Hairspray Regular readers (and why wouldn't you be?) will know that the listings team is not averse to a spot of cynicism. In the same way that Joey Chestnut is not averse to celebrating American Independence Day with a hot dog (Google it). Which is why it pains us to report that we have nothing but nice things to say about this fantastically feel-good musical. Set in the racially segregated United States in the 1960s, Tracy Turnblad (played by Olivier Award winner Leanne Jones) gets the chance to dance on The Corny Collins Show. She uses her 15 minutes of fame to try and stop the television programme's dancers from being divided by race, suggesting that everyone should perform together. She truly is the nicest kid in town. Many of the cast live in the Emirates and came through a gruelling audition process back in May. If you go to one event this month ... go to Toy Story 3, but this is definitely a close second. Tuesday until July 17 7.30pm (there are also 2.30pm shows on the 16th and 17th), Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, tickets from Dh150, family tickets from Dh550, VIP tickets Dh1000, 04 341 4777
The Laughter Factory Top-notch comedians Ty Barnett and Dave Johns and magician John Lenahan stop by for lots of jokes and tricks. The latter hosts a dubious claim to fame, when he became the first person to be expelled from The Magic Circle in 85 years, after revealing on UK television how to perform a card trick. Tuesday until July 16 & July 20-22. Various venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, all shows 9pm, www.thelaughterfactory.com, tickets Dh115, 800 4669 Diva DJ This new weekly night on the rooftop of the Aloft hotel in the capital features the lovely DJ Natalie Brogan spinning some soulful house. Wednesday 9pm-2am, Relax, Aloft Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, free entry, 02 654 5000 Fame This hugely-anticipated stage version of the 1980s hit TV show premieres in the Middle East after a decade-long run in London's West End. Wednesday until July 17 7.30pm, (also 2.30pm on 16th and 17th), First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, tickets Dh130, 04 366 6546
Collectors Exhibition A brilliant idea with a host of collections, from stamps to cars, and jewellery to coins, all under one roof. Daily until July 24, BurJuman Centre, Dubai, 600 545555 Photo Exhibition Katy Donaldson and Astrid Harrisson show off their latest work. Donaldson concentrates on Dubai landscapes, while Harrisson focuses on the equine world. Saturday until July 22, 10am-6pm (closed Fridays), Majlis Gallery, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, 04 353 6233 Set Me Free From My Chains Zoulikha Bouabdellah's show pokes fun at "traditional notions of representation and abstraction". Daily until July 23, 10am-7pm (closed Fridays), Gallery IVDE, Dubai, 04 323 5052 Shrouded Memories The first solo exhibition in the UAE by Egyptian artist Wael Darwesh concentrates on social issues in his homeland. Daily until July 24, 10am to 7pm (closed Fridays), Art Sawa, Dubai, 04 340 8660 Dunya - Glimpses of Muslim Life in Europe Ahmed Krausen's photographs provide a true insight into Islamic life on another continent. Daily until August 14, 8am-8pm (Fridays 4pm-8pm), Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Sharjah, family ticket Dh10, adults Dh5, children free, 06 565 5455 A Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions This noteworthy exhibition showcases a variety of textiles, some more than two centuries old and includes work from Central Asia and Russia. Daily until July 28, Gallery One, Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi (ladies only Tuesdays 10am-4pm), 02 690 9000 This Location A trio of female painters chart how relocating to a different country has made them consider the importance of location when it comes to their work. How much of their creativity comes from nature and how much is nurture? The artists now live in Qatar, India and England. Daily until July 31, 10am-7pm (closed Fridays), Mojo Gallery, Unit 33, Al Serkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, 04 323 6367 I U Heart Mahmoud Bakhshi, Shahab Foutouhi, Arash Hanaei, Mamali Shafahi and Vahid Sharifian illustrate their individual responses towards how Iran's politics dominate its global image. Daily until July 31 (closed on Fridays), 10am-7pm. The Third Line Gallery, Dubai, 04 341 1367 Summer Exhibition Sameer Reddy's startling photographs and Saba Qizilbash's works on paper present a positive outlook on modern life. And, beautifully juxtaposed with the sweltering summer heat, is Nikolai Wiezorek's German Christmas photographic series, which features some lovely, intimate shots. There is a repeat showing of the whole exhibition from September 1-22. Daily until July 31, 9am-7pm (closed Fridays), XVA gallery, Bastakiya, Dubai, 04 353 5383 Iraq: Transition to Peace Tina Hager's spellbinding collection of photos chart Iraqi society trying to return to normality after nine years of conflict decimated the country. The former White House photographer captures the positive side of the country and its people, one which is rarely seen. Daily until August 15, 9am-7pm (closed Fridays), Portfolio Gallery, Dubai, 04 323 2395 Summer Salon Work from 10 Dubai-based artists is on show, with all pieces up for sale and new works arriving all the time. Paintings and sculptures will sell for between Dh1,000-7,000. Saturday until July 31, 9am-4pm, (closed Thursday and Fridays), Gallery 76, Dubai International Art Centre, Street 75b, Villa No 27, Jumeriah Beach Road, Dubai, 04 344 4398 Color The Cuadro Fine Art Gallery is mixing things up by keeping its colours apart. The entire gallery has been colour-coded and divided into six sections - red, blue, green, black, brown and white. So would there be no place for Van Gogh's Sunflowers? Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm, Saturday (12-6pm), closed Fridays, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Building 10, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai, 04 425 0400 Blue Skie'd and Clear This group exhibition features photographs by Birgit Graschopf, Yuko Ichikawa, Maria Maeser, Jamie Baldridge, Maximillian Pramatarov and Hazem Mahdy. Daily until September 25, 11.30am-7pm (closed Fridays), Carbon 12 Gallery, Al Quoz 1, Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse D37, Dubai, 050 464 4392 Beyond the Surface A summer exhibition by a group of 15 Dubai artists aged from 16 to 18. Daily until August 31, 10am-8pm (Friday 2-8pm, closed Sundays), thejamjar gallery, Street 17, Dubai, 04 341 7303 That Shimmering Beast: The Capture of Urban Life Virgilio Ferreira, Miyuki Okuyama and Mehrdad Naraghi offer their own take on what factors give cities their unique feel and characteristics. Daily until September 9, 9am-10pm (Fridays 3pm-10pm), The Empty Quarter, DIFC, Dubai, 04 323 1210 Peripheral Vision Paintings, photographs and sculptures created by artists from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Syria and the UAE examine the question of Arab identity. Daily 10am-8pm, Barjeel Art Foundation, Maraya Arts Centre, Sharjah, www.barjeelartfoundation.com
Zouk Dancing Learn the Lambada style of Zouk - a form of dance which came out of the Franco-Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. Monday 7.30-9.30pm, Shelter, Warehouse 209, 318 Road, Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai, Dh40 (Dh35 for members), RSVP to events@shelter.ae Kids Theatre Works Drama Camp Youngsters can learn how to perform and read and write their own lines, culminating in a show at the end of the week. Murder mystery, soap operas and superhero adventures will all be explored by the group. Allcomers are welcome and there are no auditions to join. There are also camps starting on August 22 and August 29. Saturday-Wednesday, 9am-3pm daily, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Dh650, 04 341 4777. DUCTAC Summer Camps Children can enjoy painting and creating for five days. The week-long courses will begin every Sunday until August 8, with groups divided into those aged six and eight and others who are nine to 12. Sunday-Thursday 10.30am-1pm daily, Manu Chhabria Arts Centre, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates, one week Dh900 (two weeks Dh1500), 04 341 4777
Bastille Day Celebrate France's independence day with an authentic menu in an elegant Parisian setting. Expect specialities such as blanquette de veau from the best French restaurant in the capital. Wednesday 7-11pm, Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 02 509 8555
Art & Craft Market Members of Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) show off their latest wares, from jewellery to home furnishings, all of which were made in the country. Today 12 noon-9pm, Mezzanine level (near Ikea), Festival Centre, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 800 33232 Cool summer nights This weekly Brazilian carnival-themed night includes Samba dancers and beach football. There is also manta ray feeding and a laser and fireworks display at the end of the evening. And if it all gets a bit much, you can cool off on one of the brilliant waterslides. Thursday 7pm, Aquaventure, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, tickets Dh200 (Dh165 children 3-11), pay on the door, www.atlantisthepalm.com Modhesh World Modhesh, the yellow mascot of summer in Dubai, returns with a world of fun. There are over 100 things to do, including a fair, camel rides, a 4D cinema and bouncy castles. Daily until August 7, 10am-10pm, Thursdays 10am-midnight, Fridays 3pm-midnight, Dubai Airport Expo, 600 545 555, www.modeshworld.com Summer in Abu Dhabi A host of fun for kids at this annual event aimed at the capital's children. There are plenty of music, dance and performance attractions for all ages. Daily until August 4, Hall 11, Adnec Abu Dhabi, Dh15 entry, 02 444 0444, www.summerinabudhabi.com
Sheila and Abaya Fashion Show Designers from all parts of the Gulf show off their latest creations in traditional women's clothing. Daily until Sunday, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.45pm, Fashion Catwalk, ground floor, The Dubai Mall, free entry, 600 545 555
Rob & Derek Live at Meydan The former ShowSports presenters Rob McCaffrey and Derek Whyte invite you to watch the World Cup final with them. Expect banter and tears. Sunday 10.30pm, Parade Ring Restaurant, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, Dh375, 04 445 6824, www.robandderek.com Last chance Fantasy on Ice World premiere of the new show that consists of fabulous skating, light shows and illusions. Daily until Thursday 8pm, Abu Dhabi Hall, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, Dh200 (children Dh70), 800 555
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse For Twihards (if you have to ask, you're not one of them) and teenage girls across the country, this film is likely to be the highlight of their summer. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are back for the third instalment of this interesting mix of vampires, action, romance and big, big hair. Reviews have been mixed, but this franchise's appetite for making money is sure to remain sated. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae Harry Brown Harry (Michael Caine) cannot get to the hospital in time to see his wife before she dies because he's too scared to walk past a group of young thugs. Things get worse when Harry's best pal gets beaten to death in an underpass by the same gang. So, just as any pensioner would, Harry's response it to start lashing out, at least until his emphysema kicks in. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae I Hate Luv Storys And we hate bad spelling, but sadly this is the 'correct' name for this Bollywood film. Simran (Sonam Kapoor) dreams she's in a romantic movie, despite the fact that she's already in a romantic movie. But is fiancé Raj (Sameer Dattani) really her true love? Hindi with English and Arabic subtitles, but sadly no dictionary. www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com The Young Victoria Classy tale of how Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt) became Britain's monarch in 1837. It won an Oscar for its brilliant costumes, but the facts in the story are a little less accurate. For example, Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) didn't really take a bullet for Victoria. Could we say the same about Prince David Beckham and his Queen Vic? This film is also remarkable for its trio of producers Martin Scorsese, Graham King and Sarah, Duchess of York. www.reelcinemas.ae, www.grandcinemas.com, www.cinestarcinemas.com, www.cineroyal.ae Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort Fittingly for this new weekly movie night, the films are animal-themed, and visitors can also explore the park. Picnic mats and food and drink are available, with this week's offering the joyous Happy Feet. Wednesday 8pm, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Al Ain, Dh25 (Dh15 3-12 year olds), prices include entrance to park, film and The Dinosaur Trail, 03 782 8188