Stroud Theatre Festival returns for its 6th Year this weekend, with over 90 performances in eight venues across the town.

This year’s festival, which run from September 14 – 16, includes all kinds of performances - from comedy to tragedy, and everything in between.

Part of the incredible line-up is one-woman play The Duck, written by autistic writer and poet, Rhi LloydWilliams.

The play is an exploration of what a diagnosis of autism can mean.

Starring Lucy Theobald, and directed by Jo Loyn, audiences have described this ground-breaking theatre as ‘fast-paced’, ‘frenetic’, ‘funny’, ‘life-changing’, and ‘moving’.

Headpictures production No One’s Damn Secret But My Own about an American author who was in fact a 61 year old woman.

Additionally Stuart Butler will be exploring Stroud's connection with the Chartist movement for his piece For The Love of a Chartist which he will read and perform alongside actors in various locations around the town.

Ever wondered how the last armed revolution was started in the five valleys? Will this is your opportunity to learn more.

Festival director John Bassett, said: “One of the great things about this year’s festival is that we have a number of young local companies involved such as Three Tier, who will be performing a new show called Out of the Loop.”

For aspiring actors two workshops have been programmed into the weekend at The Museum in the Park.

Children older than five can enjoy a half day workshop this Saturday hosted by acclaimed Stroud performer Fergus Ryan.

Fergus will ensure that those taking part have fun making and sharing nonsense rhymes, songs and stories.

A second workshop will show those of us who have ever considered writing a one person show exactly how it can be done.

Award-winning player-playwright Robert Cohen will teach actors, writers or people with no experience of being either how to seek inspiration and identify a structure before sending them off to start creating.

And visitors to Stroud over the weekend can also enjoy the occasional bout of street theatre which is rumoured to include roaming pandas playing harmoniums and a fun piece of open-air performance by a pair of cows.

Tickets: £6 or the ‘Stroudie Special’ £30 ticket gives entry to 6 shows for the price of 5

Booking and more information stroudtheatrefestival.co.uk, or call 01453 760900.