Books and poetry

Post-Apocalyptic Book Club

• Critics choice
• Free

Tonight the group take a look at 'Intrusion' by Ken McLeod.

Walking Book Club

• Critics choice
• Free

A regular walk to talk books along Hampstead's beautiful heath. All ages welcome and dogs too.

Arts Emergency

• Critics choice

Founded by artists, activists and academics (including the wonderful Josie Long, who we like to think is all three), The Arts Emergency Service aims to keep university open to all, privileged or not. This big benefit gig features a large bill of comics and artists supporting the cause. The line-up includes Josie Long on hosting duties, Stephen K Amos, Mark Watson, Tim Key, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Kevin Eldon, Joanna Neary, Isy Suttie, Kate Tempest, Robin Ince, Brigitte Aphrodite,

Post-Apocalyptic Book Club

• Critics choice
• Free

Tonight, in a vintage PABC, the group takes a look at 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood.

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.

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

Tonight with Kiki Kaboom, Vicious Delicious, Ayesha H, the Monsters of Schlock and Crimson Skye.

Bang Said The Gun

Tonight features Luke Wright and GREEdS.

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.

Litro Magazine June Launch

• Critics choice
• Free

Globally flavoured London short story magazine Litro is theming its June edition around Poland, and to help celebrate the issue launch the team are taking to The Betjemen Arms pub in St Pancras Station for an evening of readings, discussion and live music inspired by Polish literature, including a performance by UK slam poet Adam Kammering.

Friday Folies Bergère

• Free

With Holly Penfield and Millie Dollar.

John Hegley and Friends

A set from the wonderful comedy poet laureate John Hegley and his friends.

Bar Wotever

• Critics choice
• Free

Ultra-chilled, ultra-welcoming queer performance mixer with a gloriously eclectic line-up and crowd. The vibe is supportive, exploratory and occasionally rough around the edges.

Big Bingo Night!

• Price band: 1/4
• Critics choice
• Free

Timberlina's gem of a night is the perfect start to your week – a host of crappy prizes, a bunch of random entertainment and eyes-down fun with a relaxed vibe. From Dolly and Cher to yoga shots and homemade jam, it's a DIY delight.

Books for Cooks

• Rated as: 4/5

Books in this celebrated shop cover hundreds of cuisines, chefs and cookery techniques. Even better, the shop’s kitchen-café tests different recipes every day, sold to eager customers from noon.

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.