Canberra gets musical, artisanal and more in the latest Artsweek column by arts editor HELEN MUSA

Footloose the Musical follows Ren, a city kid who lands in a small town where dancing has been outlawed, bringing high-energy dance and youthful rebellion to the stage. The Royal Theatre, May 8-10.

Canberra Cheese Festival celebrates artisanal cheese and local producers with tastings and events in a vibrant gallery setting, Grainger Gallery Fyshwick, May 8-10.

Stage

• Speed-the-Plow, David Mamet’s sharp satire on Hollywood’s fixation with profit over art, unfolds in a new production directed by and starring Jay James-Moody alongside Lexi Sekuless and Joe Pike. The Mill Theatre, Fyshwick, May 6-9 and May 13-30.
• H.R. The Musical by Artsense Productions delivers a riotous sketch-comedy take on the absurdities of modern workplaces. The Q, Queanbeyan, May 12.
• Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a Tony Award-winning comedy inspired by Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, Belconnen Arts Centre. May 13-23.

Concerts

• Musica Viva presents Beethoven’s Ghost featuring Canberra-born violinist Kristian Winther alongside cellist Timo-Veikko Valve and pianist Aura Go. Llewellyn Hall, May 7.
• Australian Haydn Ensemble performs Beethoven’s Fourth. Gandel Hall, National Gallery, May 7.
• Coro Chamber Music presents Radiant Dawn, conducted by David Mackay, All Saints’ Anglican Church Ainslie, May 9.
• Eric Bibb brings the One Mississippi World Tour with his trio, offering rich blues storytelling and masterful musicianship, The Street Theatre, May 9.
• Katy Steele, of Little Birdy, performs her Undressed tour, reimagining favourites alongside new solo work and bold covers. Smiths@Belco Arts, May 9.
• The Whitlams join the Canberra Symphony Orchestra at Canberra Theatre, May 8-9.
• Guitarist Kathleen Halloran showcases her debut album, Nobody’s Baby, at Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo, May 9.
• Ralph McTell returns with Somewhere Down the Road, marking 50 years since his first Australian tour with a farewell performance. The Street Theatre, May 14.

Galleries

• Robbie Howard presents an exhibition of landscape paintings, Q Gallery Ainslie Shops, May 8-21.
• Hop In! An Immersive World of Play invites children and families into a hands-on interactive exhibition. Canberra Museum and Gallery, April 18-October 11.