Even without her big hair and full makeup, with her trademark dynamic vocal range and gift for character interpretation, it is not easy to overlook Sandra Bee.

The actress/comedian/singer has been seen in a variety of roles in block-buster Stateside movies (they may have been small parts but they made an impact) and is back on UK shores to launch her one-woman show A Night to Remember… (Bringing Sexy Back!)

This unique production takes us on a musical, emotional but above all hilarious journey through the music of unsung songstresses from the 1920s to the present day.

In A Night To Remember, under the direction of Ryan Romain, Sandra celebrates forgotten heroines like Ma Rainey, (mother of blues) and Joyce Bryant (the black Marilyn of the 50s).

She presents her unique take on distinctive icons and complements it all with take-offs of some of the biggest names in show business today, including singers BEYONCE to living legends like Aretha Franklin, Macy Gray, Whitney Houston, Erykah Badu and Tina Turner.

There may also be a surprise performance by a male celebrity. Poor sod!

This roller coaster ride through musical history is told through the eyes of Sharlene Smith, who is being observed by her shrink, Dr Pink, on the reality show ‘Living Lives’ (broadcast daily on Channel 69).

Come and experience the greatest show on earth involving a once in a lifetime cast of famous names - all played by the one and only Ms Bee.

Meanwhile the comic (and sometimes tragic) backstage journey also allows Sandra to incorporate her own cast of highly popular original characters such as Baby Monster, Mr Tearup and his Irish neighbour Mr O’Toole.

Already a proven crowd pleaser, this new version of Sandra's show is even bigger and better. And after sharing the stage in the West End (Shenzi in Disney’s Lion King) and Cinema (Derailed) Star Sandra will be commanding the entire stage so make a Beeline to see a powerful demonstration that a night spent with this dynamic performer is one no audience is ever likely to forget.

A Night To Remember (Bringing Sexy Back) can be seen on Friday 19 & 20 June at Rich Mix, 35-36 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA. 7.45pm. Info: 0207 613 7498 / www.misssandrabee.co.uk

Pass by the thirty-foot-high billboard blazoning 'Billy Eliot: The Musical': this evening we are in search of more intriguing fare.

The Stag is an anonymous charcoal-grey rotunda wedged in between the backsides of two office blocks and set on an island bounded by the one-way system that serves Victoria Station. From the street side no entrance is visible, but persevere and follow the curve of the building and there it is. Above it a banner announces 'Proud at the Above The Stag Theatre'. Inside the regulars are mostly office-workers having a leisurely pint and some chat before heading home to commuterville. A lugubrious man who's worked for Channel Four since its inception predicts the demise of network television 'within ten years' to my companion. A bell rings.

We troop up the stairs to the theatre-space. At the door the stage manageress announces a 'serious apology' in a tone tinged with hysteria: 'Due to last-minute dramas with regulations, smoking this evening will have to be mimed, so we have to ask you to go with that otherwise we'd have had to cancel the performance.' We make reassuring noises to signify that we'll try to suspend our disbelief and take our seats.

The space is low-ceilinged but pleasantly cool. The set is a suburban working-class dining-room in contrasting shades of pink, a slightly camp heightened naturalism. Working out in only a pair boxing shorts as we enter is a stocky, muscular and, it must be said, rather sexy youth. This is Lewis (the always-excellent and wholly convincing Jay Brown). He is an Olympic boxing hopeful, and he is gay. It is the evening of his eighteenth birthday, and a party has been planned.

Present are Lewis's gutsy East-End-made-kind-of-good widowed mother Anna (Rachel McCain) and mouthy, pouty sister Colleen (Shana Swash). Invited are Lewis's George Michaelesque older boyfriend Nic (Tom Sanders) and Lewis's homophobic old-school trainer Mac, (a disturbing, hard-eyed turn from Timothy Dodd). Although he's out to his family, Lewis isn't out to his trainer. Nic knows this, and to protect Lewis and prevent Mac finding out the truth about their relationship he brings along his lesbian friend Ally (Emma Swinn), whom he then has to cajole into posing as his girlfriend. Naturally - this being at heart a farce - Nic only tells Ally his plan after they have arrived at the party; nor does he think it wise to tell Lewis's mother or sister at any point.

