First Call, Last Call

First Call

FOLLOWING THE success of a sell-out season at the Almeida Theatre, singer Marc Almond (right) has announced a series of concerts at the Albery. After nearly two decades in the biz, and despite a fairly low commercial profile during much of the Nineties, the former Soft Cell singer has slotted neatly in to a cult niche, with all the requisite credentials, from narcotic abuse to several record-label reshuffles and a patently gay profile - the first among British pop stars, before Frankie, Boy George and Marilyn.

Albery Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2 (0171-369 1740) 15-19 Dec

Last Call

JAMES MACDONALD has done everything to make Nick Grosso's Real Classy Affair stand up to its name. Note the name-drop casting: Joseph Fiennes (brother of Ralph), Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Jason Hughes (This Life) and Liza Walker (Closer). The play itself focuses on aspirations of glamour when an East End couple decide to open a wine bar. The reaction of their peers makes for a lively exploration of friendship, loyalty and the importance of roots.

Royal Court Theatre Upstairs at the Ambassadors, West St, London WC2 (0171 565 5000) to 14 Nov