Choice: The critics

LITERATURE

LITERATURE

The 10 shortlisted candidates for the TS Eliot Poetry Prize strut their stuff on stage. Last year's winner was Paul Muldoon - this year's tip is Huddersfield's Simon Armitage. Mouth-watering readings from the lesser- known Bernard O'Donoghue and Katherine Pierpoint, among others. Almeida Theatre, London N1 (0171-359 4404) Sun 7pm

Two months after the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa (right) by the Nigerian government, and his case is already beginning to fade from memory. His writing, however, continues to speak out against injustice; extracts will be read in a late-night platform performance led by Cyril I Nri. Cottesloe, SE1 (0171-928 2033) Wed 10.15pm

Joe Simpson, the current Mont Blanc of mountaineering literature, reads from Storms of Silence. Waterstone's: Tunbridge Wells (01892 535446) Mon 7pm; Cardiff (01222-665606) Wed 6pm

DOMINIC CAVENDISH