Paterson Joseph in Julius Ceasar

words: TOM MATTHEWS

Didn’t get enough boxing drama from the Olympics? Sure to pack a punch is Beautiful Burnout at Sherman Cymru in Cardiff (Tues 23-Sat 27 Oct, 7.30pm, tickets: £15-£25). It’s an intensely choreographed tale that follows five young fighters aiming for the top. There are also half price tickets available for those under 25.

The Royal Shakespeare Company have set their latest production of Julius Caesar in Africa, but you can catch it in the New Theatre this week (Tues 23-Sat 27 Oct, tickets: £11-19). Peep Show’s Paterson Joseph promises something fresh as Brutus.

Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald brings her latest album Life In A Beautiful Light to St David’s Hall (Sun 28 Oct, 7.30pm, tickets vary). Hitting the top with chart success of her debut album This Is The Life, Macdonald’s folksy pop has brought her worldwide acclaim.

Cowbridge Food Festival is back (Sat 27-Sun 28 Oct). A Champagne Marquee and a kid’s entertainment zone will allow folks of all ages to have plenty of fun. Featuring demos from Angela Gray and Anand George of Cardiff’s Purple Poppadom, there’s sure to be plenty to fulfil the foodies.

Brecon Baroque Festival (Fri 26-Mon 29 Oct, times and tickets vary) has various events this weekend for those whose musical preferences are more historical. Featuring performances of Bach and Monteverdi.

Last chance to catch Cardiff Open, a celebration of Cardiff’s burgeoning contemporary arts scene (Until Sat 27 Oct). In residence this week is former Welsh Artist of the Year Ruth Harries, renowned for her work with textiles.

Internationally acclaimed stage and television performer Des O’ Connor brings a night of comedy and music to Theatr Brycheiniog (Fri 26 Oct, 7.45pm, tickets: £23).

For a hilarious but poignant evening of comedy, try Sean Hughes (Wed 24 Oct, 6.45pm, tickets: £16). The ex-Buzzcocks team captain ponders the lighter side of death in his new show at the Glee Club.

Don your lederhosen for Chapter’s annual Oktoberfest beer festival (Thu 25-Sat 27 Oct, admission: free). With a selection of Germany’s finest lagers, pilsners, dark and wheat beers to quench your thirst, Chapter’s chefs are also offering special festival food. Brockwurst anyone?

For any tub-thumpers, there’s Steve Reich’s Drumming at St David’s Hall (Wed 24 Oct, 7.30pm, tickets: £16.50). The Colin Currie group perform Reich’s iconic percussion masterpiece, hailed as both primeval and uplifting.