1. Cilla – The Musical
Edinburgh Playhouse, until Saturday

Having premiered on September 7 at the Liverpool Empire in her hometown, Cilla tells the extraordinary story of the ordinary girl from Liverpool whose teenage dreams of stardom lead her to becoming one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers. By the age of just 25, she would be known as singer and TV star Cilla Black, No 1-selling artist and at the forefront of the Britpop music scene. The musical score is the ultimate soundtrack to the 1960s including Cilla’s greatest hits Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and many more. Kara Lily Hayworth takes the lead as Cilla having beat thousands of hopefuls in nationwide open auditions for the coveted role.

Tickets cost between £20.90 and £53.90, plus booking fee. Book at atgtickets.com. The production comes to Glasgow in January.

2. Byres Road Book Festival
Byres Road, Glasgow, today until Monday

After a successful inaugural year in 2016, the second event is back with a broad range of events and activities aimed at engage all ages and many interests. With more than 20 events lined up over the five days, festival-goers will not be disappointed with a packed programme including witty Gaelic women, four crime writers in search of a plot, a poet working with a cartoonist, one of Scotland’s finest literary Irish imports, superheroes and an innovative project by Scottish PEN.

Events are a mixture of free and priced. Head to byresroadbookfestival.com to book and to see the full programme.

3. How The Other Half Loves
Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Saturday

Following its critically acclaimed West End revival, Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious tale of matrimonial mishaps became one of London’s funniest comedies of 2016. As it stops off in Scotland while on a national tour with an all-star cast, audiences follow Bob and Fiona who clumsily try to cover up their affair while their spouses’ intervention only adds to the confusion.

Tickets cost between £15.40 and £38.90, plus booking fee. Book at atgtickets.com.

4. Mad About the Musicals
Howden Park Centre, Livingston, Saturday

Starring Jai McDowall, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2011, and singer Michael Courtney, the award-winning spectacular show evokes the true spirit of the West End. The night will bring dozens of tunes from favourite musicals by composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Boublil and Schonberg with big numbers from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and more.

Tickets cost between £22 and £24, plus booking fee. Purchase via howdenparkcentre.co.uk. The show then comes to the Webster Theatre in Arbroath on Sunday.

5. Joel Dommett: LIVE
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Saturday

Due to exceptional demand, Joel Dommett has extending his UK tour for a third time with a show of engaging storytelling and stand-up. Having been described as “an infectious blast,” his latest offering sees the comedian serve up unbelievable stories, confetti cannons – and even a musical number.

Tickets cost £21. Book at edtheatres.com. The show then moves onto Glasgow’s Theatre Royal on Sunday.

6. Doricana Fest
Stonehaven Town Hall, Saturday

This one-day music festival will showcase the country’s finest Americana, roots, country and acoustic acts. Scottish duo The Jellyman’s Daughter and Scottish-Italian singer and songwriter Adriana Spina will also take to the stage along with a line-up that includes The Wynntown Marshals, Lost Highway Ensemble and Martha L Healy.

Tickets are priced between £11 and £16.50, plus booking fee. Purchase via seetickets.com. All monies raised will go to local Stonehaven charity Friends of Carronhill School. A licensed bar will also be raising money for Finlay’s Fund.

7. Autumn Beer & Music Festival
Bandstand Bar and Restaurant, Nairn, tomorrow until Monday

A celebration of the best of Scottish music and an opportunity to enjoy some great seasonal ales, cider, gin and plenty of food, this feast of Celtic music, soul, rock and gospel featuring top class Scottish musicians will see foot-tapping Scottish songs from The Scone Fairies, Jonathan Hill and Bob Massie kick off the four-day event tomorrow.Also contributing to a great musical weekend is Nairn’s local recording artist and singer-songwriter Mia Mackintosh, popular Inverness band Schiehallion and singer-guitarist Andy Murray.

Festival is free entry and all are welcome. Children are permitted access until 9pm. Visit braevalhotel.co.uk for more information.

8. Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running
Bught Park, Inverness, Sunday

Arguably one of the most stunning marathons in the world, both runners and spectators can enjoy the goings-on in the free-entry Event Village where there will be a pre-race pasta party, sports expo, food and drink fayre – in association with Baxters – pipe bands, live music and children’s activities. With bungee trampolines, bouncy castle, inflatable slide, face painting, balloon modeller, football game and a merry-go-round, it’s impossible for the little ones to be bored here.

Visit lochnessmarathon.com for more information.

9. Bowhouse Food Weekend
The Bowhouse, St Monans, Saturday and Sunday

This free-to-attend food and drink festival includes a lineup of artisan producers, food demonstrations and children’s entertainment, as well as introducing a street food destination serving everything from buffalo burgers to French toast and prosecco. Highlights include a live theatre where chefs and food producers will take part in cooking demonstrations and talks on both days.

Head to balcaskie.com for more information.

10. The Unicorn Hamper Ball
HM Frigate Unicorn, Dundee, Saturday

An evening of elegant dining and dancing on the upper deck of the Frigate Unicorn is being held to raise funds to preserve the historic ship. Guests are asked to bring a favourite dish to contribute to the shared hamper meal. Event is bring-your-own bottle – there is no bar onboard. Dress code is formal.

General tickets are £20 and include a welcome drink. All funds raised go towards preserving the historic wooden ship. Book at frigateunicorn.org/events.

DON'T MISS...

TECHFEST
Various venues, Aberdeen, until September 25

The annual festival of science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) provides a diverse opportunity for all ages to enjoy learning about Stem in an engaging way. The main programme is full of tours and talks by scientists with links to food and drink as well as topics of local interest. 

Prices vary. Head to techfestsetpoint.org.uk for info.