10 not-to-be-missed things to do in Manchester this week

Heavenly choirs, huge organs, at least two bona fide classics and more than a little good music - yes, it's our weekly top ten things to do and this week we've got some corkers for you.

East Is East, Opera House, Mon Jan 26 - Sat Jan 31, £20.90-£38.40
Written by and starring Ayub Khan Din and co starring Jane Horrocks, the Salford based 'East Is East' can surely be defined as a modern classic, given the added excitement here in that this autobiographical work means that Ayub Khan Din is effectively playing his own father.

Neneh Cherry, Gorilla, Thu Jan 29, £12.50
With support from 'RocketNumberNine', Neneh Cherry performs in Gorilla's intimate room. Their gig together back in 2013 for Manchester International Festival was wonderful so his should be no less essential.

Tweedy, The Ritz, Fri Jan 30, £25
Solo gig from the Wilco frontman, promoting a new album called ‘Sukierae’ whilst throwing in acoustic versions of some of Wilko's finest.
 
Sacred Sounds Womens Choir, Z-Arts, Sat Jan 31, free
This inspirational choir, made up of women from different faith groups, also stems back to MIF13, when it was created to sing in what turned out to be one of John Tavener's final ever stage appearances. This showcase lets us catch up with where they are now, and if you enjoy the sound of harmony, go along - it's beautiful to hear.

BBC Philharmonic, Bridgewater Hall, Sat Jan 31, £10-£35
If you like a massive organ, they really cant be put to much better use than when playing the Saint Saëns Symphony No. 3. The concert will be recorded for Radio 3 and other pieces will include Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2. 

Phoenix Nights Live, Manchester Arena, Sat Jan 31 - Mon Feb 16, £35-£55
It's wonderful to have the full cast back together for Peter Kaye's comedy classic, brought to that stage for Comic Relief. If Kaye is playing both of his roles as Brian Potter and doorman Max, there's going to be some fast costume changes in those wings...

Rainy City Roller Girls vs. Kallio Rolling Rainbow, The Thunderdome, Sat Jan 31
Oldham's Thunderdome hosts these roller-derby girls who take on a team from Helsinki this week. Go watch and cheer our girls on!

Film Club, Band on the Wall, Sun Feb 1, £9
For this film club, Band on the Wall are showing 'Something From Nothing - The Art of Rap'. The documentary delves into the work and minds of some of the genre's main players,  including Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice T, Kanye West, Common, Nas, Mos Def. Food is included in the ticket price.

Inherent Vice
A new film from Paul Thomas Anderson is always something to get excited about, with his track record including such tremendous works as 'Magnolia' and 'There Will Be Blood'. Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin and Owen Wilson star in a story from the novel by Thomas Pynchon. How many stars did Time Out give it? 

Akram Khan: One Side to the Other, The Lowry, ends Sun Feb 1, free
As it ends this week, this is your last chance to see one of the finest exhibitions out there at the moment, a bold and daring one for The Lowry and a piece of contemporary work which shouldn't be missed.