Here are just some of the cultural highlights in art, dance and cabaret to keep you busy well into 2013.

Art

Avis Newman: Mobile Relations

NUCA Gallery, January 22-March 2

Avis Newman is perhaps best known for her works on canvas and paper and objects that trace a long-standing preoccupation with ideas of origin and language. Throughout the 1980s her practice explored ideas of scale, materiality and representation. In her most recent works Newman explores an eternal preoccupation - that of 'boundary', the 'unframed' and the 'incomplete'.

Quentin Blake: Drawn by Hand

Fitzwilliam Museum, February 12-May 12

Quentin Blake is one of the best-known illustrators of his generation. Drawn by Hand looks at individual works he has produced in the past decade: book illustrations, etchings, lithographs, drawings and works done for hospitals in various and contrasting media. This work will be accompanied by a display of pens, brochures, inks, watercolours, quills and other materials from the artist's studio.

Masterpieces: Art and East Anglia

Sainsbury Centre, from September 14

Celebrating the rich and unique artistic heritage of the region, with works from across the visual arts – paintings, sculptures, architecture, ceramics, glass, jewellery, photography, textiles and design – from the prehistoric period to the present day. Drawn from major collections, the exhibition will showcase the array of masterworks inspired, produced and collected in the region.

Dance

Richard Alston Dance Company

Norwich Theatre Royal, March 12-13

For the company's eagerly awaited return, Richard Alston presents his new piece Buzzing Round the Hunnisuccle, inspired by Alston's long held fascination with the music of Jo Kondo. In his latest work for the company, Martin Lawrance has created Madcap; a startlingly original new choreography with the music of New York band, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Also revived is Alston's effervescent The Devil in the Detail set to the music of Scott Joplin.

Midnight Tango

Norwich Theatre Royal, March 18-23

Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring back their stunning tango show by popular demand. Set in a late night bar in downtown Buenos Aires it features some of the finest Tango dancers in the world plus live music, joy and jealousy, pain and passion all combine.

The Great Gatsby

Norwich Theatre Royal, April 30-May 4

Following the success of Cleopatra and Beauty & the Beast, Northern Ballet return with their new ballet take on the classic novel by F Scott Fitzgerald. On New York's Long Island, in the heady, indulgent days of the 1920s, Nick Caraway comes to know his infamous neighbour Jay Gatsby – a mysterious millionaire with a secret past and a penchant for lavish parties. As the sparkling fa�ade of Gatsby's world begins to slip Caraway comes to see the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lie beneath.

Swinging At The Cotton Club

Norwich Playhouse, May 4

Take a step back into 1920s New York City and through the doors of Harlem's hottest nightclub in this action-packed show celebrating the music, dance, and songs of the Cotton Club.Performances of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne and Fats Waller matched with exciting dance recreated by the fabulous Jiving Lindy Hoppers.

Cabaret

Pete Firman

Norwich Playhouse, March 15

Following his starring role on the BBC Magicians series, comedic conjuror Pete Firman returns with his hilarious new show Hoodwinker to the Playhouse. Expect more amazing feats that defy logic, a fast and furious delivery of gags and astounding tricks that will leave you dumfounded for days.

The Boy With Tape On His Face

Norwich Playhouse, April 19-20

This is stand-up with no talking, drama with no acting and punch lines with no words. Funny, magical, innovative, spectacular and inspiring, The Boy with Tape On his Face has won the hearts and minds of the critics and public alike. 2012 saw him sell out his entire 750 capacity per night month long run at the Edinburgh Festival ending with him winning the Fosters Comedy Award and then topping off the year with three weeks in the West End.

Derren Brown

Norwich Theatre Royal, June 10-15

There is no rest for the wicked and Britain's most famous mentalist returns with a brand new live show. The acknowledged master of psychological illusion was last in Norwich with his hugely successful Olivier award- winning show Svengali. As ever, the new show is a closely guarded secret but it is sure to will once again mesmerise, shock and entertain. Book early as it's a guaranteed sell-out.