What ensues is a thoroughly entertaining fusion of Seventies sit-com, Ortonesque farce and Victoria Wood witticisms. Ornate one-liners zing, dinner gets burnt, drunkenness descends and the truth comes out when Mac overhears Nic (who has slipped out for one of many cigarettes) arguing with Lewis over his decision to take part in a boxing match rather than accompany Nic on his annual memorial pilgrimage to the Admiral Duncan, at the bombing of which he was present. If that aspect of the play - the trauma of loss - is sketched rather than fully essayed, the overall effect is touching, and it ends on an unexpectedly life-affirming, heartening and optimistic note that drew tears from the audience.

By Jay Russell

The Vagina Monologues

Jessie Wallace

Jocelyn Jee

As sharp as Sex And The City and as unmissable as Friends - bring your mum, your best friend, your sister, your daughter (if she's over 18) or even your granny - for this is the ultimate girls night out!

Based on author Eve Ensler's 'Vagina Interviews' conducted with women from all around the world, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales gives voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories.

Critically applauded, receiving prestigious nominations for Drama Desk and Obie awards in 1999 in New York and a nomination for the 2002 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, The Vagina Monologues is a global phenomenon with multiple productions in over 25 countries and open-ended runs in New York and Paris.

Warm, open, exciting, enchantingly funny, liberating and heart-stoppingly powerful, the Vagina Monologues has been headlined by some of the most famous and talented women in the public eye both in the UK and the States, including Mel B, Honor Blackman, Sophie Dahl, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Hall, Maureen Lipman, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne and Kate Winslet.

Sharon D Clarke

This year the show is headlined by Sharon D Clarke, a familiar face from 'Holby City'. However she has also appeared in a number of stage show including Chicago, We Will Rock You and Walt Disney's The Lion King. More recently she was a judge on the hit show 'Last choir standing'.

Joining Sharon on stage is Jessie Wallace, known for her performances as Kat Slater in the BBC Soap 'Eastenders' as well as playing the lead in the BBC 4 production of 'Marie lloyd', Jessie's stage appearances include 'Haunted' and 'Rent'.

Last, but definitely not least is Jocelyn Jee who has achieved a huge reputation for animated and energetic comedy, adapting true-life anecdotes into imaginative stage scenes. Her TV appearances include '3 Non-Blondes' and her own comedy show 'Little Miss Jocelyn'. No stranger to the Hackney Empire stage, she was runner up in the New Act of the Year 1998 and has appeared on 'Nights out at the Empire' on channel 4.

Sex has never been funnier or more poignant than in this collection of highly original stories gathered by Ensler, who asked over 200 women of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and walks of life to share their most intimate secrets in 'vagina interviews' on such normally taboo topics as birth, sex, orgasms and relationships with truly revelatory results.

These remarkable monologues are performed by three acclaimed actresses who appear on stage together throughout the evening.

Every performance of The Vagina Monologues will donate a portion of ticket sales to the V-day fund, an organisation that provides charitable aid to women and girls who have been victims of abuse and violence.

See the show from Thurs 2-4 April at Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street London E8 1EJ. Fri 3 Apr 6pm & 9pm; and Sat 4 at 8pm. Adm: £17.50 - £19.50, concs available. Info: 0208 985 2424 / www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Fri 5 & Sat 6 June
CROSSINGS
Shelley is on the run. 15, and pregnant, she’s looking for a way out of the gang. She’s broken the code. We all know you don’t do that. In a raging storm she finds shelter on a strange ship. But this is no ordinary ship, it’s the ghost of the notorious Zong, a slave ship with a murderous history. Shelley is swept into the compelling stories of two powerful voices calling her to her future and a way out. Venue: Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd London E1 6LA. 8pm. Adm: £12, conc £10. Info: 0207 613 7498.

