JANE BOWN

Jane Bown, one of Britain’s leading photographers, grew up during World War II in Herne Bay, Kent. The local museum is displaying some 50 of her direct, deceptively simple portraits of celebrities, including Mick Jagger, Ralph Fiennes and Robbie Coltrane. Free admission. Details: 01227 367368.

JANUARY 19-24

RICHARD III

The Northern Broadsides Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s classic Wars of the Roses drama at the Coliseum Theatre, Oldham, Lancashire, 7.30pm. The production is directed by and stars Barrie Rutter. Tickets: pound;5-pound;12. Details: 0161 624 2829.

JANUARY 22-APRIL 13

ART TREASURES OF ENGLAND

Around 400 works dating from the early Renaissance and drawn from England’s regional museums and galleries will be on display at the Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, London W1. Two galleries will be devoted to works by Hogarth, Reynolds, Stubbs, Gainsborough, Turner and Constable; the rest to continental Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classic works, Old Master drawings and watercolours among others. Group bookings: 0171 300 5733.

JANUARY 23-MARCH 22

SHINE

A glimpse into the future of British photography can be found at the Museum in Exile, temporary home of the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Upper Parkgate, Little Germany, Bradford. Displays include: the late Patrick McCoy’s images made from discarded negatives found on Belfast’s streets and rubbish tips and David Warren Lewis’s video installation exploring the dehumanising effects of hospitalisation. Shine is the museum’s first contribution to Photo 98, Yorkshire’s year-long celebration of photography and the electronic image funded by the Arts Council. Details: 01274 727488.

JANUARY 28-29

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

FEBRUARY 4

WEAVERS SCHOOL GALA CONCERT

Six actors play more than 20 characters in Art Productions’ presentation of Charles Dickens’s famous novel at The Castle Theatre, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. At the second event, light classical music will be performed by pupils from Weavers School, Wellingborough. Tickets: pound;4, pound;2.50 concessions. Details: 01933 270007.