pic: Sport4Women

This Sunday, January 20, Sport4Women have organised a free women-only event at Mile End leisure centre in Tower Hamlets.

The centre will offer a range of sports including badminton, netball, athletics and Brazilian dance to all women over the age of 16. The sports will run from 1pm until 5pm.

Katie Ellis, Sport4Women Coordinator, said: “This year is interesting because alongside the usual sports, we are offering cricket and rounders taster sessions.

“Because of the location of the leisure centre, the event is targeted at women in Tower Hamlets, but it is open to women from any area”.

Ellis added: “It’s a free activity. We want women to use this to build the confidence to go to other sports activities.

“Women can wear what they want, in a women-only environment, with trained female instructors, so we are hoping women from all ethnicities and backgrounds will take part.”

pic: Sport4Women

The event is designed to encourage more women to partake in sports events and lead a healthy lifestyle. Sport4Women wants to encourage women of all abilities to attend the coached and casual sports sessions.

A resident of Tower Hamlets said: “I will definitely be taking part on Sunday. I feel much more confident knowing it is just for women.

“I know a lot of women who are planning to come along, so it should be a really fun and social event.”

The Sports4Women events are part of the nationwide Sport England campaign to get more people involved with sport. This free event has been funded by sports charity, London Tigers.

For more information contact: sport4women@gll.org

pic: Sport4Women

We still have a couple of weeks’ respite until the tinsel and baubles really take over, and this week we have some great events to pass the long winter evenings before the mistletoe arrives. Console geeks, vintage fashion fiends and those with a taste for fiery food are all well served, but people of a more reflective nature will also find something for them at the Broadway Bookshop. Don’t forget, if there’s an event you would like us to know about tweet @ELL_events!

Carbon Dating

November 13 – December 1

Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, Brockley SE4 2DH

How many dates does it take to find The One? Audiences are invited to join 12 individuals looking for love in Ron Elisha’s new comedy at the Jack Studio Theatre. Described as ‘the perfect antidote to the Christmas run up’, the work looks at the hilarious – and often excruciating – consequences of messing up that all-important first date.

The Bar of Aero

November 16 – 18, 12-7pm

The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields E1 6QL 

The Old Truman Brewery is transformed into a chocolate wonderland by the Bar of Aero this weekend. The ultimate bubble playground, it will be filled with innovative technology that will create a multi-sensory chocolate extravaganza. There will be a bubble waterfall and a peppermint scented wonderland where people can play with floating bubbles in an attempt to win prizes. 

Unskinny Bop

November 16, 9pm-2am

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42-46 Pollard Row E2 6NB

Queer club nights come and go but one reigns supreme: monthly dance party extravaganza Unskinny Bop. Going strong since 2002, UBop has created legions of devoted fans that turn up to Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club every month in search of disc dancing opportunities for ‘girls, gays and misfits’. Pay a reasonable fiver, or £3 for those with flyers, and dance the night away with a supernaturally friendly crowd to the sweet sounds of Missy Elliott, the Supremes, Le Tigre and Ike & Tina.

Pop Up Vintage Fashion Show

November 17, 11am-5pm

Old Spitalfields, 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW

The brainchild of six bloggers, businesswomen and general vintage enthusiasts, the Pop Up Vintage Fashion Show looks set to showcase the best of style from the 1930s to the 1990s. Carefully selected purveyors of vintage clothes and accessories will take to Old Spitalfields market to liven up your winter wardrobe. There will be live performances by Swing Patrol who will also be on hand to teach one and all how to lindy hop, jive and swing.

Chilli Stand Off

November 17, doors open at 11am

29-32 The Oval, Hackney E2 9DY

9 Great Chefs. 9 Great Chillies. It is up to you to taste and vote for whose is best. Drinks from the Milk & Honey festival bar as well as live music, DJs and Gelupo ice cream. Tickets include all the chillies, two Texan beers, a tequila cocktail and some Tweat Up surprises on the day. The winner will be announced at 8pm.

