a classic adaptation work by Tennessee Williams - The Glass Menagerie in October.

The two theatres offer different festive fair.

The Everyman stages its rock and roll panto Rapunzel - Hairway to Heaven!

From high-spirited capers to ghostly goings on The Playhouse will unveil The Haunting of Hill House.

Judging by past successes this production could transfer to the West End.

The show Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) given rave reviews by the Wirral Globe on its last visit returns.

Other shows that are expected to sell out include multi-talented Nina Conti with her outstanding ventriloquism in September at the Playhouse.

TV and radio stars Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo bring their showcase The Movie Doctors show to the Everyman.

A spokesman for the Everyman and Playhouse told the Globe: "The autumn season sees a number of "made in Liverpool" productions.

"We are delighted to be working with Hammer Films.

"And we have award winning Northern Broadsides back.

"It is a season for all seasons of theatre goers of all ages and all tastes."

For all visting companies and the full season of all shows contact www.everymanplayhouse.com or call the box office on 0151 709 4776.