HOT TICKETS…

✢ Celebrate the Bard’s birthday on 23 April by going to see The Taming of The Shrew at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Running until 31 August; rsc.org.uk ✢ Opening on 1 May, Opera North’s new concert staging of Verdi’s Aida is a spectacular Egyptian fantasy of war, love and conflicting loyalties. On until 11 June; operanorth.co.uk ✢ Kew Gardens is the setting for a fabulous exhibition of glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly. Book now for day and magical night-time experiences. From 13 April-27 October; kew.org w&h