Urban Artist School Academy
Teenagers aged 14–17 with a passion for urban music have the chance to develop their musical skills and talent in a week long residency. Meet and collaborate with like-minded, talented young artists and musicians. Work with industry professionals in production, vocals, song writing and studio recording, and receive a nationally recognised Arts Award accreditation.
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Monday, April 10, to Thursday, April 13. Details: 02089 852424
The Life and Music of Ella Fitzgerald
This edition of BBC Radio 2 Friday Night Is Music Night will be presented by and starring Clare Teal, with Emma Kershaw, Mica Paris, Louise Marshall and The BBC Concert Orchestra. They will be celebrating Ella’s phenomenal career, from her earliest recordings with Chick Webb, through her meeting with the great Norman Granz recording the ‘Songbook’ series, and onto her work with Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson.
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Tuesday, April 11, 7.30pm. Details: 02089 852424
Den of Thieves
Welcome to the world of disorganised crime. In Stephen Adly Guirgis’s comedy, the lure of stealing $750,000 is too much for Maggie, a New York shoplifter, and Paul, her sponsor in a 12-step program for recovering thieves. Along with Puerto Rican wannabe Flaco and his ultra-fly girlfriend Boochie, they draw up a plan for the perfect crime – that turns out to be anything but. Instead, they find themselves caught up in a high-octane battle for their own survival.
The Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, Tuesday, April 11, to Saturday, April 15. Details: 020 8932 4747
Jewels
Pre-recorded from the Royal Opera House. George Balanchine’s glittering ballet Jewels was inspired by the beauty of the gem stones he saw in the New York store of jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels. He went on to make history with this, the first abstract three-act ballet. Each section salutes a different era in classical ballet’s history as well as a distinct period in Balanchine’s own life. Through it all, Balanchine displays his genius for combining music with visionary choreography.
Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, April 11, 7.15pm. Details: 01245 606505
Easter Holiday Club
Barbican Children’s Library invites children of all ages to come and have ‘eggstra’ fun at their Easter Holiday Club. They can listen to stories, play games, get creative, make friends and more. The club will be meeting every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the Easter holidays.
Barbican, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, Tuesday, April 4, to Thursday, April 13. Details: barbican.org.uk
Moomin Adventures
This Easter, experience the wonderful world of the Moomins with exciting family-friendly activities and events. Explore the hidden depths of Kew Gardens on an interactive trail culminating at the magical Moomin Festival Camp in the wild woodland of the Natural Area. Take part in craft workshops while you sample the Moomins’ beloved pancakes and visit The Hemulen’s Herbarium to find out more about your favourite spring flowers and plant conservation.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, until Monday, April 17, 10.30am to 4pm. Details: kew.org
Harlow Ballet – Giselle
Harlow Ballet Association present the most famous surviving romantic ballet, Giselle, with full scenery, costumes and a great deal of the original choreography. Giselle, a peasant girl, has fallen in love with Duke Albrecht, who has disguised himself as a peasant to try to win her affections. However, the arrival of the very aristocratic Grand Duchess Bathilde, Albrecht’s real fiancée, causes Giselle to realise that she has been betrayed, with tragic consequences.
Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Wednesday, April 12, to Sunday, April 16, various times. Details: 01279 431945
Tales from the Shed
Tales from the Shed are vibrant, interactive theatre shows that are perfect for young children. They are informal, lively and amazingly engaging as the performers and audience share the same space - children are always encouraged to make a lot of noise and to make the story happen. Every show will be fun, really silly and there will be plenty of colourful puppets and live songs.
Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE, Thursday, April 6, to Saturday, June 24. Details: 020 8292 9222
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