A host of top shows and stars including Judge John Deed actor Martin Shaw was today announced for the summer programme at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

The line-up covers late May to early September and with tickets going on sale to the public today, theatre bosses say that many shows are expected to sell out with a programme including drama and comedy.

Bill Kenwright will be bringing his new touring production, Clifford Odet’s award-winning masterpiece, The Country Girl.

It stars renowned actor Martin Shaw, who will be making his Theatre Severn debut along with his Judge John Deed co-star, Jenny Seagrove.

A stage version of Hi De Hi, the TV sitcom from the 1980s, will also be coming in July.

Some top name comedians are also coming to Shrewsbury.

Reginald D Hunter, a well-known face on prime time television shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and QI, will be performing at the end of June.

Wife Begins at Forty is a comedy about a woman who has a mid-life crisis and tries to “find herself” as she nears her 40th birthday.

There is also a host of up-and-coming comedians set to perform each month as part of the comedy club, Severn Jesters.

The programme includes a special Edinburgh Fringe Festival preview with two full shows in one night from Russell Crane and Alun Cochrane.

Musical acts include appearances by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, Julie Fowlis, Alan Price, lead singer of the 1960s band, The Animals, and the multi-award winning singer songwriter, Clare Teal.

Other shows include Jazz Dance Company, punk poet John Cooper Clarke and a children’s show, Theo The Mouse’s Musical Madness.

Jackson Cummings, Theatre Severn’s marketing manager, said: “From West End shows to top comedians and popular musicians, we’re sure that everyone will find something to enjoy.”

Tickets can be booked on (01743) 281281 or at the Old Market Hall, in The Square, in Shrewsbury.

To book online visit www.theatresevern.co.uk