Free things to do this week ft. Everyday Austerity, Tales of Whatever + more

Everyday Austerity at Samuel Alexander Building (pictured)
This multi-sensory exhibition looks at the real life impact of austerity policies and is running all through this week. Drawing from two years of research, Dr. Sarah Marie Hall presents a series of video, audio and commissioned drawings to shed light on the effects of the cuts on six real families. Dr. Hall and contributing artist Stef Bradley will be on hand throughout the exhibition to explain their work.
Mon 11 Jul – Fri 15 Jul, Samuel Alexander Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL. 10am – 4pm, www.eventbrite.com

Tales of Whatever at Gullivers
Tales of Whatever is a monthly spoken word night where the rules are simple: All stories told must be true and must be focused around the monthly theme. This month’s theme is luck, and as good fortune would have it they’ve got some really cracking acts on to talk about the subject, including renowned local stand-up comics John Cooper and Kate McCabe.
Wed 13 Jul, Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

A Woman’s Place? at Manchester Art Gallery
This is an evening of talks and performances at the city centre gallery. It features curated tours of their Goodbye To All That and Fashion & Freedom exhibitions, as well as discussions and spoken word performances about the Battle of the Somme. This evening has been organised by the Age friendly champions at the gallery, but it’s suitable for all ages, and should be a fascinating evening to boot.
Thu 14 Jul, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL. 5.30pm – 8.30pm, Tel: 0161 235 8888, www.manchesterartgallery.org

Chris Ramsey and friends at Ruby Lounge
Geordie comedian Chris Ramsey is one of those faces that might just recognise, having made recent appearances on the likes of 8 out of 10 Cats and Russell Howard’s Stand-up Central. He’s doing this free gig – sponsored by insurers Swiftcover – at the Ruby Lounge come Wednesday, with support from local favourite Hayley Ellis, NATYS winner Bilal Zafar and fellow geordie Carl Hutchinson.
Thu 14 Jul, Ruby Lounge, 28-34 High Street, Manchester, M4 1QB. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Chris Kehoe at Gullivers
Another comedy gig, another Chris. Chris Kehoe might not have the television credentials, but he’s fast becoming one the region’s most interesting acts. Sharp, strange and unapologetically political, Chris presents his work-in-progress show The Second Coming of Chris in one the Northern Quarter’s friendliest pubs.
Thu 14 Jul, Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW. 9pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com