Once Upon a Console

November 21, 7:30pm

Hackney Attic, Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, Hackney E8 1HE

Once Upon A Console is licenced to thrill. Skyfall has given everyone James Bond fever and it is 50 years since the suave sociopath on her Majesty’s secret service appeared on cinema screens. So prepared to be pitted against each other – spy vs. spy style, in the greatest Bond game ever created; Goldeneye on the N64. They will have a killer selection of retro games from the pixel-past with a bit of a shaken martini flavour including James Pond, Duckhunt and Confidential Mission in the light-gun arcade.

]]> http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2012/11/pick-of-the-line-november16/feed/ 0 http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2012/11/our-pick-of-whats-on-in-the-east-november-2-november-9/ http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2012/11/our-pick-of-whats-on-in-the-east-november-2-november-9/#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:58:18 +0000 Sophie Mahon http://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/?p=77185

Electric River. Pic: rofanator

We’re finally in November which means it’s getting close to Christmas! So don’t worry, if you’re looking to save some pennies, there is definitely something for everyone across the boroughs this week.

East London is packed full of music, comedy, theatre, film and fireworks that is sure to get you laughing, singing and ‘ooh-ing and ahh-ing!’

Friday November 2

Meet the Adebanjos Live: 4pm & 8pm, Main House, Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1Ej

Meet the Adebanjos Live is based on the award winning comedy TV Sitcom about a traditional old-fashioned dad, struggling to cope with his dysfunctional extended family.

The show is perfect for everyone aged 5 to 80 and promises non-stop laughter with singing along to musical hits. It is not to be missed!

Tickets are £15 – £25

£3 off for concessions of Students, Children and OAP – evening only.

Book here: http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/?lid=2947#book

Saturday November 3

Jongleurs Comedy Show: 6pm (Showtime 9pm), 16 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1GT

Enjoy an evening of laughter at Jongleurs Comedy Show with 4 top-class comedians: Kane Brown, Luke Toulson, Mickey Hutton and Wayne Deakin.

For £35 you can book an online package, which includes a 3-course meal, comedy and nightclub. Food, laughter and dancing… what’s not to love?

Book tickets here: http://www.jongleurs.com/show/croydon-2012-11-03-21-00-00/

Other offers may be available by contacting the Ticket Office on 08700 111 960.

Sunday November 4

Fireworks Night: 7.30pm, Barlett Park E14, Millwall Park E14 & Weavers Fields E2 (Tower Hamlets)

Tower Hamlets Council is proud to present Three Community Fireworks displays across the borough this year, which will light up the skies simultaneously in a spectacular show. So start practicing those ooh’s and ahh’s as you’re going to need them!

Admission is free and light refreshments and chairs will be available.

For more information email: festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk or call 020 7364 7900

Monday November 5

Electric River gig: 7pm, New Cross Inn, 323 New Cross Road London SE14 6AS

Make your Monday evening a little more exciting and get down to the New Cross Inn for Electric River’s upcoming gig with The Glue Ensemble, Jacob & Goliath and Eskimo Chain.

Electric River are a band with a message, but just as importantly, an energetic and fun live act. Their music fuses elements of punk with rock and pop influences so you’re in for a real treat.

Enjoy 20% off drinks before 8pm.
£3 advanced tickets available from: www.newcrossinn.com/?p=2&id=762

Tuesday November 6

Freedom of Expression: 8-11.30pm, Green Dragon, 60 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1NA

Head down to the Green Dragon because this evening promises a variety of acts as Freedom of Expression selects it’s pick of the best acoustic music, poetry, comedy and magic from around London.

Admission is free.

Wednesday November 7

EH to E8 – Sealand: 7.45pm – 9.45pm, Arcola Threatre, 24 Ashwin Street, Hackney, E8 3DL

The Arcola Theatre presents a wonderful show about a father and his son who set out to sea in search of a Utopia. Soon joined by another family, they go about raising their kids and creating their own rules.

Tickets are £14 & £12 (Concessions).

