VARIETY is certainly the watchword in the weeks ahead with everything from poetry and panto to wrestling and whodunnits on the local entertainment 'menu'.

Visitors to the Theatre Royal can certainly 'be prepared' to be entertained when the St Helens Scout and Guide Gang Show is held at the Corporation Street venue from tonight (Thursday, March 29) to Saturday, March 31.

Lovers of Sixties music can enjoy The Bachelors, with John Stokes, who will be appearing there in concert on Friday, April 6 from 8pm.

Then there is a treat for 'youngsters of all ages' when the spring pantomime 'Cinderella' comes to the theatre on April 7 & 8,15 to 18 and 21 & 22 at 2pm. This features Al T Kozzy and Darren Middleton.

Fans of the grappling game will be able to enjoy all the action when the ever-popular American Wrestling returns to the theatre on Saturday, April 7 at 7pm.

Mr Chan's Restaurant, North Road is holding a 'Chinese Tapas' evening on Wednesday, April 4. This will feature a special banquet prepared by Mr Chan and entertainment by Colin Galbraith on piano. Tickets for the evening are £17.50 per person and tables can be booked by ringing 01744 451388.

And Mr Chan's will also be hosting 'Images and Imaginings' by The Poet and The Painter, yours truly and Carole Anne Eaves, from Wednesday, April 4 to Wednesday, May 2.

The Citadel, Waterloo Street have all-female band Acaysha on stage together with support act The Sharon King Band tomorrow (Friday, March 30) from 8pm.

Then on Wednesday, April 4 you can treat yourself to some 'Originality' when the Citadel hosts a special night of poetry and prose with students past and present from St Helens College. This starts at 7.30pm.

Glenn Tilbrook will be appearing at The Citadel on Thursday, April 5. Glenn, of course, is best known for his work in Squeeze and his first single 'Take Me I'm Yours' was released in 1978. Since then he has had a string of hits -- so don't miss this opportunity to see him for yourself.

St Helens Camera Club is now holding its annual exhibition of Members Work at St Helens College Atrium, Brook Street, during college hours until Tuesday, April 17.

A Musical Coffee Morning in aid of research into Motor Neurone Disease will be held on Saturday, March 31 from 10am to noon at the Church Hall, Rainford. Admission is 40p and there is a host of stalls and the chance to listen to your favourite tunes.

The Jazz Rendezvous at the Star, Rainford have guests Jim Smith's Croal Valley Jazzmen on Sunday, April 1 from 8.30pm.

An Irish Night is taking place on Saturday, March 31 from 8pm at Lowe House Club, Crab Street. Special guest is Gypsy Rover and there will be a small door charge.