BIG names, big shows and still too many tribute acts are on their way to the Grand Opera House, York.

Among the highlights are comedians Harry Hill, Ken Dodd, Ross Noble and Ed Byrne, Footballers Wives' Gillian Taylforth in a thriller, Tap Dogs, The Hobbit, Paul Nicholas in Fiddler On The Roof and the autumn fortnight run of Barry Manilow's Copacabana (his show, not the Manilow himself).

Dave Simpson's adults-only hen-night comedy Girls' Night Out leads off the week-long runs with a return visit from January 28 to February 1; Vanessa Ford presents JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit from February 25 to March 1; Paul Nicholas leads the musical cast in Fiddler On The Roof from March 17 to 22.

Former EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth, now playing Jackie Pasco in ITV's Footballers' Wives, appears opposite Gary Mavers (Dr Andrew Attwood from Peak Practice) in Richard Stockwell's new psychological thriller Bad Blood, from March 24 to 29.

The Opera House stage will be transformed into an ice rink for the Russian Ice Stars' visit with two shows, Sensational Ice and The Nutcracker, from April 21 to 26 and the temperature heats up again for Dein Perry's Tap Dogs, a display of raw, macho energy by six dancers dressed as construction workers, from May 5 to 10.

Way off in the autumn, Barry Manilow's Copacabana is booked in for October 6 to 18. Billed as "the hottest show north of Havana", this new production of Manilow's musical extravaganza features the Copa Boys and Girls.

Comedy kicks off with Talking Cock next Friday; the Aussie hunks of Puppetry Of The Penis do the twist on February 12; North Eastern comic Ross Noble presents his Sonic Waffle on February 13; Ed Byrne offers his comic observations on March 2; and An Evening With Gary Lineker on March 13 will not be an evening with ol' big ears from Match Of The Day but a revival of the Arthur Smith and Chris England comedy about couples squabbling over the World Cup while on holiday abroad.

Slightly naughty Cornish comedian Jethro visits York on April 2 on his Stark Raving Bonkers Tour; big shirt collars and all, bespectacled Harry Hill arrives on April 6 on his Wild Horses Tour; the Chuckle Brothers entertain the children in Star Doors: The Chuckles Strike Back on April 16; and Dr Bunhead presents a humorous guide to bangs, burps and bodily functions in the children's show Kamikaze Cowpats on May 23 and 24. Humour will be prominent too in Fred Dibnah's show on March 9.

Musical highlights include Pure Puccini on February 21; Chisinau National Opera's Carmen, March 23, and La Boheme, April 27; Doodrock's Korean Heart Beat, featuring performers from the opening ceremony of the 2002 World Cup, April 5; Rick Wakeman, April 20; and An Evening With Steve Harley, May 11.

Ken Dodd's latest Happiness Show is on June 1: hurry or it will be sold out already. For tickets and brochures, ring 01904 671818.

Updated: 10:01 Friday, January 10, 2003