First Call, Last Call

First Call

IN DAVID HARE'S Plenty, a woman struggles to make the adjustment from wartime Resistance heroine to peacetime wife of a career diplomat. Eventually, she leaves her husband and drifts towards a series of escapist experiences including an encounter with a fellow WWII comrade. Cate Blanchett (right) takes the lead role, with Duncan Bell, Debra Gillett and Julian Wadham. Directed by Jonathan Kent.

Albery Theatre, St Martin's Lane, London WC2 (0171-369 1730) opens 15 Apr

Last Call

EX-LEAD SINGER with The Teardrop Explodes, Julian Cope recently swapped the role of maverick musician for spotter of prehistoric sites. His book, The Modern Antiquarian, which took eight years to research, is an inspired guide to the countryside. Expect pop music, poetry and history on Cope's national tour this month.

Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes (01908 583928) 4 Mar; Sallis Benny Theatre, Brighton (01273 709709) 5 Mar; Junction, Cambridge (01223 511511) 7 Mar; Glee Club, Birmingham (0121-643 6101) 9 Mar; Arts Centre, Gloucester (01452 505089) 11 Mar; Watershed, Bristol (01179 299008) 12 Mar