If you're missing the weekend already then our pick of things to do will help the week pass by nicely...

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: The W G Sebald Lecture: Michael Longley

The W G Sebald Lecture: Michael Longley

One of Britain’s finest poets, Michael Longley, delivers Releasing the Lyric: Translating Latin and Greek, on literary translation. He reads from and comments on his youthful versions from Sextus Propertius and progresses to later poems derived from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, taking in Sappho and Tibullus on the way.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Monday, February 20, 7pm. Details: 01937 546546

The Monologues of a Tired Nurse

The play tells the story of two nurses working for the NHS: Emily, an optimistic, newly qualified nurse, and Sally, an exhausted nurse in charge. The story follows Sally and Emily’s memories of nursing until one fateful day that changes both their lives forever. Set in the present day, at a time when the NHS is short staffed, forced to make cuts and constantly under scrutiny.

The Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, Monday, February 20, to Saturday, February 26. Details: 020 8932 4747

Frankenstein

A brand new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece fusing ensemble storytelling, live music, puppetry and stunning theatricality. From the team behind Blackeyed Theatre’s hugely successful 2013 production of Dracula comes a fresh, exciting telling of Shelley’s landmark work of romantic, gothic and science fiction literature.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, February 21, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Thisbe

Fourteen years have passed since the fateful night Thisbe’s parents, Helena and Demetrius, were lost in the woods. The only thing they remember is waking up completely in love with one another. But as their love becomes obsession, where does this leave their neglected and confused daughter, Thisbe? Cue the prankster Puck and his fairy flunkeys who love nothing more than to meddle with the mortal world. With the promise of solving all of her problems, they lure Thisbe into the woods where it isn’t long before she finds herself embroiled in their roguery.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN, Tuesday, February 21, to Saturday, February 25. Details: 020 8534 0310

Hamlet

Blending traditional and physical theatre with a musical score, this is Shakespeare for the Game of Thrones generation.

Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ, Wednesday, February 22, to Thursday, February 23, 1.15pm and 7.30pm. Details: 020 8807 6680

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

#Haters

Inspired by a real stabbing incident and the spiteful tweet that followed it, #Haters looks at how ‘gentrification’ in the name of urban regeneration is changing the cultural landscape in the UK. The story, told through spoken words, live music and verbatim social media text, is structured as a classic Greek tragedy with strong symbolism and heightened dialectics.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Wednesday, February 22, 8pm. Details: 020 8708 8800

Ink, Press, Go!

An exhibition showcasing the talents of artists in the local community who have been exploring printing techniques in the most varied methods.

The Mill, 11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA, until Saturday, March 11. Details: 020 8521 3211

Cut Festival

A 10-day festival bringing together international artists, East London barbers and activists to explore the history and social relevance of the barber shop. Events include an exhibition on the art of barbering, performances in barbershops, and talks and discussions.

Various locations, London, Friday, February 24, to Sunday, March 5. Details: cutfestival.com