First Call, Last Call

First Call

TALK OF THE CITY, the new play by Steven Poliakoff, is a study of media control and responsibility in the early days of radio and television. Nicely timed to coincide with the BBC celebrating 75 years of broadcasting, the play centres on Robbie, a popular entertainer, struggling to draw attention away from the dancing troupes on his show and awaken public interest in the atrocities occurring on mainland Europe.

Young Vic Theatre, 66 The Cut, London SE1 (0171-638 8891) opens 10 Feb

Last Call

TOM JONES (right) could almost adopt the name of Lazarus, so successful has his career resurrection been in modern times. However, performers such as Robbie Williams have done us no disservice by promoting Jones' showmanship. It's his oozing sex appeal, evergreen voice and the fact that he doesn't take himself too seriously which seduces audiences so effectively. Live dates get rarer with each passing year, so grab any chance you can to see the boyo from the valleys.

Manchester Evening News Arena (0161-930 8000) 20 Nov; Birmingham NEC (0121-643 6101) 27 Nov