FILM: 24 Hour Party People. Despite its arthouse pedigree and largely unknown (apart from Steve Coogan) cast, this wild and wonderful look at the "Madchester" scene of the 80s and early 90s is getting top reviews from those brave enough to go and give it a try.

A stunning soundtrack and a brief, but critically acclaimed, performace from our own Peter Kay are helping to spread the word that this is definitely one to see before it disappears under the weight of vacuous Hollywood buddy cop movies. IS

SPOT: Royal Exchange Studio. Peter Kay may be Bolton's most well known comedian but he's not the only homegrown talent to be making his mark on the comedy world. Bolton-born Peter Slater will be appearing at the Royal Exchange Studio Theatre tonight and tomorrow in a new play by top Manchester funny man Tony Burgess. Fire Salad, which tells of three bored suburban firemen who haven't seen a flicker of a blaze in 30 years, will also be making its way to Bury Met at the end of May, so you've no excuse to miss it, have you? NM

DVD: The Usual Suspects Special Edition. It is seven years since Bryan Singer's complex and brilliant crime thriller blew away audiences with its labyrinthine plot and sleazy characters. Marvel at the way it is put together and at great performances from the ensemble cast of Gabriel Byrne, Benecio del Toro, Pete Postlethwaite and the Oscar-winning Kevin Spacey as Verbal Kint, a man whose convoluted and mesmerising tale keeps the FBI and the audience on the edge of their seats. Loads of DVD extras, including deleted scenes, several featurettes and interviews with Kevin Spacey and audio commentaries from the director and writer. IS

WHO: Holly Valance. First the Sugababes came back from obscurity to snatch the number one spot from the brothers grim (aka Oasis). Now it seems that we might see a chart challenge by a dazzler from Down Under. Holly Valance, familiar to many as Flick from Neighbours, released her debut UK single this week. Okay, so the Turkish-style song, Kiss Kiss, is a pleasant enough ditty, but could the furore be more to do with the fact that the attractive Antipodean appears to be naked in the video? Strewth, Holly, its not as warm as Oz round these parts, you know! NM