Jason Donovan; Brenda Edwards and Norman Pace joined the Everyman Theatre's chief executive Mark Goucher last week to help launch the historic theatre's return to live performances.

The stars were in town to discuss plans for reopening and share their enthusiasm and excitement for a return to performing to audiences indoors.

The iconic musicals Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and Hairspray are set to be the first shows to welcome audiences back to full capacity houses. Priscilla opens on June 23rd in Cheltenham prior to embarking on a nationwide tour.

Jason Donovan said: "It's time to go for it! We have been without live theatre for so long and we want people to get back out there and see this show and have a fantastic time.

"It's a fun show full of music and colour and hit songs. It's a very modern musical; a little rough around the edges and about misfits, diversity and coming together.

"It has a universal message of hope and love and triumph over adversity."

Following the two-week run of Priscilla, Hairspray steps back in time to the 60s with stars Brenda Edwards (Loose Women/Songs Of Praise) and Norman Pace (Hale and Pace), for a show full of big hair and even bigger voices.

The irresistible, feel-good musical is packed with hit songs including Good Morning Baltimore, You Can't Stop The Beat and Welcome To The 60s as well as an increasingly relevant message about the fight for equality. It runs 5th - 17th July.

Completing the six-week re-opening extravaganza will be Mischief Theatre's award-winning international smash hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong. The global phenomenon, guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter, returns to the Everyman from 20th July - 1st August, following two previous sell-out runs.

Mark Goucher, chief executive of the Everyman Theatre, said: "We now need your support to help rebuild our business and enable us to provide Gloucestershire with the best shows available. We hope to see everyone at the Everyman very soon."

Tickets for all three productions are on sale now and available via the Everyman Theatre box office on 01242 512515 or everymantheatre.org.uk