Spamalot served up the Theatre Royal Brighton’s most successful Christmas season ever, breaking the venue’s box office records for a production over a Christmas period.

This season Crawley’s Hawth is boasting blues to suit all tastes, from intimate studio shows to performances in the theatre.

(15) 80mins

Having tackled politics (Hitler) and religion (Jesus), comedian Richard Herring continues his exploration of the big issues with his latest show, this time turning to love.

Belly Laughs promises an evening of top-class comedy featuring some of the UK’s leading comics including Rufus Hound, Craig Campbell, Ben Norris and McTiernan Douieb at Chichester Festival Theatre on February 8.

Chichester-based charity Children On The Edge will benefit from an exhibition of paintings inspired by Shakespearian plays from stage and screen actor Jonathan Hyde.

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the venues for Ring a Ding Ding, the latest show from Oily Cart as they hit the road to celebrate their 30th year of business.

The Johann Strauss Gala promises the definitive tribute to the ‘Waltz King’ Johann Strauss and his sparkling legacy.

Louise Jameson plays twelve different characters and tells us what has brought her to this critical point in her life in Pulling Faces (Mill Studio, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, Friday and Saturday, February 3 and 4).

Those voices in his head will once again be explored as comic Terry Alderton heads out on a tour taking in Brighton’s Komedia on Friday, February 3 (0845 293 8480).

The Rat Pack is Back! brings tributes to legendary crooners Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr to the Theatre Royal Brighton on Friday, February 3.

Upset The Rhythm Records bring some of their bands to the Green Door, Brighton, on Friday, February 3.

CHORAL group Cantilena, directed by Ray Maulkin and Kathryn Sargent from Lewes, stage a Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten and A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott at 6pm on Sunday, February 12 at St Andrew’s Church, Alfriston.

STEVE Knightley (pictured) is in concert with special guests Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin at Hailsham Pavilion on Saturday February 4 at 7.30pm.

Growing old is great, says Virginia Ironside, doyenne of Fleet Street and agony aunt extraordinaire.

California’s Grandpa Banana, who plays The Chichester Inn, Chichester, on Friday, February 3, brings a rich history with him - not least the explanation behind that name.

No festival this year, but West Dean College is still promising a busy 2012 in prospect with a huge range of events coming up.

(PG) 115mins

Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham will captivate audiences at Worthing Pavilion Theatre with his latest collection of images from the wilderness.

Arundel’s Willows Folk Club enjoy their first Showcase Special evening of 2012 on Wednesday February 1, featuring two more acts each performing a 40-minute set.