Five things to do this week: July 20

IT’S already become a firm favourite with Brightonians after a run of shows this week.

If you fancy catching Ray Quinn in a modern day telling of a 60s classic then try and get to the final showing of the extremely entertaining Summer Holiday.

With the backdrop of a journey through Europe, on a double-decker bus no less, the tale follows four friends and their quest for adventure.

A host of classic Sixties rock ‘n’ roll hits accompany the plot, leading to an ideal showcase of fantastic storytelling and music that will make you want to jump out of your seat and get dancing.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Theatre Royal, Brighton, Sunday, July 22

WITH a line-up devised by legendary musician Glenn Miller himself, the orchestra comprises four trumpets, five saxophones, four trombones and three rhythm musicians plus a male and female vocalist.

With a setlist mainly comprising of Glenn’s songs, not to mention a number of other classic hits by the likes of Vera Lynn, Roberts & Hart and Harry Warren, there’s a number of excellent songs to get moving to.

A room like the Theatre Royal is the perfect backdrop to a night of classical music.

Queen Kwong The Hope and Ruin, Brighton, Wednesday, July 25

CARRE Callaway, the mind behind Queen Kwong, oozes punk rock to the core.

Her music screams of wanting to get away from the “sanitization” that has plagued rock music for many years.

She harks back to the likes of Iggy Pop with her style as she stands out instantly.

This ability to stand out is what is causing her to stand out in the genre she embodies.

Making sure she is not like the rest of the pack, it is refreshing to see a performer willing to break the mould in such a big way.

She’s definitely worth checking out.

Bianca Del Rio Theatre Royal, Brighton, Thursday, July 26

AFTER a sell-out tour in 2017, Bianca Del Rio returns to the UK for her newest show “Blame it on Bianca Del Rio”.

The Ru Paul’s Drag Race graduate is known the world over for her straight talking and humorous outlook.

She won the sixth season of Drag Race and has since been making a name for herself the world over, having been well known on the circuit in select US cities before that.

Quick wit is the order of the day as Bianca rips her own self esteem to shreds, all in the pursuit of entertainment.

She may be back soon but that doesn’t mean you should wait now.

Natalie Merchant St George’s Church, Brighton, Friday, July 27

THE former leader of 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant has had quite a storied career.

From her decade with the alt-rock band to her more contemporary and laid back solo material, she has garnered fans the world over with her music.

The New York native knows how to get messages across in her music; from the lyrics, to her vocal styling, it all comes together in one fantastic package.

St George’s Church provides an intimate and scenic venue to catch Natalie at her best; stripped back and supremely talented.