Five Things To Do In Edinburgh: Thursday 6 September

• FILM: Shadow Dancer (15). Twenty-something single mother Colette McVeigh (Andrea Riseborough) has never forgiven herself for inadvertently sending her young brother to his death in 1970s Belfast. She harbours a deep resentment for British forces, which fired the fateful bullet, and has become an active member of the IRA alongside her two brothers, Gerry (Aidan Gillen) and Connor (Domhnall Gleeson). British police apprehend her during an attempted bombing of the London Underground and MI5 operative Mac (Clive Owen) leads the interrogation. He provides evidence that an IRA bullet killed her brother then offers Colette an ultimatum: act as a mole or serve 25 years in jailand forego time with her son Mark (Cathal Maguire) and mother (Brid Brennan). Reluctantly, Colette agrees to work for MI5 and provides Mac with details about an assassination attempt led by Gerry and Connor. General release, various cinemas, times and prices

• THEATRE: Allotment Come rain or shine, Nutshell Theatre’s outdoor performance of Allotment is guaranteed to go ahead. Situated in the idyllic surroundings of Inveresk Lodge Gardens, you’re also guaranteed a seat, a cup of tea and a home-made scone. As for the story, it’s about the odd, challenging relationship between sisters Dora and Maddy. Take a brolly. Inveresk Lodge Gardens, Musselburgh, 3pm/ 4pm/ 6pm, £9 (£6), www.bruntontheatre.co.uk

• music: Penguins Kill Polar Bears. The Linlithgow quartet have been around the block a while now. A cross between Mogwai and Joy Division, they take their fiery brand of post-rock fury to Electric Circus. Electric Circus, Market Street, 7pm, £7, www.theelectriccircus.biz

• COMEDY: The Thursday Show. Five acts. Two hours. A great compère featuring headliners and a newcomer’s spot, with Pete Johansson, Sean Grant and host, Billy Kirkwood. The Stand, York Place, 7.30pm, £8 (£7), www.thestand.co.uk

• MUSICAL: Summer Holiday. Cliff Richard’s classic road-musical of the 1950s receives an airing, courtesy of Lothian Youth Arts & Musicals Company. Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, 7.30pm, £10 (£7.50), 0131-447 7597