Five things to do in Edinburgh: Wednesday 21 November

1 EXHIBITION: John Clerk of Eldin (1728-1812) The exhibition celebrates the 200th anniversary of the death of one of Scotland’s finest amateur artists. John Clerk of Eldin is well known to art historians of 18th century British art, and he is often included in exhibitions and publications relating to the work of other 18th century figures, namely Robert Adam, the architect, and Paul Sandby, the well respected English painter and printmaker. His geological drawings are also highly valued by as the illustrations provided for Dr James Hutton’s seminal 1790s publication ‘A Theory of the Earth’. However Clerk’s etchings have never received a major overview, which the exhibition aims to redress. This anniversary year provides a perfect opportunity to highlight the prints of this remarkable man. The main part is lent by the Clerk family, with additional etchings from the National Gallery of Scotland, with some that show his working method, supplemented by sketchbooks, geological drawings and copies of the 1855 compendium of etchings published by the Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh.

City Art Centre, Market Street, 10am-5pm, free, 0131-529 3993

2 CLASSICAL: Scottish Opera - The Magic Flute Following the huge success of The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, Sir Thomas Allen and Simon Higlett return to take on the fantastical charms of Mozart’s most inventive opera. Set in a spectacular visual world inspired by ‘steam punk’ Victoriana, this promises to be a stylish and imaginative telling of this much-loved piece.

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, 7.15pm, £17.50–£74.50 (£10–£71.50), 0131-529 6000

3 MUSIC: The Proclaimers The brothers Reid headline the first of their two-night stint.

The Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, 7.30pm, £24.50–£27.50, 0844-871 3014

4 COMEDY: THE GONG SHOW Gong show madness featuring up-and-coming talent in live stand up.

The Shack, Rose Street, 8pm £3 (£2), 0131-226 4311

5 DANCE: The Intoxicating Rose Garden A fusion of contemporary music, dance and animation.

Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, 7.30pm, £15.50 (£6-£11.50), 0131-228 1404