Play Holi with Dishoom and Festival of British Advertising among 12 things to do this weekend in east and central London

1. Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel

The two will launch their new book, WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere. Imagine a sisterhood spanning all creeds and cultures, an unspoken agreement that women will support and encourage one another. So begins WE, an inspiring and provocative manifesto for change. Change which provides a crucial antidote to the have-it-all Superwoman culture, and instead focuses on what will make women happier. Written by decade-long friends, actor Gillian Anderson and journalist Jennifer Nadel, WE is a rallying cry to create a life that has greater meaning and purpose. Gillian and Jennifer discuss their book in conversation with Jude Kelly, Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Friday, March 10, 8pm. Details: 020 7960 4200

2. Mushaira: A Gathering of Poets

An evening of beautiful poetry and song. The centuries-old legacy of Urdu poetry flourishes through the mushaira, a symposium where poets gather to share their work in a creative forum for free self-expression. Celebrating the journey and creative legacy of Urdu poetry, this inspiring evening will deliver powerful messages of love, loss, history and socio-political thought.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Friday, March 10, 7pm. Details: 01937 546546

3. Matthew Shepherd

This is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter who has been delighting audiences in London, Essex and beyond with his collection of self-penned songs. His debut studio album Top of the Tree only took a day to break into the iTunes Top 100 Singer/Songwriter Album Chart.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Friday, March 10, 7.30pm. Details: 07904 525639

4. Spring Double Bill

In Mutatis Mutandis by David Campton, a young couple struggle to understand why their week old baby boy is a genetic mutant. Can Douglas persuade Celia that they should take their baby home and live as if he and the world were still quite normal? In Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer, Brindsley Miller has an onerous evening ahead. He’s got a new piece of art to sell to a renowned critic, and a prospective father-in-law to impress. Suddenly, a fuse blows, the apartment is thrown into darkness, and chaos ensues!

Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, E11 1HR, Friday, March 10, Saturday, March 11, Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18. Details: woodhouseplayers.co.uk

5. Hysteria

1938. Hampstead, London. Sigmund Freud has fled Nazi-occupied Austria and settled in leafy Swiss Cottage. The ageing Freud intends to spend his last days in peaceful contemplation, but when Salvador Dali pays a visit, and discovers a naked woman in the closet, intoxicating mayhem ensues. An acknowledged modern classic, Terry Johnson’s hilarious farce explores the fallout when two of the twentieth century’s most brilliant and original minds collide.

Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ, until Saturday, March 11, 2.30pm and 7.45pm. Details: 020 8807 6680

6. An Evening with Cuban Redd

Cuban Redd aka Shirley Mason hosts an evening of performance poetry. Complimented by the Breakthrough Crew, up-and-coming talented local performers, it will be an evening not to be missed. 

Dugdale Centre, Thomas Hardy House, London Road, Enfield EN2 6DS, Saturday, March 11, 7.45pm. Details: 020 8807 6680

7. D’Ukes

Highly-sought-after ukulele band playing danceable music with great vocals, slick solos and tight harmonies. Their diverse set list includes Amy Winehouse, Johnny Cash, Kate Bush, Elbow, Beatles, Disney and Led Zeppelin.

The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HF, Saturday, March 11, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8520 3709

8. Seven Drunken Nights

This brings to life the music of Ireland’s favourite sons - The Dubliners. Telling the story of a career spanning 50 years, this hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group to life. A show that will have you singing and clapping along to such classics as The Wild Rover, The Black Velvet Band, Molly Malone, Finnegan’s Wake, Raglan Road and of course The Seven Drunken Nights.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, March 12, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505

9. Sue Holliday

Talented Sue and her quartet will be playing the best jazz numbers of all times. Expect some really great jazz accompanied with a smooth Sue’s voice.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Sunday, March 12, 4pm. Details: 07904 525639

10. Festival of British Advertising

This festival will celebrate the very best of British creativity from the past 100 years. From the PG Chimp to the Smash Martians and the Cadbury’s drumming gorilla, from Lord Kitchener’s ‘Your Country Needs You’ to John Lewis’ Buster the boxer, these are the bright ideas that captivated the British public and helped map out our cultural history. This unique and exciting exhibition will delve into the past, present and future of advertising. A series of events will run alongside the exhibition, celebrating different aspects of the industry and the individuals who helped build it.

Boilerhouse, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QL, until Sunday, March 12. Details: 020 7235 7020

11. Play Holi with Dishoom

One venue filled with people coming together and celebrating their differences with a ton of gulal. Expect street-food, live music, plentiful tipples, and joyful, messy colour-play.

York Hall, 5 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PJ, Sunday, March 12, 12pm or 6pm. Details: dishoom.com

12. Let the Write One In

Front of House Theatre Company returns with their third new writing showcase, Let the Write One In. Come along for tales of incompetent kings and missing memories, old friends and civil liberties, warzones and waking up with someone you can’t quite remember… With a mixture of new and returning writers and directors, the show features six brand new plays.

The Vaults Theatre, Launcelot Street, SE1 7AD, Sunday, March 12, 7pm. Details: 020 7401 9603