Books and poetry

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

With Kiki Kaboom, Vicious Delicious, Ayesha H and Crimson Skye.

Post-Apocalyptic Book Club

• Critics choice
• Free

A central London book group that focuses on post-apocalyptic and dystopian literature (and sometimes film). Tonight the group take a look at 'The Dog Stars' by Peter Heller.

Friday Folies Bergère

• Free

With Lilo Milward and Chrys Columbine.

Unhappy Birthday

• Rated as: 4/5
• Critics choice

Morrissey has been one of the profane patron saints of queer performance company Duckie since its inception in 1996 and he takes centre stage – albeit in Godot-like absentia – in 'Unhappy Birthday', an immersive piece created and performed by the group's co-founder Amy Lamé. Although this isn't a Duckie production, it blurs the lines between party and play as Duckie's shows do. In her familiar mode of no-nonsense conviviality, Lamé welcomes us to her birthday, where a seat is set

Bengali Book Group

• Critics choice
• Free

A chance to discuss how the Bengali language is used in literature and immerse yourself in the culture.

Bang Said The Gun

A brilliant weekly stand-up poetry event with open mic slots, surreal props and an upbeat atmosphere. Tonight features Robert Auton and Kemi Taiwo.

Boom & Bang Circus

Two of the key members of cabaret trailblazers the Boom Boom Club, co-producer Bioux Lee Hayes and burlesque fireball Kitty Bang Bang, have teamed up to produce the Matcham Room's first circus cavalcade with help from the illustrious and twisted likes of Dusty Limits, Lucky Franco, Stephen Williams, Felipe Reyes, the Eden Boys and Kalki Hula Girl. Expect acrobatics, sideshow, clowning and showgirls gone awry, plus nods towards the Hippodrome's legacy of performance.

The Double R Club

• Critics choice

Playing as part of the Postcards festival.

The Double R Club

• Critics choice

Tonight's it's the annual Miss Twin Peaks pageant – a highlight of any self-respecting freakazoid's calendar. May contain strobe lighting.

The Double R Club

• Critics choice

This evening of mystery and nightmares inspired by the films of David Lynch is a dark and twisted treat, often groping into territory where other cabaret nights fear to tread. The reliably sinister Benjamin Louche presides over a mix of comedy, crooning, burlesque and some stronger stuff.

The Double R Club

• Critics choice

This evening of mystery and nightmares inspired by the films of David Lynch is a dark and twisted treat, often groping into territory where other cabaret nights fear to tread. The reliably sinister Benjamin Louche presides over a mix of comedy, crooning, burlesque and some stronger stuff.

Hammer & Tongue

• Critics choice

Live spoken word hosted by Michelle Madsen and Mel Jones, with guests and open slam slots. The first eight poets to sign up on the door get discounted entry. See below for line-up info.

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

With Miss Betty, Kiki Kaboom, Vicious Delicious, Ayesha H and Missy Macabre.

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

Tonight with Leah Debrincat, Ayesha H, Dolores Delight, Missy Macabre and Crimson Skye.

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

Tonight with Kiki Kaboom, Vicious Delicious, Marnie Scarlett and Ayesha H.