PROVIDING a superb start to the New Year is the return of 'The King of Comedy' himself, Ken Dodd who will bring his ever-popular 'Laughter Show' to the Theatre Royal on Thursday, January 11.

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.' So 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.

THE newly-formed Willowbrook Hospice Appeal Roadshow, which features finalists from our 'Young Stars of Tomorrow' competition, gets off to a great start in the New Year. First booking is at the Nags Head, Eccleston Street on Friday, January 12 from 7.30pm. Admission is free.

And next stop is Thatto Heath British Legion, Scholes Lane on Friday, January 26 also from 7.30pm. Tickets, £1.50, are available from The Campaign Office in Claughton Street, tel. (01744) 453798, or from the club.

FANCY a chance to dance? The Footsteps Youth Dance Company could have good news for you. They are starting a Dance Club on Saturday, January 13 and members will have the opportunity to perform in the 17th Annual Youth Dance Festival at the Theatre Royal later in the year.

Meetings will be held at The Gymnasium, Cowley High School, Gamble Avenue and there will be two age groups, under-12s and those aged 12 and upwards. The under-12s will meet between 10 and 11am and the over-12s from 11am to noon. Cost is £1 per session and further details are available from Amy on 01744 810026 or 07833 721046.

IF jazz is your bag, don't miss Blue Delight playing jazz standards at the Carr Mill Hotel, on Monday, January 8 from 9 to 11.30pm. Their special guest will be the international jazz guitarist Gary Potter.

NEWTON Family and Community Centre, Park Road South is running courses in French and German. Further details from the centre on 01925 224731.

OUT OF TOWN

THE Octagon Theatre, Bolton have just announced their spring season and among the highlights is 'Kissing Sid James' which runs from Thursday, March 29 to Saturday, April 21 at 7.30pm.

This centres around aspiring stationery salesman, Eddie and croupier, Crystal, who disappear for what they hope will be an idyllic weekend. Instead, they find themselves trapped in a shabby B&B. Can their love blossom?

SOCIETY NEWS

ST HELENS Organ Society meet on Tuesday, January 9 when John Beesley will be their special guest at The Percival Rooms, Ruskin Drive, from 8pm.

NEXT meeting of the '89 Society in Thursday, January 11 when Lizzie Jones will talk about 'Queen Elizabeth I.' This is at the Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston starting at 7.45pm.

THE NASO Discussion Group have a new venue as from Friday, January 5 they will be meeting at St James Hall, St James Road, Rainhill from 1.30 to 3pm. Members old and new welcome.

THE WEA have organised a crochet course for beginners or those who can crochet at Thatto Heath Library starting on Monday, January 8 from 5.30 to 7.30pm.

ST HELENS Hard of Hearing Club meet on Monday, January 8 when there will be a hot-pot lunch and a discussion led by NWF chairman Mr Wilf Heyes. This is at the Deaf Centre, Dentons Green Lane from 1.30 to 3pm.