pick of the day

THE READING

Liz Lochhead

Scotland's leading poet, dramatist and all-round good thing reads from her latest collection and answers questions. If anyone can debunk the persistent myths surrounding poets - inward-looking, po-faced, precious and male - she can.

Northfield Library, Birmingham 8pm (0121-475 1007)

THE FILM

Call Me Madam

Your chance to "Dance to the Music of the Ocarina" and other choice Irving Berlin items in the movie version of his stage hit starring the larger- than-life ex-stenographer from Queens, Ethel Merman, opposite George Sanders. What price screen chemistry?

National Film Theatre, London SE1 6.20pm (0171-928 3232)

THE PLAY

The Changing Room

A moving portrait of a lost era in David Storey's classic fly-on-the-wall play about a rugby league club is beautifully played by a cast of 22 under the tender, watchful direction of James Macdonald.

Duke of York's, London WC2 8pm (0171-836 5122)