THERE are many performance highlights to look forward to with the Shelley Theatre's winter programme.

Zoe Dunne, theatre manager of the Bournemouth venue, says, “Live theatre is something that everyone should experience, it’s good for the soul! The wonderful thing about theatre is that it expands your imagination, it brings people families and friends together, a way to escape a bad day and absorb yourself in something lighthearted, thrilling or musical.

Here are some winter highlights from Zoe.

*Snow White - Rotten To The Core (Thursday January 9 to Sunday January 19). Bourne Free kick off the opening weeks with their adult alternative panto. This is most definitely a show for adults and for those who are not easily offended!

*Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Friday January 24 and Saturday January 25) - Rogue Opera performed at Shelley Theatre, with Carmen as their first show in 2019. Their whole intention is to make opera accessible and affordable for everyone. Director, Bronwen Stephens-Harding said: “It is unsettling to see that opera is becoming a disappearing art. It needs to be addressed. I formed Rogue Opera as a way for people to experience something they may have never seen before, but more importantly at a price that does not limit people and for under £20.”

*Bonne Année 2020 with Musique à Trois (Saturday February 1) - These evenings are all about celebrating the style of French Cabaret Soirée. The group have been playing sell out gigs at Shelley Theatre over the years and pride themselves on their unique arrangements of classic French chansons from Jacques Brel to Édith Piaf.

*Masterclass (Wednesday February 5 to Saturday February 8) - The winter programme has an operatic theme to it. Merilee Brunet is Maria Callas in this outstanding play, which won the Tony Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play in 1996.

*Brenda Bly: Teen Detective (Wednesday February 19 to Friday February 21) - BIGLITTLE Theatre School bring live theatre to enjoy and kick back with. Teenage sleuth, Brenda Bly, solves the crime, catches the crook and saves the day. This musical mystery show set in the 1950s is appropriate for all ages.

*Ben Ottewell (Saturday February 29) - Bournemouth Folk Club presents the well known baritone voice from celebrated indie rock band, Gomez. Ben has performed at Shelley Theatre on his last tour and was a huge sell-out success. This is his second solo show and can’t wait to welcome Ben back.

*Winter films include, Yesterday (Wednesday January 22), Downton Abbey (Wednesday January 29 and Thursday January 30), Judy (Wednesday February 12). On a 35mm print from Dirt In The Gate the theatre has, Brief Encounter (Friday February 14) and True Romance (Saturday February 15).

Zoe says, “No two performances are ever the same. Everyone who visits Shelley Theatre will discover an experience they cannot find elsewhere. We look forward to what 2020 has in store for everyone.”

To book any performance visit www.shelleytheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 413600.