Shows coming up in the south's theatres...

FOR a truly unique theatre experience, The Mayflower is the place to be from February 15. The Imperial Ice Stars, on their first ever UK tour, bring their exciting new production of The Sleeping Beauty On Ice to Southampton.

The audiences will be carried away to a magical fairytale world, with world-class ice-skaters performing dazzling moves to Tchaicovsky's enchanting classical music. The show runs until February 20. For tickets call 023 8071 1811.

FAME - The Musical continues to captivate audiences with its current UK tour, and it will return to Lighthouse, Poole's centre for the arts, on February 14. The original film was released in 1980 and was an immediate box office smash around the world.

Followed by a highly successful TV show, it was turned into a stage musical seven years ago.The show runs until February 19 at Lighthouse, and tickets for this high-octane musical extravaganza would definitely make a great Valentine's present. Call 01202 685222.

FOR those who enjoy a more low-octane performance, the Salisbury Playhouse stages the poignantly funny play Airswimming from February 10. It tells the story of two young women, Dora and Persephone, who are incarcerated in a hospital for the criminally insane. The two women could not be more different, but over a period of 50 years, they develop a beautiful friendship.

Respected actresses Suzanna Hamilton and Jennifer Calvert make up the cast of two, with up and coming director Rae McKen taking the reigns for the first time. The play will be staged in the Playhouse's intimate Salberg Studio and runs until March 5. For tickets call 01722 320333.

ALL-new pop musical Love Shack is heading this way. This highly anticipated production stops off at The Mayflower from March 7 - 12. Starring S Club's Jon Lee, right, Steps star Faye Tozer and Noel Sullivan from TV reality band Hear'Say, the show tells the story of the run-up to Sam and Joanne's wedding. Will the couple's hen night and stag night stand in the way of their future happiness?

With a host of hot dancers and actors performing a string of classic pop tunes, including a new one written by Take That's Gary Barlow, the show promises to dazzle and entertain. For tickets call 023 8071 1811.

NEWS reader John Suchet takes an audience on a fascinating tour of the life, times and music of one of the greatest geniuses who ever lived, Beethoven.

Live music enhances this inspiring performance as Beethoven is brought to life. Learn where Beethoven used to eat and drink, how he got his laundry done and how his wide circle of loyal friends and patrons looked after him so that he could concentrate on giving the world great masterpieces, all through your guide, John Suchet. Beethoven The Last Master. February 11. Tickets from £12. Box office: 01962 840440.