WHETHER it’s just a weekend, half-term or the start of the summer holidays, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained at the Lawrence Batley Theatre thanks to the theatre’s new Imagine season.

The theatre has long offered shows geared to families from shows geared towards capturing the imaginations of the tiniest tots to offering exciting and challenging shows for older youngsters.

That’s set to continue with the first of the new season of goodies lighting up the Cellar Theatre – and lots of small faces, next weekend.

Who could resist Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved story, The Ugly Duckling with its gentle take on ideas of identity and belonging.

Sea Legs Puppet Theatre, founded in 2001 by Rob Ashman, take shore leave to share their story-telling skills at the LBT on May 9.

What child won’t be enchanted by the tale of a hot summer’s day when down by the river an egg starts to hatch only for one duck to discover that she’s been guarding the ugliest of ducklings.

For the most magical retelling of a favourite story look no further than this Saturday morning show which will brighten everyone’s day with its delightful music and eye-catching puppets.

There are two performances, at 11am and 2pm and the show runs for just 45 minutes. Short enough for the most restless of youngsters.

Half term is just around the corner and what better than to make a date with old LBT favourites tutti frutti.

The company has teamed up with York Theatre Royal to produce a new show which marks tutti frutti’s first collaboration with award-winning writer Finegan Kruckemeyer who is based in Tasmania.

The result is If Only The Lonely Were Home, a story of loss, loneliness and love told through movement and music.

There are two daytime performances of the show on May 27 which should offer a perfect half-term holiday treat.

The show runs for 50 minutes and is recommended for children aged between four and seven.

The monthly family treats continue in June when Wild Wood Theatre recreates a Russian folk tale, The Frog Princess for an LBT audience.

This is a company which has its roots in the New Forest and pins its green credentials firmly to its sleeve in the way it deals with everything from lighting its home base (they use solar charged battery power) to the way it travels (in a van fuelled by vegetable oil).

In July, take the kids to meet Thurtinkle, a big-hearted gnome with a big nose and a big talent for sniffing out stories.

Created by Terry Jones and delivered by theatre company DNA, this mix of storytelling, puppets and percussion offers a perfect Saturday outing for four to 10 year olds on July 18.

And when that summer holiday list of ideas starts to dry up, why not take the children to meet Wee Meg Barnileg, dubbed by theatre company The Babbling Vagabonds as The Naughtiest Girl In The World.

She’ll be at the LBT on August 8, making your little angels look like, well, little angels.

Details on times, age suitability and tickets from the LBT box office on 01484 430528.