THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2015
RACHEL WARING: HAMLET
This month a new production of Hamlet opens at The Cockpit. One could argue that everyone puts their own interpretation on such classics but it sounds as though English Repertory Theatre's version, directed by Gavin Davis, goes further than most, taking a comical approach to the well known tragedy, and also casting a woman in the primary role.

Like anyone with any sense, I am an ardent fan of the tragicomic, so was naturally interested in finding out more about the show. I sent some questions over to Rachel Waring, the young actor taking on the part of Hamlet. You can read the interview here.

English Repertory Theatre's production of 'Hamlet' is on at The Cockpit from 17 Feb until 15 March. See this page here for more info and tickets.



BERTRAND LESCA: ABLUTIONS
We first came across the work of FellSwoop Theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe, where they’ve achieved great success (and fab reviews from us) with shows like 'Belleville Rendezvous' and 'Ablutions'. When I heard that the latter show would be heading to Soho Theatre this month, I immediately wanted to make sure our readers heard about it.

The company, despite being young, have already become renowned for their imaginative productions. This piece is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt, and has been devised through a collaborative process involving the performers and the play’s director. I spoke to said director, Bertrand Lesca, to find out more about it. You can read the interview here.

'Ablutions' is on at Soho Theatre until 22 Feb, see this page here for info and tickets.
FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2015>>
COMEDY: Dane Baptiste - Citizen Dane | Soho Theatre | 13-14 Feb (pictured)
Nominated for Best Newcomer at last year's Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Dane Baptiste brings his debut hour-long show back to the Soho Theatre for two more nights following an acclaimed January run. In it he aims to answer the question, 'Is there a place for Citizen Dane?' Details and tickets here.

DANCE: Wayne McGregor - Atomos | Sadler's Wells | 13-14 Feb

Contemporary choreographer Wayne McGregor's 'Atomos' returns to Sadler's Wells, where it had its world premiere in 2013, for two performances. Amongst various collaborators on the show, gloomy neo-classical duo A Winged Victory For The Sullen provide a live score. Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: White Heat Club | The Lexington | 13 Feb
Its former home Madame JoJo's in Soho having been closed down last November, the popular White Heat club night has shifted over to The Lexington and from Tuesday to Friday nights. If you're looking for a mix of cool music from pop to house this Friday the thirteenth, then you're in luck. Free early entry to those who register via Facebook, £5 to everyone else. Details here.
SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2015 >>


COMEDY: David O'Doherty Has Checked Everything | Hackney Empire | 14 Feb
David Doherty has checked everything, if the title of this show is to be believed. I guess it depends on your definition of 'everything'. And his. I mean, I suppose it depends on the context. He couldn't literally check everything, could he? That would take ages. And probably couldn't be explained in an hour. Details and tickets here.

COMEDY: Luisa Omielan's Single Ladies Valentine's Ball | Islington Assembly Hall | 14 Feb (pictured)
It's Valentine's Day, aka the least romantic day of the year, so why not liven it up a bit with this, the second annual Single Ladies Valentine's Ball, organised by stand-up comedian Luisa Omielan. She will perform her solo show, 'Am I Right Ladies?!', after which there will be much partying with a DJ set from Olly Stock. "Willies are welcome, no cocks". Details and tickets here.

FESTIVAL/KIDS: Imagine Children's Festival | Southbank Centre | 9-22 Feb
Covering all your half-term needs, the Imagine Children's Festival encompasses a wide range of events covering books, music and more. Listen to talks form various authors, learn to complete a Rubik's cube in record time, check out orchestras and learn to play their instruments yourself, plus much more. Details and tickets here.
SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2015>>


MUSIC: Mica Levi & The London Sinfonietta | White Cube Gallery | 15 Feb (pictured)
Artist Christian Marclay has invited 'Under The Skin' soundtrack composer Mica Levi to perform a new composition written in response to one of his new pieces of art. And she said yes, which must be a relief. The performances will take place as part of Marclay's new exhibition at the White Cube gallery in Bermondsey, and will see her perform alongside members of the London Sinfonietta to "explore the sonorities of glass". Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: Minimalism Unwrapped - Steve Reich | King's Place & Royal Academy Of Music | 15 Feb

As part of King's Place's Minimalism Unwrapped season, you can experience two Steve Reich works live today. Sadly, for health reasons, Reich has been unable to travel to the UK to join in himself, but both will still be very much worth attending. First, in the morning at King's Place, the Carducci Quartet will perform 'Different Trains' and 'WTC 9/11', while later in the afternoon at the Royal Academy Of Music, Colin Currie will lead a performance of the incredible 'Drumming'. Details and tickets here and here.

