First Call, Last Call

First Call

TO DELIGHT, surprise and amaze audiences, the internationally acclaimed Leandre Ribera comes to London this spring with his show Clown? Cabaret? Silent Movie? With his ability to breathe magic into the mundane, the Spanish clown's energetic imagination has sparked comparisons with many of the great mime actors from Charlie Chaplin to Slava Polunin. After Leandre Lunatic and the present show sold out last year in Edinburgh and London respectively, you'd be advised to book quickly to see this brief weekend run.

Hackney Empire, London (0181-985 2424) 15 to 18 April

Last Call

A DISPLAY of festival flamboyancy sees Gene (right) embarking on an extensive 26-date UK tour at the end of this month. The gigs accompany the release of single "As Good as it Gets" and later the album Revelations, which follows the success of 1997's Drawn to the Deep End. Famed for their live concerts which are characterised by an electric spirit and energy, Gene's coming dates promise a great deal.

Cambridge (01223 511511) 21 Feb; Cardiff (01222 230130) 4 Mar; Portsmouth (01705 863911) 24 Mar; Forum, London NW5 (0171-344 0044) 25 Mar