Free things to do this week ft. In the Company of Joan, Cinema Tekkers + more

In the Company of Joan at WCML
The Working Class Movement Library launches its third mini film festival this month with the premiére screening of the documentary In the Company of Joan. The film follows the career and influence of theatre director Joan Littlewood, who’s spent her whole life galvanising working class audiences and performers to engage with the theatre. The festival screenings continue through to the start of June, and popcorn will be available to snack on. Want more information? Check out our full preview of the festival.
Wed 18 May, Working Class Movement Library, 51 Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX. Tel: 0161 736 3601, 6.30pm, www.wcml.org.uk

Cinema Tekkers Quiz at Joshua Brooks (pictured)
Not technically a freebie, but at £1 per person, this quiz is hardly likely to break the bank. It’s a film-themed quiz that comes with some pedigree: It’s brought you the minds behind excellent Quizimodo and Pencils Down. There’s a generous £50 prize available for the winner too, so get down and put your film knowledge to the test.
Thu 19 May, Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess Street, Manchester. M1 6NG. 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

Mike Newall and Matt Forde Edinburgh Previews at Eagle Inn
Every August, the nation’s comedians make their annual pilgrimage to the Edinburgh Fringe, and the months that precede are largely dedicated to tightening up their shows for the festival audiences. Two performers making the journey up this year are Mike Newall and Matt Forde, who’ll be presenting this free preview at Eagle Inn this Thursday. Newall is a local comic and stoner shaman, with an easy, laid back delivery style and distinctive material to match. Forde is a political comic, most famous for his work with Russell Howard and Jon Richardson and for his live Political Party shows, where he has previously interviewed Nigel Farage and Tony Blair. Either of these shows would be worthy of a listing, but together – this is pretty unmissable.
Thu 19 May, Eagle Inn, 18 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW. 8pm, www.facebook.com

New Radio Comedy at Robert Powell Theatre
More comedy, but not stand up this time. This afternoon event, entitled ‘Radio Killed the Video Star’ promises a live radio sketch show devised by some of the best up-and-coming performers. Details are sketchy – pun intended – about exactly who’s involved, but given the venue it’s very likely that some of the participants of Salford University’s comedy BA have a hand in this.
Fri 20 May, Robert Powell Theatre, University of Salford, Allerton Building, Frederick Road, Salford, M6 6PU. 3pm, www.facebook.com