First Call, Last Call

First Call

IT'S A WELCOME return for Slava Polunin's Snowshow (right), which turns old-fashioned clowning on its head. Last year, the Russian's tour de force won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment, enhancing a reputation that is already up there with the best, according to Howard Jacobson, among others. The physical theatre, startling images and stirring narrative appeal to all ages and allow plenty of interaction with the audience.

Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1 (0171-369 1734) from 2 Mar

Last Call

FOLLOWING THEIR 1996 debut and signing to Creation, 3 Colours Red are at last receiving recognition, with a slot on TFI Friday and a single in the Top 20. It may be more a case of punk softening than exploding, on the evidence of the ballad-like "Beautiful Day". But no amount of strings can dim their fiercely energetic live shows.

Limelight, Belfast (01232 313131) 17 Feb; Music Centre, Dublin (00 3531 456 9569) 18 Feb; Rio's, Bradford (01274 735549) 19 Feb; Leadmill, Sheffield (0114-275 4500) 20 Feb; Riverside, Newcastle (0191-261 4386) 22 Feb; Electric Ballroom, London NW1 (0171-287 0932) 24 Feb; Rock City, Nottingham (01159 588484) 27 Feb. Tickets pounds 7.50 in advance