5 sizzling things to do this weekend

Stereophonics

Friday, 7.30pm, Shanghai Majestic Theatre, 380-680RMB

Coming straight outta Cwmaman, Stereophonics first emerged in the late '90s with a punchy rock sound typified by break out single 'Local Boy in a Photograph', but soon slowed things down for a decidedly MOR guitar-driven pub-rock sound.

Songs such as 'Just Looking', 'Have a Nice Day' and 'Dakota' helped the Welsh band to five consecutive number one albums in the UK. Having released a greatest hits compilation in 2008, the Stereophonics are currently pushing their ninth album, Keep the Village Alive, released in September last year.

ChinaJoy 2016

Until Sunday 31, 9am-6pm, Shanghai New International Expo Centre, 70-500RMB

Asia’s largest electronic entertainment expo features plenty of new products and games alongside its famous Cosplay Carnival and the infamous accompanying photographers. Last year's China Joy - shock, horror - actually saw more of a focus on computer games and related products following moves by the organisers to restrict the number of scantily-clad young girls posing on stages, something which had dominated previous years' events.

Downstate EP release

Friday, 10pm, The Shelter, 50RMB

Longtime locally based producer Downstate releases his new EP Devil Worship You, the tenth record from Shanghai’s SVBKVLT label. He’s had previous well-received albums on PAUSE:MUSIC, and released the glitchy but intricately crafted LP slow`motion. wave only three months ago. Top Shanghai support comes from Osheyack, Gooooose, Swimful and Howell.

This Sunday will see the closure of much-loved Yongkang Lu cocktail den Magpie (though thankfully they still have their other branch on Wanping Lu). Of course, this being YKL (albeit the 'calmer' part), they won't be going quietly into the night. The bar will be slinging Magpie Mules all night - from 4-10pm you'll get as many enamel mugs of the stuff as you can handle for 100RMB. They'll also be supplying pens to punters and encouraging them to draw on the walls of the old bar before it's gone.

Chapterhouse Theatre: The Jungle Book

Sunday, 7.30pm, Children's Art Theatre of China Welfare Institute, 80-280RMB

For a decade and a half, the UK's Chapterhouse Theatre has been perfecting outdoor theatre, but is perfectly happy to go indoors as well, this time with the China tour of The Jungle Book. Using original puppets and critically acclaimed animal noises, the cast brings the jungle to life.