Despite the gloom and doom of the credit crunch, Manor Pavilion Manager Graham Whitlock is pleased to report audience figures at the Sidmouth theatre are holding up well and the new What s On guide promises plenty of cheer

Despite the gloom and doom of the credit crunch, Manor Pavilion Manager Graham Whitlock is pleased to report audience figures at the Sidmouth theatre are holding up well and the new 'What's On' guide promises plenty of cheer - here are the shows for April and May.

Rosemary Hawthorne brings her hilarious one-woman show The Knicker Lady to the Manor next Friday, April 3, at 8pm and the following night, Saturday, April 4, at 7.30pm, Sidmouth Lions Club present a Youth Variety Show with a wealth of young talent.

From Saturday, April 11, to Saturday, April 18, at 7.45pm, with 2.30pm matinees on April 13, and 18, Sidmouth Arts Club Operatic Society are sure to thrill with a sparkling and vibrant musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, set in the roaring 1920's.

Sidmouth Ballet School and East Devon Dance present another spectacular Triple Fantasy - Sun, Moon and Stars from Monday, April 27, to Saturday, May 9, involving 350 young dancers.

Lyme Regis Dramatic Society performs Tom Stoppard's On the Razzle (a glorious romp set in 1890's Vienna) on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, at 7.30pm.

I can't wait to enjoy A further evening with James Pellow on Friday and Saturday, May 15, and 16 at 7.45pm, with his special guests, including firm favourites Janette Froud, Jane Bennett and Sandria Stewart.

A busy Bank Holiday weekend begins with the indefatigable Goronwy Thom and Slightly Fat Features presenting a brand new spectacular family cabaret show Variety by the Sea on Friday, May 22, at 7.30pm. The following day, Saturday, May 23, at 3pm and 8pm, the Sidmouth Rotary Club present The Golden Age of Variety, performed by Birmingham based Victoria Follies. On Sunday, May 24, at 7.30pm, Five Star Productions present Swing 'n' Sinatra.

The popular Nightshade Theatre Company makes a welcome return from Thursday, May 28, to Saturday, May 30, at 8pm with a nostalgic, poignant and hilarious view of the days leading up to the Exeter Blitz with Waves of War, written by Jane Bennett, directed by Janette Froud and starring James pillow and Fiona McGregor.

You can get the new What's On guide or buy tickets by calling in at the Manor Pavilion theatre between 10am and 2pm Monday to Saturday or by phoning the Box Office on (01395) 514413.

Roger Simmonds