This breath-taking new production from the Leicester’s Curve, directed by Paul Kerryson, is a lavish, grand-scale spectacle. With giant gold Buddhas, sumptuous costumes, a chorus of adorable children, acrobatic dancers and live music this beautiful production guarantees standing ovations.

WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, box office 0844 338 5000, www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The People’s Theatre Company brings one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life for the very first time. Presented by the team behind How The Koala Learnt To Hug, this magical new show has been written especially for parents to enjoy with their children.

Following two sell-out seasons in London, this compelling and witty production which celebrates the life of Henry VIII’s notorious second wife comes to Malvern. Anne is sharp and self assured as she takes on the vicious world of Tudor Court politics plotting to make England Protestant forever. The English Touring Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe join forces in this gripping production full of humour and danger.

This pitch-black musical comedy presents a collision of Maritime myth with a little-known shocker by Charles Dickens, exploring the real, hard lives of historical fairground Freaks, trafficked and exploited by their masters, feared and discriminated against by the people who come to stare.

Stratford-upon-Avon’s Literary Festival just gets better and better. This year, highlights include the Queen of Crime, P D James, who will be talking about vicarages and murders; the Queen of Woman’s Hour, Dame Jenni Murray, and the Queen of Comedy Writing , Sue Townsend who comes to celebrate 30 years of her greatest creation, Adrian Mole. Others not to miss include Jeremy Paxman, Sir Andrew Motion, a Poetry Workshop with Simon Armitage, and Carol Ann Duffy, who will read from her latest collection of poetry, The Bees, at Holy Trinity Church. The Festival is repeating its highly successful Family Day at King Edward VI on May 7. This includes workshops, Playbox Theatre, and author appearances, headed up by MacKenzie Crook, star of The Office, who will be talking about his children’s book.

WHERE: The Civic Hall and various venues around Stratford

Watch two of the legendary Charlie Chaplin’s silent movie gems on the big screen, as the Symphony Hall is transformed into a giant cinema for one night only. In One A.M., Chaplin’s character arrives home late, only to be defeated by a series of inanimate but spectacularly uncooperative objects! City Lights is a heart warming romantic tale of a tramp, a drunken millionaire, and a poor blind flower girl. With every action on screen brought to life by the live soundtrack, composed and reconstructed from the original music , this is sure to be a very special evening for film fans of all ages.

WHERE: City of Birmingham Symphony Hall Tel: 0121 616 6541 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Kiss-me-quick fun and frolics abound at Maplin’s Holiday Camp in the fictional seaside resort Crimpton-on-Sea. Loosely based on Butlins (yellow coats not red), the eventful lives of the entertainers and management are hilarious.

Allegria is classic Cirque du Soleil receiving international acclaim and wowing over 10 million people worldwide since it premiered in 1994. Featuring an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries, Allegria is a stunning production with jaw dropping acrobatics.

This new stage show recreates the Eagles hits from the 1970s when they were at their mightiest. The Ultimate Eagles mission statement sums up their commitment and single-mindedness; to play The Eagles’ music better than anybody, anywhere. Second only to the Eagles themselves, one look at The Ultimate Eagles’ collective experience and musicality suggests Eagles fans will not be disappointed.

Experience Verdi’s magnificent Rigaletto on the big screen in this inspirational and dynamic local venue. Verdi charts the fate of the tormented jester, trying to avenge himself on his playboy employer the Duke of Mantua who has seduced his innocent daughter Gilda. The score’s most celebrated highlights – the Duke’s Questa o quella and La donna e mobile, Gilda’s Caro nome, and the famous quartet – are among the best known set pieces in all opera. David McVicar’s production teems with life and colour throughout Verdi’s exploration of love, betrayal and the darkest revenge.