THE Beaufort Theatre's spring season is varied and exciting, with acts ranging from a stage adaptation of Bill Bryson's best-seller "Down Under" (March 3) to Jongleurs' renowned comedy club tour (April 8), and from Blunstone and Argent of 60s pop legends The Zombies (March 4) to opera, with Dvorak's "Rusalka" (March 5).

Added to this, there is the theatre's continuing commitment to local arts, with Kids R Us performing "Return To Planet Earth" (January 29-31), Blaenau Gwent Young Stars presenting "Sweet Charity" (February 11-14) and dance group S6X (April 1 and 2).

The Blaenau Gwent Blues Club is aiming to build on the success of its launch last year, welcoming back folk-country blues singer-songwriter Eric Bibb for his second appearance at the Beaufort Theatre, on March 26. Eric's crisp, rich, sensitive vocals are a perfect balance to his fine fingerpicking technique, which will impress guitarists everywhere.

On April 17, Memo Gonzalez and The Bluescasters provide a great complement to Bibb, presenting a rip-roaring mixture of blues, swing and rock 'n' roll.

Fans of other music genres are also well catered for, with R'n'B/rock cult figure Roger Chapman (March 14), instrumentalist Tommy Emmanuel (March 19), Celtic folk band Here Be Dragons (April 15) and a tribute to Mario Lanza and Howard Keel, with Dewi Wyn and Owen Webb from the Welsh National Opera (April 16).

The theatre also plays host to two of the finest rock tribute bands on the circuit.

Following last year's sell-out performance, Cream'd return to the Ballroom on February 28, and Thin Lizzy tribute, Limehouse Lizzy, take to the stage on March 27.

There's plenty to keep the kids busy, with March 7 seeing the arrival of Humpty Dumpty in Nursery Rhyme Land, and TV's Bananas in Pyjamas visiting on April 3.

For full details of all above events plus the rest of the season's shows, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01495 350360. For more information you can also visit our website: www.blaenaugwentvenues.com