Getting out there in the week ahead

(Diamond) geezer-fest. Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone are among the cast members due to turn up for the world premiere of Fred Schepisi's acclaimed Last Orders, likely to be pub landlord Al Murray's favourite movie.
Last Orders gala, Odeon West End, WC2, 8.30pm. Book tickets on 020 7928 3232

SUNDAY 11

Jazz

Duelling venerable bluesmen. Buddy Guy, one of the last of the great Chicago bluesmen, and fellow legend Bo Diddley play the same night, different venues. In fact, London is a hotbed of oldie talent this week, with funk master Maceo Parker (the man to whom James Brown is always shouting 'Maceo!') on the 12th, Buena Vista All-Star Ibrahim Ferrer on the 13th and 14th, and the sublime, soul-stirring Blind Boys of Alabama on the 9th. Each of them not to be missed while they're still with us.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2 (020 7638 8891), 8pm;
Buddy Guy, Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, SE1 (020 7960 4242), 7.30pm;
Bo Diddley, Astoria, 157 Charing Cross Road, WC2 (020 7344 0044), 7pm;
Maceo Parker, Cabot Hall, Canary Wharf, E14 (020 7418 2783), 7.45pm;
Ibrahim Ferrer, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (020 7589 8212), 7.30pm

TUESDAY 13

Gala dinner

Featuring the piano stylings of David Tang. The retail magnate reveals another side as he performs at this gala dinner in Kensington Palace's State Apartments. Other invited guests include Sting and Eric Clapton - perhaps they'll jam with David! It's all to celebrate Asian Art in London, a week-long event for which numerous galleries and museums are holding exhibitions.
Dinner by invitation only. Asian Art in London runs until the 16th. For information on exhibitions and lectures, log on to www.asianartinlondon.com

Film

My director's cut is as long as Apocalypse Now Judges, including distinguished directors John Madden, Anthony Minghella, Ridley Scott and Mark Herman, plus Ewan McGregor, select the most perfectly formed of 237 shorts entered for this London Film Festival prize.
TCM Classic Shorts Awards, National Film Theatre, South Bank, SE1, 6.30pm. Book tickets on 020 7928 3232

WEDNESDAY 14

Award

She's got to wear a Galliano newspaper dress. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson presents the Fish & Chip Shop of the Year award to the best chippie as voted for by customers, mystery shoppers and 'fish and chip experts'.
Fish & Chip Shop of the Year 2001. By invitation only

Exhibition

He's a simple soul, really. Mark Wallinger, who represented Britain at this year's Venice Biennale, creates this thought-provoking installation which 'tackles existential questions through the use of mythical and spiritual iconography'. To kick off the show, Wallinger, who has described himself as 'the genie released from the bottle ready to grant you three wishes, but will I go up or down the escalator?' is interviewed by the similarly unassuming Marina Warner.
Mark Wallinger in Person, Whitechapel Art Gallery, 80 Whitechapel High Street, E1, 6.30pm. Book tickets on 020 7522 7888. His exhibition, No Man's Land, runs from the 16th until 13 January 2002

THURSDAY 15

Comedy

Seen that Last Orders? Diamond film The brilliant Al Murray returns for a (hopefully improved) second Sky One series of Time Gentlemen Please and is looking for foils - I mean audience members. Just don't sit in the front row.
London Studios, Upper Ground, SE1, 6.30pm. For tickets, log on to www.tvrecordings.com

Christmas lights

We can hardly contain our excitement Tenor Russell Watson turns on the Regent Street Christmas lights - now merely anodyne as opposed to downright tacky - and sings.
Regent Street Christmas lights, W1, 6.15pm. For details, call 020 7491 4429 or log on to www.regent-street.co.uk

Launch

After all these old guys, finally something girly Cosmetics emporium Pout launches its store packed with nice-smelling pink things, which describes both the products and the customers - who include Victoria Beckham, Atomic Kitten, Kylie, Elle Macpherson and Marina Warner (just kidding, Marina).
Pout launch, by invitation only

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