Here's your guide to some of the best things to do in the week ahead:

 

  • Tales from Old Japan

Times Series:

Three traditional Japanese tales are brought to life through inventive storytelling, puppetry and music for three-year-olds and above.

artsdepot, Tally Ho Corner, Nether Street, North Finchley, May 18, 11am and 2pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

 

  • Pirate Gran

Times Series:

Meet Gran – she bakes, she knits – you’d never guess she’s a pirate! With a pet crocodile under her bed, a wicked sense of humour and a whole raft of adventures under her belt, time with Gran is never dull. A swashbuckling show from the team behind Stick Man and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales.

artsdepot, Tally Ho Corner, Nether Street, North Finchley, May 23, 4.30pm, May 24, 11am. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

 

  • Rachel Weston

The mezzo soprano is joined by bassist Carl Gombrich, pianist Yuki Osedo and soprano Alison Smart.

St Mary at Finchley, Hendon Lane, Finchley, May 17, 6pm. Details: stmaryatfinchley.org.uk

 

  • A Night at the Opera

Potters Bar Choral Society presents a selection of favourites from Verdi, Handel, Mozart, Purcell, Lehar, Puccini, Wagner and many more. Conducted by Allun Proom.

St Mary the Virgin and All Saints Church, The Walk, Potters Bar, May 17, 7.30pm. Details: 01707 655297, pbchoral.org

 

  • Great Expectations

Enter the world of Charles Dickens in the company of his great, great grandson Gerald as he performs Dickens’ masterpiece – playing every single character himself.

The Ark Theatre, off Elstree Way, Borehamwood, May 23, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8238 7288, thearktheatre.co.uk

 

For a full list of events, see the Just the Ticket pages in this week's Times Series newspapers in print or online here.