THE MAIN EVENT
The Gig: Sparks
New album Hippopotamus is the brilliantly oddball duo’s first Top 10 record in 42 years and they visit the UK for a brief tour, culminating in two nights at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Sep 27, 28).
The Ballet: Giselle
English National Ballet return with Akram Khan’s magnificent take on the classic ballet. Wed–Sat, Sadler’s Wells, London; Oct 25–28, Liverpool Empire
The Art Show: Rachel Whiteread
Tate Britain stages a retrospective for the sculptor (including works such as Untitled (Room 101) from 2003, above), the first woman to win the Turner Prize. Until Jan 21
The Comedy Show: Jon Richardson
The Old Man is an apt title for the youngest fogey in comedy’s tour, which travels from Chester to Ipswich this week. Touring until Dec 13
The Play: Ink
A West End transfer for James Graham’s dark and witty play about the relaunch of The Sun, starring Richard Coyle (above) and Bertie Carvel. Until Jan 6, Duke of York’s Theatre
The TV Show: Doc Martin
Martin Clunes’s endearingly grumpy GP returns for a new series. Wed, ITV, 9pm
The Film: Victoria & Abdul
Dame Judi Dench (above) is excellent in this funny and gentle film about Queen Victoria’s late-life friendship with an Indian servant. Out now