Here are five shows for you to enjoy over the next seven days.

1. Ed Sykes, Upstairs at Three Wise Monkeys, High Street, Colchester, tonight, doors 8pm. £5. 01206 543014.

A very cool photo to go with a very cool gig. It’s the first photo Maryann Morris has taken using the old method of Collodion Photography using tin, not paper, and it’s very in keeping with Ed’s rock and roll renaissance style.

He returns with a full on band performing his infectious sounds, including glam rock inspired debut single Whiplashed, which features Mike Garson (David Bowie) and Jon Povey (The Pretty Things) on the recording.

2. Darren Harriott: Visceral, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Tuesday, doors 7.30pm. £10. 01206 500900.

Stepping away from the gang life in the Midlands, and doing away with the doorman’s jacket, Darren is one of the country’s brightest stand-up stars. Check him to see why.

3. Rubber Jaw: Single release concert, Lakeside Theatre, Essex University, Colchester, tonight, doors 7.30pm. £7 and £5 concessions. 01206 873261.

Pity the gig-goers choice tonight with Ed at Three Wise, and the utterly brilliant Rubber Jaw at Essex University.

Already signed to Alan McGee’s new Creation label, see them in this intimate venue before they really hit the big time.

4. Ain’t Misbehavin’, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, until March 30, 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Thursdays and Saturdays). £27 to £14 plus discounts. 01206 573948.

Fortunately there’s plenty of time to see this hot new show from the glorious creative team that is Tyrone Huntley and Strictly’s Oti Mabuse.

5. We Are Leif + Will Hobson’s Groove Merchants, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, doors 7pm. £14, £12 concessions. 01206 500900.

Jazz outfit taking influences from such local West Country heroes such as Portishead and Massive Attack, We Are Leif are promoting their latest album, Breathe.

To see the jazz stars of the future, checkout We are Leif’ssupport act, Colchester’s very own Will Hobson, and his fellow Guildhall music colleagues.