Tues 16 Jun - 11 Jul
THE SOUND
In an army barracks somewhere in remotest Europe, five people spend all day, every day, guarding a spot. They know nothing else. But as they each become convinced that they can hear a sound coming from somewhere near the barracks, their rigid, routine-filled lives slowly begin to fall apart. Wheelchair accessible. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd, Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT, entrance on Thompson Ave (tube: Oval (Northern Line). Info: 0207 701 0100.

Sat 20 June
MORE BUMS ON SEATS
Critically acclaimed comedians Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Brendon Burns, Simon Amstell and Josie Long amongst others will be taking the stage for the highly anticipated second outing of the stand up show More Bums on Seats. These fantastic headline artists will be performing in aid of Cardboard Citizens who provide life changing training and support for London's homeless people. Venue: Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street London E8 1EJ. 8pm. Adm: £18.50.Info:: 0208 985 2424 / www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Now - 25 Feb 09
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Popular musical starring Summer Strallen as Maria. Venue: London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London W1 (travel-tube: Oxford Circus). 7.30 (Mon, Wed-Sat); 7pm (Tue); mat 2.30 (Wed & Sat). Adm: £25-£55. Info: 0870 890 1108.

Now - 29 Mar 09
THE LION KING
Musical based on the Disney film. Venue: Lyceum Theatre, 21, Wellington Street, WC2 (travel-tube: Charing Cross/Embankment). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), mat 2pm & 3pm (Sun). Adm: £20-£52.50. Info: 0870 243 9000 / www.lionking.co.uk

Now - 4 Apr 09
HAIRSPRAY
Musical based on the John Waters film. Venue: Shaftesbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2 (travel-tube: Holborn/Tottenham Court Road). 7.30pm, mat 3pm. Adm: £20-£60. Info: 0207 379 5399 / www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Now - 11 Apr 09
BILLY ELLIOT - THE MUSICAL
Stage musical based on the hit film. Venue: Victoria Palace, Victoria Street, SW1 (travel-tube: Victoria). 7.30pm, mat 2.30pm. Adm: £17.50-£60. Info: 0870 895 5577 / www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk

Now - 25 Apr 09
MAMMA MIA!
Abba soundtrack musical. Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre, 31, Conventry Street, W1 (travel-tube: Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus). 7.30pm, 5pm & 8.30pm, mat 3pm.Adm: £20-£52.50. Info: 0870 243 9000 / www.lionking.co.uk

Now - 25 Apr 09
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Andrew Lloyd Webber's gothic musical. Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, SW1 (travel-tube: Piccadilly Circus). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat); mat 2.30pm (Tues & Sat). Adm: £20-£55. Info: 0870 890 1106 / www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Now - 25 Apr 09
AVENUE Q
Quirky musical comedy with live actors and oversized puppets. Venue: Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martin's Lane, WC2 (travel-tube: Leicester Square). 8pm, mats 5.30pm. Adm: £10-£50. Info: 0870 850 9175 / www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Now - 25 Apr 09
LES MISERABLES
Musical drama based on Victor Hugo's novel. Venue: Queen's Theatre, 51, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (travel-tube: Piccadilly Circus). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat); mat 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). Adm: £15-£55. Info: 0870 890 1110 / www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Now - 25 Apr 09
JERSEY BOYS
Musical about the career of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Venue: Prince Edward Theatre, 28 Old Compton Street, London W1 (travel-tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Rd). 7.30pm, mat 2.30pm. Adm: £20-£60. Info: 0844 482 5121 / www.delfontmackintosh.com

Now - 28 May 09
BUDDY
Musical based on the life of 1950s hit-marker Buddy Holly. Venue: Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, London WC2 (travel-tube: Covent Garden). 7.30pm, mats 5pm. Adm: £20-£55. Info: 0870 890 1103.

