SINGER Val Doonican is the very definition of "relaxed".

His singing, which - if memory serves - is the closest thing to a musical tranquiliser, his Sunday afternoonish dress sense (all cardigans and comfy slacks) and the impression he gives of having been superglued to a rocking chair combine to send out soothing waves that lull you into a Zen-like state of super-tranquility.

It's some time since Val crossed our TV screens, but he remains as popular as ever in British theatres and arts centres, and arrives at Ferneham Hall, Fareham, for a one-off date on February 25.

A host of other "oldies but goodies" are lined up for Ferneham Hall's spring season, as well as some slightly newer faces.

There are some remarkable performers as well as Doonican. You can see The Dubliners (March 27), Helen Shapiro (April 22) The Squadronaires Orchestra (April 29) and a host of tribute acts and West End-style shows, such as the pop retrospective That'll Be the Day, the self-explanatory Buddy Holly and the Cricketers, South Pacific, the "greatest hits" anthology The Wonderful West End and the enormously popular Sing-a-Long-a-Sound of Music.

And putting in one-off appearances are the likes of poet Pam Ayres and helium-voiced comedian Joe Pasquale.

Younger theatre-goers are also well catered for, with highlights including a new Sooty show, Sooty's Magic Farm, and The Wiggles.

* For tickets and information about all shows, call the Ferneham Hall box office on 01329 231942.