Ten totally unmissable things to do this week

From ghostly goings on to hairy bears having a bash, Mexico doing Morrissey and all the beer you could possibly drink, it's a packed week in Manchester. 

The Woman in Black, The Lowry, Tue Apr 28 - Sat May 2, £15-£29
In theatres, everyone can hear you scream. That's because the stage version of the Susan Hill haunted house story is actually pretty damned terrifying. Don't believe a play can be scary? You're wrong... OK so it has been doing the rounds for years now, and there's the rather decent film version, but if you haven't seen this live (dead) on stage, it's well worth it. There's one bit where... no, we won't spoil it.

Public Service Broadcasting, The Ritz, Wed Apr 29, £18.50
With current album 'The Race For Space' winning over critics and the public, the time is now for PSB (maybe not standing for Pet Shop Boys anymore?). Part nerdy, part genius, this unlikely band deserves their new found success.

Ugly Duckling, The Deaf Institute, Thu Apr 30, £12.50
The hip hop trio have a reputation for fun packed live shows, so expect a lively and smiley evening of urban music without the angst.

Great British Bear Bash, Gay Village, Thu Apr 30 - Mon May 4 
If you go down to the village over the bank holiday weekend, expect to see a lot of beards and checked shirts. And no, we don't mean that the hipsters of the Northern Quarter are spreading their loafers (although they'd be made very welcome). It's the 18th annual gathering of hirsute homos from all over the globe, with Manchester hosting one of the friendliest and most fun of the now obligatory bear events in many major cities.

Mexrrissey, Gorilla, Fri May 1, £17
Could there be anything more joyous than hearing the songs of one of our greatest people sung by a band of top class Mexican musicians? Morrissey is a god in Mexico and his disciples come bearing bearing the gift of Mexrissey.

Oldham, Shebeen and Withington Beer Festivals
This week we bring not one, not even two but THREE festivals celebrating beer. There are several others coming up soon too so we've put them all together in a handy list.

Bury Art Festival, Fri May 1 - Sat May 9
Not only is this art festival a great way to see some wonderful work, it's a fund raiser for Bury Hospice, which provides vital end of life care for local people. Hundreds of pieces of original work are for sale so you can pick up a bargain and support a great cause too.

Skintage Kilo Sale, Manchester Academy 2, Sat May 2, £2
Browse through hordes of vintage clothes and buy by the kilo. Now that's the way to shop...

Dandy, Bangkok Bar, Sun May 3, £5
The people behind the hugely successful Bollox bring a new night in the shape of Dandy, where alternative music to the norm should be getting that dance floor choc-a-bloc.

Dave Haslam: Nightlife in 1940s Manchester, Imperial War Museum North, Sun May 3, free
Manchester didn't become the clubbing capitol of the world once the Hacienda opened - it was party central way before then. Join Dave Haslam as he talk us through Manchester clubbing from back in the days when your gran and granddad liked to go out and get totally wasted.