Gervais and Dolly set for Brum

Top British comic Ricky Gervais and country legend Dolly Parton are among a galaxy of stars set to dazzle audiences in Birmingham next month.

The NEC and NIA will be playing host to a string of some of the biggest names in entertainment including Lionel Richie and Russell Watson, plus a visit by skating stars Torvill and Dean for a special Dancing on Ice spectacular.

The March line-up kicks off in side-splitting style with The Office and Extras star Gervais, whose brand new show Fame is coming to the NIA on March 15 and 16.

Singer Russell Watson will be making a welcome return to the stage for his first tour after recovering from an operation to remove a brain tumour.

Russell had to postpone his original tour dates late last year but his fans will be able to enjoy his concert on March 16.Another popular family act performing in Birmingham next month will be Torvill and Dean.

The Olympic medal-winning duo will present their TV Dancing on Ice show on March 31 and bringing a host of other celebrities with them.

Already confirmed are Andi Peters, Bonnie Langford and Stefan Booth and it is the first the ITV show has been brought to a live audience. A host of musical acts catering for all tastes will also be in Birmingham in March.

Dolly Parton will bring her brand of country and western music to the NEC on March 28 while veteran Lionel Richie will be on stage on March 17 and 18. Other acts coming to the city next month include Lemar, the Sugarbabes, Westlife and Faithless. Exhibitions at the NEC in March include The Outdoors Show, The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show, Go Fishing and the Miniature International Doll's.

By Richard Wyatt

The NEC box office can be contacted on 0870 909 4133. The NIA's is on 0810 909 4144.