The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, has announced its spring 2016 season, including two plays and two "radical" new operas.

The theatre will present the first professional production of Simon Stephens' Herons since the play premiered at the Royal Court in 2001.

This is followed by the return of its production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, last staged in 2012.

The Royal Opera will present two contemporary operas, Pleasure by Mark Simpson, and the world premiere of Sarah Kane's 4:48 Psychosis by Philip Venables.

Over the festive season, a new pantomime of Cinderella, and Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas are being performed at the theatre.

Artistic director of The Lyric Theatre, Sean Holmes, said: "We are delighted to announce our 2016 Spring Season, a provocative and playful programme of reimagined texts.

"The return of Filter's crazed Dream; a disrespectful revival of Herons - Simon Stephens' searing examination of pained youth - and the premiere of two radical new operas; Philip Venables' adaptation of Sarah Kane's 4:48 Psychosis, as well as Mark Simpson's Pleasure."

So put these dates in your diary and get ready for a brilliant season of new theatre!

Herons

Friday January 15 to Saturday February 13 2016

Herons is the disturbing and moving story of fourteen-year-old Billy, whose life has been made a misery by a gang. Their brutal campaign of terror finally pushes him towards a terrible and violent act.

This will be the first professional production of the play since its premiere in 2001.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Saturday February 20 to Saturday March 19 2016

Enjoy a classic Shakespearean comedy as A Midsummer Night's Dream returns to the Lyric after its critically acclaimed 2012 run.

Featuring music from members of The London Snorkelling Team, this classic tale of young lovers and warring fairies is given a unique and irreverent twist.

Pleasure

Thursday May 12, Friday May 13 and Saturday May 14 2016 at 7.30pm

Val works the toilets in Pleasure, a hedonistic gay club in the north of England. For years, she has been a shoulder to cry on and a confidante, much loved but viewed as an enigma.

When a young man, both beautiful and unpredictable, arrives from the city and leaves a gift for Val, it marks the start of a passionate and violent night.

Containing themes of an adult nature.

4.48 Psychosis

Tuesday May 24, Thursday May 26, Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28 2016 at 7.30pm

This new opera by the British composer Philip Venables is an important adaptation of a radical and much-discussed play by British playwright Sarah Kane, who took her own life in 1999 at the age of 28.

Kane felt that 4.48 in the morning was a time of great clarity, when one's mind could realise its darkest thoughts. This new work is the first time any of Kane's work has been adapted.

If 2016 is too long to wait for a great play, why not buy tickets for The Lyric Theatre's Christmas pantomime?