TO CELEBRATE its 25th anniversary season, Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of Russian favourites, including Tchaikovsky's

Symphony No.5 in E minor, Shostakovich's Festival Overture and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition (Ravel arrangement).

The group, formed in 1985, now has more than 80 registered members and has performed an incredibly wide and varied repertoire of works since their inception.

As well as venues across Hillingdon borough, the talented musicians have also showcased their skills at some of London's most prestigious venues, including Queen Elizabeth Hall and Southwark Cathedral.

what? An evening of Russian music

when? Saturday, October 9, 7.30pm

where? All Saints' Church, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon

cost: £8, children 11-16 £5, under-11s free

call: 01895 631 039

see: www.hillingdonphil.uk.com

Absolutely amazing

ZIGGY Stardust fans are in for a treat as tribute band Absolute Bowie returns to Ruislip.

The fivesome, formed through a chance meeting and a mutual love of of their idol, have become adept at performing a whole host of hits, from Space Oddity and Diamond Dogs to Golden Years, Sound and Vision and, of course, everyone's favourite, Life on Mars. The only song the group refuse to perform is The Laughing Gnome.

Bowie himself feigned deafness when it was requested by fans.

what? Absolute Bowie

when? Friday, October 8, 9.30pm (doors 8.30pm)

where? Tropic at Ruislip, Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ

cost? £12 (£10 in advance)

call: Box office 01784 460 094

see: www.tropicatruislip.co.uk

Come to your senses

TUNE into your psychic powers with the help of Joe Pasquale, when he visits the Beck Theatre.

As part of his ESP (Extra Sensory Pasquale) tour, the comedian, television presenter and former king of the celebrity jungle will open his third eye and engage audiences in amazing experiments to answer age-old questions, such as: 'Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near?'

A fun-filled show for all the family.

what? Joe Pasquale ESP - Extra Sensory Pasquale

when? Saturday, October 9, 7.30pm

where? Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

cost? £19 contact: Box office 020 8561 8371

see: www.becktheatre.org.uk

Life in the key of comedy

BRITAIN'S Got Talent finalist Kev Orkian has already impressed the likes of Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and even Prince Charles with his comedy piano-playing skills.

His next performance is at the Comedy Bunker in Ruislip.

Born in 1974 to Armenian parents, Kev comes from a long line of entertainers, and began honing his musical talent at the tender age of four.

After touring with various orchestras and appearing at the likes of the Sydney Opera House, he dipped his toe into the London theatre scene, performing in Fame, Grease, Buddy Holly, Happy Days and Boogie Nights, while developing comedy music routines in his spare time.

Fast-forward 10 years and the pianist now spends most of his time touring with his one-man show, featuring an energetic mixture of comedy with spectacular piano recitals.

With support from Carl Donnelly, who has earned a reputation for his incredible ability to turn the seemingly mundane existence of the 21st-century slacker into a gripping, unmissable stand-up, and EastEnder Jeff Innocent, who turned his back on a career in the family 'firm'.

what? Kev Orkian (with support from Carl Donnelly and Jeff Innocent)

when? Wednesday, October 13, 8.45pm (doors open 8.15pm)

where? Comedy Bunker, Ruislip Golf Centre, Ickenham Road, West Ruislip, HA4 7DQ

cost? £10

see: www.comedybunker.co.uk

Creative workshops for those of more mature years

A SERIES of workshops aimed at the over-50s are sure to appeal to anyone with a creative streak.

Vintage@Northwood workshops, hosted by Northwood Community Arts Group, include two separate programmes entitled Rhythm and Dance, and Creative Textiles.

Melanie Pearson, a teacher from the innovative Green Candle Company, will lead participants in suitably challenging dance sessions, featuring gentle exercise to provide a sense of wellbeing.

Artist, teacher and writer Susie Johns will assist in the resource, design and creation of an exciting, fun and personal piece of work. Classes will include drawing, print, collage and stitch work.

No experience is necessary for either programme. A special celebration day combining both activities will be held in December.

what? Vintage@Northwood workshops

when? From Tuesday, October 12 (dance 10.30am-12.30pm, textile 2-4pm)

where? St John's Church, Hallowell Road, Northwood

cost? £50 for both programmes, for nine weeks contact: 01628 675 800 or northwoodarts@artreach.biz  see: http://northwoodcommunityarts.webs.com