Now - 30 May 09
BLOOD BROTHERS
Willy Russell's long-running musical. Venue: Phoenix Theatre, 110 Charing Cross Road, London WC2 (travel-tube: Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Rd). 7.45pm, mats 3pm, 4pm. Adm: £17.50-£45. Info: 0870 060 6629 / www.theambassadors.com/phoenix

Now - 30 Jul 09
CHICAGO
Sexy jazz musical. Venue: Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London WC2 (travel-tube: Covent Garden). 8pm, mats 4.30pm. Adm: £20-£75. Info: 0870 890 1102 / www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Now - 3 Oct 09
WE WILL ROCK YOU
Queen musical. Venue: Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, W1 (travel-tube: Tottenham Court Road). 7.30pm(Mon-Sat); mat 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). Adm: £27.50-£60. Info: 0870 169 0116.

Now - 17 Oct 09
DIRTY DANCING-THE CLASSICAL STORY ON STAGE
Stage version of the cult 1980s film musical. Venue: Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych, London WC2 (travel-tube: Holborn). 7.30pm, mat 3pm. Adm: £25-£60. Info: 0870 400 0805.

Now - 9 Aug
GONE TOO FAR!
Comic-drama about race, identity and respect. Venue: Jerwood Theatre at The Royal Court, Downstairs, Sloane Square, London SW1 (travel-tube: Sloane Square). 7.30pm, mat 3.30pm. Adm: £10, £15 & £25. Info: 0207 565 5000/www.royalcourttheatre.com

Now - 9 Aug
PYGMALION
George Bernard Shaw's classic tale of elocution and class, starring Tim Piggott-Smith and Michelle Dockery. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat); mat 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). Adm: £10-£45. Info: 0870 060 6628 / www.oldvictheatre.com

Now - 14 Aug
NEVER SO GOOD
Jeremy Irons stars as Harold Macmilan. Venue: National Theatre: Lyttelton, South Bank, SE1 (travel-tube: Waterloo). 7.30pm (6-9, 11-14 Aug); mat 2.15pm (9,14 Aug). Adm: £10-£41concs. Info: 0207 452 3000 / www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Now - 16 Aug
PROFESSOR BUMM'S STORY MACHINE
Madcap, improvised comic show for all the family. Venue: Trafalgar Studios 2, 14, Whitehall, SW1 (travel-tube: Charing Cross/Embankment). 3pm (Mon-Sat). Adm: £15 (Mon); £20 (Tue-Sat). Info: 0870 060 6632 / www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios

Now - 16 Aug
I, LEAR
Comedy about luvvies. Venue: Trafalgar Studios, 14, Whitehall, London SW1 (travel-tube: Charing Cross/Embankment). 7.45pm (Mon-Sat). Adm: Mon £15, Tue-Sat £20. Info: 0870 060 6632 / www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios

Now - 17 Aug
TOTUS MUNDUS: KING LEAR
Shakespeare's tragedy, directed by Dominic Dromgoole. Venue: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 (travel-tube: London Bridge/Mansion House/Southwark/St Paul's). 7.30pm, 6.30pm, 10pm, 2pm & midnight. Adm: £5-£33. Info: 0207 401 9919.

