WE ARE spoilt for choice when it comes to theatre. Whether it is a psychological thriller in Eastbourne, a gripping drama in Brighton or a comedy romp in Chichester, there is something to suit all tastes and sensibilities. We round-up the pick of the shows coming up in the first half of next year.

Rent

Devonshire Park Theatre, Compton Street, Eastbourne, Jan 31 – Feb 4

Based around Puccini’s opera La Boheme, Rent tells the story of a group of bohemian artists who strive to uphold their non-conformist principles in the East Village of New York. The recurring theme of tuberculosis witnessed in La Boheme is replaced by HIV and Aids in Rent, reflecting the crisis in the 1990s.

Gaslight

Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Feb 6 - 11

EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon is the star turn in this adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s suspenseful mystery. Bella (Tointon) is home alone night after night while her husband hits the town. She is unable to explain a number of eerie happenings in the house. It is up to her - and the audience - to figure out whether the terror is real or merely exists in her imagination.

Running Wild

Chichester Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Feb 10 - 18

An extraordinary spectacle is in store as Michael Morpurgo’s children’s novel is brought to the stage. The plot centres around Lilly, a young girl who is incredibly excited by the prospect of riding an elephant on holiday in Indonesia. But then disaster strikes in the form of the 2004 tsunami, after which our hero must learn to survive in the rainforest and away from all she knows.

Not Dead Enough

Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Feb 13 - 18

Brighton bestseller Peter James has already seen his works The Perfect Murder and Dead Simple adapted to stage, and now it’s the turn of 2007 nov - el Not Dead Enough – the third in the Roy Grace series. Shane Ritchie stars as Detective Roy Grace alongside Strictly star Laura Whitmore. When Brian Bishop’s wife is found murdered he protests his innocence. That’s before Grace embarks on the case ...

Shakespeare: The Complete Deaths

Minerva Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, Feb 14 - 18

Ever wanted to see all 75 onstage deaths in the works of Shakespeare acted out before you? This production by Brighton company Spymonkey, which received rapturous reviews at Brighton Festival last year, is just the ticket. Look out for the particularly gory deaths witnessed in the brutal Titus Andronicus.

Footloose

Pavilion Theatre, Marine Parade, Worthing, March 16 - 18

The iconic 1984 movie is a veritable feast of dance and music that helped Kevin Bacon along the path to stardom. The liberating plot will be brought to life in Worthing as our protagonist Ren rebels against his smalltown’s ban on dancing.

The Play That Goes Wrong

Devonshire Park Theatre, Compton Street, East bourne, May 8 - 13

This farcical comedy has been a smash hit on the West End and earned plaudits for its clever use of meta theatre. As the play within the play threatens to collapse, the characters attempt to wrestle it back from the brink – public embarrassment.