Top 10 things to do this week

Our top 10 reasons to get out and about around Scotland this week

Daniel Sloss

Eden Court, Inverness and Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Friday and Saturday

The Fife stand-up comic continues his meteoric rise, which began with him turning professional while still a teenager.

With seven consecutive sold-out Edinburgh Fringe seasons under his belt, Daniel has toured the UK, Australia and USA and he’s appeared on TV shows including Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Russell Howard’s Good News. He’s also been signed to make a sitcom for US television after impressing on Conan O’Brien’s chat show.

This is the 24-year-old’s latest show, called Really?!

Oklahoma!

Gaiety Theatre, Ayr

Tuesday to Saturday

Ayrshire Philharmonic Opera Society returns to the Gaiety with one of the greatest musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

Set in 1906, it tells the love story of cowboy Curly McLean and farm girl Laurey Williams. Add in the sinister Jud Fry, the matriarchal Aunt Eller, the hilarious Will Parker and the flirtatious Ado Annie, and all the elements are there for a fast-paced story packed with drama, fun and romance.

This brand new amateur production of the Broadway classic features exciting choreography as well as sparkling singing of those unforgettable songs, like Oh What A Beautiful Morning.

Edward Scissorhands

Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Wednesday to Saturday

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie starring Johnny Depp and featuring the beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, this touching and witty love story tells the bittersweet tale of a boy left alone and unfinished in a strange new world.

This magical dance production is Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of the movie and has enjoyed huge success since its premiere. This is its first major revival and Bourne takes a fresh new look at the modern fairytale, following global success with his inspired interpretations of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Nutcracker.

Country Living Christmas Fair

SECC, Glasgow

Thursday to Sunday

Here’s a chance to stock up on some unique festive gifts, as hundreds of exhibitors from all over the UK arrive in Glasgow with their wares.

There’s home decorating ideas such as handcrafted tree decorations, garlands and baubles and bows, and tasty traditional food and drink including authentic regional delicacies such as gourmet sausages and hams, locally-produced cheeses and pates, and a selection of Christmas cakes, puddings and chocolates, most available to taste before buying.

There are plenty of original gifts, such as handmade jewellery, stunning evening and designer day wear and other accessories that can’t be found on the high street.

Ted & Co The Dinner Show

Dundee Rep

Thursday to Saturday

Fans of the Channel 4 sitcom are sure to enjoy this unique and interactive parody comedy dining experience.

Enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the Ted & Co The Dinner Show in the company of Father Ted, dim-witted Dougal, alcoholic Jack and Mrs Doyle.

The professional cast have perfected the characters’ mannerisms and use a high-energy mix of improvisation, audience participation and comedy timing to bring the best of Ted & Co to life.

Ted & Co The Dinner Show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011, selling out every show and picking up five star audience reviews.

Jackson Browne

Friday 21 November 2014, 8.00pm

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

American songwriting legend Jackson Browne returns to the UK in support of his new studio album, Standing in the Breach. It’s his 14th studio release, which he says is a collection of ten songs, at turns deeply personal and political, exploring love, hope, and defiance in the face of the advancing uncertainties of modern life.

He’ll be accompanied on the road by his long-time bandmates Val McCallum, Mauricio Lewak, Jeff Young and Bob Glaub, and they will no doubt delve deep into his impressive back catalogue as well as performing songs from his new album.

Dorothy Paul For One Night Only

Mitchell Theatre, Glasgow

Friday

A special one-off performance from the much-loved comedy veteran to raise funds for a special charity.

This new show is especially produced to support Dorothy’s chosen charity, Family Addiction Support Service, of which she has been a Patron for more than 20 years.

In addition to new gags from familiar characters, the audience has the chance to put questions to Dorothy and is described as the ideal pre-Christmas treat for everyone who is a mother, is going to be a mother or who has a mother.

Dorothy Paul has been a Patron of FASS (Family Addiction Support Service) for more than 20 years.

FILM CHOICE

The Drop

Out now

The many fans of The Sopranos will be interested by this film, which marks the final appearance of James Gandolfini.

The three-time Emmy Award-winning star plays a Brooklyn bar owner whose establishment is robbed of its takings by a couple of small time crooks. Problem for him is that the bar is a front for a Chechen criminal gang, and if they can’t find the thieves someone is going to have to pay.

British actor Tom Hardy is a brilliant as a bartender with more to him than meets the optics.

Get On Up

Out Friday

He’s a young actor who has been busy playing people a lot more famous than him to date – but prepare to get to know Chadwick Boseman.

Following on from his stand-out performances as baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42 and now “Mr Dynamite” James Brown in this biopic, Chadwick has landed the title role in Marvel’s next comic-book hero movie, The Black Panther.

Stretching from his abusive childhood to attaining his status as the godfather of soul, the film flits around too much like the livewire Brown on stage to be thought a classic. But Boseman’s performance marks him down as a man to watch.

Nativity 3

Back to St Bernadette’s elementary school for another instalment of jingle bell hi-jinks. The star of the first sequel, David Tennant, who in turn replaced original star Martin Freeman, has exited the scene and in his place is former sitcom star Martin Clunes. He plays new teacher Mr Shepherd, who loses his memory as well as Archie the Donkey, so it’s up to the pupils and madcap Mr Poppy (Marc Wootton) to save the day and reunite him with fiance Sophie (Catherine Tate) in New York.