THEATRE/KIDS: The Elves And The Shoemaker | Artsdepot | 14-18 Feb

Riding the wave of independent retail surging with the growth of the internet, Sam Lacey decides to start making shoes in his kitchen to sell online. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is no good at making shoes and no one wants to buy them. Then one night some elves sneak in through the window and turn his business around. The Stuff And Nonsense Theatre Company tells this classic tale (with added internet) with puppets, music and "surprises aplenty". Details and tickets here.
MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2015 >>
COMEDY: Sara Pascoe Vs History | Soho Theatre | 16-23 Feb (pictured)
Sara Pascoe brings her Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated show to the Soho Theatre for six nights. In it she explains how "wars, witches, Kim Jong-il and your ex" are all interlinked, through examinations of existential theory and her own romantic history. Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: BRITs Week | various venues | 16-20 Feb

The 2015 BRIT Awards ceremony isn't due to take place until 25 Feb, which you may have noticed is next week. But that doesn't mean that this week isn't BRITs Week, because it is. Specifically, it is a week in which a series of BRITs-related gigs will take place. Tonight, George Ezra hits Electric Brixton, on Tuesday (17 Feb) Royal Blood will tear up Koko in Camden, and on Friday night (20 Feb) The Charlatans will bowl over the audience at the Brooklyn Bowl under the O2 dome. Details and tickets here.

THEATRE: Inigo | White Bear Theatre | 3-28 Feb
Jonathan Moore's 'Inigo' tells the story of how Ignatius of Loyola went from rough, tough street-fightin' man to found the radical Society Of Jesus, more commonly known at The Jesuits. The play promises "an allegorical story of anyone who wants change and meets with savage opposition from any establishment". Details and tickets here.
TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2015 >>


COMEDY: Sabotage with Liam Williams, Joseph Morpurgo, Bobby Mair and Lou Sanders | Backyard Comedy Club | 17 Feb
Listen all-a y'all, it's a sabotage. Listen all-a y'all, it's a sabotage. Listen all-a y'all, it's a sabotage. Listen all-a y'all, it's a sabotage. Iiiiiiiii can't stand it, I know y... Oh, sorry. BBC Radio 4 Extra comedy show 'Sabotage' brings its live form to the Backyard Bar with sets from the very funny Liam Williams, Joseph Morpurgo, Bobby Mair and Lou Sanders. Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: Lydia Ainsworth | Sebright Arms | 17 Feb (pictured)

Lydia Ainsworth made one of last year's finest albums, 'Right From Real'. Our sister site Complete Music Update said that her songs "might fit easily into a Lynchian-level eerie silver-screen dream (or sci-fi getaway) sequence". And you can experience that live with her show at the Sebright Arms in Hackney tonight. Details and tickets here.

THEATRE: Hamlet | Cockpit Theatre | 16 Feb - 15 Mar
Following a sell out season at Oxford Castle, the English Repertory Theatre's stripped-back staging of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' comes to London's Cockpit Theatre. The performance stars Rachel Waring as the eponymous prince, who at 26 is apparently the youngest woman to ever take on the role professionally. Details and tickets here.
WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2015 >>


COMEDY: What Has The News Ever Done For Me? | Aces And Eights Bar | 18 Feb (pictured)
Comedian Grainne Maguire's monthly topic panel show returns, with another three stand-ups called upon to convince the audience why their chosen news story is the one everyone should care about. Previous nights have asked such burning questions as, 'Which is the more important of cuts to the NHS and the B*Witched reunion?' Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: Elliphant | XOYO | 18 Feb
Swedish genre-spanning singer, rapper and now iPad advert star Elliphant heads to London for a headline show at XOYO to give a taste of her debut album. An all too rare opportunity to see this up-and-coming star. Details and tickets here.

VISUAL ART/EVENTS: Regrets | Barts Pathology Museum | 18 Feb

This exhibition of Robin Lee's art made with real life hearts is on show at Barts Pathology Museum throughout February. However, this ticketed evening event will give attendees the chance to view the work alongside the artist. There will also be heart-themed food and drink (Marinated ox heart, Bloody Mary served in syringes etc) created by chef Andy Evans, plus live music. Details and tickets here.
THURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2015 >>
COMEDY: Mark Watson - Flaws | Union Chapel | 19 Feb (pictured)
A favourite of TWL sister site ThreeWeeks (and TWL, obviously), Mark Watson takes to the stage at the wonderful Union Chapel tonight with his latest show, 'Flaws'. His darkest and most personal show to date, it sees Watson go head-to-head with life and try to emerge triumphant. Details and tickets here.

EVENTS: Craft Beer Rising | Old Truman Brewery | 19-22 Feb
Beer, music and food are all on offer at this event. Mainly beer though, obviously. Part of London Beer Week, 70 breweries big and small will be providing samples of their own craft ales. On the music side, this year's headliner is Jazzie B. Details and tickets here.

MUSIC: Ja Ja Ja | The Lexington | 19 Feb
Nordic showcase night returns for its first outing of 2015. On the bill tonight are Swedish pop maker Jennie Abrahamson, Norwegian rock band Psyence Fiction, and Danish tip hop trio Mont Oliver. Details and tickets here.
 
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