Bristol Old Vic announces autumn/winter 2014 season

Bristol Old Vic has announced its autumn/winter 2014 season, which includes a major new production of an Irish classic, a return for Swallows and Amazons and a production and exhibition marking the First World War.

Opening the new season from 5 to 27 September is Gemma Bodinetz's revival of Sean O'Casey's Dublin-set classic Juno and the Paycock.

Starring Niamh Cusack in the title role, alongside Des McAleer as her husband Jack Boyle, it runs as a co-production with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, where it transfers in October.

Next up, Kneehigh return with their new show Dead Dog in a Suitcase, based on John Gay's classic musical satire The Beggar’s Opera, which runs in the main house from 8 to 25 October.

Christmas sees a return of Tom Morris, Helen Edmundson and Neil Hannon's hit production of Swallows and Amazons (27 November-17 January); Morris will also direct the opera Orfeo in a co-production with ENO (16-25 April).

To mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Toby Hulse's War Game – telling the story of the opening months of the conflict through the eyes of a village football team – runs in the Studio from 11 to 22 November 2014; there will also be an exhibition running throughout the season, Moved by Conflict, curated by Melly Still.

The new season marks Tom Morris and Emma Stenning's fifth anniversary as artistic director and chief executive, during which time they've overseen a major refurbishment of the historic theatre.

For more on Bristol Old Vic's new season, visit bristololdvic.org.uk