VARIETY really is the watchword in the weeks ahead with everything from wrestling to panto and from musicals to magic to entertain you.

AMERICAN Wrestling comes to the Theatre Royal on Sunday, January 28. The action starts at 7pm with top grapplers from the US such as 'The Rock' alias Rock Steadfast, 'DX' alias Bret Rico, 'The Undertaker' alias Harvey Davidson and 'Kane'alias Brad Kirk, all set to slug it out on stage.

LOOKING a little further ahead, on Sunday, February 18, for one day only, there is a treat in store for the youngters in the shape of 'The Ugly Duckling' -- book your seats now.

AND Just when you thought the panto season was over, it's time to welcome back 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' who will be appearing at the theatre from Thursday to Saturday, February 22 to 24 in a traditional show for all the family.

THERE is still more panto fun to come with 'Babes in the Wood' which is being presented by the Prescot and Whiston Methodist Players at the Prescot Methodist Centre, Atherton Street from Tuesday, January 30 to Saturday, February 3 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. Tickets are available on the door or from the centre on Monday evening 7 to 9pm and on Saturday afternoons and from the Church Coffee Bar on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings.

A CABARET and Dance Night is being held at Birchley St Mary's Club, Billinge to raise money for St Mark's Church, North Road. This starts at 7.30pm and will feature singer Mal Darwin. Tickets, priced £5 including a disco and buffet, are available from 01744 893036 or 01744 613121.

NEXT stop for the newly-formed Willowbrook Hospice Appeal Roadshow, which features finalists from our 'Young Stars of Tomorrow' competition, is Thatto Heath British Legion, Scholes Lane on Friday, January 26 from 7.30pm. Tickets, £1.50, are available from The Campaign Office in Claughton Street, tel. (01744) 453798, or from the club.

LOVERS of traditional jazz/swing music can listen to tunes from the 30s and 40s played by The Dixie Kings every Wednesday at the Deanes House Hotel, Prescot from 8.30 to 11.15pm. Admission is free.

ANOTHER jazz 'hot-spot' is the Bell and Barrel, North John Street. They feature guest artists and resident trio every Thursday evening from 9pm.

THE Friends of Bleak Hill School are holding their annual Quiz Night on Friday, January 26 at the Police Club, Bishop Road, from 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £3.60 each, include a hot-pot supper.

SAINTS are holding auditions for their 2001 Cheerleader squad. These will be staged from 10am on Saturday, January 20 in the Cabaret Room at Knowsley Road. Applicants should be over 16 years of age and should take along suitable dance wear and footwear.

NEWTON Community Centre, Park Road South is holding a Parents and Toddlers Group every Tuesday afternoon with lots of fun and games. Further details from 01925224731.nce.' This is at the Raven Lodge, Church Street and all are welcome.