What’s on guide: February
With life getting busier every week and new bars, restaurants and events opening every month, staying on top can be tricky. So here’s a round up of this month’s hottest happenings in and around the local area…
What? The Gift
Where? Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square
When? Monday 3rd February 2020 to Saturday 8th February 2020, Monday 10th February 2020 to Saturday 15th February 2020
An outrageous comedy drama about imperialism, cross-racial adoption, cultural appropriation and drinking tea. Brighton 1852. A day in the life of Sarah, an African girl, adopted by Queen Victoria and raised in the Queen’s circles. Today is the eve of her having to return to Africa but will she go? The Present. A day in the life of Sarah, a black middle-class woman staying in a Cheshire village with her husband and small child. They are paid a visit by well-meaning neighbours who have something to confess. The two Sarahs meet Queen Victoria for tea. This won’t be your regular tea party…
What? Storytelling with David Litchfield and Ross Montgomery
Where? Discover Children’s Story Centre 383-387 High Street Stratford
When? Friday 21st February 2020
A little tortoise longs to get to the stars… but how will he ever get there? Join Ross Montgomery and David Litchfield, Discover's creative partners for their new Fairy Tales exhibition, as they share their picture book Space Tortoise. Hear how Tortoise uses rubbish and recycled items to make all kinds of creations… then it’s your turn.
What? Lightboxes + Lettering
Where? Nunnery Gallery 181 Bow Road London
When? Various dates throughout February
Lightboxes + Lettering, an exhibition by Rendezvous Projects, tells the story of the print industry across the 20th century, focusing on the east London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest. The show uncovers and presents a wealth of material: from historic examples of print to objects, photographs of iconic businesses and workers’ memories, told through a new collection of oral histories.
What? Toddler Yoga with Alice Panascia
Where? Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street Poplar London
When? Friday 7th February 2020
Adult and child participate with one another exploring Yoga shapes, moves, mindfulness and breath-work through fun themes, music and games. This is a great chance for both the adult and the child to do a little exercise as well as discover new ways to unwind together. Alice’s sessions consist of a combination of movements, stretching, games and songs to encourage children’s self-expression, confidence and awareness. Toddler Yoga provides a great opportunity for adults to exercise whilst having fun with their children.
What? Tower Hamlets Family Meet Up
Where? Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street Poplar
When? Thursday 6th February 2020
Enjoy a friendly boost of positivity to help you along your journey through pregnancy into parenthood #ittakesavillage. Come along with your bumps, babies and toddlers and enjoy a well-deserved cuppa at this FREE monthly family get together. Enjoy a friendly boost of positivity to help you along your journey through pregnancy into parenthood.
What? Art Explorers Family Workshops with Kulwinder Bajar
Where? Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, Poplar
When? Saturday 1st February 2020
Explore drawing, painting and sculpture in a series of fun and playful family workshops. Engage with art ideas, explore materials and styles to create fun projects for the whole family. Session 1: Art Explorers; explore experimental drawing Try fun and playful drawing experiments for the whole family, from drawing with different and unusual materials to large scale collaborative projects. Session 2: Art Explorers, explore painting and mixed media Explore and experiment with colour, pattern and texture, using paint and mixed media collage to create fun projects. Session 3: Art Explorers, explore sculpture and making Create playful 3D art projects in a range of experimental and traditional methods and make earth friendly sculpture using recycled materials.
What? Chris Cook: Entropy
Where? Hen & Chickens Theatre 109 St Paul’s Road
When? Saturday 1st February 2020
Magician Chris Cook brings his hit, sell-out Edinburgh Festival show to London for three nights only. “Highlight of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival” - The Sun, “Never faltering or losing a beat of his abounding charisma, Cook can dip into places more vulnerable, more uncertain, more real — and takes his audience with him.” - World Magic Review.
What? Hornchurch Jazz Club
Where? Hornchurch Conservative Club, 25 North Street, Hornchurch
When? Sunday 23rd February 2020
The Jack Clifford Swingtette. Another wonderful end to the month with an evening of jazz standards from the Swingtette. Jack blowing reeds leads his ensemble with a guest front line and a rhythm section of regulars Tim Huskisson on piano and Roger Curphy bass. The club is an air-conditioned venue with comfortable seating, a dance floor, drinks at club prices, wheel-chair access and car parking.