One Hundred Miles

It is appropriate that this show, dedicated to the development of theatre and spectacle in the time of the Medicis, should be hosted in one of the palaces built by Florence's renaissance first family. It consists principally of a series of extraordinary wooden models which reproduce performance spaces of the time, such as now-famous churches, grand palaces and gardens and, latterly, theatres themselves. There are also prints, scenographic models, xylographs, miniatures and other testaments from the protagonists of the age.

A big hit with the gay community, the slick, newish Arq is also remarkably popular with straight punters as well. It holds about 900 hard partying souls on a good night and the dance beats cover two levels with plenty of sheltered nooks and booths for those wanting a bit of privacy. The dress code is not as strict as some other places with many of the gay clientele preferring a topless look anyway.

Aimed at teenagers, Mary Mary's Last Dance uses puppetry, live music and an interactive sets to show the last night on earth of this vibrant 85-year-old. The talented Púca Puppets are responsible for often moving, always amusing story in a celebration of life, death and the power of memory and imagination. Reality and dream become increasingly blurred as she is visited by people from her past, relives memories and entertains dreams. The show is performed by Helene Hugel and Niamh Lawlor and directed by Leticia Agudo.

The Leather Club Roma goes from strength to strength. After organising popular high-profile events at this year's World Gay Pride, the group keeps the blue and black leather flag flying over the city with this Immacolata bank-holiday weekend bash. Venue is the cavernous Qube club, scene of last summer's party, which, now that the weather is more conducive to heavy-duty boots and tackle, will probably be even hotter than July.

The San Francisco Symphony is set for a pounding sensation as it welcomes its special guest, the legendary Evelyn Glennie. Renowned as the world's foremost percussionist, Glennie plays her signature piece for this engagement and is conducted along with the Symphony by Lawrence Foster. The work was written for her by Scottish composer James MacMillan. An alumni of London's Royal Academy of Music, Glennie's remarkable style is a sight to behold as whirls about and even uses her feet to create her dulcimer tones.

Arguably Prague's finest purveyor of gourmet Czech food, The Blue Duckling, as its name translates into English, is well known to parliamentarians and movie actors alike. The original location in the city's Mala Strana district across the Vltava river has finally grown into a second, more easily found branch in the Old Town district. The new edition still banks on what this place has always done best - the kitchen's trademark delicate handling of game and their mastery of fine, hearty sauces of natural herbs and Moravian wines. Service is impeccable, the atmosphere old-world and presentation is something that would make a Bohemian grandmother proud.

The former MTV star you love hate (or maybe not, somebody must go to his movies) brings his own kind of stand-up humor to DC for a three-night stand. There are bits that incorporate characters from his highly forgetttable films like 'Encino Man', 'Bio-Dome' and 'Jury Duty', but at least he doesn't have that frizzy hairdo any more. But seriously folks, no matter what he looks like, he's still totally Pauly and he's grateful that humor is in the eye of the beholder.

Both teams need the three points from this top-of-the-table league clash to keep up with Real Madrid, although the home side's situation is more delicate. After a disastrous early season run, Barça has fought back into contention in the Spanish championship, but with unconvincing play. This match against current title holders Deportivo should bring the demanding Barcelona fans back to their huge stadium, looking for the solid win that could set the season alight once again. But if the team can't turn it on, things may really start falling apart at Camp Nou.

Top Aussie comedian Eric Bana plays Australia's most notorious criminal Mark 'Chopper' Read in this blackly comic, horribly violent controversial film biography.