Five of the best things to do in and around Rugby in the next seven days

From a TV comedy favourite to top wrestling action, there's plenty to enjoy...
Blackadder Goes Forth takes to the stage at Rugby TheatreBlackadder Goes Forth takes to the stage at Rugby Theatre
Blackadder Goes Forth takes to the stage at Rugby Theatre

1 THEATREBlackadder Goes Forth, Rugby Theatre, November 17 to 24It’s one of the best-loved comedy series of recent decades– now Blackadder is being brought to the stage by the talented team at Rugby Theatre. And, fittingly, as the nation marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, the theatre is recreating three episodes from the fourth series of the show set in the trenches at the end of the bloody four-year conflict. Director John Dulcamara said: “Affection for the wartime Blackadder series still rumbles on 30 years after it was first shown. Some critics accused the show of being disrespectful of the British Army, but the comedy was always handled with warmth and takes account of the bravery and debt we owe to the sacrifice of the past. This is never more obvious than in the poignant scene in the final episode in which our much-loved characters go over the top.” John Harrison is Blackadder, the role created by Rowan Atkinson, with Gavin Yeats taking the part of Private Baldrick, so memorably played by Tony Robinson. Steve Bingham is General Melchett, played in the original by Stephen Fry, while Chris Allen Mason recreates Lieutenant George Colthurst – Hugh Laurie in the television version.Details: rugbytheatre.co.uk

2 ARTRugby Open, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, November 17 to January 12The Rugby Open Exhibition is an annual highlight in the town’s artistic calendar, bringing together a range of high quality contemporary art from emerging and established artists in the area. All works have been selected by a panel of judges including art professionals. The resulting exhibition promises to show the diversity of current artistic practice in painting, print, textiles, sculpture and new media. Details: rugby.gov.uk/ragm

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3 FAMILYLegacy Wrestling, Benn Hall, Rugby, November 18International women’s wrestler Viper is headed from ITV’s hugely successful WOS Wrestling to the Benn Hall to compete at Legacy Wrestling. Not content with winning accolades in Japan, the United States, Europe and her home in Scotland, Viper is looking to be the first ever Legacy Wrestling Women’s Champion. She’s not alone, as European star Aivil, London striker Chakara, and famously loud-mouthed Jetta will all be in attendance. Along with the women’s matches, Legacy Wrestling has a full supporting card, including a British Championship title match. Details: legacywrestling.co.uk

4 PANTOMIMESleeping Beauty, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, November 21 to January 5Traditional panto fun returns to the Belgrade next week. Returning for his 24th Belgrade Theatre pantomime will be writer and director Iain Lauchlan, whose career has spanned more than 40 years. He has worked on TV shows including The Tweenies, Playschool, Fingermouse, Playdays and more.Details: belgrade.co.uk

5 FOOD AND THEATREJay Rayner, The Ten (Food) Commandments, Royal & Derngate, Northampton, November 16The Observer’s acid-tongued food critic takes to the stage to lead the audience to the culinary promised land.Details: www.royaland derngate.co.uk