Free things to do this week ft. Koh Tao, Calling Blighty + more

Stand up at Koh Tao
There’s certainly no shortage of inexpensive stand up nights in Manchester, but this night at basement bar Koh Tao is one of the few remaining in the heart of studentville. It’s organised by Manchester University’s Comedy Society and features sets from a selection of their players and a special set from local comic Edy Hurst, who’ll be trialling material for his forthcoming Yorkshire Fringe hour Theme Show.
Tue 7 Jun, Koh Tao, 310 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6XQ. 8pm, www.facebook.com

Calling Blighty at Central Library
The North West film archive presents this evening of screenings at Central Library as part of the Manchester Histories Festival. Calling Blighty features 25 films made during the Second World War by active servicemen: Funny and touching messages to their families back home. The screening will include all these films as well as a short talk about how some the families involved were tracked down 70 years later
Wed 8 Jun, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. 6.30 – 8pm, Tel: 0161 234 1983, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Donut Boy Launch at Common
The latest exhibition from artist David Bailey – covering the life and times of a boy who loves donuts – opens this week at Common. As part of this launch event, there’ll be some free donuts and craft ales courtesy of Track Brewing Company. Check out our full preview for more details.
Wed 8 Jun, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1HW. 6pm – late, www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk

Tales of Whatever at Gullivers
Tales of Whatever is one of the tentpole spoken word nights in Manchester. It’s hook? It’s all real stories and each night is built around a theme. The theme for this show is Staged, so expect tales about acting, performance and artifice. Headlining the night is Matt Panesh, better known by his stage name Monkey Poet. Also performing on the night is Bad Language capo Joseph Daly and some as-yet-unannounced guests, and if you’ve got a relevant story to get off your chest then don’t worry – there’s a regular audience stories section every month.
Wed 8 Jun, Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

The Noise Upstairs 9th Birthday at Fuel Café Bar (pictured)
The Noise Upstairs is Manchester’s most established musical improv night, with nine years of jam sessions under their belt. To celebrate their birthday, they’re running a big jam session at their favourite haunt: Fuel Café Bar in Withington. Joined by organ-led three piece Space Food, who boast an impressive sonic range from their limited membership, this could be the summer’s most fun, experimental party.
Thu 9 Jun, Fuel Café Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 3BW. 8.30pm, www.facebook.com