THE Alexandra Theatre is preparing to take the new year by storm with enough entertainment to blow away any cobwebs that may have gathered over the festive season.

A brand new production of The Snow Queen takes to the stage in January featuring music by pop composer Chris Eaton and Mamma Mia! star Simon Slater.

This followed by two shows guaranteed to get audiences' feet tapping. Grease will hit the Birmingham theatre like lightning from January 17-30, followed by the dance classic Footloose, made famous by the Kevin Bacon film, from January 30-February 4, before it hits the West End as part of its second UK tour.

With hardly enough time to take a breath, these high-octane shows will be followed by the Rocky Horror Show from May 2-13, and Buddy the Musical rolls into town from May 22-27.

For those who want a break from the pace of these musical extravaganzas, Dawn French and Alison Moyet will grace the stage in Smaller from March 20-25.

And comedians Paddy McGuinness, The Mighty Boosh and Cannon and Ball will all be on hand during the season to provide side-splitting entertainment.

Not forgetting the children, Enjy Benjy and friends will return, along with Fireman Sam and Hi 5. For more details, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com