The Crucible is undergoing an extensive renovation that will see it re-open in late 2009.

But this week The Lyceum has unveiled a long and varied programme of shows from world class drama to family shows, panto, comedy, musicals, dance and a screen adaptation of a cult movie.

The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber epic Evita is arguably the pick of the bunch.

As part of a national tour West End performer Louise Dearman will take on the role of Eva Peron – for which she has already received rave reviews – in Sheffield from October 13 to October 25.

No sooner is the drama of the Olympic Games out of the way and children's favourite Horrid Henry will step on to a stage for the first time in a production of the much-loved books of Francesca Simon and the hit CITV series.

Watershed Productions in association with Sheffield Theatres presents Henry (August 26 – September 13) alongside Moody Margaret and Rude Ralph in an adaptation aided by John Godber, author of the successful Bouncers.

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One of the highlights of the season will be Sheffield Theatres' Aladdin, a co-production with Evolution Pantomimes which last year helped bring the smash Cinderella – seen by 46,000 people.

The cast includes Phil Daniels, star of Quadrophenia, Hollyoaks bad boy Kevin Sacre and local legend Bobby Knutt.

Recognised for choreographing the opening dance sequence to E4's hit series Skins, Hofesh Shechter is one of the UK's most talked-about young dance stars, delivering intensely physical, breath-taking work that immediately connects with audiences.

On October 7 Dance Touring Partnership presents In Your Rooms and Uprising, the former a provocative, political and deeply personal piece involving 12 dancers with an original score performed live with five musicians.

Uprising sees seven men emerge to bombard the stage with incredible energy set to a throbbing score composed by Shechter.

Another enduring story, The Jungle Book, arrives on October 28.

Birmingham Stage Company presents Rudyard Kipling's classic tale about Mowgli, a young boy raised in the jungle by wolves alongside the likes of Baloo the Bear and Shere Khan the tiger.

It's back by demand with brand new songs prior to a West End season.
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