Thursday November 8

BBC Question Time Tweetalong: 8.30pm, Hackney Picture House, 270 Mare Street, London E8 1HE

Enjoy an evening of politics with a twist: All you have to do is watch BBC Question Time with a beer and Tweet about it!

Hackney Picturehouse runs a monthly live screening of the political show, where tweeting (as well as panto-style cheering and booing, and Dimbledancing to the theme music) is encouraged. With appearances from comedians and political speakers to kick things off it’s bound to be a great evening.

Tickets cost £5 / £4 concs / £3 members

Friday November 9

Film Africa 2012:  Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA

Get down to Rich Mix and celebrate African Cinema with Film Africa by watching the exciting screening of ‘Amour, Sexe et Mobylette (Love, Sex and Mopeds). The film is about the lives of people in a small village on the day before Valentines Day. It explores the search for relationships from both men and women, giving us sensitivity, warmth and humour; making it perfect for the hearts of the young and the old.

The event is free and no booking is required, although spaces may be limited.

The film is rated PG12.

Pic: Pedro J.Ferreira

It’s all going on in the East end this week. Whether you want to laugh, shop or chill out somewhere different there’s plenty to do across the boroughs.

Whether you want to splash the cash or keep your leave your purse at home there’s something for everyone!

Thursday, October 25

This is How We Do It: 7.30pm, Passing Clouds, Richmond Road, Hackney, E8 4AA.

A live band with host; conga master Williams Cumberbache will definitely get you moving this Thursday at Passing Clouds’ weekly Afro-Latin jam session. Dance the night away or just chill with a drink at this arts and music venue in preparation for the weekend.

Friday, October 26

Diane Abbot comes to Goldsmiths: 10.10am- 7pm, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, New Cross, SE14 6NW.

In celebration of Diane Abbot’s twenty five years as an MP, DR Deirdre Osborne from Goldsmiths’ department of Theatre and Performance has organised a daylong itinerary.  From live performances, panel debates and a celebratory toast, there is bound to be something you can get involved in to acknowledge the first black, female MP’s accomplishments.

A scheduled plan for the day can be found at http://www.gold.ac.uk/calendar/?id=5847

Saturday, October 27

The Long march to equality; Treasures of the Womens Library:  10am-4pm, The Women’s Library, Old Castle Street, Tower Hamlets, E1 7NT.

This wonderful new exhibition tells the story of how the past women of Britain fought hard for equal rights. The collection spans across four hundred years of history and picks out iconic moments the ladies should be proud of. Audio guides recorded by some of the most famous of British voices can accompany you throughout this free exhibition, so why not go along and learn the story of what these heroes of the past did for the women of today.

The exhibition will be on display until the end of the year at least.

Sunday, October 28

Sample sale: 12pm-6pm, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Hackney, E1 6QL.

You can grab a designer bargain this Sunday at the Old Truman Brewery where discounts up to 90% are promised. Whether you’re looking for Stella McCartney heels or Chloe coats, samples, discontinued lines and clearance stock are on offer from top London designers, retailers and agents.  Winter is creeping up on us so why not make a start on your new winter wardrobe?

Monday, October 29

Croydon Folk Club; Folk, Blues and World Music: 8pm, £3, Ruskin House, Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0 1BD.

For a chilled out night before the Halloween and Bonfire antics begin go along to the Croydon Folk Club to enjoy some music you wont really find in the clubs. Take a break from booty shaking and chillax to the sound of the blues.

Tuesday, October 30

New Cross Comedy Club: 8pm, £5, London Theatre, 443 New Cross Road, Lewisham, SE14 6TA.

Jokes-a-plenty will be fired at you at this quirky little fringe theatre located in New Cross. MC Tony Maresse, Harry Denford and Liam Smith are just some of the names that will be trying to get you falling out of your seats with laughter. A cheap and local night out is just what is needed on a Tuesday to beat those beginning of the week blues when you’re just wishing the weekend to come around again!

Wednesday, October 31

Halloween! 5pm-8.30pm, Devonshire Road Nature Reserve, Lewisham, SE23 3TQ.

