This week: Black comedy, dark drama, sexual tension, tap-dancing comedy and a night at the opera.

SONG OF THE WESTERN MEN, Minerva Theatre, Chichester, August 14-September 7
Black comedy, written by Christopher William Hill and starring Peter Baldwin.

Set on the island of St Martin's in 1939, Vic Oliver, the son-in-law of the recently-deceased postmaster, prepares to take responsibility for the island's communications.

A new telegraph machine brings the outside world closer to the inhabitants but war is looming.

Tickets cost £8 to £18. Call 01243 781312.

TAPE, New Venture Theatre, Brighton, until August 11
Brighton theatre outfit APE's production of Stephen Belber's play has proved so popular, its first UK theatrical run was extended by a week.

Featuring Lee Ross (The English Patient) and James Lance (Teachers), the drama unfolds as three old college friends try to come to terms with a past sexual encounter.

Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions). Call 01273 746118.

STEPPING OUT, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, until September 14
Richard Harris's award-winning comedy tells the story of eight women and one man who meet for a weekly tap-dancing class.

Directed by Eastbourne Theatres' general manager, Chris Jordan, the show follows the dancers' struggles with their lessons and lives. But how will they fare when they perform in public for the first time?

Tickets cost £10, £12 and £15. Call 01323 412000.

CARMEN, Glyndebourne, until August 24
David McVicar makes his festival debut directing Bizet's acclaimed opera.

A lavish and extravagant production, Bizet's exciting vision of Spain soon became one of the most popular operas of all time.

Anne Sofie von Otter undertakes the title role for the first time and also makes her Glyndebourne debut.

Tickets cost £10 to £140. Call 01273 813813.