THE world premiere of a new stage version of York writer Kate Atkinson's award-winning novel Behind The Scenes At The Museum will be mounted by York Theatre Royal this autumn. Commissioned from Bryony Lavery, the adaptation will be staged in York - where Atkinson's story is set - from October 26 to November 18 under the direction of artistic director Damian Cruden.

Atkinson's story is set in a flat above the pet shop in a street beneath York Minster, where Bunty has a growing family and diminishing dreams. Daughter Ruby tells the story of The Family, from the end of the 19th century when a travelling photographer catches frail, beautiful Alice and her children, to the startling, witty and memorable events of Ruby's own life.

From 19th and 20th century York to Roman York for the opening repertory production of the summer season: a revival of Burt Shevelove, Larry Gelbart and Stephen Sondheim's 1962 musical A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, which will star Martin Barrass, perennial sidekick to dame Berwick Kaler in the Theatre Royal pantomime, in a run almost as long as the panto stretch. From July 25 to September 2, Barrass, who lives in York, will don toga and sandals to play Pseudolus, the saucy, savvy slave role associated with Frankie Howerd.

A Funny Thing Happened On The way To The Forum will be set in Eboracum, Roman York with its Roman Yorkies, eunuchs and virgins, soldiers and knaves. There you will meet Senex the senile senator and Domina, his domineering wife; their son Hero and his hysterical slave Hysterium; Lycus and his lovely ladies; Philia, the paragon of womanhood; Miles Gloriosus, the original Gladiator, and of course, your commentator for the night, Pseudolus.

After the present lull, while the theatre attends to maintenance, the summer season opens with York Opera Society's production of Puccini's Turandot on July 11, 12, 14 and 15. Alasdair Jamieson is the musical director, Clive Marshall, the producer.

The Theatre Royal Young People's production will be The Extraordinary Plan Of Angelina Dork, a comedy to be staged by a cast and choir of fifty 15 to 18-year-olds on September 8 and 9. The story of Councillor Angelina Dork's plans for world domination, and the Angel Gabriel's counter plans, has been written by director Brian Higginson, head of education and outreach.

Among the other autumn shows will be Pilot Theatre Company's Rumble Fish, presented by the company that brought Lord Of The Flies to York, from September 20 to October 7, and satirical duo Lip Service with their new aga-saga spoof Woman On The Verger, October 12 to 14.

For tickets ring 01904 623568.