What's on in East London and West Essex this weekend, 12th and 13th October, 2019

Rock For Heroes

Rock for Heroes is back on the road for 2019, bringing the perfect combination of your favourite rock and pop artists, fundraising in support of Help for Heroes. Expect songs from Queen, David Bowie, Van Halen, Bon Jovi and more.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, October 12, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

The Adele Songbook

This is a stunning live concert performance, celebrating the music of one of our generation’s finest singer-songwriters. Hand-picked by Adele herself, the outstanding Katie Markham leads a super-talented six piece band through all your favourite Adele hits, including Chasing Pavements, Someone Like You, Hello, Rolling In The Deep, Skyfall and many more.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, October 12, 7.30pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

The Elvis Years

Join Mario Kombou, an all-star band and award-winning singers for an unforgettable journey through over 50 of Elvis’s hit songs. With nostalgic film footage, and over 12 costume changes, this glittering two-hour production includes classic hits such as Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, and many more.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, October 13, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Abbamania

Europe’s leading ABBA tribute continues to entertain audiences with their outstanding vocals and musical performance live on stage. The show features record-breaking and timeless hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Sunday, October 13, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

The Music of the Bee Gees

Prepare to experience the distinct sound of one the greatest bands to have ever graced the stage in this unforgettable concert spectacular. Immerse yourself in the brothers’ music through the 60s, 70s and 80s – including Night Fever, Stayin’ Alive, You Should Be Dancing, Jive Talkin’, Grease, and many more.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, October 13, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Daughterhood

One sister stayed at home to care for dad, the other set out to ‘make a difference’. Reunited under their childhood roof, Pauline and Rachel unearth more than the 10 years between them. It’s a huge gap. Almost insurmountable. And each is determined to let the other know exactly who has done things right. Daughterhood is a beautiful, ferocious play about the bonds that tie us, and how we sometimes need to break them.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Thursday, October 10, to Saturday, October 26, various times. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

On the Other Hand, We’re Happy

A single dad meets his adopted daughter for the first time. Then he agrees to meet her birth mother. When their two worlds collide, will what they have in common outweigh their differences? A one-off meeting, but three lives will be changed forever.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Friday, October 11, to Saturday, October 26, various times. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

Dexter and Winter’s Detective Agency

When Dexter’s mum is sent to jail for getting mixed up in a jewellery robbery, it’s up to Dexter and his best friend Winter to get her out. On their journey to uncover the truth, their detective work leads them to some surprising discoveries.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Saturday, October 12, to Saturday, October 26, various times. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

Outer Limits: Southend

A weekend festival of words celebrating the Essex creative scene. Featuring scratch, theatre, poetry, storytelling, spoken word, music, panels, talks and creative minglings

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Lysistrata

A new version of the Greek classic play adapted by world-famous feminist author Germaine Greer. The ancient world is gripped by a long and futile war. While the men are at war the women of Athens can take no more. Lysistrata, the heroine, persuades the women to refuse to give their husbands sex until they negotiate peace. Imagine Carry on Up the Acropolis with a politically thoughtful battle of the sexes and you’re halfway there.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Thursday, October 10, to Saturday, October 12, 8pm. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Surrounded! Comedy in 360 Degrees

Watch some of the greatest up-and-coming comedians make themselves dizzy as they perform in ROUNDABOUT. Master of ceremonies Sam Russell warms us up in the first half joined by the always wonderful improv stylings of Shoot From the Hip. After the interval, three acclaimed stand-up comedians – Konstantin Kisin, Yuriko Kotani and Nigel Ng – have been selected for your viewing pleasure.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Saturday, October 12, 9pm. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com

The Knitting and Stitching Show

Thousands of visitors attend this iconic show each year, ranging from complete beginners through to seasoned crafters, to see the hundreds of exhibitors selling essential supplies including yarn, fabric, buttons, fat quarters, sewing machines and more. You’ll also find inspiring textile displays from leading textile artists and groups. Want to learn something new? Take part in one of the hundreds of workshop available, or visit The Creative Living Theatre with free demonstrations from some of the country’s best leading craft presenters.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Thursday, October 10, to Sunday, October 13, from 9.30am. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

New Scientist Live

New Scientist Live is an award-winning, mind-blowing festival of ideas and discoveries for everyone curious about science and why it matters. For four days in October, it transforms London into the most exciting place in the universe. New Scientist Live brings science to life with over 120 engaging talks and over 150 interactive experiences.

ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL, Thursday, October 10, to Sunday, October 13. Details: live.newscientist.com

Open Day

Following last year’s sell-out event Hackney Empire is once again throwing open its doors and offering you the chance to explore what goes on behind the scenes. This Grade II listed building has been home to generations of actors, musicians and artists since opening in 1901. Learn all about Hackney Empire’s rich history and the secrets that lie within - from the ghosts that haunt the boxes to the famous faces who have graced the stage.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Saturday, October 12, various times. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Open Day

Take a glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes at one of London’s most historic theatres. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, building tours, workshops, Q&As with industry professionals, raffle prizes, live entertainment and food and drink.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Saturday, October 12, from 10am. Details: 020 8534 0310 stratfordeast.com