Books and poetry

Read reviews of the latest books and find books and poetry events in London

Joe Hill interview
Caitlin Moran gets Time Out drunk
London's best book shops
Foyles

Joe Hill interview

The famous-fathered horror novelist on un-sexifying vampires in his latest book ‘NOS4R2’
Caitlin Moran gets Time Out drunk

We head to the pub with the multi-award-winning columnist and feminist icon
London's best book shops

Browse our list of the best places for literature lovers
Foyles

Probably the single most impressive independent bookshop in London

Upcoming books and poetry events

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

Camden People's Theatre 58-60 Hampstead Rd, NW1 2PY
Wed May 22 - Sat Jun 1

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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.

Bethnal Green Working Men's Club 42-46 Pollard Row, E2 6NB
Thu Jun 20

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The Double R Club

Critics choice

London Wonderground Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX
Fri Jul 12

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The Double R Club

Critics choice

London Wonderground Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX
Fri Aug 2

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Friday Folies Bergère

Free

Night of burlesque and sweet songs.

CellarDoor Zero Aldwych, WC2E 7DN
Fri May 24

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Book Slam

Critics choice

A great monthly night that always has an entertaining line-up of spoken word, music and comedy.

Round Chapel Powerscroft Rd, E5 0PU
Thu May 23

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Shock Theatre

Critics choice

Kiki Kaboom and Abi Collins get grisly in a show taking a walk on the dark side of cabaret.

Proud Cabaret Camden The Horse Hospital, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH
Fri May 24

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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.

The Roebuck 50 Great Dover St, SE1 4YG
Thu May 23

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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.