THE THEATRE ROYAL is promising flying skeletons, Shakespeare and ABBA as part of its Spring Season.

As soon as this year's pantomime, Aladdin, winds down on January 20, the theatre will be resuming work with a series of productions every bit as eclectic as its previous seasons, welcoming no fewer than 18 major productions to its main stage.

At the centre of its dramatic roster is Lady Windermere's Fan starring real-life mother and daughter Vanessa Redgrave and Joely Richardson and directed by the legendary Sir Peter Hall. This is the only time this production is being seen outside the West End and looks set to draw huge crowds to see one of Oscar Wilde's most revered comedies and two of Britain's most famous actresses.

Lady Windermere's Fan runs from February 4 - 9 prior to which the theatre will be hosting a production of Alan Bennett's Single Spies, from January 29 to February 2, starring Robert Powell and Lisa Goddard.

After 2001's production of Star Quality, Noel Coward is back at the Theatre Royal again with Relative Values starring Susan Hampshire (February 25 - March 2) whilst Frances De La Tour appears in The Good Hope from March 19 - 23.

Carry On legend and Harry Potter star Leslie Phillips will also be on stage at the Theatre Royal with the satirical courtroom drama Naked Justice (March 25-30).

For those wishing to experience something a little more toe-tapping than the theatre's fourth Bath Shakespeare Festival (March 4 - 16) there's a great line up of musical events.

Sing - A - Long - A Abba features live music complete with subtitles for a mass karaoke session (March 3), The Best of British Rhythm 'n' Blues sees legends such as Chris Farlowe and The Animals turn up to rock the joint (February 24) whilst Pirates Of Penzance (January 21 - 26), The Nutcracker (February 11 - 16) and Godspell (April 1 - 6) will all appeal.

For those seeking something a little more bizarre, then check out the Ustinov Studio's Puppet Festival from March 29 - April 6 and The Circus of Horrors, playing in the Main House on February 17.

This production features, in the Theatre Royal's own words, "sword swallowers, voodoo acrobats and vampires, flying skeletons, coffins and chainsaws".