Globe critic Peter Grant was invited behind the scenes to the Liverpool and Everyman Theatres to see what is on offer when the Autumn and Winter season starts next week at the Everyman.

TAKE a bow Ian Dury, Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood and some rock ‘n’ roll Mermaids – they are just some of the ‘stars’ to grace the Playhouse and Everyman stages in the coming months.

A diverse mix of productions for all tastes and ages is on offer from some of the world’s leading touring companies and the cream of the UK arts scene. So what can we look forward to?

The Playhouse in Williamson Square.

Market Theatre Johannesburg present The Suitcase – a play set to the music of legendary South African composer Hugh Masekela (October 4 to 7). The company’s challenging work during the Apartheid era have earned them a global reputation and this tour is an ambitious collaboration between five theatre companies across the North of England.

The cult classic Rita, Sue and Bob - about two babysitters and their promiscuous employer is always a hit on Merseyside. This time (October 10 to 14) it’s from Max Stafford Clark and the Out of Joint Theatre Company.

The Playhouse also promises a ‘mind blowing spectacle of projections that push the limits of theatre’ with a spell-binding production of Golem (October 18 to 21) from the 1927 Company.

Families are in for a treat with Around the World in 80 Days from Kenny Wax Productions(October 27 and 28).

Headlong Theatre brings People, Places and Things (November 14 to 18) a year after its sold-out run at the National Theatre.

Theatre favourites Northern Broadsides present For Love or Money (November 21 to 25) billed as a ‘daft comedy about greed’ directed by the inimitable Barrie Rutter.

A pipe-smoking sleuth sees out the year (December 9 to January 13) takes centre stage in Baskerville- A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. This production - already a huge hit in the United States - features a cast of five actors playing more than 40 characters.

Over at the Everyman in Hope Street, there is equal excitement.

Tin Drum is something to bang on (September 28 to October 14) about when Kneehigh present their version of the Gunter Grass 20th Century classic.

The story of legendary rocker Ian Dury is told in Reasons To Be Cheerful (October 17 to 21). Ian’s band, the Blockheads, have composed a song especially for the show being performed by the Graeae Theatre.

A thought-provoking physical theatre play Man to Man (October 25 to 28) is a one-woman play set in the Nazi Germany of the Second World War.

It will later transfer to New York Dom Coyote and The Bloodmoneys brings the raucous show Songs For the End of the World for two nights (October 31 and November 1).

A one-man show from Hoipolloi’s Shon Dale-Jones hit the target is Me and Robin Hood also for two nights (November 2 to 4).

Star of TV’s 8 Out of Ten Cats Josie Long, headlines Lefty Scum – a night of music and comedy (November 9).

And all will go swimmingly with this year’s ever popular Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto this time - The Little Mermaid (November 25 to January 20). Forward-looking Gemma Bodinetz, artistic director of both theatres, is clearly thrilled with the news season.

She said: "As we take a breath between the freneticism and wonder of our repertory company seasons, it is with huge excitement that we welcome so many remarkable world-class companies and artists to the Everyman and Playhouse.

"As well hosting these exciting visiting companies and collaborations, no Autumn season would be complete without our ever popular and critically acclaimed Rock and Roll Panto and our alternative Christmas offering at the Playhouse.’’

And Gemma had this message for theatre-lovers everywhere: "Join us for a season of old friends and new relationships, the traditional and the game changing, the home-grown and the international, all chosen to dazzle and thrill our audiences.’’

To get your tickets visit www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on or call 0151 709 4776.