Here's your guide to the best things to do in the area:

 

  • Wicked whispers

Preparations are in full swing for Ruislip Dramatic Society’s next production – a British version of hit American farcical comedy Rumours by Neil Simon.

The production is part of the amateur theatre group’s 90th anniversary season celebrations.

Set at a dinner party, Rumours tells the tale of characters including a barrister, philandering MP and a television chef, trying to distance themselves from the death of their host, a prominent government official who has committed suicide.

The Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, Wednesday, May 14 until Saturday, May 17. Details: ruislipdramtic.org, compasstheatre.co.uk, 01895 673200

 

  • Celebrity stars in play

Emerging star Al Barclay, who recently appeared in Stephen Fry’s The Bright Young Things, will take centre stage as Shylock in the Old Harrovian Player’s production of The Merchant of Venice.

This year’s show, the 63rd for the theatre troupe, is again directed by Old Harrovian Charlie Ward.

Before Saturday’s performance, there will be an opportunity to take a free guided tour of Harrow School’s famous Fourth Form Room, built in 1615 and the original classroom of the school. More recently, it was used as the set for Professor Flitwick’s classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Places are limited and can be reserved at the same time as booking seats for The Merchant of Venice.

Speech Room, Harrow School, High Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. Details: ha@harrowschool.co.uk, 020 8872 8200

 

  • Soundtrack to the cinema

Explore the history of music in films and meet some famous characters along the way with Music from the Movies.

This whirlwind adventure through the last 100 years of music celebrates some of the great songs and instrumentals from the best movie soundtracks of all time and is presented through song, dance and mime.

Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, Sunday, May 4. Details: compasstheatre.co.uk, 01895 673200

 

For more arts and entertainment, see the Freetime pages in this week's Harrow Times newspaper in print or online here.