Sarah Singleton looks at what's on offer this weekend to do and see in Swindon

The Ladykillers: cool crime caper at Swindon Arts Centre

CLASSIC black comedy The Ladykillers sees a sweet little old lady pitted against a gang of criminal misfits in a play based on the popular 1955 film.

Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet, but morally strict Mrs Wilberforce.

The villains plot to involve her, unwittingly, in the Professor’s brilliantly conceived heist. The police are stumped but Mrs Wilberforce eventually sees through the plan and the Professor concludes that there is only one way to keep the her quiet. With only her parrot, General Gordon, to help, Mrs Wilberforce must face five desperate men alone. But who will face the music?

The film of the same name starred Alec Guiness, Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom amongst other famous names, and the play has also proved a success.

Presented by the Phoenix Players, and directed by Colin Wilkins, it stars Sandra Gilbert as Mrs Wilberforce, Nick Gratton as the Professor, Vern Dunkley as Major Courtney, Martin Lawrence as Harry Robinson, Alex Barrett as One Round, Mark Harris as Louis Harvey , Jean Belt as Mrs Tromleyton and Chris Coleman as Constable Macdonald .

Tonight’s performance is sold out but you can still snap up tickets for the Saturday show at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10, £9 concessions, with a group discount available. Call 07517 698083, email bookings@phoenix-players.com or visit swindontheatres.co.uk

Enjoy Ace of Spades from wall of guitar

TRIBUTE band Whole Lotta DC will be rocking the Swindon’s Victoria pub on Saturday night.
Following in the footsteps of iconic rock band AC/DC, the tribute act present an authentic representation with a breath-taking stage show. Established in the 1970s by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, AC/DC sold more than 200 million records worldwide, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Now that AC/DC tours are few and far between, Whole Lotta DC offers fans new and old a chance to experience the sounds and style of the original, with a powerful rhythm section and a wall of guitar that knocks you off your feet. 
On top of all that, the unmistakable vocals and naughty-boy antics of the original are recreated in stunning fashion.
From the beginning, the band has blown away audiences at every venue they have played, from small pubs to large outdoor events. 

They continue to build a loyal fan base, as they offer the true AC/DC experience every time they play.
The concert kicks off at 8.30pm at the pub in Victoria Road, Old Town, and tickets cost from £6. To book, visit thevicswindon.com.

Pipe in the haggis

CELEBRATE Burns Night in style with a traditional Scottish meal and a ceilidh in South Marston tonight.

The event will include a two-course dinner, including the Toasting of the Haggis, and followed by plenty of cheese and whiskey.

Burns Night is a popular commemoration of the life and work of Scottish poet Robbie Burns (pictured), and around the world, special suppers are held on or near the poet’s birthday, which is on January 25.
Burns Night is a long-standing tradition - the first supper took place at Burns Cottage by his friends, in 1801, on the fifth anniversary of his death.

The classic Burns Night menu is haggis, served with mashed potatoes (tatties) and mashed swede - otherwise known as neeps - and the night usually rounds off with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
The Burns Night event takes place at Supermarines RFC, Supermarine Road in South Marston. It begins at 7pm and ends at midnight. Tickets are £10. To book, email lougray13@outlook.com or call 07393 814780.