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Events Listings: December 2011

December is a month of celebration. There are feasts and festivities wherever you turn, and our December issue is all about giving in to the temptation of food. In December’s Litro Listings we bring you the best and brightest of all the weird and wonderful events that a London Christmas has to offer – without leaving your wallet in too much pain. Events compiled by Alex James and Robin Stevens.

Ongoing, Christmas Market @ South Bank Centre, Queensway. Daily 11am – 8pm (10am – 10pm weekends). FREE

Enjoy a traditional German Christmas market on the banks of the Thames – shop for presents and Christmas ornaments, ride the carousel, enjoy some Gluhwein or just see the sights! For more information visit christmasmarkets.com/UK/london-southbank-christmas-market.

Ongoing, Howl’s Moving Castle @ Southwark Playhouse, Shipwright Yard SE1 2TF. 7:30pm Monday – Saturday, Tickets £16/ £14 concessions

Southwark Playhouse’s Christmas show looks like a real treat – a magical stage adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’s fantastic children’s novel. Fusing live action and pioneering projection and featuring the ever-brilliant Stephen Fry as the voice of the Narrator, it’s a cut above most Christmas family fare. For information and tickets visit southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/the-vault/howls-moving-castle.

Ongoing, Underground Film Club @ The Dorman Hub, Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road NW1 8EH. Five nights a week, adult tickets £9.90

The team behind Rooftop Film Club strike again to bring you a film experience that’s distinctly above the average. Watch cult classics on the big screen from comfy seats with the added bonus of wireless headphones. A classy and below-the-radar night out. For this week’s listings see undergroundfilmclub.com.

Ongoing, Skating @ Somerset House, The Strand. Daily, tickets from £7.50

Christmas in London wouldn’t be complete without ice skating, and there’s nowhere better to do it than in the glorious Somerset House courtyard under a rather fancy Tiffany’s tree. Skating’s open from 10am each day – or, if you’re brave enough to hit the ice after a drink or two, there are club nights that run from 8 to 11:30pm. For more information visit somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink or somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink/club-nights.

Ongoing, Cinderella @ The Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ. Six days a week, tickets from £9.50

Enjoy the glitter and kitsch of panto with the cream of this year’s crop. Expect Ugly Sisters, pumpkins, Dames and very vocal mice. For more information and tickets visit hackneyempire.co.uk/cinderella.

2^nd December onwards, A Rake’s Progress Revisited @ Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (closed 24^th-27^th). FREE

Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of London’s maddest and most marvellous sights, and this exhibition, a selection of Henry Hudson’s grand scale reinventions in plasticine of William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress sketches promises to be just as strange and delightful as its venue. For exhibition details and information about the museum visit soane.org/exhibitions.

3^rd December, The Great Christmas Pudding Race @ Covent Garden. 11am-1pm. FREE

Fancy something a bit different to start off your December? It doesn’t get weirder and more wonderful than the Great Christmas Pudding Race, in aid of Cancer Research UK. Watch people in fancy dress fighting their way through a foam-spattered obstacle course while carrying Christmas puddings. You might spot a celebrity or two and you’ll certainly have a good time. Don’t forget to donate. See: xmaspuddingrace.org.uk.

3^rd and 4^th December, The East London Design Show @ Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street EC1V 9LT. 10am – 6pm. Admissions £5/ Concessions £3

Get your Christmas shopping done early at the fantastic East London Design Show. Over 100 homeware, jewellery and product designers will be showcasing their affordable and creative pieces all weekend for you to browse at your leisure. More information at eastlondondesignshow.co.uk.

3^rd December onwards, Noises Off @ The Old Vic SE1 8NB. 7:30pm nightly except Sundays. Prices vary, but 100 £12 under-25s tickets are available for each performance

Want to have some fun at the theatre but think you’re too old for pantomime? This might be the show for you. Michael Frayn’s brilliant play-within-a-play is side-splittingly farcical, and this production (as you’d expect from the Old Vic) features some of the best British talent around, including Celia Imrie and Jamie Glenister. Should be one of the theatrical highlights of December. For information and to book tickets visit www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.

4^th December, Glogg & Art @ Debut Contemporary Gallery, 82 Westbourne Grove W2 5RT. 12pm-4pm. FREE

View artwork by Swedish artists Agnetha Sjögren and Manuela Vintilescu while you celebrate a traditional 2nd Advent with Swedish Glögg and ginger cookies. Bring friends and family and have a look at their fun limited Christmas edition of prints and a Christmas Hamper which includes a free bottle of Champagne. The Debut Contemporary website is at saloncontemporary.com.

5^th to 22^nd December, Carols for a Good Cause @ Trafalgar Square. FREE.

