THE Oxford Apollo is celebrating its 70th anniversary year in 2003 with a spring programme ranging from classic ballet to 70s disco and including one-nighters featuring comedy and music.

The season gets under way in February with Grigorovich's Nutcracker, presented by Ellen Kent and Ballet International and recreating the 1996 Moscow production. It runs from February 10 to 15.

Musicals lined up are Buddy - the story of Buddy Holly - and Fiddler on the Roof, starring Paul Nicholas. Buddy is on from February 17 to 22 while Fiddler on the Roof is staged between March 3 to 8.

Fans of the Sound of Music can join in with favourite songs like the title song and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? when a sing-a-long-a showing of the film takes place on February 27.

Boogie Nights - the 70s musical - starring former soap stars Sam Kane (Brookside) and Sophie Lawrence (EastEnders) will revisit dance music and dodgy fashions from April 14 to 19.

Laughs are lined up with a variety of well known comedians due to appear, Jethro is first up, on February 23, followed by Roy Chubby Brown on February 28, Harry Hill on March 1 and Ed Byrne on March 30.

Irish songsters, Daniel O'Donnell and Dominic Kirwan perform on February 16 and May 15 respectively.

For those who prefer their music rockier and bluesier, Chris Rea is at the Apollo on January 25.

If swing's your thing, the Rat Pack songs popularised by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior will be recreated on February 24.

Opera aficionados will be able to see either or both Bizet's Carmen and Puccini's La Bohme, performed by the Chisnau National Opera. Carmen is on March 18, 19 and 22, while La Bohme is on March 20 and 21.

Other highlights of the season include an appearance by Ladysmith Black Mambazo on May 14, while there is something for the children, with a new musical adventure starring Paddington Bear, on April 11 and 12.

Tickets can be booked on 0870 606 3500.