A HOST of comedies, dramas and dance make up the spring season at Theatre Royal Winchester.

There are comedies by Terry Johnson, John Godber and LipService and more serious drama including a play about soldiers returning from Afghanistan and David Almond’s Heaven Eyes.

Dance fans can look forward to Yorke Dance Project and Ballet Black. We’re Going On A Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To Tea are among the treats for children. Music events range from Midge Ure to The Mikado and there is another strong season of comedians.

The season starts with a Comedy Gala on February 3, featuring Tom Allen, Sean McLoughlin and Stephen Bailey followed by The Thinking Drinkers (February 4). Comedy continues with sold-out shows by Pam Ayres, Jonathan Pie, Chris Ramsey, Count Arthur Strong, followed later in the season by Fascinating Aida’s Dillie Keane on March 24 and Susan Calman on May 12.

The highlight of the drama season is Terry Johnson’s Olivier Award winning comedy Hysteria, which imagines a meeting between Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dali. It runs from February 9 to 11.

Winchester actor Craig Chalmers gives his home town the chance to see his one-man show that wowed the Edinburgh Fringe on March 1. David Almond’s novel for young people Heaven Eyes about a dream-like girl and a sinister old man comes to the stage on March 6.

Comedy duo LipService presents Mr Darcy Loses The Plot on March 9 and 10 to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. Bristol Old Vic’s production Pink Mist (March 20 and 21) is a powerful look at three soldiers returning home from Afghanistan.

John Godber, famous for his comedies Bouncers, Up’N’Under and Teechers, is back with a play about what happens when your children finally leave home. The Empty Nesters’ Club runs from April 6 to 8.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated with an extravaganza of Chinese performing arts on February 17. Five of the world’s top illusionists star in Champions Of Magic on March 30. Swansea City Opera perform Delibes’ Lakmé on March 15.

Sasha Regan’s all male productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas have been among the most popular shows at Theatre Royal Winchester. She’s back from April 24 to 29 with her take on The Mikado.

Contemporary dance once again features strongly in Theatre Royal Winchester’s programme. Yorke Dance Project performs Rewind Forward on February 15. University of Chichester’s MA Student showcase mapdance is on March 7. The popular Ballet Black return on May 3 with a Triple Bill.

One-nighters feature Fairport Convention (February 7), Midge Ure (February 16), Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays fame (March 8), Howard Jones (March 11), Camille O’Sullivan (March 26) and The Blues Band (April 13).

Children can look forward to stage versions of some of their favourite books: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt (March 2 to 5), The Tiger Who Came To Tea (March 22 and 23) and The Very Hungry Caterpillar which features four of Eric Carle’s books (April 18 and 19).

Community groups will also be taking to the Theatre Royal Winchester stage in the New Year. Encore Youth Theatre perform Oklahoma from February 22 to 25. Winchester Musicals And Opera Society present Sweeney Todd from May 17 to 20.

Visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840440 for tickets.