Going Out: Pick of the Week

CINEMA

Beautiful Thing (above) Hettie Macdonald's film of Jonathan Harvey's acclaimed play tracks a gay romance between two young boys on a Thamesmead estate. Wicked, funny and beautifully observed it should be the feel-good film of the summer.

How To Make An American Quilt Winona Ryder gets life-lessons from her female relatives in a lyrical slice of womens' cinema from Proof director Jocelyn Moorhouse.

The Confessional A wry, convoluted thriller that pays homage to Hitchcock with an endless trail of red herrings and a ticklish sense of humour.

THEATRE

Jude The Obscure Mike Alfreds' triumphant staging of Hardy's tale of hopes and dreams (above). The performances from Alfreds' revamped rep company are passionate, powerful and alive. Lyric Theatre, London

Wild Honey Michael Frayn reconstructed this glorious comedy from early Chekhov. A stunner in the 1980s, this is a new production by Alan Ayckbourn. Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Wicked Bastard of Venus As You Like It as you've never seen it before, with a clever re-write from Julie-Anne Robinson. Southwark Playhouse, London

EXHIBITIONS

Dalziel and Scullion Inspired by the minimal landscapes of NE Scotland, these installations use light, warmth, scent and sound to excite the senses. Sargassum (above) invites viewers to lose themselves in a simulated sea. The Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, to 11 Aug

Giacometti Impressive retrospective of the artist's work including the familiar skinny sculptures and a previously unseen self-portrait. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, to 22 Sept

Craigie Aitchison First solo show from the Scottish artist. The mystical abstracts on show here demonstrate a bright palette and unique style. Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, to 8 July

POP

Soul Coughing Cartoon samples, weird syncopations, and songs with titles like "Bus to Beelzebub". What more could you want from urban sophisti- pop? Manchester Roadhouse, Manchester, Sun

BR5-49 Hotly tipped, youthful honky-tonk band with a little outlaw spirit and a lot of wallop. Rough and ready Nashville country. The Borderline, London, Mon

Van Morrison and Ray Charles After the smoke has cleared from the England vs Scotland game Van the Man and Ray Charles (above) take to the stage. Classics from Van, while Charles promises material from new album Strong Love Affair. Wembley Arena, London, tonight

CLASSICAL

Sweeney Todd Holland Park's first venture into musicals. John Newman directs Stephen Sondheim's bloodthirsty story of the demon barber. Holland Park Theatre, London, Tue

Juan Martin Flamenco The virtuoso guitarist (above) continues the modern flamenco revival with an explosive show. Middle Eastern percussion taps into the music's Moorish roots. Royal Festival Hall, London, Wed

Garsington Opera While Glyndbourne was closed for renovation, Garsington slipped into the season, modelling itself as a kind of easy listening, picnic-in-the-park version of the festival. The programme begins with Britten's Albert Herring. Garsington, Oxford, Thur

DANCE

Grupo Corpo (above) Brazil's leading contemporary dance group originally included six brothers and sisters from the same family. Four remain, including choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras. A mix of classical ballet and Brazilian exuberance. Sadler's Wells, London, Tue

Compagnie Ea Sola Vietnamese choreographer Ea Sola reinvents the traditional dance of the Red River Delta. Secheresse et Pluie is performed by elderly women from that region. The Royal Festival Hall, London, tonight

Far From the Madding Crowd Birmingham Royal Ballet's enormously popular romantic ballet based on Hardy's novel. The Alhambra, Bradford, tonight