DRAMA figures strongly in a tantalising summer programme beginning next month at Winchester's Tower Arts Centre, but there is much more besides.

Art, music, comedy and dance are also on the bill, with such varied figures as George Melly, the Willard Grant Conspiracy, Germaine Greer and Omid Djalili.

An early treat is a comedy double-header from Spymonkey on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, with Stiff and Cooped. The first production is a Victorian melodrama set in an inept undertaker's, while the second is the tale of a young girl arriving at a Gothic mansion where dread, mystery and male and female nudity await!

More thespian thrills come later in the month when Peepolykus present Ionesco's masterpiece Rhinoceros. Only The Tower would present Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale in midsummer, which they do on June 24.

If music's your bag, there is much to dip into, with the uncrowned king of the national steel guitar, Bob Brozman, co-founder of The Incredible String Band, Robin Williamson, Eagles tribute band The Beagles, and a taste of Zimbabwean music from Imbizo. Outstanding American band the Willard Grant Conspiracy, featuring the mighty baritone of Robert Fisher, makes a welcome return on Friday June 28.

Art exhibitions and talks take place throughout the season, with the paintings of Catherine Le Jannou and Edward Jones among the works to be exhibited. Talks include an evening with Germaine Greer, when the outspoken feminist icon will take on any question the audience cares to throw at her.

George Melly will be discussing Picasso in June and his own life and times in July, with Barry Herbert addressing the careers of Thomas Gainsbor-ough and Toulouse Lautrec.

Add a dash of footstomping flamenco from Spain with Jaleo and Iran's top comedian Omid Djalili, and you've got the ingredients for a summer cocktail of entertainment at The Tower.

For more details and brochure contact 01962 867986 or log on to www.towerarts.co.uk