It’s set to be a spooky night this 31^st at Devonshire Road Nature Reserve where usually all is calm. All ages are invited to go along and enjoy the live music, food and drink and the Halloween activities on offer. Carving pumpkins is a must at Halloween so let your inner demon out and get involved!

Thursday, November 1

Alfresco Shopping Weekend: Croydon Town Centre, Croydon, CR9 1SX

Croydon town centre will come alive next weekend with an array of goods to buy. Whether its fresh produce, clothing, crafts and pieces for the home or some delicious food, they’ve got it covered. Croydon are showcasing their alfresco shopping weekends so why not go down and enjoy some street entertainment and some tasty food; after all that is what alfresco is all about.

Pic: The Great Debate

From Afro Beats dance to the Great Debate, there is a range of events across our boroughs this week that will stimulate the body and the mind.

October 18th to October 20th: CROxjam music festival

CROxjam is apart of the nationwide music event Oxjam. It takes place annually to raise money for Oxfam.

The event will be happening in music venue across Croydon across three days.

Not only will be able to see a range of music acts it also at a low price with prices ranging from £2 to £5.

Website: http://www.croxjam.com/

October 19th:  The Story of Lover’s Rock film screening

The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG

The Albany Theatre in Deptford will be screening documentary ‘The Story of Lover’s Rock’ by director Menelik Shabazz.

The film focuses on the impact how Lover’s Rock, a sub genre of Reggae, impacted the UK music scene in the 1970s and 1980s.

The evening will be presented by singer and actor Victor Romero Evans and will also feature a range of live performance artists.

Tickets: £10-12

October 21st: Lexus Croydon 10k Run

Lloyd Park Avenue, Croydon, CR0 5SA

Athletic promotions company Nice Work and the Croydon Harriers running club have organised the Lexus sponsored Croydon 10k run.

The race will see 600 runners of all standards set off from Lloyd Park Avenue.

There will also be a 3k fun run for younger runners aged between 9 to 14 years old.

Website: http://www.nice-work.org.uk/events.php?id=41

October 22nd: The Great Debate 2012

Goldsmiths, Lewisham Way, New Cross, New Academic Building, SE14 6NW

The annual Great Debate tour will be arriving at Goldsmiths.

The debate focuses on issues such as employment, crime, discrimination, race equality and education.

It also looks at the issues that effect black and ethnic minority university students across the UK.

Website: http://www.goldsmithssu.org/news/index.php?page=article&news_id=345603

October 23^rd: Canary Wharf Comedy Club.

East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5NX

The Canary Wharf comedy club returns with host Australian comedian, Damo Clark.

The lineup includes Ria Lina, Phil Nichol and Carey Marx. Irish comic Neil Delamere will be headlining, who has been described as one of the top acts in the Irish comedy scene today.

Doors open at 6.30pm, show stars 7.15pm

Tickets, £12, available from: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=530837 or call 0844 847 2268.

October 24^th: Afro Beats Dance

Stoke Newington Library, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JS

Take part in Afro Beats dance at Stoke Newington Library, this event is apart of Hackney Council’s Black History Month celebrations

Afro Beats is a very popular music genre originally from Africa, it has now been gaining a following the UK urban music scene.

The event will begin from 4pm to 7pm and is open to people from age 8.

No booking required.

October 25^th: HBV Enterprise Centre: ‘Starting a Business’ Workshop- Running a Successful Business’

HBV Enterprise Centre,34-38 Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8 3AZ

HBV Enterprise, an Enterprise Education Charity based in Hackney, will be hosting a workshop on how to run a successful business, focusing on the practicalities of prioritising your time and being able to sustain a business, what skills do you and your business need to grow.

The workshop is free to Hackney residents and businesses from 10.00 am to 12.00pm.

Website: http://www.hbv.org.uk/startupevents.html

Black History Month events and Goldsmiths Open Day are highlights of the week. With  film screenings, talks and exhibitions to fill the middle of October.

