When former director of the National Portrait Gallery, Charles Saumarez Smith agreed to sit for painter Tom Philips he decided to let Bruno Wollheim record the year-long process on film. Little did the three men know what they were letting themselves in for ...

Following a screening of the film ‘Portrait;’ the sitter, painter, and filmmaker and talk about the power struggles and psycho-drama at the heart of a contemporary portrait commission.

In this most famous of fantasy ballets, be transported with this lavish new production that will entrance adults and children alike. A family outing that is not to be missed.

This timeless story is brought to life through the dazzling artistry of one of Russia’s leading companies accompanied by the acclaimed Russian State Ballet Orchestra.

Raymond Gubby presents Swan Lake

Performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and The Russian State Ballet Orchestra

With an outstanding international reputation for delivering performances of breathtaking and dazzling artistry, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia returns to New Wimbledon Theatre with their production of the most well-loved ballet of them all - Swan Lake. Spectacular sets, beautiful costumes, inspired soloists and the Russian State Ballet Orchestra create an impressive company to deliver a sumptuous feast of superb ballet for the evening.

The greatest romantic ballet of them all, Swan Lake is the immortal love story of a young prince enchanted by a magical swan. Set to Tchaikovsky's hauntingly beautiful music, this full-length classical ballet with its elegant corps de ballet of swans brilliantly showcases the virtuosity of this exhilarating company. A truly unforgettable experience.

New Adventures’ magical production of Edward Scissorhands is back in London after a phenomenally successful World Tour that has included sell-out performances in New York, LA, San Francisco, Sydney, Melbourne and Paris.

Matthew Bourne’s delightful adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture is a treat for all the family. Featuring the beautiful and unmistakable theme music by Danny Elfman, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by a lonely inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward struggles to find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well meaning community struggle to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within.

After global success with his inspired interpretations of Car Man, Nutcracker!, Highland Fling and the multi award-winning Swan Lake and Play Without Words, Matthew Bourne has also enjoyed unprecedented success with his work in the hit musical, Mary Poppins.

Shear family entertainment!

Autosport International is world's largest dedicated motorsport exhibition available to the public. Each year it features team launches, driver appearances, motorsport displays and top cars, hundreds of stands offering the latest products, a live indoor motorsport arena, Autosport magazine's central stage and F1 Racing magazine’s display of Formula One cars. Past guests include Lewis Hamilton, Juan Pablo Montoya, Eddie Irvine, Colin McRae, Jensen Button, Nigel Mansell, Sir Frank Williams and many more.

Autosport International is widely considered to mark the beginning of the motorsport season as it is the first industry event of the year.

Autosport International offers a unique chance to see the main industry players from all motorsport disciplines, witness new model launches, brush shoulders with stars and drivers who are virtually impossible to reach during the races and other events.

The Historic Hall covers all aspects of historic racing with displays of vintage and includes an exclusive classic car and memorabilia auction.

The leading kart manufacturers and associated companies occupy the Karting Hall.

There will be a dedicated Activity Hall where visitors can experience different aspects of motor racing. This will include a purpose-built Karting Track plus a driving experience run by a leading sportscar manufacturer (details TBC).

In addition, all ASI visitors will get free entry into PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show which is taking place at the NEC at the same time. Visitors will get to see the latest sportscars and supercars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW and many more, plus car related products and accessories.

For more information, log on to www.autosport-international.com.

PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show is the most exciting car event in the UK. It's no ordinary exhibition, with no ordinary cars.

Rare and exotic sports cars will be in abundance at the PistonHeads Show, which will run parallel to Autosport International, the world's biggest motorsport show, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham next January.

The PistonHeads Show is an extension of the web magazine PistonHeads.com, which is one of the world's biggest online automotive communities.

On display will be cars such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, TVR and Lotus as well as high-performance versions of cars such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Honda, Renault, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Volkswagen etc.

The show will feature numerous displays dedicated to cars and the fun of driving, with top-end manufacturers displaying the latest models, accessories and merchanise. From supercars to wheels, tyres and exhausts plus professional advice on how to have the most fun in your car, we have something for everybody serious about their four wheels.

