Gandalf is alive and well and helping Bilbo Baggins fight a dragon in the wilds of Bradford Alhambra.

The old sorcerer and his little friends appear in the popular stage version of JRR Tolkien's book The Hobbit.

The special effect-packed family show sends the hobbits and dwarfs on a magical quest against trolls, goblins, wolves and giant spiders.

The Hobbit runs from Tuesday to Saturday including Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 01274 432000.

p The vibrant customs of Japan are being celebrated this weekend in a colourful exhibition at the Royal Armouries.

Bushido: the Way of the Warrior runs from today until Sunday at the free-entry Leeds museum.

Live interpretations and demonstrations include a Japanese Warrior dressed for battle.

Japanese horse archery will be demonstrated, and there are guided tours of the Oriental Gallery.

There are also Japanese films, art activities and kite-making workshops.

The museum is open 10am-5pm daily, and some events have a small admission charge. Phone 0113 2201916.

p Alan Bennett's play Habeas Corpus is being staged by Addingham Amateur Dramatic Society. The satirical merry-go-round about the permissive society is tonight, tomorrow, and next Thursday to Saturday. Book on 01943831601.

p Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation and adultery return to West Yorkshire next week.

The hit musical Chicago has it all - this time at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, from Tuesday to Saturday.

Set in prison, the show follows two woman inmates and their lawyer - played by Eastenders' John Altman - in the style of vaudeville songs.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre, or phone 0113 222-6222.

p Christopher Ecclestone takes to the stage in Leeds tonight in the title role of Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet.

The acclaimed TV actor will perform at the West Yorkshire Playhouse each night until November 30.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre, or phone 01132137700.

p Larry Branson returns to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, in the guise of Roy Orbison next Thursday.

The West End star relives the highs and lows of the Big O's career in the tribute show This Lonely Heart.

The 7.30pm show features songs such as Crying, Only the Lonely, Running Scared, It's Over and Pretty Woman.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 01422 351158.

p Johnny and the Poorboys tonight performs for the Oakworth Football Club annual "shindig". The public can buy tickets by phoning Richard Hewitt on 01535 645959.

The band plays an afternoon show this Sunday at the Blues Bar in Harrogate (starting at 1pm).

p Coming up tonight at the Bacca Pipes Folk Club is the new pairing of Napper and Bliss. The men, both called Tom, are known as skilful musicians and song writers in their own right.

The music begins at 8.30pm at the Ukrainian Club, 9 Henry Street (off Cavendish Street) Keighley. Phone 01535 605310.

p Soul, blues, pop, jazz, country folk can all be heard in Haworth on November 30. Christine Collister will move through all the styles with her "powerful voice of rare quality" at the Parkside Social Club.

Book tickets on 01535 642566.