IF you're suffering from the January blues, then comedian Jack Dee's droll humour should provide some cheer.

Appearing at Hereford Courtyard on January 26 and Brecon's Theatr Brycheiniog on February 13, he will be closely followed by Tony Robinson's Cunning Night Out at Hereford.

Other highlights from the new Courtyard season include murder, music, mystery and mayhem with the Brewhouse Theatre Company's Something's Afoot.

Described as a spoof of all the whodunits you have ever seen - the characters are instantly recognisable - it's based on the Agatha Christie classic, Ten Little Indians.

Starring Peter Ellis (aka Reg Sudworth in Coronation Street), Richard Sinnot and Genevieve Walsh this production - which runs January 18-22 - has played around the world since it opened in 1976.

Orchestras Live, the national scheme promoting orchestral music in rural areas, is returning to the Courtyard on January 15.

The Academy of Ancient Music will perform double helpings of Bach and Vivaldi concertos, plus a Handel concerto, in their first visit to Hereford.

Taking its name from one of the leading concert-giving societies of 18th century London, the Academy of Ancient Music plays on period instruments.

Orchestras Live continues with the Britten Sinfonia performing works by Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten on April 16.

The new year sees a host of events for children.

From classic tales such as The Frog Prince, The Snow Queen and Rumplestiltskin to lesser known stories such as The Firebird, the shows aim to introduce youngsters to the magic of live performance.

Dogworthy's Magic Show, which is being performed on March 12, follows the story of Dogworthy and reinforces the vital lesson of crossing the road.

Another great show for the whole family is Rumplestiltskin on February 26, performed by Presto Puppet Theatre and using Bunraku style puppets (an ancient Japanese art incorporating a mixture of marionettes and rod puppetry).

Sooty will also be visiting the Courtyard this spring.

Call for a new season brochure on 0870 1122330.

SOME of the biggest names in the world of music and entertainment are heading for Brecon.

The London Mozart Players make a return to the venue on February 26 and award-winning West End star Mike Doyle will be bringing his entertaining mix of music and laughter canal-side on March 4.

Barbara Dickson follows up her recent album release with a tour that stops off in Brecon on March 19, The Mannfred's quirky mix of solid gold pop, jazz and blues will go down a storm in April and Elkie Brooks will prove she is still an artist at the height of her ability when she performs in concert later that month.

Reinforcing the venue's reputation as a bold supporter of contemporary dance, the only 2005 UK performance of Sylvain Emard Danse in March promises to be a highlight for Brecon's theatre.

Canada's premier choreographer is renowned for his fluid and controlled work, creating an atmosphere charged with emotional intensity.

Other dance events at Theatr Brycheiniog this season include the dance company of leading Welsh choreographer Henri Oguike in February and European Ballet's sumptuous production of Cinderella in April.

The big drama production of the season is Middle Ground's outstanding production of Dial M for Murder in March, starring Steven Pinder, Richard Grieve and Joy Brook.

Equally accessible theatre will be the order of the day when Mappa Mundi's production of Richard III plays for one night only on March 3.

Theatr na n'Og's production of The Princess and the Hunter will be a delight for children on February 17.

And If Music Be The Food Of Love - half term music workshops for children aged 10 to 11 - gives youngsters the opportunity to stretch their imaginations in a more practical way.

Tickets for all these shows and more are available on 01874 611622.