Now - 30 Aug
INTO THE HOODS
Hip-Hop Version of Sondheim's Into The Woods. Venue: Novello Theatre, 5, Aldwych, London WC2 (travel-tube: Convent Garden). 7.30pm, mat 3pm. Adm: £15-£39.50. Info: 0844 482 5170 / www.delfontmackinstosh.co.uk

Now - 31 Aug
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Stage version of the Disney Channel film. Venue: Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, W6 (travel-tube: Hammersmith). 7.30pm, mat 3pm. Adm: £10-£45. Info: 0844 847 2397 / www.hammersmithapollo.net

Now - 31 Aug
A CONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD
The legendary costume designer shares behind-the-scenes gossip. Venue: Leicester Square Theatre, Studio Space, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2 (travel-tube: Leicester Square/Embankment). 8pm, mat 3pm. Adm: £17.50, conc £12. Info: 0844 847 2475 / www.ticketweb.co.uk

Now - 31 Aug
WEST SIDE STORY
Bernstein and Sondheim's musical. Venue: Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (travel-tube: Angel). 7.30pm(Tue-Sat); 5pm(Sun); mat 2.30pm(Wed & Sat). Adm:

Now - 6 Sept
FAT PIG
Neil LaBute's provocative comedy. Venue: Trafalgar Studios 1, 14 Whitehall, London SW1 (travel-tube: Charing Cross/Embankment). 7.30pm, mat 2.30pm Adm: £25-£42.50. Info: 0870 060 6632 / www.theambassadors.com/trafalgarstudios

Now - 20 Sept
UNDER THE BLUE SKY
Darkly comic tale about love and friendship. Venue: The Duke of York's, St. Martin's Lane, WC2 (travel-tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross). 7.45pm (Mon-Sat); mat 3pm(Thu & Sat). Adm: £15-£47.50. Info: 0870 060 6623 / www.theambassadors.com/dukeofyorks

Now - 24 Sept
HER NAKED SKIN
New drama about politics and emancipation. Venue: National Theatre: Olivier, South Bank, London SE1 (travel-tube: Waterloo).7.30pm, mat 2pm. Adm: £10-£30conc. Info: 0207 452 3000 / www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Now - 28 Sept
THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG
Connie Fisher and Alstair Mc Gowan star in a musical drama written by Neil Simon, Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer sage. Venue: The Menier Chocolate Factory, 51-53, Southwark Street, SE1 (travel-tube: London Bridge). 8pm (Tue-Sat); mat 3.30pm (Sat & Sun). Adm: £25, concs. Info: 0207 907 7060 / www.nenierchocolatefactory.com

Now - Oct 4
THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES
Comic play by Joanna Murray Smith. Venue: Vaudeville Theatre, Strand, London WC2 (travel-tube: Charing Cross). 7.30pm, mat 2.30pm. Adm: £22-£47.50. Info: 0870 890 0511 / www.nimaxtheatres.com

Now - 19 Oct
BRIEF ENCOUNTER
Stage version of Noel Coward's love story. Venue: Cineworld Haymarket, 63-65 Haymarket, London SW1 (travel-tube: Piccadilly Circus). 8pm. mat 3pm. Adm: £29.50-£39.50. Info: 0871 230 1562 / www.cineworld.co.uk

Now - 1 Nov
THE HARDER THEY COME
Reggae musical, based on the 1972 film. Venue: Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2. 7.30pm, mat 2.30pm. Adm: £10-£32.50. Info: 0870 060 6642 / www.theambassadors.com/playhouse

Now - 1 Nov
MARGUERITE
Romantic musical set in 1940s Paris. Venue: Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London SW1 (travel-tube: Piccadilly Circus). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), mat 2.30pm (Wed & Sat). Adm: £25-£60. Info: 0845 481 1870 / www.trh.co.uk

Now - 11 Nov
THE MOUSETRAP
Agatha Christie whodunnit. Venue: St. Martin's Theatre, West Street, London WC2 (travel-tube: Leicester Square). 8pm (Mon-Fri); 5pm & 8pm (Sat). Adm: £13.50-£37.50. Info: 0870 162 8787 / www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Now - 15 Nov
NEVER FORGET
Musical. Venue: Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2 (travel-tube: Charing Cross/Embankment). 7.45 (Mon-Thurs, Sat); 5.15pm & 8.30pm (Fri); mat 3pm (Sat). Adm: £19.50-£49.50. Info: 0870 164 8787 / www.theambassadors.com