British humour is a lot like their fish 'n' chips – everyone knows what it is but few can replicate it. So to offer a master class in all things British and funny, Xenix are putting on a series of films under the title ‘This is England’. They have chosen some of the finer offerings from the UK that show how, in the face of desperate situations, the British stiff upper lip can turn into a smile. A favourite of mine, Withnail and I, is among the selection but I have 2 x 2 tickets for 24 Hour Party People, the true and chaotic tale of infamous record label Factory and the bands it spawned such as Joy Division and Happy Mondays. E-mail me. 
Until 1^st February, Xenix

Allessio Mereu has seen his reputation grow within the electro scene since his debut back in 2007. With ambient washes mixed with dance floor stompers he always knows how to keep the crowd happy. He’s playing live at Pfingstweide this Saturday, and brings along a few of the artists he’s been developing with his own label, Amam. 
Saturday 11 pm, Pfingstweide

In part II of this weeks China influence: Ums ‘n Jip are a unique Swiss contemporary musical ensemble that performs self composed pieces mixing voice, recorder and electronics and are one of the most sought after ensembles working in contemporary modern music today. As part of a cultural exchange program at Kunstraum Walcheturm called The China Project, Ums ‘n Jip will be combining newly written compositions with traditional and contemporary Chinese music, as well as pieces written by young Chinese composers. 
Saturday and Sunday 8.30 pm, Kunstraum Walcheturm

When you go and see a burlesque show that includes a couple of girls from London and Liverpool performing, you know that things should get interesting. Plaza has such a show called Ohh!Lala!Cherie! and in addition to the English ladies there are also a French and Swiss contingent of beauty to admire. And if this isn’t enough to convince, they will also be performing with fire and trapeze. And if this still isn’t enough for you, I have a front row table for 4 to be given away. E-mail me.
Monday 8 pm, Plaza

Eve Arnold was one of the greatest photojournalists of the 20^th Century and, sadly, she died last week. Born in America but living in Britain since the early 60’s, she was the first woman to be hired by the Magnum agency and seemed to divide her photographic life into two areas. The first was of intimate and relaxed portraits of the rich and famous, becoming especially close to Marilyn Monroe and the second area was of ‘the poor, the old and the underdog’ as she travelled to the remote places of world. I always loved the look and feel of her photos and the humanity she always captured in people whether rich or poor.