What's on

Top performers in the next few months include BB King, Joan Baez, Gene Pitney, Neil Sedaka and the Osmonds, and Birmingham hosts the exciting world premiere of UB40's new musical. There's also plenty of foot-tapping jazz and swing on the cards, with appearances from Humphrey Lyttelton, the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra and Andy Hamilton & the Blue Notes.

Musical events take a somewhat Russian theme with the Shostakovich Centenary celebrations plus a visit from the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, while both the Bolshoi Ballet and Russian State Ballet of Siberia are also performing in the region. In addition, the Birmingham Royal Ballet offers a packed programme this season.

Classic plays on offer include Miller's The Crucible, Noel Coward's Present Laughter and an updated version of Chekhov's Three Sisters, and Shakespeare fans are treated to two different performances of Romeo & Juliet. The Bard's most famous love story is also introduced to younger theatre-goers through the Shakespeare 4 Kidz series.

More events specifically aimed at children and families include an unusual circus, a space-themed concert and a visit from TV favourite Fireman Sam. Meanwhile, shows with such diverse themes as weddings, toys and outdoor pursuits take place at the NEC, and animal lovers will be looking forward to both Crufts and the popular horse show Apassionata.

Until Thursday March 2

The Gallery and Picture Framing at Bevere hosts an exhibition of PORTRAIT AND LIFE STUDIES by locally-based artists.

Thursday February 16

Huntingdon Hall presents a cocktail of jazz and swing with the PICCADILLY DANCE ORCHESTRA.

Successful UK band SMOKIE perform at the Alexandra Theatre.

A kids' performance of HANSEL & GRETEL at the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton.

Thursday February 16 - Saturday March 18

The RSC present Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford.

The NORWICH UNION INDOOR GRAND PRIX athletics event takes place at the NIA.

Thursday February 16 - Saturday April 1

The Swan Theatre hosts the RSC with a tale of corrupted innocence in WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN.

Friday February 17

Secrets and scandals in SEX AND THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER at Huntingdon Hall.

Cult TV hit THE MIGHTY BOOSH comes to the Alexandra Theatre.

Friday February 17 - Sunday February 19

The NEC hosts the NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW.

Saturday February 18

Experience the MAGIC OF THE MUSICALS at the Alexandra Theatre with Marti Webb and Wayne Sleep.

HUMPHREY LYTTELTON and his jazz band perform at Huntingdon Hall.

The Rep presents a stage adaptation of Dogme film FESTEN.

Saturday February 18 - Sunday February 26

The NATIONAL BOAT, CARAVAN & OUTDOOR SHOW at the NEC.

Sunday February 19

Knockabout comedy with the CHUCKLE BROTHERS at the Alexandra Theatre.

The extravagant sights and sounds of PARIS CANCAN arrive at Malvern's Festival Theatre.

'Saviours of rock', THE DARKNESS, play the NEC Arena.

Tuesday February 21 - Wednesday February 22

Wolverhampton's Arena Theatre presents Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE.

Wednesday February 22 - Saturday February 25

Birmingham Royal Ballet performs THE SEASONS and CARMINA BURANA at the Hippodrome.

Thursday February 23

Award-winning comedian OMID DJALILI brings a brand new show to the Alexandra Theatre.

The eight finalists in THE X FACTOR LIVE perform at the NEC Arena. Additional dates: Friday March 10 and Saturday March 11.

Mediaeval comedy in THE STEPPE BROTHERS at the Arena Theatre.

Thursday February 23 - Friday February 24

Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre provides an introduction to Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth in SHAKESPEARE 4 KIDZ.

Thursday February 23 - Saturday March 4

The Swan Theatre Amateur Company presents Alan Ayckbourn's comedy ROLEPLAY.

Friday February 24

Communal karaoke with SING-A-LONG-A-SOUND OF MUSIC at the Alexandra Theatre.

Symphony Hall presents OL' BLUE EYES, a tribute to Sinatra.

The Arena Theatre presents music and comedy in IT'S A PLOT: DAVID BENSON'S CONSPIRACY CABARET.

Friday February 24 - Saturday March 4

The Rep presents Chekhov's THREE SISTERS, updated to colonial Trinidad.

Saturday February 25

DROITWICH CONCERT CLUB presents a piano recital by Llyr Williams, at Droitwich Methodist Church.

Tribute band LA VIDA SANTANA recreates exciting Latin rock at Huntingdon Hall.

A live show for TV's ENGIE BENJY at the Alexandra Theatre.

CIRCUS HILARIOUS brings crazy family fun to the Wolverhampton Grand.

Birmingham Bach Choir perform Handel's SAMSON at Symphony Hall.

Popular horse show APASSIONATA returns to the NEC Arena.

Sunday February 26

A TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR at the NEC.

Monday February 27

KELLY CLARKSON performs at the NEC Arena.

Monday February 27 - Wednesday March 8

Kidderminster Operatic & Dramatic Society performs HALF A SIXPENCE at the Rose Theatre.

Tuesday February 28

Explorer and film-maker BENEDICT ALLEN shares his experiences at Huntingdon Hall.

Hip-hop star KANYE WEST makes his debut performance at the NEC Arena.

Tuesday February 28 - Saturday March 4

Timothy West stars in Alan Bennett's THE OLD COUNTRY at the Festival Theatre, Malvern.

The Alexandra Theatre hosts the world premiere of kids' favourite HORRIBLE HISTORIES.

