WHEN the last of the turkey's gone and the decorations are coming down, there's plenty to brighten up the dull evenings of midwinter, thanks to Worcester's Huntingdon Arts team.

Post panto season, it's back to business in January.

At the Huntingdon Hall, on January 15, there's another popular tribute band - Nearly Dan - playing the many hits of Steely Dan - Reeling in the Years, Babylon Sisters, Deacon Blues, Kid Charlemagne and more.

That's followed on January 20 with a Comedy Store night with three top stand-ups - TV and radio star Rudi Lickwood, 'cuddly' Kevin McCarthy and international headliner Brian Higgins.

The very next day, they are replaced on stage by singer Jacqui Dankworth, daughter of Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine.

Forces Sweethearts is the name of the next show which will be 'a walk down memory lane with all your favourite songs from the wartime forties'.

Then, it's back to the present with guitarist Rick Payne to round off the month's events with a concert on January 28.

It will also be busy at The Swan Theatre after Cinderella has finished its run. All That Jazz will be swinging on to stage on January 27 to recreate the musical numbers and choreography of some of the greatest musicals of all time.

Then, on January 30, A Feast of Gilbert and Sulllivan is coming to town for a show of all the top numbers, starring members of the respected D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

The month ends at The Swan with a top drama for 15-and-overs - The Mother, based on the Hanif Kureshi screenplay about a woman's passionate affair with a man half her age.

Contact the Huntingdon Arts box office for more information or tickets for all the shows on 01905 611427 or log on to www.huntingdonarts.com.