A MOTHER rules with absolute power over her five daughters in The House of Bernarda Alba at The Questors Theatre in Ealing. But in Lorca's classic drama of sexual repression and conformity in 1930s Spain, the mother's attempts to control her daughters backfire dramatically. Bernarda cares only for duty and reputation following the death of her husband. In the ensuing period of mourning that she enforces, her daughters' passions and longings for life are denied.

As it becomes more apparent that they are unlikely to ever have the excitement of courtship and marriage, they begin to clutch at any joyous distraction.

what? The House of Bernarda Alba when? June 4-5 at 7.45pm where? The Questors Theatre, Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BQ cost? £13 (concs. £12) students £6 contact: 020 8567 0011 see: www.ealingtheatre.com

Theatre-TV innovation

SKY Arts launches Sky Arts Playhouse: Live, an innovative season of five new plays at Riverside Studios.

It features work by some of the world's most ground-breaking playwrights - Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Mark Ravenhill, Alia Bano and Frank McGuinness, and Eve Ensler.

Broadcaster, author and comedienne Sandi Toksvig, artistic director of Sky Arts Playhouse: Live, will also be at the Riverside hosting a post-show discussion after every Friday night performance.

The plays will all staged again at the Sky TV studios, to be broadcast live on Sky Arts 2 on Wednesdays starting on June 9 at 9pm.

what? New plays for Sky Arts Playhouse when? From June 3 to July 4, at 8.15pm All plays run for 45 minutes with no interval where? Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, W6 9RL Cost? £12, £10 concs contact: 020 8237 1111 see: riversidestudios.co.uk

Thai treats in town

A TASTE of South East Asian finery comes to Ealing Common next weekend.

Merging exotic Thai food, entertainment and traditional therapies, The Thai Festival brings the energy and spontaneity of a bustling street market to the borough. Stalls will be hosted by local Thai restaurants as well as by national restaurant members of the Thai Festival Organisation.

With dozens of craft stalls as well as classical dancing, a music circle, Thai boxing demonstrations, a Buddhist Temple exhibition and ornate fruit and vegetable carving, the festival promises to entertain the whole family.

what? The Thai Festival when? June 12-13, 11am-6pm where? Ealing Common, Warwick Road, London, W5 3HN cost: Adults £3 in advance £5 on door Under 12s free, seniors £3 contact: 07799 725 311 see: www.visitthaifestival.com

Orchestra plays for worldwide maternity charity

EALING Symphony Orchestra is taking part in a superb charity concert in London next week.

It will be playing Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture as well as Elgar's Sea Pictures and Rachmaninoff's Second Concerto.

The concert, in St James's Church, Piccadilly, features renowned mezzo soprano Elizabeth Sikora and top pianist Ivan Kiwuwa and it will be conducted by John Gibbons.

It is in aid of the charity Maternity Worldwide, which aims to improve obstetric care for women and reduce maternal mortality in developing countries.

what? Maternity Worldwide Summer Concert when? June 10 at 7.30pm where? St James's Church, Piccadilly, W1J 9LL cost? £20-£30, £12 concs contact: 020 7766 1100 see: www.smitf.org

Classic rockers on stage for celebrations or commiseration after England game

WATCHING an Ealing-based rock band could be a cool way to celebrate or commiserate after the England v USA World Cup game.

Rhode Island Red, a classic rock band who play their own songs, hit the stage at 10pm at Finnegans Wake on June 12.

Formed in late 2009 by guitarist/songwriter Dave Garfield and vocalist Lyla D'Souza, the band has been described as Nickelback meets the Cult meets Garbage.

Lyla is a London-based rock and soul singer/songwriter who has been performing across the UK, Europe and Australasia for the past eight years. Dave has recorded for EMI Germany and BMG Germany and has gigged and recorded all over Europe, playing many festivals and TV shows.

Now joined by Mike McGuinness on bass - who has played with London-based bands such as Ten Second Reload and The Sheen - Marco Tiano on drums, and Andrea Basiola on guitar, the band have recently been playing demos for their debut album to industry contacts.

They were recently seen wowing the locals at the Tuesday unsigned band night at The Drayton Court pub in Ealing.

Another band, The Missiles, will also be playing.

what? Rhode Island Red and The Missiles when? Saturday, June 12, 10pm where? Finnegans Wake, The Green, Ealing, W5 5DA cost? free contact: Dave Garfield on 07979 931 640 see: rhodeislandredband@gmail.com