• An Evening with Ian McCulloch, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, tonight, doors 7.30pm. £19.50. 01206 500900.

THE iconic frontman of Echo and the Bunnymen makes a welcome return to this atmospheric venue for an intimate gig for a seated audience.

This rare solo performance featuring stripped down versions of classic Bunnymen tracks as well as songs from his own solo catalogue also has the added bonus of Manningtree's Kev Pearce playing a support set.

  • Dedham Players - God of Carnage, Dedham Assembly Rooms, High Street, Dedham, until tomorrow, 7.45pm. £8. 0333 666 3366.

YASMINA Reza's modern comedy of manners sees two couples fight it out following an altercation by their respective children and with another great cast from the Players performing it, except hilarious results.

  • Hidden, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, until tomorrow, 8pm and 3pm (tomorrow). £13.50 plus discounts. 01206 573948.

COLCHESTER playwright Nicola Werenowska brings her new play home following a UK tour. Inspired by her own invisible disability of dyspraxia, it's already garnered critical acclaim elsewhere, so don't miss out on your chance to it.

  • Bernstein on Broadway, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester, until tomorrow 7.45pm and 2.30pm (tomorrow). £12. 01206 366000.

SOME of the best singers in Colchester make their own celebration to the musical genius of Leonard Bernstein. From West Side Story to Candide and even pieces from a little known Mass he did for the Kennedys, if you didn't know much about one of the 20th century's greatest composers, you will after this.

  • Rory Bremner: Partly Political, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Tuesday, 7.30pm. £21. 01206 573948.

WHAT better time to spend an evening with this great political satirist. With a general election looming, Trump about to start a war in Korea, and Brexit looming large, now, more than ever, we need a good laugh.