A DAZZLING season of new events for 2014 has been unveiled for the Lighthouse Poole.

The venue continues its reputation for top comedy with new stand-up shows from Joe Lycett, Josh Widdicombe, Alan Davies, local funnyman Gareth Richards, Rich Hall, Matt Richardson and the ever-popular Jimmy Carr.

Theatre goers can enjoy the first ever UK tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap – famous around the world as being the longest running show of any kind in the history of British theatre.

You can see The Mousetrap in Poole from March 24-29.

There’s more drama including Blackeyed Theatre’s adaptation of Dracula (28 February– 1 March), an abridged version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet featuring original text intertwined with contemporary language and a live DJ set (4–6 March), Morecambe (22-23 April) the Olivier Award-winning play telling the story of one of Britain’s best loved entertainers and The Mummy (29 April–3 May).

Lovers of dance won’t be disappointed by the new season line-up, which includes the return of the sublime Moscow City Ballet with Swan Lake and The Nutcracker between 11 and 15 February.

English Touring Opera bring a three night run of productions including The Magic Flute, Paul Bunyan and King Priam between 13 and 15 March.

With a full orchestra and stunning sets and costumes, this is touring opera at its very best.

As always, music features strongly in the new Lighthouse programme for 2014. Due to huge demand following their last sell-out performance, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain makes their Poole comeback on 25 April.

Rock enthusiasts will be excited to hear that Carl Palmer will be displaying his dazzling speed and mastery of the drums on 27 February, while Jack Bruce, the brilliant instrumentalist, vocalist and founder member of supergroup Cream comes to Lighthouse on 21 March.

There’s plenty for family audiences in the new year too – the return of the bi-annual Lighthouse Puppet Festival in February half term brings a host of delightful productions and puppet-making workshops, and includes an Extremely New Play from the much loved children’s book and CBeebies characters Charlie and Lola.

Other highlights for families include Tom’s Midnight Garden by Birmingham Stage Company (the makers of Horrible Histories Live) from 18-22 March and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash from 2-3 April.

For more information or to book tickets visit the website lighthousepoole.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0844 406 8666.