Tuesday February 28 - Sunday March 5

Birmingham Royal Ballet present SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Hippodrome.

Wednesday March 1

Singer-songwriter JACK JOHNSON performs at the NEC Arena.

Thursday March 2

Symphony Hall welcomes JETHRO TULL - THE AQUALUNG TOUR.

Friday March 3 - Sunday March 5

DESINATIONS: THE HOLIDAY & TRAVEL SHOW comes to the NEC.

Saturday March 4

Andy Hamilton & the Blue Notes present SAX IN THE CITY at Symphony Hall.

Also at Symphony Hall, the LAST NIGHT OF THE SPRING PROMS features music including Strauss, Grieg and Rossini plus traditional British favourites.

Saturday March 4 - Sunday March 5

The NEC presents MINIATURA, the International Dolls House Show.

Watch up-and-coming young athletes in the AAA INDOOR UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIPS at the NIA.

Sunday March 5

Symphony Hall invites families to wear fancy dress to the CBSO's LOST IN SPACE, featuring music from Star Wars and ET.

Monday March 6 - Saturday March 11

Classic musical ANYTHING GOES comes to the Hippodrome.

Tuesday March 7 - Saturday March 11

Malvern's Festival Theatre presents TWO THOUSAND YEARS, Mike Leigh's play about conflict in a Jewish family.

Wednesday March 8

The CBSO celebrates the SHOSTAKOVICH CENTENARY at Symphony Hall.

Thursday March 9 - Sunday March 12

See the cream of the canine world in CRUFTS 2006 at the NEC.

Friday March 10

Symphony Hall hosts AN EVENING WITH JOAN BAEZ.

Saturday March 11

Music by Borodin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov from the RUSSIAN STATE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA at Symphony Hall.

Monday March 13 - Saturday March 25

Willy Russell's acclaimed musical BLOOD BROTHERS comes to the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.

Tuesday March 14 - Saturday March 18

The Welsh National Opera performs THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO and JEPHTHA at the Hippodrome.

Friday March 17

1970s heart-throbs THE OSMONDS return to the UK with a concert at the NIA Academy.

Monday March 20 - Saturday April 15

New musical PROMISES AND LIES, with music and lyrics by UB40, has its world premiere at the Rep.

Monday March 20 - Saturday March 25

Malvern's Festival Theatre presents Nol Coward's PRESENT LAUGHTER, starring Simon Callow.

Tuesday March 21 - Saturday March 25

The Hippodrome presents a dance adaptation of EDWARD SCISSORHANDS.

Friday March 24

THE HOLLIES perform at Symphony Hall.

Saturday March 25

The Kungsbacka Trio performs Mozart and Schumann at Droitwich Methodist Church, as part of DROITWICH CONCERT CLUB.

FEEDER play their rescheduled concert at the NEC Arena.

Sunday March 26

The Alexandra Theatre presents Abba tribute act VOULEZ VOUS.

Monday March 27 - Wednesday March 29

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia performs ROMEO & JULIET at the Festival Theatre, Malvern.

Tuesday March 28 - Saturday April 1

The Bolshoi Ballet performs SWAN LAKE and SPARTACUS at the Hippodrome.

Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre presents ROMEO & JULIET, with an all-star cast.

Wednesday March 29

AN EVENING WITH NEIL SEDAKA at Symphony Hall.

Thursday March 30 - Saturday April 1

More from the Russian State Ballet of Siberia with THE NUTCRACKER at Malvern's Festival Theatre.

Friday March 31

DEPECHE MODE appear at the NEC Arena on their first tour in five years.

Spanish, French and Italian classics in MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC at Symphony Hall.

Saturday April 1

King of the Blues BB KING plays the NEC Arena on his last ever UK tour, accompanied by blues guitarist Gary Moore.

Sunday April 2

GENE PITNEY makes an appearance at Symphony Hall.

Popular vocal quartet IL DIVO appear at the NEC Arena.

Additional dates: Friday April 14 and Tuesday April 18.

Monday April 3 - Saturday April 8

Classic wartime comedy in SEE HOW THEY RUN at the Festival Theatre, Malvern.

Tuesday April 4 - Saturday April 8

The Norbury Theatre presents WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

Wednesday April 5 - Thursday April 6

Children's favourite FIREMAN SAM makes a visit to the Alexandra Theatre.

Thursday April 6

The AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW returns to Birmingham with a concert at the NIA Academy.

Friday April 7 - Wednesday April 12

Willy Russell's ever-popular EDUCATING RITA comes to the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster.

Saturday April 8

The NIA Academy plays host to chart-topping trio SUGABABES.

Wednesday April 12 - Saturday April 15

Dick King-Smith's bestseller THE CROWSTARVER comes to the stage at Malvern's Festival Theatre.

Theatre contact details

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham: 0870 607 7533

Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton: 01902 321321

Birmingham Hippodrome: 0870 730 1234

Birmingham Repertory Theatre: 0121 236 4455

Droitwich Concert Club: 01905 775246

The Gallery and Picture Framing at Bevere, Worcester: 01905 754484

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton: 01902 429212

Huntingdon Hall, Worcester: 01905 611427

Malvern Theatres: 01684 892277

NEC, Birmingham: 0870 909 4133

NIA, Birmingham: 0121 780 4444

Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Spa: 01905 795619

Rose Theatre, Kidderminster: 01562 743754

RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon: 01789 403403

Swan Theatre, Worcester: 01905 611427

Symphony Hall, Birmingham: 0121 780 3333