The seven unmissable cultural events happening this week

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk