IF you thought the New Year was a dull time for theatre then think again. What's On previews some of the highlights to pencil in your diary for January!

TIM Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's clasic rock musical, Jesus Christ Superstar returns to The Mayflower for just two weeks at the end of January.

Glenn Carter stars as Jesus, a part he made his own after his acclaimed performances in the film version of this classic West End production, while Fame Academy's James Fox, who represented Britain in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, plays Judas.

Songs like Everything's Alright, Could We Start Again,

I Don't Know How to Love Him made Jesus Christ Superstar one of the West End's most successful productions in a record-breaking eight-year run.

It has gone on to break even more records since touring the country and is likely to prove just as popular when it arrives at The Mayflower.

Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar, which runs from January 25 to February 5, can be bought by contacting the box office on 023 8071 1811.

THE Middle Ground Theatre Company gives Fredrick Knotts 1950's classic thriller, Dial M for Murder, a fresh revival at Poole's Lighthouse art centre in January.

With an all-star cast including Steven Pinder (Brookside), Joy Brook (The Bill and Peak Practice), Richard Grieve (Home and Away and Neighbours) and Richard Walsh (London's Burning), Dial M for Murder is a classic detective tale oozing with deceit.

If you thought Midsomer Murders was full of suspense, then brace yourself for Dial M for Murder.

The play runs from January 25 to January 29. Tickets start at £9.50. To book, contact the box office on 01202 685222.

IF you're stuck for a new year's resolution then what about making yours to see the Forest Forge Theatre Company's breathtaking Arabian Nights? The production has been touring the south since November and runs until the end of January. You can see this classic slice of Middle Eastern theatre next at the Minstead Village Hall near Lyndhurst on January 4. To book tickets, contact 023 8081 2636 or for more information on other dates that month log on to www.forestforge.demon.co.uk.

IT'S curtains up for contemporary dance at The Point in Eastleigh on January 27.

Spring Collection is a wardrobe full of dance works by some of the best-known names in dance and choreography. The artists' work will be performed in the auditorium, foyer and dance studio.

The Spring Collection offers you a sneak preview into the future of dance. Performers include the Ginger Dance Theatre, Charlotte Eatock, Nikki Tomlinson and loads more.

Tickets for Spring Collection: £7. Box office: 023 8065 2333.

AT the Theatre Royal Winchester there are two theatrical gems to look out for. Peter Symonds' College presents Restoration on January 12 - a play set in the 18th century about the perils of an aristocrat slung into poverty. Tickets are £6. On January 15 and 16 the Claire Goodwin Theatre Arts School brings its wonderful adaptation of the classic tale Aladdin to the theatre. Tickets start from £8.