War Horse:

FIRST some breaking news. Plymouth Theatre Royal is in line to launch another major national tour next year.

With the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Macintosh production of The Phantom Of The Opera being produced in Plymouth and set to open at the end of February for a month-long sell-out run, talks are going on for War Horse also to premiere in Devon.

The story, adapted by North Devon author Michael Morpurgo, has become a huge West End hit while Stephen Spielberg's film, which was released in the UK three weeks ago and has many scenes set on Dartmoor, is a world-wide hit.

A Theatre Royal spokesman said: "Our plans for next year are still very fluid but we are in the early stages of exploring the possibility with the National Theatre regarding the opening of the UK tour of War Horse."

The play, which involves both actors and puppeteers, tells the heart-warming story of a Devon farm boy and his horse called up to fight in the First World War.

Holiday On Ice:

WHAT show has 220 costumes, 49 wigs, 66 hats and so many stage sets, it takes eight large trucks to get it from venue-to-venue across Europe?

You're correct – Holiday on Ice. This eagerly awaited winter warmer for the South West's skating fans is at Exeter's Westpoint Arena from Tuesday, February 14, to Sunday, February 19.

The world's most visited ice show returns with a new show, Tropicana – The Passion Tour. Created and choreographed by former Olympic champion Robin Cousins, it promises to take you on a journey that celebrates love, life, music and dance in one of the most thrilling ice spectaculars you will ever see.

Box office: 08444 999955.

Princess Theatre, Torquay

LOVINGLY ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Spamalot comes to Torquay's Princess Theatre from Monday, February 13, until the Saturday.

Starring former Grange Hill actor and Dancing On Ice star Todd Carty, with actress and dancer Bonnie Langford, the award winning musical retells the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Many of the songs have become standards, including He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course the nation's favourite comedy song (Reader's Digest Poll 2010) Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

Box office: 0844 8713023.

Exeter Northcott:

THE Crowstarver, a gripping and moving story set in a close-knit rural community in the early days of the Second World War, opens at Exeter's Northcott Theatre on Tuesday, February 14 running until Friday, February 24.

Dick King-Smith's book was first brought to the stage by Theatre Alibi in 2006 and returns to delight a whole new audience of adults and young people from eight upwards.

This co-production between the Northcott and Oxford Playhouse tells the story about a baby found abandoned in a lambing pen who is adopted by the shepherd and his wife. As the boy grows up it's clear to everyone that the mystery of his birth is not the only thing about him that's special. John Joseph turns out to have an extraordinary gift with animals of all kinds. Foxes will eat out of his hand, hares and otters come close and he can even calm a bucking bronco in true horse whisperer style.

From tonight (Feb 2 until Tuesday, February 7), you can catch the Alan Bennett classic Talking Heads, the story of three women reliving all aspects of their lives, in monologues.

Box office: 01392 493493.

Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton:

ACCLAIMED actor Simon Callow reads excerpts from his new biography, Charles Dickens And The Great Theatre Of The World, on Wednesday, February 15.

And on Tuesday, February 7, Pip Utton brings his Edinburgh Fringe one-man show about Dickens' life.

Plymouth Pavilions

COMEDIANS Jim Davidson, Jethro and Bobby Davro join pop legend Rick Wakeman and actress and singer Claire Sweeney and the Band of the Royal Marines for a charity gala on Thursday, February 16. On Wednesday, February 22, and Thursday, February 23, it's the return of the Big Yin, comedian Billy Connolly, with his show The Man Live.

Music fans meanwhile might like to turn out for the Kaiser Chiefs (Saturday, February 4), and Katherine Jenkins (Tuesday, February 7).

Box office: 0845 1461460.

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of The Opera opens on Monday, February 27, running until March 31, starring John Owen-Jones in the title role with Katie Hall as Christine. Box office: 01752 267222.