Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Robo-sapiens + more

Robo-sapiens Talk at MOSI (pictured)
For our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week, we’ve got this free talk on robots at the Museum of Science and Industry. Engineering Professor Danielle George is joined by geneticist and author Adam Rutherford to discuss the history of robots, the rapid recent development of the technology, and also tackle the question of whether we should be worried about humanity being wiped out Terminator-style. If anyone is qualified to tackle these issues, it’s this pair. Attendance of the lecture also allows you discounted entry to the museum’s Robots exhibition, which has been running since October – although at the time of writing these discounted tickets have all sold out.
Tue 23 Jan, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, www.msimanchester.org.uk

Henry Normal at Central Library
This Wednesday you can catch this panel discussion led by one of British comedy’s unsung greats – Henry Normal. Henry has had a finger in almost every pie on the comedy industry’s windowsill, but he’s perhaps best known for founding Baby Cow productions with Steve Cooganm and his work on big-name shows such as I’m Alan Partridge and The Mighty Boosh. Here he’ll be discussing how to break into comedy and make a living from it with two other local comedy luminaries: actor and comedian Justin Moorhouse, who you might recognise from Phoenix Nights and Hazel O’Keefe, the director of Manchester’s annual Women in Comedy Festival.
Wed 24 Jan, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Tel: 0161 234 1983, 6pm – 8pm, www.librarylive.co.uk

Nefertiti’s Face at Manchester Museum
This one-off event at Manchester Museum this Thursday explores one of the ancient world’s most mysterious beauties – the Egyptian queen Nefertiti. The immaculately-preserved bust of Nefertiti is one of the greatest windows into the art and aesthetics of Ancient Egypt, and at this talk archaeologist Joyce Tyldesley will talk about the creation of this bust and what we can learn about the time it was created, and the woman it depicts. Copies of Dr. Tyldesley’s new book on the subject will also be available for purchase on the night.
Thu 25 Jan, Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL. Tel: 0161 275 2648, 6pm – 7.30pm, www.eventbrite.com

Andy Votel Exhibition Launch at Electrik
A new exhibition of work by the Mancunian designer and artist Andy Votel launches at Chorlton’s Electrik this Thursday. It’s called Stop Making Séance, and features a number of mixed media pieces drawing from a range influences, including pulp science-fiction and scholastic textbooks. The launch party promises some surprises, including a mystery DJ. See our full preview for more details.
Thu 25 Jan, Electrik, 559 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0AE. Tel: 0161 881 3315, 7pm – 11.30pm, www.facebook.com