Fresh from his role in Gladiator, Iranian comic Omid Djalili brings his unique

brand of mirth and mayhem to The Bull tomorrow. LEIGH COLLINS reports

Hollywood star Omid Djalili pops into Barnet this week for a one-off performance.

Britain's only Iranian stand-up comedian played the slave trader who sold Russell Crowe to Oliver Reed in Gladiator and appeared opposite Pierce Brosnan in The World Is Not Enough.

Djalili made his name by winning the Spirit of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1994, an award which he won again in 1999. In his forthcoming show at The Bull he delves into his Iranian roots delivering new material ,, with support from East End comedian Jeff Innocent ,, who discusses the criminals that become superstars. And who says crime doesn't pay?

Omid Djalili and Jeff Innocent play The Bull, 68 High Street, Barnet, tomorrow night at 8pm. Tickets cost £8 (£6 conc) from the box office on 020 8449 0048.

The following night at The Bull the Asian comedy team One Nation...Innit!, which has been described as a harder-hitting version of the BBC's Goodness Gracious Me, brings a fresh dose of cabaret featuring sketches, stand-up and dance. Tickets also cost £8 (£6 conc) from the box office.

The comedy continues at the Chicken Shed Theatre tomorrow night with Edinburgh preview shows from comedians Simon Bligh and Ian Stone. Perrier Award nominee Bligh will be recounting the 2000 year history of the church, while explaining why he is condemned to burn in hell alongside Pope John Paul I and all Protestants.

Meanwhile, Stone will be discussing his own battles with religion. He is a short Jewish man who loves bacon and lives with a Catholic.

Simon Bligh and Ian Stone play the Comedy Shed, Chicken Shed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, at 8.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 (£5.50 conc) by calling 020 8292 9222.

For the younger generation, the Wyllyotts Centre in Potters Bar presents an end-of-term celebration ,, the Westlive Party Night.

Strictly for the under-16s, the evening is headlined by Westlife tribute act, Westlive, a group of five teenage 'hunks' performing Westlife songs such as No Matter What and Flying Without Wings. They will be singing live on stage between 8pm and 9pm. There will also be a disco until 10.30pm and numerous prize-winning competitions. The Westlive Party Night is on tomorrow night at the Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £6.50 and are available from the box office on 01707 645005.

Meanwhile, The Torrington continues its tradition of live blues/rock with the appearances of celebrated American rock/blues guitarist Carvin Jones and young British blues band Parkers Alibi this weekend.

Jones has earned plaudits from luminaries such as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana with his spot-on renditions of Jimi Hendrix covers as well as self-penned songs and blues classics.

The flamboyant musician can play the guitar behind his back, standing on his head or between his legs, and will not hesitate in doing so. Jones plays The Torrington, High Road, North Finchley, on Saturday night at 8pm. Tickets cost £7 on the door or by calling the box office on 020 8560 6252.

Parkers Alibi play a set of BB King-influenced original material the following night at 8pm.

Tickets cost £5 and are also available from the box office.