All visitors to PistonHeads Show also get free entry into Autosport International as well as a seat in the Live Action Arena, UK's largest indoor race track where race and stunt drivers show their skills in some of the fastest and most expensive cars around.

For more information, visit www.pistonheadsshow.com or www.pistonheads.com.

This extraordinary exhibition has been selected from the collections of the Royal Library in collaboration with the distinguished naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.  It brings together the works of four artists and a collector who have shaped our knowledge of the world around us.  Leonardo da Vinci, Cassiano dal Pozzo, Alexander Marshal, Maria Sibylla Merian and Mark Catesby are diverse figures who shared a passion for enquiry and a fascination with the beautiful and bizarre in nature.  All lived at a time when new species were being discovered around the world in ever increasing numbers.  Many of the plants and animals represented in the exhibition were then barely known in Europe.  Today some are commonplace, while others are extinct.

Eve Style Show is returning to The NEC, Birmingham to give visitors shopping heaven with a selection of fashion, beauty and wellbeing companies all under one roof ...Seriously Stylish Shopping!

Tickets are available now!

Now, striding into its third year by bringing the fabulous pages of eve magazine to life, this show features the best in fashion, beauty, accessories, celebrities and expert advice for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and fabulously beyond!

Eve Style Show is held at Clothes Show Live, the largest fashion and beauty event in the world, giving you the best opportunity in the shopping calendar to learn about great products, re-vamp your wardrobe, try out new looks and have a great day out with friends.

Everyone who buys a ticket to the show is allocated a seat within the Fashion Theatre. This 45 minute catwalk show features over 40 dancers/models, live music acts and television personalities.

Please Note: There may be strobe lighting in the Fashion Theatre

Experts Stage

The Expert Stage will play host to a hand picked selection of stylists, make-up artists, nutritional and fitness experts.

Gok Wan from Channel 4's 'How to Look Good Naked', Nicky Hambleton-Jones from Channel 4s '10 Years Younger and Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive of Ann Summer and Knickerbox all presented on the Expert Stage last year and this years line-up is set to be even better.

The Expert Stage is a haven of top style, fashion and beauty tips from your favourite celebrity experts as well as invaluable advice from top industry experts on health, fitness and nutrition!

eve and Designer Catwalk

In 2007 eve proudly brought you the Designer Catwalk, displaying the latest designers' collections. This showstopper hosted a breathtaking selection of creations to impress and inspire all you real women.

This year the Designer Catwalk returns to the Black Label Zone to bring you ever-popular clothing and accessories from top brands as well as amazing designers straight from London Fashion Week!

Clothes Show Live

Tickets purchased to Eve Style Show allow free entry into Clothes Show Live and a seat in the fabulous Fashion Theatre... 2 shows in one!

The largest fashion and beauty event in the world will be bursting at the seams with more fashion, hair, beauty, make-up, models, celebrities and of course shopping than ever before.

Fashion Theatre

You've never seen a catwalk show quite like it!

Clothes Show Live's infamously breathtaking fashion show is truly in a league of it's own, and every eve Style Show ticket purchased includes a dedicated seat in the 6,500 seat Fashion Theatre!

This awe-inspiring 45 minute performance with 40 beautiful models and highly trained dancers from around the world, collaborating to create a unique twist on the average runway show, on the largest catwalk in the world!

Wellbeing Zone

Last year the Wellbeing Zone was the place to put your feet up, relax and rejuvenate after doing some shopping, and this year the Zone will have a heightened presence.

This relaxation area offers visitors the chance to zone out completely and take advantage of tantalising treatments and advice from top experts on health, fitness and nutrition!

The Wellbeing Zone is also the home The Expert Stage a haven of top tips and advice from your favourite experts. Last year saw the likes of Channel 4's '10 Years Younger' presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones and How To Look Good Nakeds Gok Wan!

Advance tickets are available for booking here.

The largest fashion and beauty event in the world returns to Birmingham from 5-10 December 2008 for more fashion, hair, beauty, make-up, models, celebrities and of course shopping than ever before.

Tickets are available now!

