What's on in East London this weekend, 5th and 6th October, 2019

Lipstick on Your Collar

Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax - you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s! From the birth of rock ‘n’ roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with over 40 hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more. Performed by a full live band, featuring some of the country's top musicians, this incredible show features excellent vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious sense of fun.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, October 5, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Pop Divas Live

Four enormously talented girls bring you up close and personal with the greatest female pop performers of today. Get ready for the best songs from all your favourite female stars in one fabulous fun-packed show. A tribute to Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna. With dazzling choreography, state-of-the-art videos and superb vocals, Pop Divas Live is the perfect pop concert experience for the little divas in your life.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, October 6, 4pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Malcolm McWatt

As the driving force behind London country-rock band The Glass Mountains, Malcolm MacWatt has already gained recognition for his powerful song-writing. But it’s as a solo performer, swapping out his telecaster for an acoustic guitar, where his story-telling comes to the fore, often with brutal clarity. He writes about love, loss, guilt and loneliness with recurring themes of home, connection and family.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Saturday, October 5, 7pm. Details: 07904 525639 lunalounge.info

The Riojas & Open Mic

The Riojas are back for one night only featuring all their classic hits with some new ones thrown into the mix. Add a dash of Open Mic supporting and it is a night not to be missed.

The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HF, Saturday, October 5, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8520 3709 coppermillpub.co.uk

Queer Tales

Inspired by letters received from the audience of the award-winning play Once a Year on Blackpool Sands, this series of very personal monologues will have you crying tears of laughter and sadness in equal measure.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, October 5, 8pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

The Silver Lake – A Winter’s Tale

The Silver Lake is, for many, Kurt Weill’s masterpiece. Closed down by the Nazi authorities in 1933 and not performed for many years, this is a piece about those who are left behind. Conducted by James Holmes, and directed by ETO’s James Conway, The Silver Lake promises to be a compelling night in the theatre, with astonishing music.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Saturday, October 5, and Monday, October 7, 7.30pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Animal Encounters

Get up close and personal with some amazing animals –everything from meerkats to mice, ferrets to frogs and snakes to spiders. This hands-on, friendly introduction will let children meet, touch and learn about animals great and small.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, October 5, 11.30am. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Jimmy Jones

Legendary stand-up comedian Jimmy Jones has confirmed his autumn return to the Harlow Playhouse for an evening of his renowned humour. Supported by fellow Essex comedian, Mickey Pugh, fans are in for a night to remember from the revered Guv’nor of stand-up comedy.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, October 5, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Cake and Bake Show

The show is brimming with all things baking, cake decorating and sugar craft. Gain insight from celebrity experts, stock your shelves with the latest baking equipment and be wowed by the spectacular cake competition and exquisite display tables, plus many more treats for your taste buds.

ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL, Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6. Details: thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk

Life and Death Matters

You are invited to join this open conversation about life, death and everything in between. People will be encouraged to share stories, experiences and ask questions, however it is equally ok to just come and drink tea and eat cake.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, October 5, 11am to 1pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

London Month of the Dead

The London Month of the Dead is a series of 42 different events investigating the capital’s relationship with its deceased residents. Events will include a private view of the Museum of London’s bone archive, taxidermy workshops, macabre walking tours, private views and a programme of talks on subjects ranging from extinction, the Egyptian book of the dead, post mortem photography, the art of the apocalypse, London's mass casualties and outcast burials to necrophilia, vampires, the folklore of evil and much more.

Various venues, Thursday, October 3, to Friday, November 1. Details: londonmonthofthedead.com

London Cocktail Week

London Cocktail Week is an enormous celebration of the capital's fantastic cocktail scene and the biggest event of its kind in the world. With £6 signature cocktails served in 300 bars across London, an entire Cocktail Village complete with 30+ pop-up bars, street food and DJs, plus pop-ups, parties and masterclasses all over town, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.

Various venues, Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 13. Details: drinkup.london