First Call, Last Call

First Call

CROONER-COMEDIAN Bob Downe, whose idea of sophistication is a Crimplene suit, was once arts editor of Australian Vogue. He's a performer, an Ozzie comic in the camp style of Dame Edna, who harangues the audience, sings cheesy tunes and gives fashion advice such as "your collar isn't big enough unless you can see it with peripheral vision".

The Dome, Brighton (01273 700747) 1 Apr; Y Theatre, Leicester (01162 556507) 10 Apr; Bloomsbury Theatre, London WC1 (0171- 383 4080) 13-15 Apr; Derngate Theatre, Northampton (01604-626 222) 2 May

Last Call

SINCE THEIR highly acclaimed, million-selling debut album Mosely Shoals was released in 1996, Ocean Colour Scene (right) have refused to stand still unlike many of their Brit Pop contemporaries. Nevertheless, record company squabbles and rumours of a split have made recent times something of a roller coaster ride for the boys from Birmingham. Despite their last album, Marchin' Already reaching No.1, many felt that the band were a spent force in terms of creativity. However, more traditional rock is on the way and tickets are selling fast.

The Caird Hall, Dundee (01382 434940) 1 May