LOVE, LUST AND MARRIAGE

The tales of the Wife of Bath, Merchant, Franklin and Nun’s Priest are presented by the Chaucer Heritage Trust and Classic Presentations Limited at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2. The production draws on Nevill Coghill’s modern English translation and costumes and designs are in the style of William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, to mark the centenary of Morris and of the “Kelmscott” Chaucer, which he designed and printed. Booking: 0171 836 33342132. CHT details: 01227 470379.

SEPT 28 - NOV 10

THE LURE OF THE LIMELIGHT: JAMES ABBE, PHOTOGRAPHER OF CINEMA AND STAGE

A National Portrait Gallery touring exhibition at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which starts with the photographer’s documentation of the American battleship fleet’s visit to England in 1910 and ends in 1936 with his photo reports of the Spanish Civil War. Among the celebrities he photographed were Charlie Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Dorothy and Lillian Gish. There is a series of talks. Details: Nicola Coleby, 01273 713265.

STARTING IN OCTOBER “NOTHING ELSE BUT NOISE AND DANCE”: THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS IN 18TH-CENTURY LONDON

Exhibition at the British Library, Great Russell Street, London WC1, until December 1. GCSE and A-level dance and theatre studies groups welcome, but must book through the education service on 0171 412 7797. There will be a talk about dance and pantomime on the London stage on October 8 and an introductory talk to the exhibition on October 15. Events details from: 0171 412 7760.

OCTOBER

BREAD FOR LIFE FESTIVAL

A campaign designed to encourage us to eat more bread with an accompanying primaryjunior teachers’ pack. It contains a teachers’ activity sheet and The Funday Times History of Bread wallchart, outlining the story of breadmaking from 3,000 BC to the present day and covering the evolution of milling and baking techniques and the machinery employed. The pack links into national curriculum history, geography, technology and science. Free from: The Flour Advisory Bureau, Dept F, 21 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RN, tel: 0171 493 6786.

OCTOBER 5 - 12

STORY TELLING AND POETRY

Demons, pimples, percussion, boots and babysitters will all feature in lively events for Children’s Book Week (October 5-12) and Poetry International (October 25 - November 3) at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, London SE1. For the first event, contributors include: Godfrey Tuup, Channel 4 presenter and unorthodox Guyanian storyteller, wildly and wickedly tracking down Aesop and his Fables; Shirley Hughes, with her Alfie stories for two to fives; and a Berlie Doherty and Philip Pullman double-bill. At the second event, Kaye Umansky and John Agard will entertain seven-to-11s with their poetry. Tickets (Pounds 2.50) and details from: 0171 960 4242.

OCTOBER 5-6

A CELEBRATION OF BRIGHTON AND HOVE MUSEUMS

Travel back through time to Brighton and Hove’s past lives and personalities joining the Prince Regent in the Royal Pavilion, where there will be children’s games, a fashion show and music of the day plus free rides in period transport. One highlight is the chance for Brighton and Hove inhabitants to star in Big Films Inc’s latest movie - no auditions - which will be shot on October 5, 11.30 am at Hove Town Hall and at Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, 2.30 pm. Details: 01273 713289553586.

OCTOBER 7-11

NATIONAL SCHOOLS FILM WEEK

As part of the centenary of cinema, the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford, is offering school groups and film students the opportunity to preview such films as The Legend of Pinocchio, Wind in the Willows and Dragonheart, a medieval fantasy about dragons, which teams Sean Connery’s voice with digital special effects. Free screenings at 9.30 am each day. Details and reservations: 0171 637 9932 9935.

OCTOBER 10

EARLY LITERACY AND SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS

Professor Peter Pumfrey, dean of Manchester University’s school of education, is giving the inaugural Marianne Grace Hinnells memorial lecture under the auspices of the Findlay Society, Manchester University. Admission by ticket only. Details: Dr J Davies, 0161 275 3505.