-

Wednesday (April 8) Two of the island's leading educational establishments have joined hands to give the kingdom's hidden talents and performers a chance to be on TV.

The Ahlia University and the New York Institute of Technology are organising the 'Stand Up Step Up' show which will be open to the public on April 23 and will be filmed for future television broadcast.

A first round of auditions have already been held but there is still a chance to take part with a second round concluding at Ahlia University's Media Centre from 7pm tonight.

From comedians to dancers and singers to poets, everyone is welcome to stand up and have a go at getting their talent into the public arena.

The West End Stage Experience and Popular Productions will present award winning musical 'Annie' live on stage for two weeks at the Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, opening today. It is the story of little orphan Annie and her adventures in depression hit 1930s' New York City. For details log on to www.annieonstage.com.

Thursday (April 9)

The Banyan Tree Al Areen will host a live concert featuring Iraqi singer, composer and poet Kadhum Al Sahir at 9pm. Kadhum has established himself as one of the most successful singers in the history of the Arab world having sold more than 30 million albums since the start of his career.

Ranging from big romantic ballads to more political work, from pop to Arab classical, he has covered the spectrum of music with the kind of success not seen since the heyday of Umm Kalthum.

The concert will also feature a buffet dinner. For details and bookings contact 36051102 or 36051121.

Saturday (April 11)

The British Council in collaboration with Shoot Experience London and Beit Al Qur'an is holding a photography treasure hunt event Capture Bahrain.

Teams of three to five participants will be given clues of places and monuments around Bahrain and sent out, given a certain period of time, to find inspiration and capture these clues in the most creative way possible. At the end of the day all photos will be collected from the teams and compiled to create a unique photographic storyboard that will be presented on a big screen. Prizes will be awarded for the best and quirkiest photos.

The photos from the event will then go into an image bank that the British Council will use for advertising and publication of promotional material. The images will also be transformed into an organised exhibition for the public.

Registration is free. Early registration is encouraged due to limited spaces. Transportation to take photos will be provided if needed but this needs to be specified prior to the event when registering.

For registration and further information contact Rayyah Fathalla, project manager arts and science, British Council on 17266166 ext 260 or 39966841 or email rayyah. fathalla@britishcouncil.org.bh.

British artist Andrew Hodgson is holding an exhibition of water colour paintings, inspired by life in Bahrain at Lina's CafŽ at the Diplomatic Area until May 8.

The exhibition opens today from 7pm to 9.30pm.

For details contact Andrew on 17750980 or email a.hodgson1@gmail.com.

See page 9 for more on Andrew Hodgson.

L'Atelier Art Lounge is hosting an Easter colouring, painting and crafts session for children at the Country Mall from 10am till noon.

The session is BD6 per child including snacks.

Sunday (April 12)

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa will host an Easter Brunch offering culinary delicacies from the hotel's chefs produced at live cooking stations. A large selection of mezzes, salads and deserts will be on offer. The Easter celebration is rounded off by a live music performance and little ones can have fun while joining a traditional egg hunt with Easter bunny Ritzy.

The Easter Brunch will be from noon to 4pm and is priced at BD21++ per person. For details contact 17586499.

Celebrate Easter at Le Bistro at the Intercontinental Regency Hotel, Bahrain.

There's a special lunch from noon to 4pm priced BD16 net with a discount for youngsters and under sixes going free. For details contact 17227777.

Monday (April 13)

The Bahrain Meditation Centre in Adliya is holding a seminar on 'Unlocking the power of Thoughts' from 7pm to 9pm. Call to register.

The centre also offers a drop-in meditation session every evening from 7 to 7.30pm.

For details contact 17712545.

Tuesday (April 14)

A joint exhibition called 'Temptations of an Angel' between Bahraini poet Qassim Al Heddad and Bahraini artist Lubna Al Amin will be held as part of the Spring of Culture events until April 17 beginning today at the Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya.

Al Heddad has written a collection of poems about Berlin, Paris and his country Bahrain.

Lubna has participated in many solo and group shows in Europe and Bahrain. The exhibition was first showcased in Berlin, followed by Bahrain and later will end in Paris.

The evening will start with Haddad signing his book 'Leave the Angel' followed by poetry readings from the book.

L'Atelier Art Lounge is running ladies workshops from 7pm to 10pm today and from 9.30am to 12.30pm tomorrow where participants can construct a tissue box using the napkin technique.

The cost is BD10 including a snack. Call 17599030 for further details.