Introducing our Advent Calendar – here’s the third post in a cultural countdown to Christmas. Today: three course theatre and social media.

Happy hump day, friends. There’s something a bit unusual going on at the University of Salford this afternoon. Following a sold-out performance at The Lowry last year, Tom Mason’s play Handles is being performed (by drama students) at the university’s Robert Powell Theatre. Mason was shortlisted for the Young Social Media Professional of the Year award, and his play presents interlocking stories that showcase some of the more troubling consequences of a life lived online. It promises to be a diverting way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. Today, 3.30pm, free.

Do more. If you’re not at leisure in the day, might we suggest a three course, theatrical meal courtesy of The Great Northern Playhouse? This pop-up theatre stages a “lovingly bastardised” version of A Christmas Carol, featuring parlour games, a sharing feast and spirited trickery. 7.30pm-10pm, 1-19 Dec, The Great Northern Playhouse, £35 or £30pp for groups of 10 or more.