Absurd comedy

ALAN Ayckbourn's sharp, comic play Absurd Person Singular opens at Birmingham Repertory Theatre tomorrow (Friday). The play is centred on a trio of Christmas parties in social climbing 70s suburbia. Taking turns to host the annual gathering, three couples get more festivity than they bargained for, as drink begins to flow. The play runs until December 23 but there are no performances between December 3 and 12. Tickets: 0121 236 4455.

Playbox coup

THE Playbox Theatre in Warwick has secured a theatrical coup for the county. In March 2001, the Royal National Theatre will play a week at The Dream Factory with a new production of Bertolt Brecht's The Good Woman of Setzuan.

Irish duo

POPULAR Irish music duo, Danny and Gordon perform at The Millers Arms, Bridge Street, Pershore, on Sunday. Admission is free, and the fun kicks off at 8.30pm.

Great Calamity

OXFORD Operatic Society gives hit musical Calamity Jane an airing at the Oxford Playhouse from next Monday to November 25. Details: 01865 798600.