First Call, Last Call

First Call

JULIA MIGENES (right) is reportedly Placido Domingo's favourite opera singer, a soprano best known for her portrayal of the tempestuous Carmen in the 1984 film of Bizet's opera. At home performing Salome or a Broadway role, she is the ideal choice for a one-women show, as the prima donna in Diva on the Verge, a tongue-in-cheek look at the conventions of opera proves. She's assisted by a piano, various props and stunning arias by Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini and Wagner.

Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Kingsway, London WC2 (0171-314 8800) four performances only: 8 and 22 Feb; 1 and 8 Mar

Last Call

MERCURY REV have been bubbling under for some years, but it took the pop-orientated sound of their latest album, Deserter's Song, to deliver success. In the words of this paper's music critic, Andy Gill, Mercury Rev are "the missing link between The Chemical Brothers and The Band".

The Cockpit, Leeds (0113-244 3446) 12 Jan; Riverside, Newcastle (0191- 455 2328) 13 Jan; The Garage, Glasgow (0141-332 1120) 14 Jan; Astoria, London WC2 (0171-434 0403) 21 Jan