From Sister Act to Funny Girl to The Railway Children - there is lots for audiences to look forward to in the new programme of shows that has been announced today at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Musicals, drama, comedy and more feature in the new season that will run from spring into summer 2017, and will see several of the shows head to Norwich before or after runs in London's West End.

The satirical play Abigail's Party, starring actress Amanda Abbington from the BBC adaptation of Sherlock, is taking to the stage from March 27 to April 1, meanwhile X-Factor winner and three-time Brit nominee Alexandra Burke is taking on the role of Deloris in the musical Sister Act from May 1 to 6. Other highlights include Funny Girl The Musical from June 26 to July 1 and Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine from September 5 to 9.

Million Dollar Quartet - starring Jason Donovan and telling the story of a 1956 recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins - is heading to the theatre from May 22 to 27.

There will be laughs galore when The Play That Goes Wrong is presented from June 12 to 17, meanwhile Shakespeare fans can enjoy productions of Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night from June 6 to 10.

The Agatha Christie thriller A Murder Is Announced will entertain from July 3 to 8.

Ellen Kent and Opera & Ballet International will bring Verdi's Nabucco and Aida to Norwich on May 9 and 10 respectively, while English Touring Opera will present Puccini's Tosca on June 1 and 2 and the Gilbert and Sullivan production Patience on June 3.

From August 7 to 12 the rock 'n' roll musical Dreamboats and Petticoats returns, and from July 26 to 29 Norwich Theatre Royal's Youth Company will perform Alice Back In Wonderland. The Theatre Royal will also host an array of Norfolk & Norwich Festival shows in May.

There are also lots of one-nighters spanning music, comedy and dance.

Judy Foster, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We're excited that our Norfolk audiences will get the chance to see several productions, such as Abigail's Party and Gangsta Granny, before they head into the West End, while other acclaimed smash-hit shows are coming to us after achieving West End and Broadway success, from Sister Act and Million Dollar Quartet to Funny Girl. We also have some delightful family shows as well, such as The Railway Children and Fantastic Mr Fox, and Running Wild really should not be missed - the animal puppets will truly astound!'

For more information about the shows, including how to book tickets, call the box office on 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk