Culture Beat: 5 February

Irish comedian, actor and writer Tommy Tiernan (pictured) brings his Out of the Whirlwind stand-up show to Brussels with a performance at Bozar on Sunday night. Hear our interview with Tommy on The Bulletin's show on FM Brussel this Sunday at midday. Congratulations to Mariya Polner who was picked at random to win a pair of tickets to see him.
7 February 20.00, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels

Also on a comedy note, British funnyman Paul Taylor - who became an overnight YouTube sensation when his expat take on "la bise" racked up two million views - will be playing the Black Sheep near Place Flagey on Tuesday 9 February. His debut stand-up show, Franglais, is performed 50% in English and 50% in French and offers a funny insight into the life of a bilingual Brit in France confused about his identity. 
9 February, 20.00, Black Sheep, Chaussée de Boondael 8, Ixelles

The third edition of the Salon du Chocolat is a chocolate lover’s paradise, with more than 100 national and international producers and vendors on hand to show their wares. There are demonstrations and tastings galore. Chocolate museum Choco-Story presents an historical exhibition tracing the global spread of chocolate from the ancient empires of Central America to the royal tables of old Europe to the chocolate industry of today. Finally, one of the Salon’s best-loved attractions is a spectacular catwalk show featuring the latest in edible couture. Read our preview of this year's event here.
5-7 February, Brussels Expo Palais 1. Open 10.00-19.00 Friday and Saturday, 10.00-18.00 Sunday

For the second season running, KVS, Théâtre National and Bozar join forces for the International Selection. The programme encompasses 14 artistically and politically progressive productions from around the world, including this provocative revival of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. South African playwright Brett Bailey updates the Elizabethan tale of witchcraft and dynastic intrigue by setting the action in war-torn Congo, where a group of refugees happens upon a discarded trunk containing worn-out costumes, a yellowed libretto and an old recording of Verdi’s 19th-century opera treatment of Macbeth. Brussels-based composer Fabrizio Cassol helps Bailey bring Verdi’s score into the 21st century.
11-13 February, 20.00 at KVS, Quai aux Pierres de Taille 7, Brussels

Autoworld in the Parc du Cinquantenaire pays tribute to the hippie movement with a temporary exhibition showcasing the legendary Combi T1 that accompanied this movement throughout the early years. Some of these examples were beautifully decorated with flowers of all colours and hippie motifs. The Combi has always been synonymous with escape and freedom and has crisscrossed all the roads of the globe, as has the VW Beetle.
6 February-23 March, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, Brussels

Politico’s annual job fair and networking event, the EU Studies Fair, is back for a 17th edition. It is an opportunity for students and young professionals to discover academic and career opportunities in EU studies, international relations, business, economics, public policy and law. Find out more about the event here.
6 February, Crowne Plaza, Rue Gineste 3, Brussels. Registration required, free

Finally, for children, the Coudenberg is organising underground treasure hunts throughout the half-term holiday. Little Charles V has lost the key to his treasure chest, and he's looking for brave boys and girls to help him find it. Children receive a backpack with a treasure map, flashlight and costume, and a gift at the end of the game. Reservations required.
6-14 February, Coudenberg Museum, Place des Palais 7, Brussels, €4