Every city has its hidden gems and Birmingham’s Stan’s Cafe (‘Caff’ not ‘caffay’…) must surely be up there in the list of our city’s much loved yet modest must-sees. Whilst the name might suggest teas and coffees, the truth is that in the middle of our Jewellery Quarter is hidden a real treasure of a theatre company, constantly and curiously impacting on and pioneering the contemporary performance scene here and around the world since 1991. Time Critical is performed in one of the company’s earliest homes at the mac and explores these 26 years of artistic experimentation – during the very same 26 years of cultural, political, and social change that the company has lived through. Featuring Stan’s Cafe’s trademark humour and creativity, as well as glimpses into nine more of their adventurous works, the piece tries to discover how our own personal stories, histories, and experiences exist within the wider web of the world. Continuing the company’s commitment to discussion and participation, Open Spaces and Masterclasses are available to book, facilitated by the Stan’s Cafe team.

Tue 7 Nov & Wed 8 Nov, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH. Tel:0121 446 3232. 8pm £12. www.macbirmingham.co.uk