Trafalgar Square at night is a spectacle in itself, and with the addition of Christmas lights, a 25 foot tree courtesy of the Norwegian people and beautiful carols from some of London’s best choral groups the result is almost disgustingly festive. Sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, and it’s for a good cause. For details see london.gov.uk/carol-singing.

Saturdays until Christmas, Venn Street Market @ Venn Street, SW4. 10am-4pm. FREE

Get into the festive spirit with this open-air market near Clapham Common. An ideal place to shop for gloriously luxurious Christmas foodstuffs, from biodynamic turkeys from Jacob’s Ladder Farm to giant mince pies from Saint of Sugar. facebook.com/pages/VENN-STREET-MARKET/194850213498

7^th December, Camden Crawl Christmas Party from 6pm, Beginning @The Star of Kings, York Way N1 0AX. FREE

The Camden Crawl presents an all-night extravaganza of festive fun. Beginning with the Moshi Moshi Pub Quiz (6.45pm) and featuring Engine Earz Experiment, top notch comedians Dan Antopolski and Tiernan Douieb, with Urban Nerds DJs taking it through until midnight. And, of course, it’s all for free! Event page at facebook.com/events/234109993321620.

7^th December, The Complete Beethoven @ The Forge & Caponata, 3-7 Delancey Street NW1 7NL. Doors 6:15pm. Tickets £10/ Concessions £8

A feast for the ears as well as the stomach! Enjoy delicious Italian food at Caponata restaurant before you go on to hear beautiful Beethoven sonatas at The Forge, one of London’s most exciting small music venues. This is the third concert in a major series of eight that will feature all 35 piano sonatas composed by the great master of sonata form and three early works never before performed in a Beethoven cycle. For more information visit forgevenue.org.

Friday 9^th December, The Future Now @ Egg, 200 York Way N7 9AX. 10pm-6am. £10 B4 £12.30, £15 after; NUS free before 11pm, £7 B4 12.30, £10 after

The Future Now returns for another forward-thinking night at Egg on Friday December 9th with headliner Hannah Holland joining cutting edge talents Dexter Kane and Palace (who will be launching new single ‘Mandy/Armageddon’). Expect the best with rooms offering indie, dance, electro, UkFunky, Garage, House, Dubstep and music so fresh it hasn’t even had time to get labelled yet. Info at egglondon.net and thefuturenow.info.

From 9^th December onwards, Dickens and London Exhibition @ Museum of London, Barbican. Monday to Sunday, 10am-6pm (closed 24^th-26^th), Adults £8/Concs £6 (£7/£5 advance booking)

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens in the first major UK exhibition for over 40 years. Follow in the great man’s footsteps as you explore the relationship between Dickens and London, the city that he described as his ‘magic lantern’. Highlights include original manuscripts, paintings, photographs and even the desk and chair in which Dickens wrote many of his novels.amnesty.org.uk.

10^th and 11^th December, Ponti’s Italian Food Christmas Market @ Ponti’s Restaurant, Oxford Circus W1G 0JN. 9-6 Saturday and 10-6 Sunday. FREE

In celebration of the festive season, Ponti’s Italian Kitchen are very proud to be able to bring you Oxford Circus’s first Italian Christmas Food Market. With Amaretto, biscotti, Panettone, chocolates, ice-cream, pasta, Lavazza coffee, fine wines and much more on offer, and freshly made pastries to enjoy while you browse, you’ll be in foodie heaven. Event details can be found at facebook.com/events/288789951160202/.

19^th to 21^st December, Late Night Shopping @ Foyle’s Bookshop, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EB. 6pm – 10pm. FREE

Finish off your Christmas shopping in style at Foyles’ flagship Charing Cross store. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as you browse the fabulous selection of books on offer. For more information visit foyles.co.uk.

Events Listings: Sept 2011

From 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, edited by Alex James.

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

Literary Death Match in London. Photograph taken by Ben Meadows

American Todd Z. has lit up London’s spoken word scene with Literary Death Match events. We spoke to him to find out why the night is so successful, and what to expect if you attend.

Not everyone likes spoken word nights, but tell someone you want to take them to a death match and well well well, aren’t they interested now? Opium Magazine and Todd Z. have taken the Literary Death Match from America, across Europe to Britain, giving spoken word a new twist and a wider audience.

There’s a passion and enthusiasm that Todd Z. passes onto the crowd. This could well be down to the whole aim of the night, which Todd Z. describes as: “At the start, we wanted to create a literary night that was surprising, wild and just plain fun — where the audience didn’t get bored and dreaded hearing one more reader (because the last one went excruciatingly long). There are lots of moving parts with LDM, but they’re all in place for a specific reason: to bring a feeling of euphoria.”

