YOU'RE not seeing things. Crime is not spiralling out of control in York, and this is not a gangland hold-up on the banks of the Ouse involving Abba and the dear-departed Freddie Mercury.

But it is a case of New York meets old York as the Grand Opera House gears up for its new season.

Forthcoming attractions include the Yorkshire Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's youth production of Bugsy Malone, between October 17 and 19, Jane Austen's social pastiche Emma, from September 24 to 28, and a performance by the flamboyant Abba tribute band Voulez Vous, outrageous flares included, on September 22.

Joseph Lee Jackson will be bringing Freddie Mercury back to life, moustache and all, in Mercury, a tribute to Freddie and Queen for one night only on November 1, while other forthcoming productions include the panto, Aladdin, and the whip-cracking western Calamity Jane.

The Grand Opera House has concentrated on arranging a varied programme of events this season, and musical offerings range from the sublime to the fabulous with Lonnie Donnegan performing on November 3 and Bob Geldof playing a selection of music from the last 25 years of his career on November 24.

Comedy shows include a performance from Peter Kay, star of Channel 4's Phoenix Nights, on October 1, while for those who enjoy their comedy rapid-fire, raucous, and slightly rude, Freddie Starr will be appearing on November 16. In the new year, the bespectacled Harry Hill will be bringing his own surreal brand of mayhem to York on April 6, 2003. "We're back-to-back for three months," said John Pallett, spokesman for the Grand Opera House.

"It's an extraordinary season. It's going to be so busy. I'm taking a holiday in January to recover!"

For information on the Grand Opera House's forthcoming season or to book for any of the shows mentioned, phone the Grand Opera House box office on 01904 671818.

Updated: 09:36 Saturday, September 07, 2002