First Call, Last Call

First Call

THE DARK TURN taken by This is Hardcore, the third album from Pulp (right), has done little to affect the band's ability to grab attention - mostly due to the camp showmanship of frontman Jarvis Cocker. Seeing Pulp live may be more cabaret than rock'n'roll, but they are a gutsy breath of fresh air. Hot on the heels of their sold-out London show at Finsbury Park last month, they have just announced a 12-date autumn UK tour.

Wembley Arena, London (0181-902 0902) 19 Nov; Hull Arena (01482 325252) 28 Nov; SECC, Glasgow (0141-287 7777) 29 Nov; Cardiff International Arena (01222 224488) 1 Dec; Bournemouth International Centre (01202 456456) 5 Dec

Last Call

REGENT'S PARK in London hosts Alan Strachen's directorial debut with the New Shakespeare Company in the Bard's Troilus and Cressida. The tragi- comic love story tells of betrayal and the brutality during the Siege of Troy. Robert Hands plays Troilus with Rebecca Johnson as Cressida. Now balmy evenings should ease the chill of one of Shakespeare's most cynical plays.

Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 (0171-486 2431), pounds 8-pounds 20, to 3 Sept