Our pick of top events to help you make the most of you weekend...
Dry January Takeover
The Bloomsbury Club welcomes Seedlip for a Dry January takeover. Proving that fun can still be had following the indulgent Christmas break, visitors will enjoy a tempting and exclusive Dry January cocktail menu, paired with a selection of bespoke club bites.
The Bloomsbury Club, 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN, Friday, January 13, to Sunday, January 15. Details: 020 7347 1222
Nordic Matters Opening Weekend
Be here for the very beginning of the Southbank Festival’s Nordic year. Their weekend of fika and fun for all ages features folk music, storytelling and a mass cinnamon bun bake-off. Come to a Learning through Play workshop hosted by the LEGO® team and hear about Nordic mythology with Icelandic writer and lyricist Sjón, and get advice on sustainable food preservation from Nordic chefs.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, Friday, January 13, to Sunday, January 15. Details: 020 7960 4200
London International Mime Festival
Among a host of premieres and artists new to the festival, some of visual theatre’s most admired names will return for this special year, including acrobat-genius Mathurin Bolze (Cie MPTA), Charleroi Danses’ Kiss & Cry and Mossoux Bonté, German Mask-theatre experts Familie Flöz, and Gandini Juggling with a hugely expanded version of its glorious Pina Bausch tribute, Smashed. Elsewhere there’s surrealist Greek glam live art, manga-inspired drama from Italy, and extraordinary object theatre exploring neuroscience, exile, arson and the Shakespeare authorship debate. Plus much more!
Various locations, London, until Saturday, February 4. Details: 020 7637 5661, mimelondon.com
Jack and the Beanstalk
Chaos breaks loose in this madcap pantomime, where the set doesn’t work, the hero has an allergy to custard pies and some of the actors seem to think they’re in another show altogether. Help (or hinder) the Narrator as they try to keep order, meet Sore the pantomime horse who should really have been a cow, and travel with Jack up the Beanstalk to face danger, excitement and, er, a giant that doesn’t quite measure up.
Welsh Church Hall, 879 High Road, E11 1HR, Friday, January 13, to Saturday, January 14, and Friday, January 20, to Saturday, January 21. Details: 020 8504 3872, woodhouseplayers.co.uk
Big Girls Don’t Cry
Celebrating the sublime harmonies of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. With hits such as Walk Like a Man, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don’t Cry, you will experience the iconic sounds that propelled Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons into super stardom during the 60s and 70s as they sold an incredible 100million records worldwide.
Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, January 15 and Monday, January 16, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333
Money For Nothing
Money for Nothing is Europe’s premier tribute to Dire Straits. They have performed all over the world, and have studied Dire Straits in great depth. Fronting the band is brilliant guitarist and Mark Knopfler sound-alike Aled Williams, and the line-up features top-class and experienced musicians. Featuring all the hits from their first ever single, Sultans of Swing through to Brothers in Arms, Money For Nothing is a must-see for any rock enthusiast or Dire Straits fan.
Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, January 14, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505
Jah Shaka Soundsystem
The 1st Jah Shaka Soundsystem session for 2017 is this Saturday. The King Of Sounds, the mighty Zulu Warrior will be playing roots, rock and reggae music until 6am.
Caribbean Edge, 117 Bruce Grove, Tottenham, Saturday, January 14, 11pm. Details: 020 8801 6966
Buddhist Centre Open Day
On these stimulating and lively days you’ll get a taste of what goes on at the London Buddhist Centre. Find out about Buddhism, learn to meditate and try a taster session in Breathing Space, a project offering mindfulness for wellbeing.
51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, Sunday, January 15. Details: 020 8981 1225, lbc.org.uk
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