First Call, Last Call

First Call

IT WASN'T UNTIL the 20th century that Shakespeare's bleak portrayal of moral corruption, Measure For Measure, gained popularity. Perhaps this is because of its complex and, some would say, unresolved expose of moral chaos and social ills. The eccentric Duke of Vienna (Robert Glenister), whom some critics claim is a Christ figure, goes undercover to observe his people's morals, leaving the puritanical Angelo (Stephen Boxer) in charge. The central action of the play involves Angelo sentencing a man to death. "A memorable night of sleaze, sex and spirituality," said our critic.

Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London EC2 (0171-638 8891) opens 20 Jan 1999

MARILYN MANSON (right), aka the anti-Christ of middle America, is guilty of at least one heinous crime: encouraging kids to wear scary make-up when it's not Hallowe'en. A more serious version of Seventies shockmeister Alice Cooper, Manson's lyrics are a major reason why his songs offend (think "Cake and Sodomy" and "Rock and Roll Nigger"). Maybe it's a good idea to get there before the protesters...

Brixton Academy, London SW9 (0171-771 2000) 17 Dec