MASCULINITY, feminism and the First World War commemorations are the themes for Salisbury Arts Centre’s autumn season.

The programme includes both internationally-renowned performers and local talent with many chances to enjoy work developed by the arts centre’s own resident companies.

Tickets went on sale this week, but already selling fast are comedian Mark Watson’s personal yet hilarious show Flaws, and Propeller Theatre’s all male production of a pocket-sized A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Topping the bill on the music programme are guitarist and Gypsy music singer Lulo Reinhardt - who is the great nephew of Django Reinhardt – on September 19 and Irish group Lunasa who are presenting a virtuosic Celtic music night on October 16.

Powerful productions portraying elements of the First World War are programmed throughout the season.

On October 8, Our Friends, The Enemy by Alex Gwyther captures the Christmas Truce of 1914 where English and German soldiers left their trenches to enjoy a rare, and short-lived, moment of peace.

The Second World War is also remembered with Idle Motion’s powerful play That is All You Need to Know on October 22 which celebrates the hidden heroism at Bletchley Park that changed the course of the war.

Award-winning feminist comedy star Bridget Christie brings her A Bic for Her show to the arts centre on October 28 and Forest Forge is presenting the contemporary story of desire, duty and lies, Woman of Flowers on October 7.

Men take centre stage with Beauty of the Beast on November 26 a physical exploration of male group behaviour in all its tribal glory, and resident company Two Destination Language will be bringing a new show about everyday ‘maleness’ to the arts centre on October 3.

In keeping with the Arts Centre’s aims of making the arts accessible to all, Krazy Kat Theatre’s Cinder-Ella will be part of the wide ranging children’s programme.

This witty reworking of the classic fairytale includes full integrated sign language.

Leading dance company Stopgap, which has disabled and non-disabled dancers, will be appearing on November 12 with their evocative show Artificial Things.

Arts centre director Gemma Okell has named this show as her highlight of the autumn season.

“It’s a fascinating performance by an outstanding company,” she said. “They pay attention to every detail. The theme, artificial things, has run through 2014, inspired by the title of Stopgap Dance Company’s new show and we are delighted to be welcoming them.”

There will be lots of opportunities to see local stars with a Hijack Open Mic night on September 25 and south-west group Towers and Aztecs on September 25.

And from further afield the Tashi Lhunpo Monks will be running a Tibetan culture day on October 26 with free family workshops offering dancing, butter sculpture and mandala-making.

Tickets for all shows are available from the box office on 01722 321744 or salisburyartscentre.co.uk.