OLDBURY Rep has announced the line up for its new season of plays which includes the 500th production ever staged by the company.

A good old fashioned murder mystery kicks off the season with Agatha Christie's The Unexpected Guest running from September 12 until September 19.

The body of Richard Warwick is discovered in the study and his wife standing over him with a gun but did she commit the murder?

However, the police are puzzled by a set of fingerprints, do they belong to MacGregor, the man whose child Warwick killed or Julian Farr, Laura's lover. The play offers mystery and intrigue all the way with a surprise ending by Mrs Christie.

The between November 7 and 14 attention turns to Alan Ayckbourn's immense writing talent.

In a departure from his normal work Haunting Julia is a sinister ghost story which follows the suicide of a young musician, Julia Lukin. Twelve years after her death she haunts the three men who were closest to her, through both the supernatural and in their memories.

As the tale unfolds their relationships with her are laid bare and the tension mounts to a spine-chilling finale.

Fans of a festive season pantomime will be cheering in delight at the return of Cinderella to the Oldbury Rep.

Expect plenty of laughs between January 8 and 16 with Cinders, Prince Charming and firm favourite, the ever faithful Buttons.

Join all the characters in their adventures in this feelgood pantomime with laughs and boos for all the family.

In March (5-12) it is Eric Chappell's turn to tickle ribs with his hilarious take on the single life Passing Strangers.

Confirmed bachelor Malcolm and recently dumped Clive bite the bullet and attend a Singles' Evening in the bar at The Royal Hotel.

Their encounter with two divorcees, Julie and Liz, provides us with some side-splitting laughs, and a few unsuspecting surprises too!

In May (7-14) there will be plenty to celebrate with Noel Coward's Private Lives becoming the 500th ever Oldbury Rep production.

Private Lives focuses on a divorced couple who are honeymooning with their new spouses and discover that they are staying in adjacent rooms at the same hotel. How will they react? What feelings do they still have for each other? This play, first written in 1930, remains a timeless piece of theatre.

Then to end the season in July (9-16) there is some classic intrigue with a staging of Patrick Barlow's iconic The 39 Steps.

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Gripping and cleverly adapted stage production of the 1935 film you will need to keep your attention firmly on the stage for the fast moving plot and quickly changing characters.

For more information visit www.oldburyrep.org.