THERE’S a whole new chapter opening up for drama fans in Huddersfield this spring with new and classic tales waiting to be told.

One of the companies writing a whole new page in its history is Oldham Coliseum which is venturing out into the region as its home base gets the latest phase in its renovation work.

The Coliseum company has never staged a whole season of shows away from its base in Oldham’s Fairbottom Street.

But that’s exactly what it will do and one of the highlights of that season will undoubtedly be its new production of a classic story, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound Of The Baskervilles.

It is one of the great stories of the 20th century and one of the most popular adventures undertaken by Conan Doyle’s peerless detective, Sherlock Holmes.

Kevin Shaw directs this stage adaptation by Clive Francis which marks a collaboration between the Coliseum, the LBT and a theatre company with the somewhat appropriate name of Imitating The Dog.

The creative team have used different theatrical techniques including sound, stark lighting, video and projection to create the dark and sinister world of the famous Baker Street detective.

They’ve worked hard to recreate the terrors and loneliness of Dartmoor, the claustrophobic atmosphere of Baskerville Hall not forgetting the howl of a hound across a moonlit moor.

After its opening run at the LBT from March 12-17, the show goes on a 10- week tour, taking the Coliseum brand nationwide.

Supporters of the Coliseum in Oldham won’t miss out on this new production.

The company is so determined to keep its home audiences happy during the refurbishment work that it will run a coach service from Oldham to the Lawrence Batley Theatre for this new show.

Exciting times then for Oldham Coliseum but also for the LBT. Its drama season opens in late January when it plays hosts to a new piece by leading Croatian playwright, Tena Stivicic.

Invisible is a funny, moving and topical portrayal of a world in flux. It takes on the big subjects: migration, globalisation and identity and aims to shift the way we see ourselves and others around us.

It is directed by Douglas Rintoul, artistic director of Transport, an international arts company based in south-east England and features an ensemble of international and British actors.

Chris Goode and Company arrive in Huddersfield in March with The Adventures of Wound Man and Shirley, described as a funny and touching story about two unlikely friends and the adventure they share.

It is set in the cosy confines of the LBT’s Cellar Theatre which is also the venue for the show featuring Darren Hill which follows later the same week .

Darren Hill is a Huddersfield-based performer playing in a solo show here on home ground. The story he tells begins with the return to a library of a well-worn travel guide – 113 years late.

There is still more story-telling later in the season from Theatre Alibi, an Exeter-based company who create exciting and imaginative

work for all ages.

They play their only date in Yorkshire with a three night run at the LBT of The Crowstarver, based on the award-winning novel by Dick King-Smith.

Theatre Alibi aim to retell this heart-warming story using puppetry, live music and a company of skilled actors.

Box office is on 01484 430528 or you can book online at www.thelbt.org.