The cast of The Sound of Music will be swapping the West End for Theatre Street as the touring company arrives in Norwich in August.

The two-week run of the popular show was announced in the latest season programme out today.

As well as an array of musical theatre shows, the stage will also play host to top ballet companies, drama productions, comedy acts and children's shows.

From actor David Haig to Emmerdale's Donna Windsor-Dingle stars of the screen and stage will arrive in Norwich.

John Bultitude, of the Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We are so excited to be able to bring some of the biggest touring shows in Britain to the theatre over the next few months. Major musicals like The Sound of Music and Top Hat are sure to prove incredibly popular and will give audiences a taste of West End production values on the doorstep.

'The addition of two Alan Bennett plays featuring high-calibre casts also follows up on the hugely successful Norwich runs of Enjoy and The History Boys by the playwright last year. Add in the return of the world-renowned Rambert Dance Company, Northern Ballet and Glyndebourne On Tour and a wide range of shows for all the family. Once again, we are aiming to offer the very best in entertainment for people in Norfolk – and beyond – in the months ahead.'

End of The Rainbow, a show about Judy Garland, will run in September and Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers will star in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' great musical Top Hat in October and November.

There will also be a run of Joesph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the end of the summer.

But as well as musicals there will also be drama including Alan Bennett's Lady In The Van and The Madness Of George III.

Agatha Christie's tense thriller The Verdict will also be visiting Norwich in August.

For ballet enthusiasts the Northern Ballet will be bringing their new production Cleopatra and the Rambert Dance Company is back.

Theatre Royal favourite Glyndebourne On Tour will also be back with Puccini's La Boheme.

There will be a large number of one-nighters including The Britten Sinfonia, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Jane MacDonald, the Glen Miller Orchestra and Vampires Rock.

Irish favourite Daniel O'Donnell will also return to Norwich.

Public booking for most of the shows opens by post, fax and online on April 26 and in person and by phone on May 9. Daniel O'Donnell booking opens to the public in person on May 14 at 9.30am and by phone, online and fax at 10.30am. For more information go to www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or ring the box office on 01603 630000.

For details of the latest events in and around Norwich buy Going Out in Friday's Evening News,

Do you have a story about thre arts in Norwich? Contact Annabelle Dickson on 01603 772426 or email annabelle.dickson@archant.co.uk