LONDON THEATRE
The Fifth Column
Southwark Playhouse
Newington Causeway, SE1
Until April 16
Set in a Madrid hotel at the height of the Spanish civil war, Ernest Hemingway’s play tells the story of two US war correspondents who fall passionately in love. As the bombs from Franco’s fascist artillery rain down, people struggle, often comically, to survive and the idealism of the young men who came to fight with the International Brigades is contrasted with the ruthlessness of civil war. Based on real events and real people — Hemingway was there with his lover Martha Gellhorn, one of the first female war correspondents — the play marks the 80th year since the Spanish civil war began.
southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

LUTON/TOURING POETRY
John Cooper Clarke
Luton Library
St George’s Square
April 2
Living legend John Cooper Clarke kicks off a British tour with his first-ever visit to Luton. Expect a mix of classic verse — including Beasley Street and Evidently Chickentown — new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat. He’s supported by “doyenne of the spoken-word scene” Salena Godden. Absolutely not to be missed.
johncooperclarke.com

NOTTINGHAM/TOURING DANCE
Carlos Acosta: A Classical Farewell
Royal Concert Hall
Theatre Square
May 3-4
Better book now to see the great Cuban ballet star’s final classical ballet programme, which tours until May 14 to Birmimngham. Southampton and Salford after these Nottingham dates. Carlos Acosta has had an incredible career, during which he’s played some of ballet’s most iconic roles and worked with leading international ballet companies including the Cuban National Ballet, The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and Houston Ballet, written two novels and appeared in two feature films. This final tour of Britain includes works from his favourite ballet repertoire alongside an incredible cast of dancers from Cuba.
carlosacosta.com