Jacqueline Smith's week of it

Antony Starr reappears in South Pacific Pictures' latest televised feature, Spies and Lies, this Sunday. Photo / Supplied

TV

Well, I'm sure going to feel a little lost once Tuesday rolls around and it sinks in that Outrageous Fortune is no more, but there are a couple of new shows to act as my rebound.

Antony Starr reappears on Sunday in South Pacific Pictures' latest televised feature, Spies and Lies about one of the the country's biggest conmen, Syd Ross. He'll be revealing another side to the face we know as Van, Jethro and more recently, After the Waterfall's distraught father John.

Taking over the TV3's Tuesday 8.30pm slot is The Event, touted as the next Lost. It appears the show is so twisted even lead actor Jason Ritter doesn't know what's going on.

MOVIES

Roman Polanski's latest creation The Ghost Writer will give your mind a good jangle and your eyes the very distinguished Pierce Brosnan and Ewan McGregor. It opens today along with The Social Network, which might just get under your skin if, like me, you have unwittingly succumbed to Facebook's charms. It's a must-see film for anyone who thinks Justin Timberlake can't act.

Andy Garcia's latest independent flick City Island is also in cinemas from today, starring his real-life daughter as his on-screen daughter, and top actresses Emily Mortimer and Julianna Margulies. It's a nice light-hearted summery comedy-drama suitable for just about anyone.

MUSIC

The week's glamour event would appear to be tomorrow night's New Zealand Variety Show charity bash at the Aotea Centre with Bonnie Tyler, Leo Sayer, and John Paul Young dusting off their enduring hits - or in some cases hit - while headlining the sort of local bill you usually see from a very long way back in the Domain at Christmas.

R&B wonderboy Jason Derulo heads to the Logan Campbell Centre on Tuesday night where we are sure he will pause between his hits to inquire about the number of womenfolk in said venue.

On the local front, Auckland band Great North are celebrating the release of their new - and very enjoyable - record Newfoundland, with a gig at the Wine Cellar (St Kevin's Arcade) on Friday. Entry by donation.

OR...

Do the Time Warp again. The Rocky Horror Show returns giving the youngies a chance to see what all the fuss was about and others a chance to reminisce. The show's writer Richard O'Brien, who must be one of the most intriguing characters ever to reside in New Zealand, is narrating the show. It's on tonight and tomorrow night at the Civic before taking off down the country. O'Brien reckons it's not compulsory to dress up, but if you happen to have "just" the thing in your wardrobe, I say, whip it out.

-TimeOut