It's the first full season for £17 million new 800 seat theatre Fareham Live and it features everything from an Eastenders star in Shakespeare to a Julia Donaldson favourite.

Now open for three months, the venue is serving up some theatrical treats.

Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Myra’s Story, on homelessness, is on February 5 and 6, followed by Shakespeare classic set in 1930s Britain The Merchant of Venice 1936, starring Tracy-Ann Oberman of Eastenders fame, from March 4 to 8. Black Is The Color Of My Voice (March 11) is inspired by Nina Simone.

(Image: Steve Ullathorne)

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Music performers include Ireland’s top entertainer, Nathan Carter (March 14), Hampshire country act Ward Thomas (February 21) and Pop Idol royalty Gareth Gates with an homage to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons on February 27. Rock n roll band Showaddywaddy appear on March 15, while Defying Gravity is a celebration of women making their mark on the West End stage on March 13.

Also enjoy The Ronnie Scott’s Story (January 26), Crooners (January 30), Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston (January 31), The Simon & Garfunkel Story (February 2), Buddy Holly and The Cricketers (February 9), T Rextasy (March 12) and Just My Imagination – The Music of The Temptations (March 28).

Comedians Suzi Ruffell (February 6), Al Murray (February 28) and Geoff Norcott (March 15) are sold out. But grab your tickets for several others, including Stitches Comedy Club (February 13), and Matt Bragg (March 7). For retro fans, Buffy Revamped (February 25) is an hilarious run through of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

(Image: Fareham Live) Youngsters will love Flowers and Friendship Bracelets, celebrating Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and more (February 17), while Julia Donaldson's The Smartest Giant in Town is staged on March 1 and 2. Then, on March 16, go on a pre-historic journey as London’s Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live! 

Ex-special forces soldier and star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Jason Fox, presents Life at the Limit (February 8). Adventurer Ben Fogle brings his Wild tour to the stage (March 26). Then entertainer John Barrowman's Laid Bare show tells career tales interspersed with Broadway songs (March 27).

Community talent is showcased alongside dining events and a West End experience for half term. 

(Image: Fareham Live)

Tickets from farehamlive.com