The National Theatre’s production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling novel premieres at The Bristol Hippodrome on January 14.

War Horse is the story of Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in the First World War.

Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home.

A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

Hot on the horses’ hooves is Wicked, a reimagining of the stories and characters created by L Frank Baum in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Winner of 100 international awards, Wicked has been casting its spell over audiences across the world and is the 10th longest running show in the West End.

Strictly Come Dancing favourites Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their Dance Til Dawn show to Bristol in March.

In 1940s LA, a romance unfolds between a beautiful starlet and her handsome lover. Dance Til Dawn celebrates the Golden Age of Hollywood: world-class dancers, beautiful costume and wonderful music.

The Welsh National Opera brings its Spellbound Season in April with performances of The Magic Flute, Chorus! and Hansel & Gretel.

Chorus! is a fully-staged extravaganza of some of opera’s greatest moments, featuring soprano Lesley Garrett.

The warm and witty Magic Flute is the perfect introduction to opera for all ages, while Hansel & Gretel is a deliciously dark interpretation of the well-love fairytale.

The Full Monty, the 1997 film about six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers has been adapted for the stage and is coming to Bristol in April.

The Oscar-winning writer of the film, Simon Beaufoy, has gone all the way with this hilarious and heartfelt adaptation featuring songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones.

There’s more music in Mel Brooks’ much-loved Academy Award-winning musical The Producers, which opens at the Hippodrome on April 27. Expect plenty of laughs in what could be the funniest musical of all time.

For full details of all shows visit www.atgtickets.com /venues/bristol-hippodrome