As expected, London’s O2 Arena kicks off 2014 with a bang, hosting shows for some of the greatest live acts around.

Seven-time Grammy award-winner Taylor Swift brings her own blend of country pop rock to the venue (February 1, 2, 4, 10 and 11), with her blockbuster tour The Red Show.

Missing Strictly? Fear not, the live show is coming to The O2. Names confirmed so far include Abbey Clancy, Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede (February 8 to 9).

If you don’t know who Frank Turner is, you may recognise him from the London Olympics. No, he wasn’t competing, but he did open the ceremony. Catch him at the O2 with his band The Sleeping Souls, for his biggest headline tour yet. Flogging Molly and Beans on Toast will support, (February 12).

It seems like only yesterday we were toasting the success of Adele, Emelie Sande et al at the Brits. Well it’s that time again, James Corden hosts Brit Awards 2014, with Arctic Monkeys, Rudimental and Katy Perry confirmed as performers. We already know that Sam Smith has won the Critics’ Choice award, so who else will emerge triumphant?

With a surprise album out just before Christmas, Jay-Z’s other half looks set to have a busy 2014. Bringing her Mrs Carter Show once again to The O2 (February 28, March 1, 2, 4, 5, 6), catch her while you can.

Over at the Harlow Playhouse, there are laughs aplenty, courtesy of Stephen K Amos. Fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, Stephen is hitting the road with a new show which has been a smash hit success across Australia and New Zealand. Expect an hour of fun, warmth, big laughs and audience interaction from the master of feel-good comedy (January 30).

Live At The Playhouse returns in February with another line-up of top TV comedians including Pete Firman, star of BBC One’s The Magicians, Adam Bloom, Mock The Week and Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Keith Farnan, as seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, and Matthew Osborn, English Comedian of The Year 2009. MC for the show is Dan Evans. (February 8).

If you’re young at heart, or looking for a show to take the kids to, The Snow Queen might be the icing on the cake at Harlow Playhouse on February 15-16. A story of friendship and the triumph of love over wickedness told in a light-hearted, musical adaptation, this heartwarming classic features the stunning and exquisite designs of Elizabeth Waghorn and is filled with loveable puppets and original songs to create an enchanting and exciting production that captures the spirit and power of this age-old fairytale.

Chelmsford Civic Theatre has a rather diverse programme planned for this year with theatre shows including Dracula (January 22-23), Alan in Wonderland and The 3 Goats Plus (January 25), as well as the Southend Playwrighting Festival (February 9 until February 11), and The Play that Goes Wrong (February 17 to 22). There’s dance on offer too courtesy of the annual I’ve Got The Music In Me (February 2).

Looking for some edgy humour? Then head over to Soho Theatre. Casual Violence is a nightmare blend of sketch comedy, live music and pure evil. Expect chimney sweeps, dyslexic goblins and a terrible parent, and your expectations will probably be met (January 15 to 18).

The Young Vic has some wonderful plays planned for the season including Sizwe Banzi is Dead (February 6 to March 8) and Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge (April 4 to May 24).

Meanwhile Fortune’s Fool should continue to draw crowds over at the Old Vic until February 22.