Theatre: First Call, Last Call

First Call

THE LONDON trio Republica (right), which first achieved success with "Ready to Go" in 1996, will play three low-key dates to coincide with the release of "From Rush Hour With Love". It is their first single for more than a year, but they have done little to tamper with their chart- friendly pop-punk-techno formula. The shows will preview their new album, Speed Ballads, which is due in October.

Manchester University Hop & Grape (0161-832 1111) 12 Sept; The Garage, Glasgow (0870-601 0002) 13 Sept; Dingwalls, London (0171-267 1577) 15 Sept

Last Call

A BITE-SIZE guide to philosophical concerns and a pointed reminder of how these can shift, After Darwin examines the famous naturalist's legacy. The play begins in 1832 with an argument about the creation of the world between a naval captain and the young Darwin, a guest on board his ship. It examines the theories of the selfish gene and creationism and also explores general questions about life when it looks at modern ephemera such as cyberpets.

Hampstead Theatre, Avenue Road, London NW3 (0171-722 9301) to 22 Aug, pounds 8-pounds 15