THEATRE

‘Allo ‘Allo

Based on the hugely successful British television series that ran for seven seasons, this uproarious comedy, performed by Chigwell Row Operatic and Dramatic Society, relates the adventures of a hapless cafe owner, Rene, in occupied France.

Victory Hall, Hainault Road, Chigwell, September 30 to October 3. Details: 07958 353101, croads.co.uk

Slap

A new LGBT play written by upcoming playwright Alexis Gregory and directed by Rikki Beadle-Blair. Slap is a shocking, sexy and sometimes sweet, 70-minute rollercoaster ride which welcomes you to the world of Dominique, a glamorous transsexual hooker in the throes of an emotional meltdown. Suitable for 16+.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford E15 1BN, October 1 to 10 Details: 020 8534 0310, stratfordeast.com

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

When four children are evacuated from wartime London, their stay in a rambling country house brings them more than they bargained for, when they stumble across a magical wardrobe, a gateway to another world - Narnia. This thrilling musical adaptation of CS Lewis’s classic children’s story received rave reviews and broke box office records when commissioned by the RSC. Experience the magic once more, in this specially staged production this October.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, Friday, October 2. Details: 01279 431945, playhouseharlow.com

A Joan Jamboree

A night of music, magic, monologue and mime inspired by the spirit of Joan Littlewood (pictured below) and to mark the unveiling of her statue in front of the theatre. It will be hosted by Wendi Peters and Marcus Ellard and will include, brought to life on stage for the very first time, original songs from “The Palace That Joan Built” - an Art on the Underground commissioned project from critically acclaimed artist Mel Brimfield and award-winning composer Gwyneth Herbert.

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford E15 1BN, Sunday. October 4. Details: 020 8534 0310, stratfordeast.com

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Box

In 1921 a group of postal workers created a unique Time Capsule as a memorial to The Great War. The box, crammed with papers, lay forgotten for many years on a sorting office shelf, before being rediscovered and opened on the centenary of the start of war. This original piece of theatre captures some of the intriguing contents and true events surrounding the box - an extraordinary last post from WWI.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, Wednesday, October 7. Details: 01279 431945, playhouseharlow.com

Salaam

Salaam, meaning ‘peace’, is Sonia Sabri Company’s latest stunning creation. This double-bill programme opens with a rare treat of solo Tabla music and then cleverly weaves a dialogue between live music and Kathak dance, celebrating harmony, inner –stillness and the simple bliss of being alive. It was originally created in response to the unrest around the world and aims to refocus and reminisce on all that is good.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, Wednesday, October 7. Details: 020 8708 8800, redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Cinderella

Ballet Cymru presents a sparkling and refreshing ballet based on the eternal fairytale. The company prides itself on being different and it has been working with award winning composer Jack White and Circus Company Citrus Arts to conjure a surprising world of wonder and magic.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Saturday, October 10. Details: 01245 606505

MUSIC

Redbridge Green Fair Music Club Acoustic Zone

Two acts discovered during the summer make their debuts. Funky Pluckers are a stunning ukelele ensemble - pure feelgood music. Deja Vu are three very talented guitarists and singers whose exquisite harmonies do great justice to the songs of Crosby, Stills & Nash.

RAFA Club, Cranbrook Road, Ilford, October 2. Details: 07917 050490

Jazz Concert

A jazz concert by saxophonist Leszek Kulaszewicz and singers Iris Ederer and Yolanda Simons, with music composed by Odette Gaba RAFA Club, Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Thursday, October 1.

DAYS OUT

E17 Designers Autumn Market

Stop, shop and socialise with your favourite artists, designers, makers. Discover a wide selection of thoughtful, quirky, beautiful, handmade products, all made locally.

Asian Centre, Orford Road, Walthamstow, Sunday, October 4. Details: e17designers.co.uk

Essex Poetry Festival

Featuring evening readings by Rebecca Goss, Brendan Cleary and Essex’s own Martin Newell, performing his evocative rhyming ballad The Song of the Waterlily : the building of a boat, with especially composed music from The Hosepipe Band and projected illustrations by James Dodds . Afternoon with three Essex poets: Jemma Borg, Tim Gardiner and Maggie Freeman, as well as a reading from the anthology Gold: 30 years of Southend POETRY. Plus your chance to take the stage in the festival’s popular Open Mic.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Saturday, October 3. Details: 01245 606505