THE south coast is all ship-shape for the New Year as a new season of shows are unveiled at The Mayflower theatre.

The entertainment begins with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific that runs from January 17 – February 4.

Starring Samantha Womack its portrayal of Americans stationed in an unfamiliar culture in wartime remains as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences.

Dreamboats and Petticoats, the musical inspired by the million selling albums makes a return from February 13 – 18. Featuring songs from Roy Orbison, The Shadows, Chuck Berry and many more.

The nuns will rock in February as the musical comedy Sister Act arrives for a two-week run from February 21. The show was a huge hit on Broadway and will star Coronation Street’s Denise Black as Mother Superior and The Royal favourite Michael Starke as Monsignor O’Hara, with rising star Cynthia Erivo as nun on the run Deloris Van Cartier.

Those Calendar Girls are coming back to Southampton for the last time from March 5 – 10. The original Calendar Girl Lynda Bellingham, returns to the show with Camilla Dallerup, Lisa Riley and Ruth Madoc with Joe McGann as John. A group of women do something extraordinary and spark a phenomenon when they pose for a charity calendar with a difference.

Be prepared as the master of psychological illusion returns for a week from March 12 with a brand new show Derren Brown: Svegali. Derren once again sets out to show why he is one of the world’s most renowned live performers.

Dirty Dancing will set pulses racing when it arrives for a four week run from April 3. This smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s smash hit musical Oliver! follows from May 1 – 26, starring Brian Conley as Fagin. The score is full of superb songs including Food Glorious Food and You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two.

• Tickets for Mayflower shows are on sale from the Box Office on 02380 711811