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Go shoppingFrom the latest comics to undiscovered classics, new musicals and plays to retro boat parties, there's plenty to do this month. You might think the festival season is over, but we've got literary and fashion weekends to delight you, as well as Bankside's eclectic Merge Festival – so pack away that parka and stave off the end of summer with Litro's pick of September's events.
2 to 4 September: The Vintage Fete, ‘Village Green’ at Foyles, Southbank, FREE
Celebrate 21 years of Vintage Books with a colourful weekend of circus performers, creative workshops, games and fun for book lovers of all ages. Authors appearing at the Vintage Fete include Guardian cartoonist Posy Simmonds, acclaimed food writer and urban gardener JoJo Tulloh and Rob Eastaway, author of Maths for Mums and Dads. The event is free and unticketed, no need to book. See: www.vintage-books.co.uk/events/
2 to 7 September, 4pm and 8pm: Carnival the Musical, Cockpit/Tabernacle, £6-12
Capturing the heart and soul of Notting Hill Carnival: a reluctant Carnival Queen dreams of escaping her elaborate costume and dancing through the crowds. When her world collides with a street smart hoodie, together they must dodge gangsters and seek help from Rampage DJ’s, Calypso Monarchs, and international superstars, before discovering the true meaning of Carnival – freedom. The piece premieres with five performances at The Cockpit Theatre between 2-4 September (4pm and 8pm), and then Tabernacle on 6 and 7 September (8pm). See: www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/carnival_-_the_musical
6 to 11 September, 7.30: Kiss, White Bear Theatre Kennington, prices vary
Kiss is a new play by Peter Brook Award winner Ritchie Smith. It’s you, though it might have been somebody else. You’re happy enough. Aren’t you? The long-term partner, the place to live. Then one day you meet somebody new … who turns your world upside down. And then? Then you’re in a clinic waiting for the results of your HIV test. See: www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk
10 September, 8pm: SS Atlantica, The Silver Sturgeon, Savoy Pier, £20
Prepare to step back in time as we revisit the thirties! As the sun sets over St Katharine Docks, arrive draped in your best ‘at sea formal wear’ to celebrate the event’s maiden voyage. Dance the night away immersed in decadent glamour and fine entertainment. Curving balustrades and portholes encircle an immense dance floor, lined by round tables dressed with pristine white tablecloths. Classic deck games like shuffleboard and dominoes will be on hand for those tired of dancing, while gamblers can try their hand at the roulette table. Entertainment is provided by London’s finest live bands, singers, dancers and cabaret acts, all performing in the style of the era. To book call 0207 724 1617 or see: www.ssatlantica.com
11 to 13 September: Hampstead & Highgate Literary Festival, Hampstead, £7 upwards
Join Raymond Blanc, Esther Freud, Peter Snow, Diana Athill, Martin Sixsmith, Nicholas Parsons, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Andrew Morton, Daisy Waugh, Alan Hollinghurst, Sarah Brown and many more authors and speakers at Ivy House. This year there are also workshops on offer in creative writing, poetry, genealogy, playwriting, food writing and how to get published. Book for 5 individual events priced at £7, across the three days of the Festival, and save £5. Call 020 8511 7900 to take advantage of this offer which cannot be activated online. See: www.hamhighlitfest.com
13 September to 22 October at 7pm: Constance, King’s Head Theatre Pub, £15-22.50
Olivier Award Winning company Good Night Out Presents will stage the world premiere of the only unproduced Oscar Wilde play, Constance, a drama of class and morals written after his exile and disgrace. See: www.kingsheadtheatre.com
15 September to 31 October: Merge Festival, various Bankside locations, prices vary
The Merge festival will bring together artists and performers in experimental partnerships in unusual venues and situations which draw on Bankside’s rich heritage, local identity and contemporary culture. Through a series of exhibitions, performances, events and happenings, Merge will bring art, music and theatre to Bankside. For more information contact Louise Errington on 020 7928 3998 or see: www.betterbankside.co.uk
18 September, 11am onwards: Comic Expo Ealing, Ramada Hotel, Ealing, £3
In association with Tripwire, Forbidden Planet and Ace, Comic Expo presents many prestigious guests from the world of comics including a very special DC Launch signing with Paul Cornell. See: www.fantasyevents.org
22 to 25 September: Vodafone London Fashion Weekend 2011, Somerset House
A must for anyone wanting to catch a piece of the London Fashion Week action. Buy from designer brands, such as Jaeger London, Alex Monroe and French Sole, and boutiques such as KJ’s Laundry, Designer Studio and Winter Kate who will sell pieces at up to 70% off. Check out the Vintage Comes to Fashion Weekend area by Wayne Hemingway, The Weekend Boutique and a dedicated area for Menswear. Also, Toni & Guy and Elizabeth Arden will be on hand to give tips on the season’s hottest hair and make-up trends. Contact Liv Newiss on 0207 886 3070 or liv.newiss@single-market.co.uk
23 to 25 September: Soho Literary Festival, The Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street
Soho has always been London’s Bohemia, around which staggered an impossibly talented herd of drunken and promiscuous artists, actors, writers and musicians. So it’s the ideal place in central London to hold a literary festival. Starting at 7.30pm on Friday 23rd, the programme will cover a wide spectrum of literature and the arts as well as writing workshops and cabaret evenings. See: www.soholitfest.com
25 September, 3pm: Storytails, The Drop, Stoke Newington, FREE
The Sunday afternoon literary event returns in September with readings of short stories and novel extracts from up and coming London authors you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard of. The vibe is relaxed and entry is free, so just turn up and enjoy. See: www.storytails.org
27 September, 8pm: Fitzrovia Radio Hour at the Royal Albert Hall, £13.50
After a hit run in London’s West End, a sensational national tour and a triumphant return to the Edinburgh Fringe, The Fitzrovia Radio Hour comes to the Royal Albert Hall! Step into the 1940s as a company of stiff-upper-lipped actors presents retro radio comedy for the new Millennium. “Deliciously un-PC … A collision of comedy heritage”★★★★ The Independent. See www.fitzroviaradio.co.uk
Compiled by Alex James
About Emily Cleaver
Emily Cleaver is Litro's Online Editor. She is passionate about short stories and writes, reads and reviews them. Her own stories have been published in the London Lies anthology from Arachne Press, Paraxis, .Cent, The Mechanics’ Institute Review, One Eye Grey, and Smoke magazines, performed to audiences at Liars League, Stand Up Tragedy, WritLOUD, Tales of the Decongested and Spark London and broadcasted on Resonance FM and Pagan Radio. As a former manager of one of London’s oldest second-hand bookshops, she also blogs about old and obscure books. You can read her tiny true dramas about working in a secondhand bookshop at smallplays.com and see more of her writing at emilycleaver.net.
