Five Things To Do In Edinburgh: Tuesday 23 October

• MUSICAL: American Idiot. Alex Nee, the San Francisco-born actor/musician, plays the role of Johnny in the rock opera that’s set to take Edinburgh by storm. Nee grew up in Palo Alto, near to where pop-punk outfit Green Day grew up.

“Dookie was one of the first albums I bought. I was 13 when it came out and had to hide it from my parents because of the Parental Advisory sticker,” he says. “But I guess I really got into the band when I was in fifth grade and I’ve remained a fan ever since then.”

American Idiot was first released in 2004. A thoroughly modern musical developed by Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer, it’s the story of three lifelong friends - Johnny (Nee), Tunny (Thomas Hettrick) and Will (Casey O’Farrell) - who each go their separate ways as they search for meaning in a post 9-11 world, set against the musical backdrop of Green Day’s concept album. It’s a truly exhilarating show with a young and talented all-Amercian cast - and one that is attracting people who don’t normally go to the theatre. Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, 7.30pm, £17.50–£43.50, 0844-871 3014

• DANCE: Richard Alston Dance Company. Richard Alston Dance Company’s eagerly anticipated return to Edinburgh includes Alston’s latest choreography, A Ceremony of Carols. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, 7.30pm, £16.50–£22.50, 0131-529 6000

• THEATRE: Three Men in a Boat. A retelling of Jerome K Jerome’s boating misadventure, presented by The Original Theatre Company. Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 7.30pm, £11 (£9.50; under 18s £6.50), 0131-665 2240

• COMEDY: Bright Club. Bright Club’s unique blend of comedy and academia has made waves across the country, with a storming sell-out show at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and support from the likes of Robin Ince, Josie Long, Susan Morrison and Bruce Morton. Funny academics from Scotland’s universities stand up for your entertainment and enlightenment, with live music and banter aplenty. With Joe Heenan and Jim Park. The Stand, York Place, 8.30pm, £5, 0131-558 7272

• MUSIC: Scottish Ensemble Illuminations. The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, 7.30pm, £15, 0131-668 2019