Books and poetry

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

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

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.

Bengali Book Group

• Critics choice
• Free

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

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

Bang Said The Gun

A brilliant weekly stand-up poetry event with open mic slots, surreal props and an upbeat atmosphere. For line-up info, click on the corresponding dates.

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

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.

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.

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

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

Shock Theatre

• Critics choice

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

Squat Betty Spoken Word Night

• Critics choice

Brilliantly witty stand-up comic Richard Sandling brings his Southend spoken word club to London. Expect poetry alongside music and comedy. Scroll down for more info.

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 'Intrusion' by Ken McLeod.