WELL-KNOWN classics and new plays make up Salisbury Playhouse's spring season next year.

The likes of Singin' in the Rain — made famous by movie star Gene Kelly — Henrik Ibsen's Hedda Gabler and Deathtrap take centre stage.

Looking ahead to 2016, the Playhouse's artistic director, Gareth Machin, said: "It is a very full season. We try and make sure there is something for everyone in there. There is a huge range of different work from classic plays to new work from theatre companies audiences have seen before and companies visiting for the first time."

New production Deathtrap opens the new season in the main house. Directed by Adam Penford (Stepping Out) holds the record for the longest running comedy thriller on Broadway and runs from February 4-27.

And for musical fans there is Singin' in the Rain, which runs in the main house from May 4-28. The production is in collaboration with the New Vic Theatre Newcastle-under-Lyme and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

"It is one of the greatest musicals of all time, which we are directing with new partners," said Gareth. "This is an important part to work with other partners to create big, bold work on stage and sharing our resources. There will be dancing, singing, rain and hopefully, a great feelgood evening."

Gareth will be directing Hedda Gabler, which will be in the main house from March 17-April 2. He said: "It is a great play. It is very sad to hear about the passing of Brian Friel, who was arguably Ireland's greatest playwright. It feels right to have the adaptation of his production.

"It is a powerful piece and it does have a lot of warmth and humour in it," he said. "It is terrific we can revive it here."

The play tells the story of Newly-wed Hedda, who is feeling trapped by her marriage and begins to manipulate those around her with shocking consequences.

The main house season also includes Shadowlands (February 29-March 5) — a drama about The Chronicles of Narnia author C S Lewis, and his relationship with American poet Joy Davidman, and I Am Thomas (March) — a collaboration between award-winning poet Simon Armitage and Told By An Idiot which takes a comic look at the story of the last person in Britain to be executed for blasphemy.

The theatre is continuing its commitment to supporting original drama with two new plays in the new season line-up, which will be premiered in The Salberg.

Up Down Man, the sequel to Up Down Boy, which asks the question that faces every parent of an adult with a learning disability — what will happen when I’m not here?

And the Playhouse and Pentabus Theatre Company will collaborate to present This Land by Siân Owen - looking at community and belonging through the eyes of the residents of a village when a fracking company arrives. It arrives in the Salberg from April 13-30.

Public booking open on Friday. For tickets or more information call the box office on 01722 320333 or go to salisburyplayhouse.com