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There are several reasons why your average Arches-goer keeps heading back to the popular venue’s Theatre Festival.

Among those, the ability of the event to throw up something truly unique and unexpected must ranks highest.

In that sense and any other, this year’s instalment of The Arches Theatre Festival will not disappoint.

With 16 different shows to choose from, there will be something for everyone, from a curious novice to a seasoned observer.

An Oak Tree comes to Glasgow with glowing praise still resounding after a smash hit run at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh.

Essentially, the play revolves around a tragedy, but is presented in a superbly improvised format featuring several guest actors.

Popsicle's Departure, meanwhile, arrives from America in a very different format, and centres on the Boston grunge scene of the late 1980s.

Another cerebral contribution comes in the form of Paster Noster by David Leddy, a short play directed at single audience members in a blackened room.

These shows, though, are just the tip of the iceberg. The energy and verve of The Arches’ young production team has come up with arguably the best line-up so far in a traditionally acclaimed festival.

The Arches’ founder and departing artistic director Andy Arnold, meanwhile, must be delighted with his legacy.

This year's Arches Theatre Festival runs from April 8-19. A festival pass costs £35 (£25) and day passes are £16 (£10). For more information, phone 0141 565 1000.