BOX OFFICE: FIRST CALL LAST CALL

Booking has just commenced for the opening show of the RSC's autumn season at the Barbican, The School for Scandal. Sheridan's comedy of manners, which sees an uncle disguising himself in a bid to test the virtue of his nephews, is directed Declan Donnellan, and designed by Nick Ormerod, both formerly of Cheek By Jowl. Add a cast that includes Kenneth Cranham, Emma Fielding and Celia Imrie, and you can be sure that tickets will not hang around.

Barbican Theatre, London EC2 (0171-638 8891) 26 Oct- 21 Nov

You will also need to be quick to get seats for the Perrier Pick of the Fringe - three consecutive Sunday-night comedy shows at London's Her Majesty's Theatre. All of those featured were nominated for the Perrier Award at Edinburgh this year. The short season begins on Sun 4 Oct with a double bill of Sean Lock and Sean Cullen; Peter Kay and Ed Byrne appear on 11 Oct; and it concludes with the '98 Perrier winner, Tommy Tiernan, supported by the Best Newcomer, The Mighty Boosh (left) on 18 Oct.

Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, London W1 (0171-494 5558) pounds 5-pounds 14