From The Kite Runner to Legally Blonde - Norwich Theatre Royal reveals a packed programme of shows for 2018

Norwich Theatre Royal new shows - Jodie Prenger is appearing in the musical Fat Friends. Photo: supplied by Norwich Theatre Royal. (Image: supplied by Norwich Theatre Royal)

Joining the previously announced West End hit Miss Saigon and Take That show The Band is a string of other musicals, comedies and dramas into 2018.

The theatre's Judy Foster said: 'Our newly-announced line-up offers something for all ages and tastes. We're thrilled to be bringing some new productions to the theatre, such as Fat Friends, Around the World in 80 Days, The Kite Runner and This House.

'But we also have popular shows now making a return. If you enjoyed them before then grab the chance to see them again. And if you missed out on tickets first time round, make sure you book early this time.'

Norwich Theatre Royal new shows - Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days. Photo: Andrew Billington (Image: Andrew Billington Photography)

Below are the highlights:

1. Fat Friends

Brand new musical Fat Friends, Kay Mellor's tale of warmth, life and weight loss, will be at the theatre from March 12 to 17 next year featuring West End star Jodie Prenger, The X-Factor's Sam Bailey and Emmerdale actress Natalie Anderson.

Norwich Theatre Royal new shows - Tap Factory. Photo: Vincent Pausanias. (Image: Vincent Pausanias)

2. Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde The Musical is returning from March 26 to 31. EastEnders' Rita Simons, the UK's 2017 Eurovision singer Lucie Jones, and Emmerdale and Coronation Street actor Bill Ward appear in the show in which sorority sister Elle Woods tries to win back her boyfriend with the help of her trusty pooch Bruiser.

Norwich Theatre Royal new shows - Matthew Bourne's Cinderella. Photo: Hugo Glendinning. (Image: Hugo Glendinning)

3. Jersey Boys

Jersey Boys, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, is visiting the city once again from June 5 to 16.

4. The Kite Runner

Audiences will find themselves transported to a foreign land with the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's book The Kite Runner. In Norwich from March 5 to 10, it tells of the haunting friendship between two boys in Afghanistan, spanning cultures and continents.

5. Around the World in 80 Days

Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days rolls into the city from January 16 to 20. The globe-trotting comedy features more than 125 characters, six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant!

6. This House

This House is a fast-paced, witty drama coming from May 8 to 12 after runs at the National Theatre and in the West End. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, who directed Wolf Hall, it aims to give a timely insight into what went on in the corridors of Westminster in 1974.

7. The Nimmo Twins

Norfolk favourites The Nimmo Twins are a late addition to the autumn 2017 line-up on October 13 and 14.

8. Tap Factory

Tap Factory's urban tap dance, percussion, comedy and acrobatics is on October 26 and 27.

9. Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella will be delighting dance fans from February 27 to March 3 next year.

10. Richard Alston Dance Company

More modern dance from Richard Alston Dance Company on February 2 and 3.

11. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia present The Snow Maiden, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet, running from April 2 and 4.

12. Ellen Kent

For opera fans, Ellen Kent returns with international soloists, a large chorus and full orchestra to present Verdi's La Traviata on March 19 and Puccini's Madama Butterfly on March 20.

13. Top Hat

Another operatic delight: The Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society will perform Top Hat from January 22 to 27.

And 11 one-night shows:

The Theatre Royal's programme of one-night shows features an eclectic mix of music, dance, tribute acts and comedy.

There will be music from The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on November 19, The RAF In Concert on December 3, A Vision of Elvis on December 18 and Beyond The Barricade on January 4.

Strictly favourite Brendan Cole returns to the theatre on January 28 with his show All Night Long, and there is more music from The Classic Rock Show on January 29 and Whitney Queen of the Night on March 4.

Michala Jane School of Dance returns on February 18 with Pocahontas.

A Country Night In Nashville takes to the stage on on March

22.

Comedian Stewart Lee returns on March 23, and David Baddiel's My Family: Not The Sitcom is at the theatre on June 2.

Visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000 for more information.