Future Cinema presents Shawshank Redemption. Pic: James Hope-Falkner
From the Mussel Men to the muscled wrestling all-stars, this week could prove to be rather active. Free music gigs and comedy nights are aplenty – topped up further with a heavy dose of unusual cinematic events.
Saturday, January 19, 8pm
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ
As seen on MTV Base: previous performers to have graced this brand include Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart & Chris Rock. Plus this comedy club is renowned for having launched the careers of comedians such as Babatunde, Funmbi, Eddie Kadi, Prince Abdi and Jason Patterson.
Mussel and Prosecco Heavenly Pop Up
January 18-20, 6-9pm
Fabrica 584 Dalston, E8 2AZ
Mussel Men are heading back to Dalston this weekend. They will be offering an entire kilo of Shetland mussels with ‘skinny’ frites and a bottle of prosecco, followed by either four of their finest oysters or a dessert to share. Also, anyone who beats Captain Bob in a thumb war wins a Mussel Men T-Shirt. 1,2,3,4…. You’ve got this.
Friday, January 18, 7:30pm
Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, London E8 1HE
Stand Up Tragedy is a night where people stand up and tell tragedy. They'll make you sad; they'll make you think; but they will always make you smile. Expect music, comedy, fiction, spoken word, true stories and more - all playing up to the tragic form but not always taking it seriously. The night ends not with a whimper, not with a bang, but with a cathartic sing-a-long.
Friday, January 18, 6-9pm
The Hoxton Hotel, 81 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU
Curious Duke Gallery has teamed up with Hoxton Hotel once again to bring you The Retreat. This winter escape the London crowds to find the delights of Sue Young Lee keeping watch over the lounge, and the calm of the exhibition corridor with photography from Vikram Kushwah and the Kareena Zerefos' illustrations, to name a few.
Monday, January 21, 7-10pm
The Book Club, 100-106 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH
Crowd Talks aims to create a space for design discussion between a panel and an audience, instead of a traditional speaker-led event. This first event is all about trends, opening up a conversation about the role of trend awareness in design, and why trend has become a dirty word. Crowd is aimed at everyone interested in the design world.
Gentleman Performing Live at the Shacklewell Arms
Wednesday, January 23. 8pm
Shacklewell Arms, 71 Shacklewell Lane, London, E8 2EB
Eat Your Own Ears are presenting a free show with Gentlemen at the Shacklewell Arms. Check out a teaser video from them here.
Friday, January 18, 7:30pm
The Hill Station Café, Kitto Road, London, SE14 5TY
Cinetopia combine the magic of great movies with the warm conviviality of the pub quiz and add a touch of mystery. Each Cinetopia event includes a quiz based around the theme of the film being shown plus hot food and a bar. To add extra frisson to the experience the audience do not know what the film is until they turn up. In other words, always expect the unexpected. A tragicomic masterpiece from the golden age of American independent cinema combining a razor-sharp script and a stunning central performance from a true star at the peak of his powers.
Forerunner EP Release at the New Cross Inn
Saturday, January 19, 7pm
New Cross Inn, 323A New Cross Road, SE14 6AS
A free live music gig for the release of Forerunner's second EP 'Origins'. Forerunner will be performing a headline set with all the classics, as well as the entire new EP. The show promises to be typically energetic with live music from the New Subjects, The Elevaters, and Jacko Hooper as well.
Industry #1 Global Hip Hop Festival
Saturday, January 19, 12pm-3am
The Amersham Arms, 388 New Cross Road, London, SE14 6TY
The world of hip hop unites fans and artists alike for a day of performances from MCs, DJs, graffiti artists, BBoys, and beatboxers for a full day festival. There will also be screenings of the promo for the documentary “A Story of Hip Hop Globalization” throughout the day. Line up includes Mystro, MDC, Son of Light, and more.