The nights, mainly compered by Todd Z, consist of a number of contestants that are paired off in true gladiatorial battle form and given the opportunity to showcase their work, whether it be fiction, non-fiction or poetry. The aim is to get the crowd and the judges on their side, using not only the words on the page but personality, maybe even props, and a hunger to be remembered as one of the epic soldiers of the pen that took on the LDM and won, even if they do leave with a few scars.

Following the performance, the writers are subject to criticism or praise, or even both by three judges selected for the night. This has a kind of X-Factor feel to it, except Todd Z. isn’t trying to flog you a record, a washed up diva or make you pay to vote. As well as giving the writers a chance to bandage wounds and grow stronger, these judges are part of the entertainment , “a way of expanding the audience outside of the lit realm” and a chance to “incorporate comedy into the night”.

Upon choosing the winners, the rounds continue until the finalists are left; by this point everyone has picked a corner. Something within you taps into what’s happening on stage and you’re shouting and balling like Rocky in search of his pet shop-working lover. It really has turned into a death match by this point; if you can keep blood out of your eyes you’re in for a treat.

There could be a number of reasons why the night has been successful over here, such as a Londoner’s spirit towards the night that Todd Z. describes as being “such a perfect rowdy crowd: they plain love the f*** out of books and book culture, but are never afraid to have one more drink.” Adding to this success is the attraction of big name writers such as Richard Milward who wears the colours of Faber. Todd Z. says there’s a process in which “We ask very, very nicely. And nowadays everyone has a friend of a friend who’s done it. Beyond that, people show up in droves. I know lots of authors who do bookstore readings and they feel lucky when 10 people show up. At LDMs there can be up to 200 people, all with great haircuts, or fantastic shirts. It’s like a literary party, but once the readers go on: dead silence. I love that.

Commenting on why he thinks the night is so successful, Todd Z. said: “I’ve never said it this way, and it might sound ridiculous, but we’re very, very well-meaning. We want the authors to read to huge, book-curious audiences. We want the judges to get laughs from the throng. We want the audience to leave with a feeling like they’re floating. We want people to wake up the next day and tell their friends, ‘You wouldn’t believe what I saw last night…’ right before they run to the bookstore.”

Keith Hodges

Events Listings: July/August 2011

From opera for beggars to dance for Latin-lovers, via festivals, comedy, Prohibition, classic film, free theatre and live literature, let the sunshine in with Litro’s summer listings, compiled by Alex James.

JULY

Until 23^rd July: The Beggars’ Opera, Regents Park Open Air Theatre, £17-44.
A musical comedy of highwaymen, hangmen and harlots comes to the Open Air Theatre this summer. Join Macheath and his partners in crime in John Gay’s ageless comic opera. See: openairtheatre.com

1^st to 2^nd July: Hop on The Farm, Kent, prices vary.
A stunning lineup of literary and music genius – including headliners the Eagles and Morrissey alongside the likes of Iggy & The Stooges, Bryan Ferry, Newton Faulkner and Brandon Flowers, this event offers a relaxed vibe set against the stunning backdrop of the Hop Farm Country Park in Kent. It’s run by former Mean Fiddler (Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury etc) chief Vince Power and came about after festival fans became disillusioned with the mainstream events. See: hopfarmfestival.com

2^nd July: Velvet Lounge, secret private venue, Dalston, see website for prices.
The Baron Von Sanderson invites you for one night only to “The Velvet Lounge” a night of easy listening, champagne cocktails and live beat poetry. This is a one off pop up eventt, dedicated to the easier face of 60′s pop music encompassing sounds from Burt Bacharach to Jimmy Webb via the swinging sounds of the French Ye Ye beat.  Ladies put on those maxi dresses and diamanté, boys take that velvet suit to the cleaners. Throw your car keys into the onyx ashtray and swing like it’s 1968, but don’t tell your parents. See: diefrechemuse.co.uk

7^th July: Between the Lines – Bill Harry Mersey Beat 50th Anniversary, O2 Bubble.
A special evening is in store as Mersey Beat creator Bill Harry recounts the beginnings of Mersey Sound magazine and how it helped shaped rock journalism 50 years ago. Liverpool legend and childhood friend of John Lennon, Bill Harry was the creator of Mersey Beat, the hugely influential and significant music paper of the 1960′s. Launched in 1961, Mersey Beat focused on the booming Liverpool scene and successfully built relationships with the Mersey bands, especially the Beatles. See: theo2.co.uk

12^th to 16^th July: Slapdash at the Old Vic Tunnels, London, £11/6.
Slapdash is London’s festival of impro, featuring 15 of the country’s best improvisation groups in a weeklong celebration of the spontaneous. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching and always totally unpredictable, impro is theatrical alchemy. Each night, three groups show off their individual styles, before coming together at the end of the evening for the infamous Slapdash Jam! See: slapdashfestival.co.uk

