SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND
COMEDY
3 DEC
DANIEL KITSON LIVE AT THE CHAPEL
I’m loath to recommend Daniel Kitson’s night at Union Chapel. He’s the best comedian most people haven’t heard of, the guy you can wheel out in social situations to make yourself sound more interesting (“pfft, you like Michael McIntyre? You really need to check Kitson out”). He hosts a night featuring turns by Nick Helm, Marcel Lucont and Alex Horne
THEATRE
THROUGH JAN.
THE KITCHEN SINK AT BUSH THEATRE
This endearing play based in the Yorkshire seaside resort of Withernsea is a kitchen sink drama both literally and metaphorically, with a blocked drain taking a starring role. It’s a story about the minutiae of family life up north, where everything is decaying, people drive knackered milk floats and everybody dreams of a way out.
ART
THROUGH JAN
SWOON AT THE BLACK RAT PROJECTS
The Black Rat Projects is a Brick Lane gallery tucked away so far under a railway arch you’d never find it unless you know it’s there. Its latest exhibition, Swoon: Murmuration, showcases the work of renowned New York street and installation artist Swoon. Her work brings a delicate touch to the art form Banksy introduced to the middle classes.
OPERA
2 DEC
VERDI RETURNS TO ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Verdi’s tragic three act opera, based on a play by the son of Alexandre Dumas, returns to the Royal Opera House. Richard Eyre takes few liberties, allowing that material to speak for itself. Featuring star turns from the likes of Ailyn Pérez, Anna Netrebko and James Valenti, this performance is sure to hit the right note.