October 11 – October 21

56^th London BFI Film Festival Screenings at Richmix

35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA

The BFI London Film festival has been a staple of creative living in the city for over 50 years and now Richmix in Shoreditch will be hosting screenings featuring some widely anticipated first showings of films like ‘PUNK’ by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire , “BLOOD’ by Nick Murphy and ‘Seven Psychopaths’ by Colin Farrell

Price: Varies

Website: http://www.bfi.org.uk/lff

10 October – 14 October

Songs of Migration – Hugh Masekela

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ

Hugh Masekela focuses his creative energies on the Hackney Empire in an extravagant Jazz gig that brings together a multi-talented group of musicians, artists and dancers from across Africa and the diaspora. Featuring the likes of Joseph Shabalala, Sibongile Khumalo and Miriam Makeba to name a few. This promises to be an extremely powerful four days of performances.

Price: £10-£29.50

Website: http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/2820/shows/songs-of-migration.html

Saturday October 13

Goldsmiths Open Day

Goldsmiths University Of London, Lewisham Way, London, SE14 6NW

A call to all wannabe students from London and beyond. Our very own Goldsmiths opens it’s doors this coming Saturday for its Open Day, welcoming all prospective applicants for a showing of all things Goldsmiths! You can tour the campus, meet academic staff and ask questions. A great way to jump right into your future, right now!

Price: Free

Website: http://www.gold.ac.uk/opendays/

Tuesday October 16

Jamaica’s 50^th Anniversary: Reflection of the Past 50 years

Homerton Library, Homerton High Street, Homerton, E9 6AS

A workshop to mark the 50^th Anniversary of Jamaica’s independence which will explore the greatest achievements of the Caribbean island through interactive dance and song.  The first two attendee’s will receive a free book celebrating 50 years of Jamaica’s independence.

Price: FREE

Website: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/cl-homerton-main.htm, http://www.younghackney.org/whatson/general/3224.php?rate=bad

Thursday October 18

The Bigger Picture: ‘The Help’

East Dulwich Tavern, 1 Lordship Lane, London, SE22 8EW

The Help is one of last years stand out films directed by Tate Taylor,. Set in Mississippi during the 1960’s, a Southern Society girl embarks on a writing career that develops into a story of the treatment of black people, focusing on the maids of white families. A heartfelt tale based on the book of the same name and featuring stand out performances from Viola Davis and Oscar winning Octavia Spencer.

Price: £7 (Limited Tickets, be quick)

Website: http://www.thebiggerpic.co.uk/#/the-help/4566645089

Jackson – Live in Concert (Friday, October 5)

The Broadway Theatre, Catford, London, SE6 4RU

To coincide with Black History Month, the Broadway Theatre is staging the return of Amir Sharma’s portrayal of the late Michael Jackson in his prime. Joined by a cadre of dancers, singers and support musicians, Sharma’s set will be about the next best thing to actually dying and getting a private gig from the King of Pop in the afterlife. There are still some places available, so book fast if you want in.

Cost: £12/£18
Booking Information: http://broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873481995/events

AFROVIBES Festival (Saturday and Sunday, October 7)

The Albany Centre and Theatre, Deptford

The last two nights of this contemporary theatre, dance and music festival. On Saturday, they’ll be showing And The Girls In Their Sunday Dresses, a play about two women meeting in a queue for rice – fresh down from the Edinburgh Fringe and described as “a female Waiting for Godot”. On Sunday the Sibikwa African Indigenous Orchestra plunge into “a lively exchange of rhythms and beats” with the audience. That’s a selection; click here to browse the full brochure.

Cost: Varies

Booking information:
Contact: Box Office
Tel: 020 8692 4446
Website: http://www.thealbany.org.uk

Guided History Walk (Saturday, October 6)

Hackney Town Hall to Dalston CLR James Library

This time-bending amble round Hackney’s historic streets will explore the history of African-Caribbean life in the borough, including ill-fated Grenadian prime minister Maurice Bishop, the heritage of Dalston, and, of course, the library’s namesake Councillor James (it’s actually Cyril Lionel Robert, famous historian of the Haitan Revolution, first black author to have a novel published in the UK).

