Ten of the Best - your guide to what to see around Notts in the days ahead

1 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Wednesday March 4 to Sunday March 8

Mansfield Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society present the dazzling, family-friendly spectacle. Based on Roald Dahl’s classic 1964 novel, the musical tells the enchanting story of Charlie Bucket, whose life is transformed when he discovers one of Willy Wonka’s legendary Golden Tickets. Beloved by generations through the classic 1971 Gene Wilder film and Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation starring Johnny Depp, this stage version brings the magic to life with eye-catching visuals, unforgettable characters and show-stopping musical numbers.

Audiences can look forward to hearing much-loved songs including The Candy Man and Pure Imagination and encountering everyone from the mysterious Willy Wonka to the delightfully disastrous Golden Ticket winners Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee.

Adding to the growing interest, Mansfield Ops is proud to feature two outstanding local young performers, Harry Bramall and Oscar Wilkins, who will alternate in the role of Charlie Bucket.

Performances begin at 7.15pm each evening, with matinees on the Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm. Visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre or call 01623 463133 to book

2 Bluey's Big Play, Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, Thursday February 26 to Sunday March 1

Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award-nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play. This theatrical adaptation of the Emmy Award-winning children’s television series is packed with music, laughter, and fun for the whole family. Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.

3 The Gruffalo’s Child, Mansfield Palace Theatre,Wednesday February 25 and Thursday February 26

Families can follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in an enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures. But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist – does he? The show is staged by award-winning family theatre company Tall Stories. Time Out called it “fun, daft and a little scary,” while The Scotsman described it as “perfect children’s entertainment”.

The Gruffalo’s Child can be seen at the Palace Theatre on Wednesday February 25 and Thursday February 26 February, including a relaxed performance at 11am on the Thursday.

Visit www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call 01623 463133 to book.

4 The King Stone, Nottingham Playhouse, Thursday February 26 to Saturday February 28

A new play rooted in the landscapes and communities of the East Midlands is taking to the stage in Nottingham. Set in the Derbyshire Peak District, The King Stone takes place around The Nine Ladies stone circle. It follows Kristen and Phil, a mismatched couple forever in each other’s orbit throughout Scouts and school and the growing pains of adulthood. But as the bond between them is tested, this star-crossed pair struggle to stay connected and break free of others’ expectations. Developed with the support Mansfield Palace Theatre, The King Stone is written by Charlotte East and directed by Hannah Stone. Both grew up in Derbyshire, giving the production a close personal connection to the area in which the play is set. Visit nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk or call 0115 941 9419 to book.

5 The Johnny Cash Roadshow, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Saturday February 28

The raw and gritty world of Johnny Cash's prison era will come to life in Mansfield this weekend. Set on a Folsom Prison-style set, the performance brings Cash's most famous concerts to life, aiming to immersing theatregoers in the energy of his legendary performances behind bars. The award-winning Clive John channels the spirit of Cash, and is joined by Ashley Cavell as June Carter and an ensemble of musicians playing authentic instruments, including double bass, Fender Telecaster, acoustic guitars, drums, piano, trumpet, and singing four-part vocal harmonies. The show features timeless classics like Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson, Orange Blossom Special and A Boy Named Sue. There’s also the depth and emotion of Cash's darker material from the later American Recordings, including the hauntingly powerful Hurt, as well as touching on the powerful songs from supergroup The Highwaymen. Visit www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call 01623 463133 to book.

6 Midsomer Murders, Theatre Royal, Nottingham, until Saturday February 28

Murder comes to the countryside in the theatrical world premiere of the television favourite Midsomer Murders. When much-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries. Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.

7 Thank you for the Music, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Friday February 27

The international smash-hit tribute show brings all Abba’s number-one hits to the stage. It promises unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes and dazzling performances of all the classics, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, The Winner Takes It All and many many more. Visit www.mansfieldpalace.co.uk or call 01623 463133 to book.

8 Tap Factory, Majestic Theatre, Retford, February 27

Eight extraordinary male performers deliver a blend of dance, acrobatics, music and comedy, promising high-energy dance,explosive percussion and jaw-dropping acrobatics, seamlessly interwoven with live music and striking choreography. Visit majesticretford.org to book.

9 The Big Pants Party, Majestic Theatre, Retford, Saturday February 28

The show is billed as “the ultimate ladies night out,” celebrating the soundtrack of a lifetime of fun, love and friendship. Live music and top vocalists celebrate sisterhood with some of the greatest hits of all time by the likes of Sister Sledge, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper and Adele. Visit majesticretford.org to book.

10 The Billy Joel Songbook, Theatre Royal, Nottingham, Tuesday March 3

The acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Elio Pace and his band return with their show that pays homage one of the most popular musicians, singer-songwriters and composers of the 20th century, transporting the audience through a catalogue of Joel’s music. Elio and his band will perform more than 30 hits, including The Longest Time, She’s Always A Woman, An Innocent Man, Uptown Girl, Tell Her About It, The River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start The Fire and Piano Man. Visit www.trch.co.uk or call 0115 989 5555 to book.