Free things to do this week ft. Philosophy, Charlie Chaplin + more

Philosophy Café at Manchester Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a gentle, stimulating start to the week, then you can’t go far wrong with these regular discussion sessions at the Gallery. Tackling philosophical problems in an approachable way, the Philosophy Café offers a forum in the heart of the gallery. This session tackles the question of what value alone time has to humans, who are social creatures by nature.
tue 12 Jan, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3JL. Tel: 0161 235 8888, 10.15am – 12pm, www.manchesterartgallery.org

Chaplin Exhibition at the Burgess Foundation
This new exhibition, running through til March at the Burgess Foundation, uses archive materials to look at Charlie Chaplin’s early career as a music hall entertainer. Photographs, letters and other documents illustrate the glittering career he built prior to his ascension as one of the true icons of early cinema. If you want to see more – and have a few quid to spare – you can also check out screenings of of his seminal film The Gold Rush (pictured) at HOME on Sun 10, Tue 12 and Wed 13.
Wed 13 Jan – Tue 8 Mar, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 10am – 3pm, www.anthonybrurgess.org

The Winter Fly at The Whitworth Gallery
You may have missed this one when it had its debut screening at Takk last year. The Winter Fly is a 30 minute animation, created to be screened with live musical accompaniment, which comes courtesy of Gareth Smith on the piano and Elizabeth Preston on the cello. It might not come round a third time, so get on this unique event while you’ve got a chance. Check out our full preview for more details.
Thu 14 Jan, The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 7450, 7.30pm – 8.30pm, www.facebook.com