THE Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham lives up to its name over the next week with a range of theatre for all tastes.

The classic farce Arsenic and Old Lace opens on Monday and runs to May 21.

It stars Angela Thorne from To the Manor Born, Brigit Forsyth (The Likely Lads) and former Dr Who Sylvester McCoy in the comedy made famous by the 1944 Frank Capra film starring Cary Grant.

It tells the story of two loveable maiden aunts who, with the help of their elderberry wine, dispatch their gentleman callers into the Panama Canal.

The new production coming to Cheltenham comes from the producers of The Shell Seekers and The Woman in Black.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday May 17 (to Saturday, May 21) at The Everyman's Other Space, a rarely performed Greek tragedy is being revived.

WorksWell Productions, known for staging classic texts, is producing its new adaptation of Oedipus at Colonus, the middle work of Sopholcles' Theban trilogy.

Set after Oedipus Rex and before Antigone, it was written by Sophocles long afterwards, towards the end of his 90-year lifetime.

"Oedipus at Colonus is not frequently performed but to those familiar with the Theban plays of Sophocles, it can be a very satisfying and even serene play," said theatre spokeswoman Meg Jackson. "Despite the vitriol and harshness of the conflicts played out within the piece, the play gives Oedipus a voice and a magnificent, victorious closure."

WorksWell is an Everyman associate company formed to produce original work relating to classical and historical material.

For younger audiences, a classic children's story is coming to life in the main theatre from May 18 to 21.

The Gruffalo is the story of a mouse on a journey through the deep, dark wood, scaring animals away with the story of the Gruffalo - but what happens when he comes face to face with the Gruffalo itself?

Plenty of music, songs and laughter are used to tell the award-winning story in a production aimed at children aged three and over.

And the busy week ahead all follows the acclaimed First World War production Journey's End running at until Saturday.

Call the Everyman box office on 01242 572573 or book online on 01242 572573.