This week in entertainment offers a diverse mix, from the glitz of Las Vegas to the intellectual depths of contemporary opera. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic throwback or something cutting-edge, there's a little something for everyone. Let's dive in!
Pamela Anderson Returns to the Stage
Pamela Anderson is back in the spotlight in "The Last Showgirl," a new Vegas drama that explores the changing landscape of entertainment. Anderson plays Shelly, a seasoned performer whose show is closing after a remarkable 30-year run, making way for a younger cast. 
While the production boasts a stellar supporting cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, and Kiernan Shipka, there's no doubt that Pammy is the main draw.
It's a story about legacy, change, and the enduring power of a performer. "The Last Showgirl" offers a glimpse behind the curtains of the Vegas entertainment scene, and that nostalgia is something many viewers are craving.
The Martini: A Classic Cocktail Reimagined
The martini is making a comeback, and it's not your grandma's drink anymore! Bartenders are experimenting with this classic cocktail, proving that it's far more versatile than you might think. From wet to dry, dirty to clean, a small tweak can radically change the entire experience. 
Jeremy Blackmore, creative director of Mucho Group, which runs the martini-dedicated Bar Planet in Sydney, notes that the martini's image was once considered "a bit stodgy… a grandma’s drink." But thanks to innovative bartenders and a renewed appreciation for its versatility, the martini is back on top. It's even inspired a new twist, the Gibson, a martini garnished with pickled onions!
Opera That Haunts: "Innocence" at the Adelaide Festival
Kaija Saariaho’s "Innocence," directed by Simon Stone at the Adelaide Festival, is a monumental achievement in contemporary opera. Set in the aftermath of a school shooting, the opera delves into profound questions about innocence, violence, and collective responsibility. 
The music, reminiscent of Bartók, Górecki, and Ligeti, creates an atmosphere of palpable dread and trauma. The opera asks uncomfortable questions: "Do perpetrators attack from without, or are they an expression of something abominable within the community, its monstrous id?" "Innocence" is a powerful and disturbing work that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Test Your Wits with the Thursday Quiz
Finally, don't forget to challenge yourself with The Guardian's Thursday quiz! Featuring 16 questions on general knowledge, topical news, and popular culture, plus a few jokes thrown in for good measure, it's the perfect way to exercise your brain. There are no prizes, but you can share your score in the comments!