For dance fans in particular, there are two red-letter days for their 2013 diaries as Colin Marr, director of Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, revealed.
“We’re thrilled to be welcoming back two brilliant dance companies, Rambert and Balletboyz,” he said.
“Fans of contemporary dance will not want to miss these big-hitters.”
Balletboyz bring their rippling torsos and reckless leaps to the theatre on Wednesday, February 20, while Rambert present Labyrinth of Love on March 19 and 20.
Meanwhile, fans of TV show Strictly Come Dancing can see Pasha Kovalev and Katry Virshilas, alongside guest dancers, all beautifully costumed, demonstrate a series of stunning dance routines on Tuesday, April 16, at the theatre.
There is also an opportunity for members of the audience to get involved, so don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.
Dancers extraordinaire can also be seen performing when Scottish Ballet presents The Nutcracker from January 23-26. This hugely-popular ballet never fails to please so act quickly if you want to get your hands on tickets.
Ballet with a distinct Highland flavour can be seen in May when the company returns with Highland Fling, a reworking of the classic romantic ballet La Sylphide, by Matthew Bourne.
It follows the antics of James, a young Scot with sex, love and rock’n’roll on his mind, and is said to be one of the funniest, funkiest ballets you’ll ever see.
Shows that fall into the dramatic category include Sleeping Beauty on Ice, presented by the Imperial Ice Stars (April 23-28) and Pirates of the Carabina “Flown” – a vibrant show (May 5 and 6) that mixes circus with comedy and chaos and stars experienced acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians, stuntmen and adventurers.
Mr Marr said: “In terms of drama we’ve got another great season ahead and some of the treats on offer include the hilarious west-end hit The 39 Steps (May 28-June 1); Guy Masterston’s solo Animal Farm (June 27) and Vox Motus returning with their production of Slick (March 12 and 13).
“We also have Moray-based company Right Lines performing Be Silent or Be Killed (May 2-4) , the true story of Scottish businessman Roger Hunt, who was caught up in the Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008.”
Other shows to look out for include Boeing Boeing, a non-stop comedy based around one man and his three flight attendant fiancees (February 15 and 16) and Murder, Marple and Me, when Janet Prince presents a show based on actress Margaret Rutherford, who turned Miss Marple into a TV icon (February 14).
Big musical shows include We’ll Meet Again, with hits from the Blitz (March 15); Jersey Nights (February 10-13), a show based on the hits of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons; and Back to Broadway (February 7), which sees singers and dancers perform favourite hits from some of the biggest Broadway shows.
Inverness Opera Company takes on Jekyll and Hyde (March 13-15), while Inverness Choral Society present Voices United on Saturday, May 18.
The theatre will also have visits from violinist Nicola Benedetti in March, the Scottish Ensemble and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in February and the RSNO in May.
Craig Hill, who hosted the Inverness Hogmanay party, returns to the city with Jock’s Trap! (February 16), while TV favourite Chris Addison, star of The Thick of It and Mock the Week, brings his critically-acclaimed show The Time is Now, Again, to Inverness on April 8.
Andrew Lawrence, recently seen on BBC Live at the Apollo, prepares to tickle funny bones on Sunday, February 10, while comedy stars of the future can regularly be spotted appearing at the monthly Gilded Balloon comedy circuit nights in the One Touch Theatre.
There’s also plenty of entertainment on offer at The Ironworks, Inverness, with a line-up that includes a concert by the Rooty Ma Toot Big Band, a lively group of local musicians helping to keep big-band music alive (February 1); The Courteneeers (February 28), and T-Rexstasy, a tribute to Marc Bolan and T-Rex on March 15.
Later that month, there’s visits from The Dangleberries (March 16) and comedians Andy parsons (March 21) and Tom Stade (March 22).
Public Service Broadcasting appear at the venue on May 2, while TV comedian Lee Nelson makes a welcome return to the venue the follow day.
The Pavilion, Strathpeffer, also has a lively programme lined up for 2013, beginning with a visit from Wildbird Theatre who present the classic tale, Dreich House, on January 14.
Feis Rois have organised a ceilidh to raise funds for the Highland Hospice on March 2, while spirit medium Derek Acorah is set to appear on March 20.
In April, Opera Bohemia bring a taste of the east to the Highland venue when they present the popular opera, Madame Butterfly, on April 14.
Award-winning musician Edwyn Collins appears at The Pavilion on April 17 as part of his Understated spring tour, while Irish-born singing star Rose Marie brings her style of country music to the venue on April 20.
On May 10, singer Jai McDowall, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2011, is in concert.
A must-see show, especially for young fans, there’s also a limited number of VIP tickets, which include a meeting with Jai, on sale now.