AS those winter nights draw in, what better way to brighten up your evening than a visit to the theatre? Winter at the theatres is traditionally the time for pantomime and this year s Jack and the Beanstalk (Dec 4 – Jan 3) is selling at record spe

AS those winter nights draw in, what better way to brighten up your evening than a visit to the theatre?

Winter at the theatres is traditionally the time for pantomime and this year's Jack and the Beanstalk (Dec 4 - Jan 3) is selling at record speed.

But there is plenty more to see at the Civic and Cramphorn Theatres in the next few months.

For music lovers, there is plenty on offer with the welcome return of Abba Mania (Jan 14-16) who come back to Chelmsford following sell-out shows when they last hit the Civic stage. This timeless show offers the perfect excuse to party and shake off those January blues with all the favourite hits including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous and Dancing Queen.

On Saturday January 16, the stunning jazz funk grooves of Alicia Hart and her band are back in town with a mixture of old and original material.

For an evening full of infectious dancing and singing, then look no further than The Briefcase Blues Brothers (Jan 30) who bring a band of internationally acclaimed musicians to the stage playing great soul and rhythm and blues.

If you are a lover of the musicals then you will not want to miss Beyond the Barricade (Jan 17) in a brand new show. Recreating original West End and Broadway musical hit song, the cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables perform songs from the most popular musicals including Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and Blood Brothers.

If you need a chuckle then the Jongleurs are back in town on Thursday January 21 with another line up of top comedians on the circuit. From the comedy club that helped to launch Jack Dee, Al Murray and Harry Hill, this evening features three comedians and an MC through two hours of hilarity.

Drama lovers will not want to miss out on two fabulous shows in the intimate surroundings of the Cramphorn Theatre.

A Warning to the Curious (Jan 17) is a one-man show based on the classic ghost stories of MR James. RM Lloyd Parry returns following his sell-out and critically acclaimed plays to take us on two new terrifying journeys; In the Stalls of Barchester Catherdal and A Warning to the Curious.

Fern Hill (Jan 21) brilliantly conjures Dylan Thomas' romantic lyricism and passion unforgettably illuminating his mastery of language. This evening of drama provides a programme of three of Thomas' short stories.

Theatre tickets can provide the perfect gift idea for that special person this Christmas, and to avoid the crowds you can book online.

For more information about the forthcoming season contact the box office on 01245 606505 or visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres