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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Up-and-coming director James Acre takes on what for many is Tennessee Williams's best play. A strong cast includes Mariah Gale as Maggie and Kim Criswell as Big Mama. London's White Lies provides original music.
• At Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne, 12-27 September. Box office: 0191-230 5151. Then touring until 29 November.

Royal Blood
Their self-titled album may be the higest-selling rock debut in three years, but the Brighton-based garage rock two-piece are best known for their bloodthirsty and bombastic stage performance. Royal Blood will hit the road this autumn, including two dates at London's Electric Ball.
• On tour from 28 October. Box office: 0844 844 0444.

Whitworth Art Gallery
The Whitworth will reopen in November after £15m overhaul with a new exhibition by Cornelia Parker, wallpaper by Sarah Lucas and a 45-metre-long drawing made of gunpowder by the Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang.
• At Whitworth Park, Manchester, from 29 November. Box office: 0161-275 7450.

Last chance to see

BBC Proms
Highlights in the final week of a terrific Proms season include the UK premiere of Jörg Widmann's Teufel Amor, a 80th birthday tribute to Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Walton's viola concerto and, on the penultimate night, the traditional Choral Symphony performed by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly.
• At Royal Albert Hall, London, until 13 September. Box office: 0845 401 5040.