From classic Shakespeare to murdered Agatha Christie, plus eight-woman tap-dancing comedy and one-woman wit, here are our tips.

ROMEO AND JULIET, Chichester Festival Theatre, until October 5
Shakespeare's immortal tragedy is performed at the venue for the first time.

The play stars Una Stubbs as the nurse, Paul Shelley as Capulet and 18-year-old Emily Blunt as Juliet.

Now set in 17th Century Constantinople, director Indhu Rubasingham juxtaposes the Mediterranean beauty with religious and cultural hostility.

Tickets cost £7 to £30. Call 01243 781312.

STEPPING OUT, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, until September 14
Richard Harris' award-winning comedy tells the story of eight women and one man who meet for a weekly tapdancing class.

Directed by Eastbourne Theatres' general manager, Chris Jordan, the show follows the dancers' struggles with their lessons and lives.

But how will the group fare when they perform in public for the first time?

Tickets cost £10, £12 and £15. Call 01323 412000.

MURDERED TO DEATH, Connaught Theatre, Union Place, Worthing, until August 31
Agatha Christie spoof starring Are You Being Served? stars Trevor Bannister, Nicholas Smith, Geoffrey Davis and Anna Karen as Miss Maple, a well-meaning sleuth.

Set in a country manor house in the Thirties, Miss Maple is soon snooping around following the mysterious death of the house's owner.

Tickets cost £16, £18 and £19 (£14, £16 and £17 matinees). Call 01903 206206.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, August 26
Adrienne Thomas is known for her vocal range and witty yet serious stories and songs.

Speaking In Tongues is her new one-woman show and has gathered rave reviews in Portugal, where she has lived for the past four years.

The show will be opened by Emmanuel Williams whose poetry comprises observations about the natural world and human nature.

Tickets cost £6 (£5 concessions). Call 01273 647100.