Big week ahead for arts and entertainment in and around Canberra as HELEN MUSA’s latests Artsweek column reveals. 

Expect nostalgia and camp chaos in Grease v. Rocky Horror, a wild musical face-off featuring Anita Spring, Jonny Gardiner, and their costumed band for a night of nostalgia, camp, and chaos in Grease vs Rocky Horror. The B, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, November 7.

The Women and Gender through the Ages Workshop explores queenship and power, featuring keynote scholar Dr Alex McAuley on Cleopatra and Hellenistic queens. RSSS Lectorial Room 1, ANU, November 7.

A Remembrance Day function honours shared history with an exhibition and performance of The Unknown Widow by veteran artists Sacha de Wit and Kirshy McAinch. Turkish Embassy, Canberra, November 11.

The Museum of Australian Democracy marks the 50th anniversary of the Dismissal with a full day of discussions on its legacy in Australian politics. Old Parliament House, November 11.

Stage

• Students take centre stage in the Come Alive Festival of Museum Theatre, now in its 16th year, with creative historical performances and international exchange with Greece. Joe Woodward Theatre, Daramalan College, November 4-7.
• Veteran performers Shortis and Simpson return with Well May We Say, their musical take on the politics and personalities surrounding Whitlam’s Dismissal. Belconnen Arts Centre, November 8.
• Peter Shaffer’s Equus, a dark psychological drama about obsession and faith is at the ACT Hub, Kingston, November 12-22.

Books

• Children’s author Gina M Newton, who trained as a marine biologist, zoologist and science communicator, has a new book Blossom Possum and the Gumnut Man.
• Local writer Alistair Scherer launches his new book Well! Well, Well…, a personal guide to wellbeing drawn from life experience. The Book Cow, Kingston, November 7.
• Miles Franklin Award-winning author Sofie Laguna releases her new novel The Underworld. ANU Meet the Author, Kambri Cinema, November 6.

Galleries

• In her 81^st year, Lynne Johnson, has been stitching, knitting and crocheting for as long as she can remember is holding a retrospective exhibition, lynne johnson… she who knits etc, at the Fay Skyring Gallery at Textile Works, Chifley, until November 14^. 
• The Canberra Potters’ Ceramics Exhibition opens with a major launch showcasing new works from more than 700 members. Watson Arts Centre, November 6-30.
• The Canberra Contemporary Members Show unites artists from across the region for a much-loved annual showcase. Platform, Manuka, November 7-16.
• The exhibition Two Birds, One Stone features collaborative works by artists Mark Schaller and Charmaine Pwerle, celebrating bold colour and cross-cultural dialogue. Q Gallery, Ainslie, November 7-13.
• Art lovers can also explore new works during the M16 Artspace Open Day, offering a full day of exhibitions and creative encounters. M16 Artspace, Griffith, November 8.

Concerts

• The Canberra Symphony Orchestra sees conductor Jessica Cottis lead Holst’s The Planets alongside works by de Murashkin and Josef Strauss. Llewellyn Hall, November 5-6.
• Virtuoso bassist Leigh Barker, home from Paris, brings his signature jazz to an intimate local stage in a one-night-only performance. Smith’s Alternative, November 8.
• SCUNA (ANU Choral Society) presents Shakespeare and Friends, a concert of choral gems inspired by the Bard, including works by Dowland, Rutter and Australian composer Penelope Thwaites. Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, November 8.
• BlockSounds Recorders present The False Prophet, a program of 17th-century spiritual works featuring Greta Claringbould, Maartje Sevenster, and Frank den Hartog. Wesley Uniting Church, Forrest, November 9.
• Singer-songwriter Koebi Faumui launches his soulful new album Like You Don’t Know Me, reflecting on memory and reconnection. Dissent Bar, Civic, November 9.
• Australian rock legends The Church, led by Steve Kilbey, revisit their most iconic hits in The Classic Singles Show. Canberra Theatre, November 9.
• The Merry Muse takes its monthly folk gathering on the road to the Majors Creek Festival for a special session of song and storytelling. Sam’s Caravan, Majors Creek Festival, November 9.
• Composer Luke Styles joins conductor Tobias Cole for an evening of performance and discussion celebrating Styles’ works in the national collection. Performing are violinist Brad Tham, pianist Kimberley Steele, members of the CSO chorus, Canberra Children’s Choir, Vocal Fry and pianist Linus Lee. National Library, November 12.
• Pianist Jennifer Hou performs at the The Wesley Lunchtime Concert Series. Wesley Music Centre, November 12.