LIVE comedy, music, theatre and dance all feature in the future of the Tropicana.

Speculation over what is in store for the former seafront pool building in Weston-super-Mare has come to an end – at least for now – as North Somerset Council reveals its plans to host a series of events at the venue this winter.

The pool closed in 1999 and slowly became derelict after years of lying empty, until August this year when Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition opened and brought in more than 200,000 visitors during its five-week run.

North Somerset’s councillors were keen to continue the tide of success and earlier this month agreed to spend £550,000 to get the building up to scratch as an entertainment venue.

The council has this week announced that after the makeover, eight shows will be housed at the seafront building during December and January.

The new programme of events has been named Theatre @ The Bay after the café built at the site by the council in the summer – which the Mercury understands cost more than £1million.

All the performances will be in the indoor area used as the gallery during Dismaland.

Council leader Nigel Ashton said: “Hosting Dismaland demonstrated the building’s huge potential as a venue for arts and entertainment.

“It is important that we now capitalise on the legacy created by Dismaland.

“These shows are just the start of establishing the venue as an arts and entertainment centre as part of our wider regeneration plans for the town where more people want to live, learn and spend their leisure time.”

The December line-up includes the Nutshell Nutcracker, Neither There Nor Here, Mrs Gerrish’s Grotto and Nutty Noah.

In January, the venue will host A Christmas Carol by Living Spit, Instant Wit, Fireside Tales With Granddad and Coulrophobia.

More information including performance times and ticket prices can be found on the Tobacco Factory Theatres website at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com or by calling 01179 020344.