First Call, Last Call

First Call

EVOCATIVELY NAMED up-and-coming British actress Emily Woof (right) has said she is dreading the erotic dance of the veils, the infamous scene in Oscar Wilde's Salome. But it should come more naturally to her than most, as Woof trained in performance art and studied circus skills after leaving Oxford University. Michael Gordon's adaptation should further fuel the young director's rise to prominence since he become one of the first recipients of the National Theatre bursary in 1994.

Riverside Studios, London W6 (0181-237 1111) to 13 Dec

Last Call

BEFORE ICE-T, before Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr Dre or Run DMC, before even Grandmaster Flash, there was Gil Scott Heron. This man, whose attitude, unique blend of music, poetry and "bluesology" influenced a whole generation of rap musicians, was renowned in the Seventies and Eighties as the "Minister of Information". Back then, the revolutionary poet, novelist, composer, singer and pianist achieved fame with classics such as "The Bottle", "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Lady Day & John Coltrane".

Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, London NW1 (0171-344 0044) tonight to 27 Nov