14^th to 17^th July: Latitude Festival, Henham Park, Southwold, prices vary.
Latitude offers an amazing line-up of the best in music, literature, film, theatre, cabaret and comedy as ever, including Paolo Nutini, Suede, Eels, Omid Djalili, Duckie, Ralph Fiennes, Tim Key, and the intriguingly named Modern Toss Activity Centre in Pandora’s Playground. Bust out your bikini, don’t forget your wellies, and head to Suffolk. See: latitudefestival.co.uk

15^th to 24^th July: Shoreditch Festival, Regent’s Canal and surrounding spaces.
Shoreditch Festival is an annual highlight of the East London cultural calendar that celebrates the network of canals linking communities from Shoreditch and beyond through to the Olympic Park. The festival will bring to life the waterside with film screenings, live music, dance performances, art commissions, fashion, literature and spoken word, health hubs, theatre shows, heritage trails, podcast expeditions, food markets and plenty more. See: shoreditchfestival.org.uk

23^rd July: Prohibition, Grand Hall, Euston, £15.
Prepare to step back in time as we revisit the roaring twenties! Swigging cunningly concealed cocktails and contraband liquor from teacups is the order of the day as we strive to evade the ever-beady eye of the law and indulge in a spot of illegal drinking, gambling and Charleston dancing. Live bands and cabaret acts are at hand to entertain even the most particular of cads and good time girls. See: prohibition1920s.com

21^st to 24^th July: Port Eliot Literary Festival, Port Eliot, Cornwall, £35 to £140.
One of the most beautiful literary festivals in the world, Port Eliot is a weekend in Cornwall with a varied line-up of big names in music, fashion, food, film and literature. The open-air cinema is curated by Martin Scorsese, and includes classics The Red Shoes and The Leopard. Music comes from the likes of British Sea Power  and Hannah Peel; the word line-up features John Cooper Clarke and Hanif Kureishi. The Idler Academy is organised by Tom Hodgkinson, and includes a playwriting class from Jerusalem author Jez Butterworth. See: porteliotfestival.com

JULY & AUGUST

All July to September: Rooftop Film Club, Queen of Hoxton, £10.
An exciting outdoor film experience showing classic, cult and recent film releases on the rooftop of the Queen of Hoxton. Our big screen, wireless headphones and comfy chairs will mean you can sit back, relax and experience film like never before in this completely unique urban environment, until September, five nights a week. For full film listings, tickets and further information see: thequeenofhoxton.co.uk

2^nd July to 5^th August: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, St Paul’s Churchyard, £15/10.
A promenade production of Shakespeare’s magic-and-faeries romantic comedy. See: actorschurch.org or iristheatre.com

27^th July to 7^th August: Film 4 Summer Screen, Somerset House, £16-20.
Taking over the big screen at Somerset House again for July and August 2011, the Film 4 Summer Screen series brings a variety of classics and brand new films to audiences in the capital. The enormous open air screen takes up the whole of the fountain square in front of the Somerset House facade, and shows an inspired range of movies with something to please everyone. DJs will also be playing some of the best in new music, plus there are behind the screen talks hosted by BAFTA. See: somersethouse.org.uk/film

AUGUST

2^nd to 6^th August: Great British Beer Festival, Earls Court, £6-23.
Get some yeasty culture at this annual Beer Festival, and sup the UK’s finest ales from small breweries to some of Britain’s best-known beers. See: gbbf.camra.org.uk/home

3^rd August, 7.30pm : YARN presents The Special Relationship, Concrete Bar, Shoreditch, £5.
The Special Relationship literary variety night features turns from regulars Jarred McGinnis and Sam Taradash, plus guests Nii Ayikwei Parkes and award-winning cartoonist Harry Venning, who will be teaching audience memebers … well, how to be a cartoonist. See: yarnfest.com

4^th August to 4^th September: Free Theatre at The Scoop, South Bank, FREE.
Get your thesp on at The Scoop throughout August 2011 when both kids’ and adults’ shows are put on every week, including Brecht’s The Mother and Around the World in 80 Days. Lucky theatre-loving Londoners can catch free shows at The Scoop as part of the More London Free Festival. See: morelondon.co.uk/scoop.html

19^th to 29^th August: London Latin Festival, various venues and prices.
Celebrate the passion and excitement of Latin dance at this ten-day festival, featuring everything from salsa to bachata, via Latin Hustle and Zouk-Kizomba-Lambada … See: thelondonlatinfest.com

28^th August: 3pm, Storytails, The Drop, Stoke Newington, FREE.
The Sunday afternoon literary event returns in August 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: storytails.org