Granite streets, harbour views and a little unexpected theatre – Aberdeen quietly won us over. Dinner at The Silver Darling came with ships gliding past the window, while butteries fuelled a wander through Old Aberdeen. From King’s College Chapel to a prehistoric mound hiding in Seaton Park, it’s a city that reveals its stories gently, and all the better for it.

Dame Maureen Lipman is simply magnificent in Peter Quilter's uplifting new comedy Allegra. I attended the press night at Richmond Theatre and was charmed by its warmth, imagination and heart. With delightful musical fantasy sequences, inventive props and a wonderfully strong supporting cast, this is a life-affirming evening of theatre. In a world full of bad news, we could all do with an Allegra in our lives.

Dark of the Moon blends Appalachian folklore, forbidden romance and Americana-inspired music into an ambitious new musical. While atmospheric staging, strong performances and a standout turn from Josie Benson impress, an over-amplified sound design and uneven storytelling prevent the production from fully casting its spell. A fascinating but flawed show that never quite reaches its potential. ★★★

Matthew Lyon’s Player at Riverside Studios is a sharp, inventive satire of the acting industry that balances biting humour with emotional honesty. Fast, witty and brilliantly performed, it captures the insecurity, ambition and persistence required to survive creatively. Funny, raw and hugely entertaining, it’s a masterfully written contemporary production and a genuine 5-star triumph.

Learning Beer (Properly) with WSET Level 2 Whether you’re someone who enjoys the occasional pint, or you’ve found yourself regularly reaching for different styles to see what’s out there, beer has a way of quietly expanding beyond what you expect. Beer as a drinks "genre" is a huge and diverse place with vastly differing styles and types. One minute it’s a cold lager at the pub, the next you’re debating the merits of a hazy IPA versus something a little more malt-forward. And

There is something deliciously subversive about Churchill’s Urinal, where British politics is turned gloriously inside out. Rosie Holt is superb as a beleaguered Chancellor, balancing razor-sharp wit with moments of real vulnerability, while Michael Lambourne’s vodka-drinking Churchill-voiced urinal is absurdly inspired. Sharp, funny, and unsettlingly timely, this is satire with real bite.

At the beginning of April we spent three days in Rome using the Rome City Pass — and despite a few quirks, it helped shape a magical trip. From iconic sights like the Colosseum, Pantheon and Vatican Museums to hidden gems such as the Case Romane and Vicus Caprarius, the pass offered excellent value, skip-the-line convenience, and a brilliant mix of ancient history, art and quieter corners of the Eternal City.

It’s 1890s Paris and Le Chat Noir is reborn. This five‑star immersive dinner‑theatre delivers sensational cabaret, live musicians, exquisite detail and joyful French anarchy. Come dressed to impress, eat well, drink absinthe and leave exhilarated.

Madrid is made for art lovers on a short break. Three world‑class galleries sit within walking distance, from Goya’s unflinching truth‑telling and El Greco’s otherworldly intensity at the Prado, to Picasso’s devastating Guernica and the calm brilliance of the Thyssen. Highlights there include jaw‑dropping Canalettos, a powerful Holbein portrait of Henry VIII, and a Georgia O’Keeffe I’m still thinking about.

Last Sunday night at the Dominion felt more like a glitter‑splashed anniversary party than a standard theatre trip. I loved briefly meeting original cast members and the enthusiastic, funny fan‑club Q&A, with a shy appearance from Peter Hinwood, the original Rocky, who later left acting for an art‑gallery life. The shadow cast was fun and inclusive at first, Little Nell was a joy, but the constant film heckling wore thin. ⭐️⭐️⭐️½