1. The Burning Bride

Manoj Kerai, a volunteer at Harrow Samaritans, has written a novel inspired by the horrific statistic she learned that, in India, a woman is murdered every hour by her husband’s family for a dowry. The story is told through the eyes of nine women and explores the psychological, social and cultural factors which allow crimes against women in India to abound, such as dowry murders, rape, female genocide and acid attacks. At least ten per cent of the money made from sales of The Burning Bride will go towards helping the Asian Circle fund Oxfam projects in India which aim to end violence against women.

  • The Burning Bride is released as an ebook on Sunday, March 8, International Women’s Day. Details: theburningbride.co.uk

2. Spring Equinox

Many of Hertfordshire’s artistic stars will be aligning for a group exhibition this month in Herts Visual Arts’ latest exhibition, which reflects members’ varied response to the theme Spring Equinox, which encompasses new beginnings, renewal, celebration, astronomy, light and dark, across a wide range of media.

  • The Gallery, Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, March 10 to 30. Details: 020 8416 8989, harrowarts.com, hvaf.org.uk

3. Dr Phil Hammond – Games to Play with Your Doctor

Medicine is jolly serious – life and death, pain and suffering, pills and needles. But wouldn’t a trip to the doctor be much more fun if it was a game? In his brand new show, Dr Phil Hammond – a campaigning journalist and the first comic to have played at a public inquiry – puts the fun back into being ill. Learn how to diagnose yourself, your doctor and the NHS with his highly subversive guerrilla tactics – some of which are counter-productive and may get you removed from the premises.

Also, Dr Phil will take you on an incredible journey into the Heath Robisnon monster of the NHS ’reforms’, where lurks the Laminate of Lansley, the Trojan Horse of Privatisation, and the Big Red Ball of Blame. Is the NHS being asset-stripped or dismantled? Would you prefer to have your prostate screening in Primark?

  • Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Wednesday, March 11, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8561 8371, becktheatre.org.uk
    (This event has now been moved to May 27)

4. Death and the Maiden

Local am dram group Proscenium presents Ariel Dorfman’s riveting, intellectual and emotional tug-of-war story, set in an unnamed country that is, like the author’s native Chile, emerging from a totalitarian dictatorship. The play explores the after effects of repression on hearts and souls. Paulina Escobar’s husband Gerardo is to head an investigation into past human rights abuses. A doctor visits the house to congratulate Gerardo, and Paulina overhears them speaking and is convinced that the doctor is the one who supervised her prison torture sessions.

  • Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, March 11 to 14, 7.45pm. Details: 01895 673200, compasstheatre.co.uk

5. X Factor Live Tour 2015

You’ve joined them on the journey from the judges’ room to the arena, been on the edge of your sofa during the dramatic six-chair challenge at Bootcamp, travelled to judges’ houses, tuned in to the live studio shows – and now is your chance to see your favourite acts live in person as they embark on the X Factor Live Tour. Don’t miss performances from Andrea Faustini, Ben Haenow, Fleur East, Jay James, Lauren Platt, Only the Young, Stevi Ritchie and Stereo Kicks.

  • SSE Arena Wembley, Engineers Way, Wembley, Thursday, March 12, 7.30pm. Details: 0844 815 0815, ssearena.co.uk