A PACKED programme to suit all the family is in store at the Berry Theatre, Hedge End, this autumn.

From top comedians to high-quality children’s shows, from comedy to gothic theatre and Shakespeare – there’s something for everyone at the Hedge End venue.

A pocket-sized version of Shakespeare’s uncompromising tale of greed and revenge, The Merchant of Venice, is one of the first offerings of the season. Renowned all-male theatre company Propeller will be performing Pocket Merchant (October 8), an hour-long version of the Shakespearean favourite directed by the acclaimed Edward Hall.

Brand new And later in the season the venue welcomes back Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park with a version of timeless gothic thriller Dracula (November 21). This brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian gothic with the contemporary.

There’s plenty to keep little ones occupied, kicking off with a production by children’s theatre company ajtc. Bin Men (November 2) is a play with music for young children and their families and stars big dreaming bin men Don and Sam. The duo want to save the world and they want to have fun doing it.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Treasure Island (November 21) is retold with a twist by Olivier award-winning playwright Mike Kenny – it’s set in a supermarket. Late-night shelf stackers let their imaginations run wild; hiding below decks from the all-controlling security guard, turning the aisles into adventure, carrots into parrots, and cut-loaves into cutlasses. But will they checkout the treasure where ‘exit’ marks the spot?

Treasure Island is brought to the Berry Theatre by Mind the Gap, an award-winning integrated theatre company that works with learning disabled artists.

An afternoon of comedy is planned.

Comedy Club 4 Kids (October 29) is just that, a comedy club aimed at children from six-years up. Hosted by comedian Tiernan Douieb, Comedy Club 4 Kids boasts some of the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best – but without the rude bits.

And making a return to the Berry Theatre this season is Storytime. Come and join our storytellers to hear tales of flight, fancy and heroic deeds.

A variety of comic performances start with a return by Dr Phil Hammond (September 28). Medicine may be a serious business, but Dr Phil hopes to show that a trip to the doctor or A&E could be a lot more fun if it was a game with his brand new show Games to Play with Your Doctor.

Popular comic Lucy Porter, fresh from The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Lucy returns to the UK tour circuit with her new show Northern Soul (October 26).

Chortle Comedy (November 23) presents some of the best award-winning and nominated acts from the live circuit.

Join MC John Robins for an evening featuring Romesh Ranganathan, Ed Gamble and headliner Alex Horne.

This Christmas enjoy the tale of the little wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real live boy.

Adapted by Toby Hulse, Pinocchio (December 12 to 24) is given a contemporary twist and directed by Berry Theatre artistic director Owen Calvert-Lyons.