Children’s show Echoa came to Sadler’s Wells as part of a Family Weekend, which featured workshops and activities as well as performances.

The hat

How did an instrument of Roman torture end up becoming a club badge for pious Christians? The cross was supposed to inspire terror, and those crucified made into a public spectacle of Roman imperial power. Crucifixion sent a message: we, the Romans, are in control. Defy us and die a horrible death.

A serial armed robber who dressed up as Elvis Presley and wore other bizarre disguises when he targeted betting shops was jailed yesterday.

The Government has been urged to introduce legislation to outlaw wolf-whistling and "unwanted verbal... conduct with the effect of violating the dignity of a person". Seems a bit excessive, but why stop there? There are plenty of other modern annoyances that could, to rather greater benefit, also be made illegal. There is much scope here for manifesto writers. For instance....

The hair/make-up

There's nothing fashion loves more than a posh punk, and with the pick of the world's most beautiful women at his bejewelled fingertips, Karl Lagerfeld has opted for Alice Dellal as the forthcoming face of the Chanel Boy bag.

The beleaguered retail sector was today set to continue enjoying a post-Christmas shopping boom but experts warned it may not be enough to ensure some weaker players survive.

Lord Prescott demanded an apology from two Government ministers today, after a Civil Service investigation cleared him of misusing departmental credit cards.

Has Gyles Brandreth – witty man of many parts though he is – met his Waterloo (“the line is immaterial”) with this attempt to portray Lady Bracknell in a new musical version of The Importance of Being Earnest? Well, not quite.

1. Dress watch

Reports of the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's estate this week all focus on the idea that the baubles, trinkets and voluminous silk kaftans "tell the story of her life and loves". And, of course, they do. The dozens of breathtaking jewels are a testament to her captivating beauty as a young woman, one any man would bankrupt himself for. Elizabeth Taylor was not someone who could be fobbed off with a Tiffany key ring.

Notebook

Three police forces are hunting a serial sex attacker in connection with the murder of a pensioner battered to death in her own home.