MAYFLOWER Theatre’s autumn season opens with the return of Cape Town Opera and their stunning production of Mandela Trilogy, playing from September 7 to 10.

The amazing life of Nelson Mandela is brought vividly to the stage in a large-scale celebration and tribute to the man who touched hearts and minds around the world.

The first Mamma Mia UK tour follows from September 13 to October 8. Mamma Mia is Judy Craymer’s ingenious vision of staging the story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs with an enchanting tale of family and friendship unfolding on a Greek island paradise.

One of the world’s best dance companies makes their Southampton debut on October 11 and 12, bringing their breath-taking talent and technique to Mayflower Theatre’s stage with a dazzling array of dance pieces including the world renowned Revelations. Direct from New York, under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre continues to wow audiences and critics around the world.

In Peppa Pig’s Surprise (October 15 and 16), audiences will enjoy interactive fun, games and, of course, surprises. This charming, colourful new show features new songs and new life-size puppets.

Paul Nicholls, Jack Ellis and Ben Onwukwe will star in The Shawshank Redemption when it arrives from October 17 to 22. Inspired by the classic film and based on the short novel by Stephen King, the play follows Andy Dufresne, a banker handed a double life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife and her lover, who finds himself incarcerated in the notorious Shawshank penitentiary.

English National Ballet present a world premiere production of Giselle from October 26 to 29. Giselle is a timeless tale of love, heartbreak and redemption. Akram Khan, one of the most sought after choreographers working today, is part of the creative force behind the greatest romantic ballet.

Three productions inspired by William Shakespeare make up Welsh National Opera’s autumn season, which will comprise of a British premiere and two new productions. The season is part of the official Shakespeare 400 celebrations to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great bard’s death. This WNO season will be visiting from November 1 to 5.

Comedian, actor and presenter Rufus Hound will star as the lovable menace Mr Toad when The Wind in the Willows is on stage from November 10 to 20. This new stage musical penned by Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes and Oliver Award winning composer and lyricist team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe follows Ratty, Badger and Mole and Toad who embark on a series of adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed!

From November 22 to 26, Jason Donovan stars as legendary record producer Sam Phillips in Million Dollar Quartet. This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That's All Right, Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, Who Do You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more.

Northern Ballet’s Beauty & the Beast (November 30 to December 3) brings one of the world’s most famous fairytales to life in a kaleidoscope of colour, set to an infectious score, including music by Saint-Säens, Bizet, Debussy, Poulenc and Glazunov, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Sunny Afternoon (December 6 to 10) is an irresistible musical with slick theatricality and ingenious storytelling at its heart. It tells the captivating tale of how one of Britain’s greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to stardom. It features the iconic hits You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, All Day and All of the Night, Lola, Sunny Afternoon.

Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace will star in the South Coast’s biggest family panto, Robin Hood from December 17 for a four week run. Having established themselves as one of the nation’s favourite partnerships during their time playing Kat and Alfie in EastEnders, Robin Hood marks their first pantomime appearance together with Shane in the title role and Jessie his beautiful Maid Marion. Southampton audiences can look forward to an unmissable production packed full of action, adventure and comedy.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk