Gosh, this four-day week has been tiring. Good job we've got two days off to have some fun...
BIRMINGHAM
GO-GO GLAMOUR
The garden at The Spotted Dog is turned into a retro disco for the Digbeth Shuffle, complete with a vintage soundtrack courtesy of the Sugarfoot Stomp ladies and entertainment from Sixties dance troupe The Actionettes. 12 May; from 8pm; free; 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12
MUSICAL COMEDY
Peep Show’s Isy Suttie brings her one-woman show Pearl And Dave to Birmingham’s Glee Club. Set to music, Isy’s lively re-enactment of Pearl and Dave’s cyber-space relationship at times mirrors her own love life in the quest for ‘the one’. 11 May; 8pm-late; £12; The Arcadian, 70 Hurst Street, B5
MIXED MEDIA
Transmitter/Receiver: The Persistence Of Collage explores the use of collage in contemporary artwork, looking at the work of over 30 artists, including Grayson Perry, Chris Ofili and John Stezaker. Until 30 June; Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; free; The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, WS2
KNITTING CENTRAL
Pop-up shop K2TOG (short for knit together) has just opened at Pavilions Birmingham. Drop by and knit a square for K2TOG’s installation, which will see Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery covered in knitted art to celebrate the Olympics. Until 27 July; times vary; free; 38 High Street, B4
TWENTIES TIME TRAVEL
The Electric Swing Circus return to the Hare & Hounds with Hot Club de Swing, featuring an all new cabaret show inspired by the style and sounds of the Twenties prohibition era. Come dressed in flapper dresses and fascinators. 12 May; 9pm-late; £7; 104 High Street, Kings Heath, B14
LEEDS
MULHOLLAND DRIVE
Mulholland Drive is the perfect surreal film to watch late at night in a historic cinema like the Hyde Park Picture House, which is just what you can do this weekend. 12 May; 11pm; £5.80- £6.30; Hyde Park Picture House, 73 Brudenell Road, LS6
BEHIND THE BALLET
We loved it when the Royal Ballet live-streamed its rehearsals so we’re very excited that Northern Ballet is opening its headquarters for real, with a day of behind-the-scenes insights and shows. 12 May; 11.30am-4.30pm; free; Northern Ballet, Quarry Hill, LS2
PRINTS CHARMING
Local artist Cath Brooke is hosting a four-hour print-making workshop at the Bowery this Saturday. She’ll provide material or you can bring your own sketches to turn into wall-worthy art. 12 May; 10am-2pm; £40; The Bowery, 54 Otley Road, LS6
LIKE A VIRGIN
Since we have fond, if slightly embarrassing, memories of starting girl bands at school, Reform Theatre Company’s reminiscent comedy drama Like A Virgin will ring some bells this weekend. 10-12 May; times vary; £11-16; Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, HG1
RIGHT ON POINTE
The Birmingham Royal Ballet are bringing a mixed bill of works to York this weekend, including a new piece by choreographer Jessica Lang alongside company favourites. 11-12 May; times vary; £10-22; York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, YO1
MANCHESTER
FASHIONABLE SOIREE
A stylish evening of fashion consultations, make-up advice and hair demos from Ted Baker Pashion is topped off with goodie bags and bespoke cocktails courtesy of The Yacht Club. 10 May, 6pm; email theavenue@spinningfields.co.uk for free guestlist; Ted Baker Pashion, The Avenue, M3
UPLIFTING ART
The human desire to take to the skies provides the theme for this year’s Tatton Park Biennial, transforming the landscape with breathtaking open-air installations from planes to tree houses. 12 May-30 September; times vary; free, Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16
STILL MOVEMENT
Dance photographer Chris Nash has an unparalleled ability to capture the spirit of movement. This weekend is your last chance to catch his thrilling exhibition, A Flash Of Light. Until 13 May; times vary; free; The Lowry, Salford Quays, M50
CAN YOU KICK IT?
Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest, a critically-acclaimed documentary about the ground-breaking hip-hop collective, will be screened at Manchester’s newest arts venue. 12 May, 6pm; free; 2022NQ, 20-22 Dale Street, M1
NEW WORDS
Emerging writers and theatre companies from the North West showcase new work at the Wordsmith12 New Writing Festival, also featuring script writing masterclasses and plenty of lively discussion. Until 12 May, times, prices and venues vary; Oldham OL1
SCOTLAND
CASTLE CLUBBING
The Psychedelic Forest Disco might be the coolest al fresco night out ever especially as it’s in the grounds of Scotland’s most graffittied castle. Top tunes and a magical atmosphere. 12 May; 6pm-4am; £23; Kelburn Castle, near Fairlie, North Ayrshire, KA29
HOLLYWOOD’S HOTTEST
Club Noir launches its Film Night with the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot. There will be a burlesque show before the screening and dressing up is encouraged. 11 May; 8pm; £6.50; Perth Playhouse, 6 Murray Street, Perth, PH1
ANNE’S OTHER SIDE
Anne Boleyn charts the life of Henry VIII’s second wife. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable romp through history with Anne as one sassy lady. Until 12 May; times vary; £29.50; Festival Theatre, 13-29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8
AN ARTY GIG
Dundee artist Michael Corr teams up with Glasgow band The Mixups (we love their Sixties summery sound) for an art exhibition and an acoustic set. 10 May; 7pm-9pm; free; Drouthy’s Basement, 142-146 Perth Road, Dundee, DD1
BE A BIG KID
With gentle comedy, beautiful set pieces and terrific tales, Imaginate Festival may be aimed at children but big kids will find the shows heartwarming too. Until 14 May; times and prices vary; Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1
LONDON
UP ON THE ROOF
Have your pick of pre-loved designer clothing at the BuyMyWardrobe designer-fashion recycling event. There will also be massage pods, complimentary cocktails and stylist advice. 12 May; 12-6pm; free-£20; The 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11
MARKET DINING
The Street Feast night food market will be serving up a mix of Thai, Mexican, West Indian and Vietnamese cuisine. The Car Wash Dining Room (reservations taken) offers waiter service to your table. Until 20 July; 5pm-midnight; Sclater Street Car Park, 91 Sclater Street, E1
MARVELLOUS MARILYN
View an incredible collection of Marilyn Monroe photographs at Getty Images’ Marilyn exhibition. The collection features photos spanning her entire career, as well as original film costumes and dresses she wore on screen. Until 23 May; free; Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, W1W
WRITTEN LANDSCAPE
Writing Britain: Wastelands To Wonderlands explores how the landscapes of Britain have permeated literature, with 150 literary works including manuscripts and audio recordings from authors and overseas. 11 May-25 September; £3.50-£10; The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1
BELLE EPOQUE
At the Belle Epoque Party, there will be acrobats, cabaret singers and DJs. We’re also told there will be absinthe. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 12 May; 8pm; £20; Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, EC2A
