Cross-dressing comedian and actor Eddie Izzard’s show “Sexie” finishes its run in Boston tonight. Well-known for his witty and often surreal humor, he has been called the “funniest man in pretty much all of the known universe,” “a human search engine,” “a surrealist maestro of historical and scientific trivia,” and “a one-man Monty Python crew.” In between tours, Izzard has been earning rave reviews for his acting talent on the big screen and most recently on Broadway, where he is starring in “A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg,” for which he just received a Tony nomination for “Best Leading Actor in a Play.” 8 p.m. Tickets $40-$60, (800) 447-7400. The Schubert Theater at the Wang Center at 270 Tremont Street. (SAW)

FAIR | King Richard’s Faire

Who wouldn’t want to go back to an age of jousting matches and little personal hygiene? Although time machines haven’t yet been invented, there is King Richard’s Faire, which features magicians, musicians, jugglers, fire eaters, swordsmen, soothsayers, vittles, brew, crafts and more. Through Sun., Oct. 26. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets $22. Faire Site, Rte. 58, South Carver. (SAW)

DANCE | Peter DiMuro

Sexy, lithe dancer Peter DiMuro has been described by Dance Magazine as “a gifted dance maker out to conquer every mode of dance.” He has created performance and dance works for Dance/Umbrella Boston, for the “Something Different Series” at the Kennedy Center, for Bates Dance Festival and Boston Ballet II, and the Boston-based Peter DiMuro Performance Associates. He is well-known for being able to create a perfectly expressive and complex movement for any story or need, including your own. Free. 8 p.m. Sargent Dance Studio/Theatre, 1 University Road, Boston. (SAW)

sun, oct 26

MUSIC | Travis

The British pop group responsible for 1999’s irresistibly awful “Why Does It Always Rain On Me,” and, well, not much since, have returned to America with their fourth album and a national U.S. tour. Sort of bitter at this point about Coldplay’s dumb lucky adoption of the “important rock band sorta reminiscent of Bends-era Radiohead” niche, Travis seem to be taking their own stab at it with 12 Memories. They’re writing songs now about domestic abuse and 9/11 (these are huge- about time someone addressed the real issues), but wisely retain their light, Beatles-inspired sound. If you like charm and good melodies, and want to take a thirty some dollar shot at the Coldplay empire, Travis may well be your match tonight. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $31. Orpheum Theatre, 1 Hamilton Place. (LN)

MUSIC | U.K. Subs and Toxic Narcotic

The U.K. Subs have been in the game since 1976, when the original punk movement exploded and gave every British band with a certain look and the right four chords a chance at stardom. Although the Subs has largely abandoned the straight ahead punk sound that made them famous, retaining only a few of its original members, they persevere to this day, touring for their bread with young, vibrant bands and releasing greatest hits compilations every couple of years. Not quite as sad as the recent Buzzcocks studio reunion, if only because the Subs never let themselves get rusty, this show is still only worth attending for openers Toxic Narcotic, the grassroots crust punk band which has defined and ruled over the mysterious genre for the past ten years. Essentially a brand of hardcore, crust has found its home in church basements and tiny, specialized clubs. If any band among the scene has “made it” though, it’s Boston’s Toxic Narcotic, whose breakneck speed and grimy, dirty emphasis on politics has won them a comparatively large audience. 5 p.m. Tickets $12. Axis. 10 Landsdowne Street. (LN)

THEATRE | Hairspray

Adapted from John Waters’ 1988 musical Hairspray, this larger-than-life play tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a poor, ambitious teenager who lands a featured spot dancing on the Corny Collins Show, a hugely popular after school television program in the tradition of American Bandstand. Dancing on the show was every girl’s dream at the unpopular but good-hearted Tracy’s high school, and when she is unexpectedly awarded the honor after a dance contest, a veritable class war between her and Amber von Tussle, the quintessential wealthy bitch, erupts in their hometown. Before long, Tracy finds herself fighting for racial equality on the Corny Collins Show, but despite this segment’s somewhat serious subject matter, the play remains lighthearted and hilarious. Carly Jibson and Bruce Vilanch star in the touring Broadway ensemble. Through November 7. 8 p.m. Tickets $30-97. Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St. (LN)

mon, oct 27

READING | The Best American Short Stories

The Best American Short Stories, the celebrated, annually published volume of great short fiction is edited by a different person each year, giving each edition something of a unique personality and character. Past editors have included Barbara Kingsolver, E.L. Doctorow, and Garrison Keiller. This year, Walter Mosley, an established author of mysteries and short fiction, was given the honor. The New York City resident, who currently serves on the board of directors of the Poetry Society of America and National Book Awards, will be reading from this year’s short story compilation at the American Repertory Theater alongside authors Will Lebow, Karen MacDonald, and Jacqui Parker as a benefit for PEN New England. 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $25-125 at the door. American Repertory Theater, 64 Brattle Street. (LN)