AS the January blues start to set in, it's time to look forward to the year ahead.

To avoid the miserable weather and to have something to look forward to why not book tickets to a show at one of the theatres near you.

The Wycombe Swan has a great line up this season with music, plays and comedians. Paul Michael Glaser will star in the critically acclaimed Fiddler on the Roof from January 29 until February 1.

But before that there is lots of music to get you dancing in the aisles including The Rat Pack, The Simon and Garfunkel Show, The Music of the Carpenters and Big Girls Don’t Cry- and that's all just in January.

Then from February 17 to 22 the multi-award winning, acknowledged master of psychological illusion, Derren Brown will be back at The Swan with Infamous which is promising to demonstrate once again why Derren is one of the world’s most renowned live performers.

Comedians include Jimmy Carr, Punt and Dennis, Stewart Lee and Billy Pearce.

The Swan will also play host to awe-inspiring one-night performances from the exceptional all-male dance group, Balletboyz® and a brand-new production of one of the most romantic operas ever written, La Bohème.

Horrible Histories will return in February and later on in the season, there will be a brand new one woman play, co-written by and starring Denise Van Outen. A romantic comedy, Some Girl I Used to Know features a mix tape of songs from the 80s and 90s including Culture Club, Donna Summer and Soft Cell. Be prepared to laugh, cry and step back to a time when hopes were high, parties were wild and there was always a boy in mind.

This is just a small snapshot of what's coming up at the Swan. For full details and ticket prices go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk or call 01494 512000.

Over at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre they have some great shows coming up including Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which is coming to Aylesbury on February 26 for a week before it goes to the West End.

The musical comedy stars Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound and is based on the legendary 1988 film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, directed by Frank Oz. It will be the UK premiere of this new production, which has been reconceived and reimagined for the UK stage.

West Side Story will be there from February 11 to 15 and The Rod Stewart Musical, Tonight's The Night, will be on stage from March 3 to 8.

Other shows include The Two Worlds of Charlie F (March 13 to 15), Fame (March 24 to 29), Dial M for Murder (April 8 to 12) and The Russian State Ballet of Siberia returns with Giselle and Sleeping Beauty (March 17 to 19).

There are also plenty of one night shows from Anton du Beke to Rumours of Fleetwood Mac.

For full details and to book go to www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or call 0844 8717607.

At The Elgiva in Chesham The Chesham Bois Catholic Players will be performing The Ugly Duckling Musical, Honk!, from January 22 to 25.

There will also be live screenings from various London venues, after the theatre acquired new technology.

Bugsy Malone will be there from February 6, Chesham Arts Festival starts on the 16th, Barney Live! on March 1 and The Producers will be performed from April 9 to 12.

For full details go to www.elgiva.com or call 01494 582900.

And a Happy New Year to you all.