Clothes Show Live will again be divided into colour coded zones to suit all tastes and styles. Within the zones you’ll find High Street, Chic Boutique, Vintage, Designer, Fast Fashion, Accessories and Beauty areas plus the return of the Wellbeing Zone, giving you an opportunity to revitalise yourself in the midst of a busy days shopping.

What's more, everyone who buys a ticket to the show is also allocated a seat n the 6,500 seat Fashion Theatre, a catwalk show featuring over 40 handpicked models and dancers from around the world in a breathtaking 45 minute performance.

Please Note: There may be strobe lighting in the Fashion Theatre

Hair and Beauty Stage

The Hair and Beauty Stage is the place to be to be if you are looking for tips and advice from some of the industries experts. The stage, situated in the Pink Zone will be host to a selection of hair and beauty brands showing you exactly how to get the perfect pout and beautiful bouffant.

Guys or Dolls Music Stage

Situated in the Purple Zone, this is where you will be able to listen to the latest tunes whilst catching a glimpse of the menswear catwalk. The stage will play host to the latest menswear collections in an outstanding dance and catwalk show.

The Guys or Dolls Music Stage will be buzzing throughout the show with non stop music, catwalks, male dancers, competitions and demonstrations. What more can you ask for… be sure to head over to where the party's at!

Designer Catwalk

This is where the true fashionistas will converge. Situated in the Black Label Zone, this uber cool catwalk will be the place to catch the piece de résistance of designers. Last year visitors saw designs from prestigious designers Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood. If it’s the latest fashion collections you are looking for, you do not want to miss this exquisite catwalk.

Maybelline New York Image Catwalk and College Catwalk

If you want to catch the latest High Street collections you need to pay the Maybelline New York Image Catwalk a visit. Visitors will be able to see next seasons designs live on stage. This buzzing and energetic catwalk is positioned in between the Purple and Blue Zone and certainly is the place to be for High Street fashion, competitions and of course a spot of celeb spotting!

The stage is also host to the fantastic College Catwalk, a display of talented final year student designs, created Clothes Show Live. This is a unique opportunity to see up and coming designers showcasing their collections live on the stage.

Cocktail Bar

Cosmopolitan anyone?
Make sure you take a stop of at the Cocktail Bar, situated within eve Style Show, for a well earned drink after all that shopping. We all know that shopping can be thirsty work, so what better way to have a little breather than putting your feet up, sipping a cocktail and boasting about your purchases to your mates…The perfect pit stop before deciding where you're planning to visit next at the show!

Red Club DJ Bar

The Red Club DJ Bar is brand new to Clothes Show Live. It is where you will be able to head for some cool DJ tunes whilst grabbing some bargains in the Red Zone, renowned for fast fashion at its best.

Boutique Bar

The Boutique Bar is positioned amongst the beautiful stands in the Chic Boutique.

This glamorous and ultra cool bar is where the true fashionistas will be rendezvousing.

If you fancy a break from shopping but want to still be able to window shop, take a seat here in the heart of the show.

The Fashion Theatre

You've never seen a catwalk show quite like it!

The Clothes Show Live's infamously breathtaking fashion show is truly in a league of it's own.

With carefully selected hotties modelling the latest trends and highly trained and toned dancers from around the world collaborating in this 45 minute performance, this is a show that should never be missed!

This year Clothes Show Live is delighted to welcome Triumph as the Fashion Theatre Lingerie Partner. Triumph will be adding a stunning element to the infamously breathtaking Fashion Theatre plus will be taking a stand in the Black Label Zone allowing you to get your hands on the latest collections at special Clothes Show Live prices.

Eve Style Show

In 2007 Eve Style Show returned to Clothes Show Live and was a HUGE success! Now, striding into its third year by bringing the fabulous pages of eve magazine to life, this show featured the best in fashion, beauty, accessories, celebrities and expert advice for women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and fabulously beyond!

The Wellbeing Zone in association with Zest Magazine

Last year the Wellbeing Zone was the place to put your feet up, relax and rejuvenate after doing some shopping, and this year the Zone will have a heightened presence.

This relaxation area offers visitors the chance to zone out completely and take advantage of tanta