CRITICS’ CHOICE

POP

Belle & Sebastian

While Edinburgh’s Young Fathers head west to Barrowland, the quintessential Glaswegian indie band pass them on the M8 to commune with the faithful out east, bringing with them a trio of new EPS, entitled How to Solve Our Human Problems. Despite frontman Stuart Murdoch’s reputation as a poet sage, no specific answers are forthcoming therein, just another batch of life-affirming tunes, beautifully rendered by this cult ensemble. Expect dancing. Usher Hall, Edinburgh, tonight, 0131-228 1155

Fiona Shepherd

CLASSICAL

Ariadne auf Naxos

Antony Mcdonald’s comic production of Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos for Scottish Opera continues in Glasgow this week, starring American soprano Mardi Byers, veteran baritone Sir Thomas Allen, and local boy Jamie Macdougall as the Dancing Master. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 24 and 28 March, 0844 871 7647

Ken Walton

ART

Earl Haig Centenary

To mark the centenary of Earl Haig the Scottish Gallery has put on a major exhibition of his work. Haig really began his career as an artist as a prisoner of war and there are a couple of poignant paintings from that bleak school here, but then the show expands as his art did to explore the beauty of the Borders and of Venice, a favourite place. His work was always in a low key, but it nevertheless it has a quiet authority. Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh, until 31 March, 0131-558 1200

Duncan Macmillan

THEATRE

Mcgonagall’s Chronicles

Its full title is Mcgonagall’s Chronicles (Which Will Be Remembered For a Very Long Time); and that provides a vital hint that this new lunchtime show about the life of Scotland’s worst-ever poet is itself written in the kind of “almost rhyming verse” penned by William Topaz Mcgonagall himself. Created and co-performed by popular Traverse playwright Gary Mcnair – famous for last year’s Letters To Morrissey, among other brilliant monologues –

Mcgonagall’s Chronicles also features fellow-actor Brian James O’sullivan and musician Scott Lidell, in the first of five Play, Pie And Pint shows to transfer to the Traverse this spring. Oran Mor, Glasgow, 26-31 March, and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, 3-7 April, www.playpiepint.com

Joyce Mcmillan