What's On (April 29)
Stories in the Dark
April 30 to May 11
A world premiere play by award-winning writer Debra Oswald, Stories in the Dark tells the story of Anna and a 12 year-old boy she befriends. Set against a backdrop of war, it mixes the magic of fairytales with a struggle to survive. At Riverside Theatres, Parramatta. More info
Ann Howard's Original Oil Paintings
1 May to 31 May
An exhibition of Chinese-American Hsiao-Yen (Ann) Howard's magical realism oil paintings. At Finks restaurant, Waverton. More info
Jackie Collins
May 3
Author Jackie Collins will be at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel for a luncheon on May 3 to mark the launch of her 25th novel, Drop Dead Beautiful. Tickets $68. More info
Tattoo Spectacular
May 5
Featuring nearly 900 entertainers this year, the Tattoo Spectacular has evolved from its origins as a call for soldiers to return to their barracks into an annual theatrical event. This year's Spectacular features The Band & Bugles of The Rifles, The Band of the Grenadier Guards and special guests Anthony Callea and Deni Hines. At Acer Arena, Olympic Park. Tickets $89 - $116. More info
The Garden Show
Until May 20
The Garden Show is an invitational show featuring a collection of creative clay pieces. See interesting designs and everything for Autumn. Inner City Claw Workers Gallery, Glebe. More info
Head On: Alternative Portraits
Until May 26
Head On is an annual national portrait prize and exhibition, now in its fourth year. This year's collection represents a diverse cross-section of new and traditional works. At the Australian Centre for Photography, Paddington. Free entry. More info
The Leonardo Da Vinci Machines: An Exhibition of Genius
Until July 1
On display for the first time in Sydney, this exhibition displays over 60 models of Da Vinci's famous machines, inventions and designs based on ancient codices. Now showing at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. More info
The Amazing Human Body Exhibition
Until June 11
The Amazing Human Body Exhibition examines the complexity and intricacy of the human body. Using a preserving method called "plastination", the exhibition features over 400 real human specimens to help teach children and adults alike about human physiology. On now at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Tickets: Adult $23, children $15. More info
Clive James
June 19
Writer, poet, critic and commentator Clive James will be reading from and promoting his new book "Cultural Amnesia: Notes In The Margin Of My Time" at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre, Surry Hills on June 19. Tickets $15. More info
9 Shades of Whiteley
Until September 9
This exhibition, held in Brett Whiteley’s last home and studio, is a mini-retrospective tracing the life and career of one of Australia's greatest artists. Among the works featured are Whiteley's first work, Self Portrait at Sixteen, July Painting, and Dixon Street. Now showing at the Brett Whiteley Studio, Surry Hills. Tickets: $5 to $7. More info