Cost: Free

Booking information: contact the Hackney Leisure & Physical Activity Team on 020 8356 4897 / darren.english@hackney.gov.uk

Open The Gate Circus (Sunday, October 7)

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, City of London, London, Greater London E1 6LA

Open the Gate, a hub organisation for art and culture to do with the African diaspora, is putting on a full day and night of events. In the afternoon is The African Market, an arts and crafts family fair; in the evening, Africa’s Cowfoot!!! (exclamation marks included) is a vibrant cabaret night of live music and traditional storytelling.

Cost: African Market: FREE, Africa’s Cow Foot: £10, £7 advance.

Time: ‘African Market’ 12pm – 7pm, ‘Africa’s Cows Foot’ 8pm.

More information:

http://www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk/?guide=events&cat=3&cid=48218

Beyond a Boundary exhibition (all week)

C.L.R. James Library, Dalston Square, 60 Roseberry Place, Hackney, Greater London E8 3

Remember C.L.R. James? You should do – we only mentioned him a few paragraphs ago. Apart from being a famous Marxist historian and not a councillor of any kind, James also wrote ‘Beyond the Boundary’ – widely recognised as one of the best books ever written abut cricket. For James the game was pregnant with meaning – an entertainment and relic of empire that could also be a site for colonised nations to establish their independence and bolster national pride. This exhibition explores the involvement of black people in cricket in the East End.

During library open hours

Cost: free

More information: http://www.hackney.gov.uk/dalston-library.htm

Black Leadership and Democracy talk (Tuesday, October 9)

Hackney Central Library, Technology and Learning, Centre, 1 Reading Lane,, London E8 1GQ

Tony Warner, a management consultant specialising in diversity, leads this review of “charismatc and inspiring black leaders” across the world. The session will focus on those who were great but forgotten, rather than “the usual suspects” (King, Mandela, Obama and so forth).

Cost: free

6.00pm – 7.30pm

50 UP: Spoken Word and Open Mic with Inspired Word (Thursday, October 11)

Lewisham Library, 199-201 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London SE13 6LG

The Inspired Word is a Lewisham creative writing collective that will be presenting its own take on a spate of impending Caribbean independence. Expect rapid-fire spoken word and a chance to show off your own skills too.

Cost: Free

More Information: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/events/diary/Pages/Event-detail.aspx?eventid=c35e8049-82e0-e111-ab8f-00155d0c2101&source=%2finmyarea%2farts%2fYour-local-arts%2fPages%2fLiterature-and-spoken-word.aspx

Pic: Subcity Radio

This week we bring you a fresher’s week special of Pick of the Line. Apologies to our regular readers if this makes them feel old (or simply grumpy) – normal service will resume next week. We’ve collated events from across the University of London family and London Met, including the Goldsmiths and Queen Mary student unions (GMSU and QMSU respectively) as well as the central University one (ULU). Because there are just so many things going on, the list will be in concise bullet-pointed form. Feel free to tweet or email us suggestions!

See here for our interactive maps of venues, pubs, eateries and, er, supermarkets across Hackney, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets.

Friday, Sep 28

• University of London welcome party. Big ULU freshers’ blow-out over three bars and one huge dancefloor. Free entry before 10am, £1 after (The Venue, ULU Building, Malet Street central)
•  Goldsmiths SU Film Night. Showing Juno, a film which you shouldn’t emulate but which is quite funny. Free entry (GMSU, 7pm)
• Soap. Brand new club night at Goldsmiths, promising “neon hall walls” (which sounds like something out of Judge Dredd). Free entry (GMSU Stretch Bar)
  
• Futuristic. Forward-looking club night. Come dressed as you think you will be in 20 years’ time. Tickets £3 (QMSU Griff Inn, 9pm – 2am)
• Xperience Skool Disko. Opposite of Futuristic. The traditionally inappropriate club night. Tickers £4 (QMSU Drapers Bar, 9pm – 2am)
• Metbook. Social networking themed club night @ London Met. Prizes for best tweets. We don’t enter, so as to keep it a level playing field. £3 entry, £2 Metcard (The Rocket Complex, London Met, Holloway Road campus, 9pm – 2am)

Saturday, Sep 29

• Goldsmiths SU Film Night. Showing Kill Bill, a film which you also definitely shouldn’t emulate. Free entry (GMSU, 1pm)
• New X-Ing Performance Relay. Three week festival kicks off with poetry and music on a stage outside the library. This is family day, Sunday is dance day. Free entry as ‘entry’ is inappropriate word (2pm onwards daily)

Monday, Oct 1

• The Exhange. Mass drinking game involving giant screens showing ‘stocks’ which go up and down depending on what people are buying. Free entry (The Rocket Complex, London Met, Holloway Road campus, 9pm – 2am)
• Mondays Calling. Late night bar with free entry and live DJs. (QMSU Drapers Bar, 8pm – 2am)

Tuesday, Oct 2

• Rock and Roll Bingo. Quiz night with prizes for identifying snatches of song. £1 per player (QMSU Drapers Bar, 7pm – 9:30pm)
• Roller Disco. Dangerous-sounding ULU welcome event. Skate hire included. £3 per hour session (The Venue, ULU Building, Malet Street central)
  
• Freshers’ Ball Boat Party. QM hires out a giant boat on the Thames. Strictly formal dress code. Tickets £21 (Tower Pier EC3 near Tower Bridge, 8:30pm – 1am)
• Met Comedy Night. Madcap musical comedy involving student acts. £2 entry, £1 Metcard (The Rocket Complex, London Met, Holloway Road campus, 9pm – 2am)

Wednesday, Oct 3

• UEFA Live. Watch the footie at ULU with an open bar until 11pm. (The Venue, ULU Building, Malet Street central)
  
• Flirt! Angels and devils themed club night with prizes for the best costumes. £3 entry, £2 Metcard (The Rocket Complex, London Met, Holloway Road campus, 9pm – 2am)

Thursday, Oct 4

• Live Comedy Night. Laffs-a-plenty-TM at the ULU building in central London. Free entry but limited space. (The Venue, ULU Building, Malet Street central)
  
• Rockaoke. Gig with backing tracks only. You have to provide the rest. £2 entry, £1 Metcard (The Rocket Complex, London Met, Holloway Road campus, 9pm – 2am)

Pic: Iain Farrell

This week there are events to exercise your faculties, from the intellectual to aesthetic to the highly physical. Whether you lie at the A.J. Ayer or the Mike Tyson end of that spectrum (or span it like a superhuman!) there should be something to tickle your fancy in one of our boroughs. Don’t forget to check out the Regent’s Canal opera, which we reported on a couple of weeks ago, when it swings by Mile End on Sunday.

Saturday 21 – Saturday 23

London Art Book Fair, Whitechapel Gallery

7-82 Whitechapel High Street Whitechapel, London E1 7QX

In this time of smartphones, Kindles, and, er, online journalism, it’s easy to think of words as just content we download. But London’s fourth annual Art Book Fair is sure to be stuffed to the gills with beautiful tomes, volumes, coffee-table behemonths and razor-slim zines. Browse the best art, architecture and design books at the Arts Book Prize, whose shortlist will be announced on the opening night, or pick up the latest issue of the London Bookshop Map.

Prices vary; see programme for details

http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/book-fair/the-london-art-book-fair/2012/2012-events

Saturday 22 – Sunday 23

London Triathlon, ExCel Centre

ExCeL, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL

Competitors in the Virgin Active London Triathlon will race, swim and cycle its way around the Victoria and Royal Albert Docks this weekend. The sprint distance competitions will take place from 11am on Saturday 22, and olympic distance competitions from 6:30 am on Sunday. It’s too late to enter, but if you go down to spectate you can enjoy the race as well as the Triathlon Expo.

