At The Brewery of Madness at The Gunmakers Arms
An evening of literary and cinematic horror thrills with several authors reading from their work including Colin Ward and Louise Hart; Tony Cooper will be speaking about his new graphic novel Murder Club, with local filmmakers, and proprietors of The Birmingham Horror Club, Chrissie Harper and Steve Green exhibiting a selection of their short films.
Tue 31 Oct 7pm at The Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath St, Birmingham B4 6HG www.facebook.com

Fat Penguin Comedy presents Brendan Burns at Patrick Kavanagh
The abrasive and fearless Australian comedian Brendan Burns is the latest top comic to headline at Patrick Kavanagh’s Fat Penguin Comedy Club. The award winning funnyman has appeared on television shows as diverse as The 11 ‘O Clock Show and I’m A Celebrity, he is also an expert on the world of professional wrestling, once touring with the legendary Mick Foley. The deadpan Andrew McBurney is also appearing and expect the usual Fat Penguin improv shenanigans.
Wed 1 Nov 8pm at Patrick Kavanagh, 142 Trafalgar Road,  Moseley, Birmingham B13 8BX www.facebook.com

Mondo Royale at The Cuban Embassy
Wonderful gig from innovative promoters The Catapult Club bringing the summer sounds of Mondo Royale to a chilly Autumn Moseley. The six piece electro popsters from Birmingham produce catchy dreamy pop songs and feel good melodies that will have you yearning for more of the brief sunshine enjoyed this year. Psychedelic punk warlords The Infusion and singer songwriter Kaytee DeWolfe complete an impressive bill.
Wed 1 Nov 8pm at The Cuban Embassy, 23 St Mary’s Row, Moseley, Birmingham, Birmingham B13 8HW www.thecatapultclub.net

Käthe Kollwitz: Images of a Life (dir: Ralf Kirsten, 1986, cert n/a) at Centrala + panel discussion
Incredible evening of imaginative cinema at Centrala in association with The Ikon Gallery and Behind the Curtain begins with Polish artist Anna Molska discussing her 2009 historical short film The Weavers. Following the discussion there will be a screening of Ruth Lingford’s short film Death and the Mother (1997) and Ralf Kirsten’s insightful Käthe Kollwitz: Images of a Life (1987). An exhibition of Kollwitz’s work and Molska’s film The Weavers will be on exhibition at The Ikon until 26th November.
Thu 2 Nov 6pm at Centrala, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Birmingham B5 5RT www.facebook.com

Eva Plays Dead, Black Orchid Empire, Electric Ballroom & Killer Bob at Subside
Bluesey hard hitting rock and rollers Eva Plays Dead descend on Subside tonight for another sweaty heavy night of free live music courtesy of Surprise You’re Dead promoters. Front woman Tiggy Dee packs a vocal punch as powerful as her swaggering attitude, a potent mix of Beki Bondage and Joan Jett laced with punk rock attitude, incredible live performers. Powerhouse trio Black Orchid Empire, the Italian blues rockers Electric Ballroom and local grunge merchants Killer Bob complete a rocking bill.
Thu 2 Nov 7pm at Subside, 57 High St, Digbeth, Birmingham B5 6DA www.facebook.com

Poetry Jam at Coffee#1
The monthly poetry jam’s have become something of an essential literary experience, bringing together a host of performers across all genres from experienced to first timers, creating a special energy and vibrancy that is unique to the Jam. There will be laughter, there may be tears, but there will definitely be honesty. Expect clicking but don’t be alarmed, that’s the audience agreeing, approving or just plain enjoying proceedings. If you want to perform on the open mic get there at least 15 minutes before the start.
Thu 2 Nov 7pm at Coffee#1, 12 – 22 Edmond House, Newhall Street, Birmingham B3 3EW www.facebook.com

Youth Man at The Dark Horse
Tight, raucous and most certainly rowdy, Birmingham’s thrash happy Youth Man unleash their blitz like Afro-punk mayhem on The Dark Horse tonight. We highly recommend the self-proclaimed sex punk trio’s cracker of an EP ‘Wax’, all buzz saw guitars and raging melodies across five blistering tracks. Check out the video to killer song Fat Dead Elvis here.
Fri 3 Nov 9pm at The Dark Horse, 145 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8JP www.darkhorsemoseley.co.uk