Two hit musicals, a Royal Shakespeare Company production and a double bill of dance are among the new shows heading to the city.

Norwich Theatre Royal's newly-announced programme includes an eclectic mix of shows for audiences to enjoy.

The taptastic musical 42nd Street, following the story of a small-town girl's path to becoming a Broadway star, is coming to the theatre in October starring stage stars Dave Willetts and Marti Webb.

Just before that, in September audiences will be able to enjoy the show Cabaret with all of its show-stopping choreography and classic songs including Money Makes The World Go Round.

World-renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne will be bringing two shows to Norwich - Play Without Words will be at the theatre in August, while Sleeping Beauty, which will be set to the music of Tchaikovsky, will be performed in November.

The Royal Shakespeare Company will be returning to Norwich in October with a production of Julius Caesar, while The Agatha Christie Theatre Company will perform Murder On The Nile in September.

The National Theatre's smash-hit comedy One Man, Two Guvnors takes to the stage in December, while playwright Alan Ayckbourn's chilling thriller Haunting Julia comes to the theatre in November.

In October Northern Ballet will perform its new production of Beauty And The Beast which will include a musical score played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Rambert Dance Company is back in November with its Love Songs Tour.

Glyndebourne On Tour makes its 20th annual visit to Norwich in late autumn with two different productions - a brand new version of Mozart's classic Le Nozze Di Figaro (The Marriage Of Figaro) and the opera Rusalka.

Britten Sinfonia will perform a 20th birthday concert in October and another concert in January.

The one-night shows include a night of Motown magic as 70s and 80s Supreme Karen Ragland celebrates The Sound of the Supremes, the rescheduled concert for singer Elkie Brooks, and a new show from Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo favourite Stewart Francis. Other one-night performances include those from The Hairy Bikers, Ross Noble and self-proclaimed master of camp Julian Clary.

John Bultitude, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We are very privileged to be able to mark 25 years of Matthew Bourne's innovative dance work by presenting two of his production in our new season. Add in two iconic musicals, the return of the Royal Shakespeare Company and a wide range of drama, comedy and dance, and it looks like being an autumn and winter season to remember.

'We have worked hard to provide a wide range of different shows, productions and performances to ensure the people of Norfolk can continue to enjoy top-class entertainment on their doorstep.'

• For more information about the shows and when tickets go on sale visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call 01603 630000.

• emma.knights@archant.co.uk