Admission Free

http://www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk/LTspectators.html

Sunday 23

West Croydon Carnival of Cultures

London Road, Croydon

Russian dancers! Bollywood routines! African drummers! Lidl car-park…? The Carnival of Cultures, created by the West Croydon Community Forum as a way to bring people together on London Road after the devastation of last year’s riots, has been gathering steam all week and is kicking off this Sunday. They’re still looking for volunteers and if you get in touch quickly you might just be able to get a stall.

Admission free

http://westcroydonforum.wordpress.com/

Thursday 27

NO MANICHINO, Enclave Gallery

Enclave, Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT

Francis Thorburn is a local artist whose ouvre is fairly, well, unique. Crowds of muscled, sweaty men, half-naked like rejects from an audition for Frank Miller’s 300, collectively powering giant junk machines in what the Enclave Gallery calls “anarchist statements of resistance and action…organised without permission.” Here, Thorburn presents a series of sculptures and films elaborating on his playful fusion of “pub banter” and laddish aggression with self-depreciating silliness and communal solidarity.

http://enclaveprojects.com/

Christopher Marlowe emerges in New Cross. Pic: Ewan Munro; Laurence Dodds

The East London overground line is an audiovisual smorgasbord this week, or perhaps more of a sushi conveyor belt; along its length you’ll find immersive screenings of classic sci-fi flicks, histories of animation, co-operative opera and a classic of the pre-Shakespearian playhouse. Immerse yourself in the theatric, the cinematic, the operatic…there’s a market on at Lewisham Shopping Centre on Saturday too.

Saturday, September 15, 7:30 pm

The Vanishing Point

120 Deptford High Street, Lewisham, SE8 4NS

The immersive cinema company based in Deptford will be organising a spacey screening of classic 70s movie Silent Running, described by critic Mark Kermode as “one of the greatest sci-fi films ever.” This tale of a far-future gardener who hijacks a spaceship carrying the last plant and animal life of a now-scorched earth will be accompanied by special guests, interaction with ‘crew members’, a “blast off bar” and rooftop seating. Bring cushions and a tinfoil robot costume (or wear tie-die, apparently).

Admissions: £10 on the door
www.thevanishingpoint.org.uk

Sunday, September 16, 7:30 pm

A Voyage Through Animation

The Yard Theatre, Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN

Take a tumble through the trippy history of the living line in Hackney Wick, where the Yard Theatre is showcasing 90 years of animation. The films will be accompanied by a live score by The Cabinet of Living Cinema, and will include specially commissioned pieces for the occasion, including a piece of ‘live animation’, however on earth that works.

Tickets £9, or £7 for Whirlygig Cinema badge-holders

http://whirlygigcinema.com/events/voyage-through-animation/

Tuesday, September 18 – Wednesday 19, 7:30 pm

Doctor Faustus

The London Theatre, 443 New Cross Road, New Cross ,SE14, 6TA

Not far from where Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe got stabbed in the eye over a bar bill in 1590s Deptford (or, legend has it, faked his death), Venture Wolf are staging a production of his seminal Doctor Faustus, the lurid tale of a restless scholar who, like the Very Hungry Catarpillar, has exhausted all the fruits of the world but still wants more. Unlike the Catarpillar, however, he signs his soul away to a devil in exchange for ultimate power and infinite knowledge. Suffice it to say things go downhill from there.
Time: 8pm doors 7:30pm
Price: £12

http://venturewolf.yolasite.com/

Thursday, September 20, 7:45 pm

Hansel and Gretel

Ashcroft Theatre, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane  Croydon CR9

The Co-Opera Company’s mission is to support and train up-and-coming opera singers and musicians so they can earn while they learn alongside seasoned professionals – and get a foot in the door of the presumably cut-throat world of opera. Now, they’re doing an English translation of Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel (that’d be Humperdinck the 19th-century German composer, not Humperdinck the second-worst singer in this year’s Eurovision). Come along to Croydon’s Ashcroft Theatre to experience a fully-realised, fully-scored proper thoroughgoing opera.

http://www.co-opera-co.org/html/hansel_and_gretel.html