She’s great

The Great, Tony McNamara’s seventh new play for Sydney Theatre Company, is a freewheeling re-imagining of the rise and reign of Catherine the Great of Russia, directed by Peter Evans. Previews start from Saturday 31 May and the season closes on Saturday 13 July. Tickets start at $62. Bookings on 9250 1777 or sydneytheatre.com.au/great.

AUTHOR IN TOWN

Lee Tulloch, best-selling author and journalist, will be the special guest speaker at The Australian Literary Review‘s May 2008 luncheon, to be held at the Hilton Sydney. A limited number of tickets ($75 per person) go on sale today for the 15 May event, which includes a two-course luncheon with wines. Tickets can be bought on 9775 7000.

YOUNG SINGER

As a songwriter, Ray Isaac expresses his anguish, pain, love and redemption in his own brand of pop-infused soul. You can see him live and intimate for one night only at Slide tonight, Thursday 8 May, at 7pm. Tickets for the show are $20. Details on www.slide.com.au.

LEATHER NIGHT

Remember that Inquisition is on Saturday 7 June. The event will be held at the Entertainment Quarter from 10pm. DJs include Sandi Hotrod, Feisty, Shigeki, Mandy Rollins, and Mark Alsop. Tickets start at $85. Details: www.sydneyleatherpride.org.

SINGING STAR

Martyn Badoui will make a special guest appearance at Will and Toby’s Supper Club on Sunday 11 and Sunday 18 May at 7pm. This popular singer will be the support act at Dan Knight’s Energy show. Badoui will sing songs from his new EP, Say Goodbye. Tickets start at $15 and can be bought through Moshtix outlets or at the door. Details: www.myspace.com/martynbadoui.

DOUBLE BILL

Brian McFadden and Axle Whitehead have joined forces for a double bill in what is set to be a fantastic couple of nights of music at the legendary and recently refurbished venue, The Basement. The shows are on Wednesday and Thursday, 21-22 May. Bookings on 9251 2797 or www.thebasement.com.

OPERA STYLE

The magic and tradition of La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) continues with the opera classic A?, the second film in the hugely popular La Scala Opera Series screening at Greater Union, Birch Carroll and Coyle and Village Cinemas nationally on Saturday 17 May and Sunday 18 May. Each opera production in the La Scala Opera Series will screen at 2pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the cinema or by visiting greaterunion.com.au, birch.com.au or villagecinemas.com.au.