Five things to do in Edinburgh this week

EXHIBITION: CATHERINE THE GREAT - AN ENLIGHTENED EMPRESS

Learn the story of the woman behind the legends and discover the greatest collection of treasures from Russia ever seen in the UK in a new exhibition opening tomorrow. Catherine the Great was one of Russia’s most successful rulers and one of the greatest art collectors of all time. Presented in partnership with the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, this unique exhibition is showing only in Edinburgh.Explore Catherine’s reign through her collections, which vividly reflect her own interests and provide a fascinating glimpse of the wealth and magnificence of the Imperial Russian court. Learn of a woman who won wars and built palaces, wrote plays and books, built a rollercoaster for her own entertainment and who put Russia firmly on the cultural map of Europe.

The exhibition features more than 600 priceless works collected by the Empress. See spectacular paintings, outstanding costumes and uniforms, dazzling cameos, snuffboxes and jewellery, hunting weapons and exquisite works of art seldom seen outside Russia.

Gallery 1, Level 3, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, adults £9, concessions, child under 12 free, 10am-5pm, book online, in person or call 0300-123 6789

COMEDY: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE @ THE SHACK

Patrick Rolink headlines with support from Anthony Murray and two short guest spots, all under the watchful eye of resident MC Jojo Sutherland.

The Shack, Rose Street, 7pm, £12, 07584-468 989

DANCE: CEILIDH CLUB WITH TEANNAICH

Learn the dances at this enjoyably boisterous ceilidh evening.

Pollock Halls, Holyrood Park Road, 7.30pm, £10, 0131-668 2019

FOLK: CARO BRIDGES AND MICHAEL MACFARLANE

Expect delightful folk whimsy and amusingly bitter balladry as part of this Live Lounge outing, hosted by HP Neilson.

Electric Circus, Market Street, 7pm, free, 0131-226 4224

CLUB: WONKY

Trouble and Wolfjazz team up, to play hip-hop, beats, bass, dubstep and Afrobeat.

Bongo Club, Holyrood Road, 11pm-3am, 0131-5587604