Top things to do around Scotland Mar 1-8

A look at the best shows and films coming up this week.

Dylan Moran: Off the Hook, Perth Concert Hall, Saturday Mar 7

Irish comedy superstar Dylan Moran is back on the road with his first UK stand-up tour for four years, and he’s stopping off in Scotland. The creator of Black Books and star of Shaun of the Dead is a master at casually throwing out strange metaphors while sloshing glasses of red wine. There’s depth and intelligence behind his shambolic charm and curmudgeonly manner. Moran promises his Perth audience plenty of laughs and a night of comedy to remember as he brings this rib-tickling show to the city.

Lionel Richie, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Friday Mar 6

Lionel brings his All the Hits All Night Long tour to Glasgow with this incredible show as part of his 31-date UK tour. Featuring songs from one of the most loved repertoires in music spanning his career from the Commodores to the present day, reviewers have commented on the party atmosphere he creates as he unites the audience with songs like Dancing On The Ceiling, Say You, Say Me, Hello, Three Times A Lady, Easy and All Night Long. The show really does deliver on its promise of All the Hits All Night Long.

Backstage Tour, Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Saturday Mar 7

A rare opportunity to take a backstage tour through the capital’s famous theatre and learn about the venue’s past. Visitors will be allowed access to several areas not usually seen by the public, and will hear about the famous actors and actresses who have walked the stage. They should also keep an eye out for the ghost of the famous illusionist Sigmund Neuberger, aka The Great Lafayette, who died in the fire at the Empire Palace Theatre, as it was previously known, in 1911.

X Factor Tour Live, Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, tonight, Sun Mar 1

You’ve taken the journey with them from the audition room to the arena, sat on the edge of your sofa during the six-seat challenge at bootcamp, travelled to judges’ houses and tuned in to the studio shows, but now’s your chance to see The X Factor live. The contestants will be performing classic songs and viewers’ favourites from the TV series. The eight acts taking to the stage are: Andrea Faustini, Fleur East, Jay James, Lauren Platt, Only The Young, Stevi Ritchie, Stereo Kicks and winner Ben Haenow.

Blood Wedding, Dundee Rep, until March 14

Blood Wedding is David Ireland’s radical new take on Lorca’s play which re-fuels this classic story with a contemporary twist. In a co-production between Dundee Rep Ensemble, Graeae and Derby Theatre, Jenny Sealey and David Ireland push this tale of lust, love and rebellion to its limits. When young lovers are overrun with infatuation and defiance – the consequences are explosive. Jenny recently directed Reasons to be Cheerful and in 2012 co-directed the London Paralympic Opening Ceremony.

Chappie, At cinemas from Friday

From the writer-director of the superb District 9 and Elysium, this sci-fi thriller will remind audiences of Robocop as much as Neill Blomkamp’s previous work. Set in a near future where crime is patrolled by an oppressive mechanised police force, it tells the story of a fallen robot officer, Chappie, that is reprogrammed to think and feel for itself. But now viewed as a danger to law and order, Chappie’s existence as a free-thinking robot looks like being a short one. Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver star.

Jimmy Carr, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Saturday Mar 7

Funny Business is Jimmy’s new stand-up show and live comedy is what he does best. The Eight Out of 10 Cats presenter’s stand-up achievements to date include a British Comedy Award for Best Live Stand-Up Tour and a Perrier Award nomination. On stage, he’s even funnier and even more outrageous. More than 1.5 million people have seen Jimmy perform live and his new tour will see him play over 200 dates around the UK. Funny Business offers the perfect chance to see him doing what he does best.

Still Alice, at cinemas from Friday

Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) is a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s just past her 50th birthday. It’s a condition that puts her marriage to husband John (Alec Baldwin) and relationship with children Tom (Hunter Parrish) and Anna (Kate Bosworth) to the sternest test but, oddly, provides her with the opportunity to reconnect with youngest daughter, Lydia (Kristen Stewart), with whom she’s never seen eye-to-eye. Julianne Moore gives an Oscar and Bafta- winning performance in this poignant film.

Peter Powers, The Pavilion, Glasgow, Friday Mar 6

World-famous hypnotist Peter Powers returns to Glasgow’s Pavilion with a fun family show and a host of legendary sketches like Eating Onions, Getting Chased by Sharks, Invisible; Bad Smell; and not forgetting the best of all, The Legendary Stripper! It’s one of the funniest shows in town and it’s you the audience who make it so. Mr Powers promises to use his powers to guarantee a night of giggles and one not to be missed. The Friday night show offers fun for the whole family, whether aged 5 or 95.