CRITICS’ PICKS

THEATRE

What: The Caretaker Where: Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St. When: Continues through Sunday Tickets: $20 to $47 (bluebridgetheatre.ca or 250-382-3370) Why: The plays of Harold Pinter are rarely performed in this city. Why? Some consider them be inscrutable. Don’t be put off. Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s production of The Caretaker is powerful, disturbing and often laugh-out-loud hilarious. Confidently directed by Jacob Richmond, this compelling show starring R.J. Peters, Paul Fauteux and Lindsay Robinson has no weak links. — Adrian Chamberlain

READING

What: An Evening with David Sedaris Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Starting $58.50 (250-386-6121) Why: American humourist David Sedaris is renowned for his black humour tales full of sardonic wit and off-beat observations. (If you want a laugh, read his Santaland Diaries, about his tenure as a department store elf.) The author of Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls and other books returns to the Royal Theatre on election night — which might be a fitting way to cap the day. — AC

MUSIC

What: The Shari Ulrich Trio Where: Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St. When: Friday, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7) Tickets: $22 at Lyle’s Place and shariulrich.bpt.me Why: Ulrich will be joined by multiinstrumentalists Julia Graff and Kirby Barber for a night of songs Friday that touch on the songwriting legend’s stylespanning career. From her thriving solo career to time with The Pied Pumkin and Valdy’s Hometown Band and supergroups featuring Bill Henderson of Chilliwack, Roy Forbes and Barney Bentall, hers is an oeuvre worth celebrating. Ulrich will also use the stage on Friday to showcase her musical talents by playing piano, guitar, mandolin and violin. All in all, a fine night of folk music. — Mike Devlin