What's on this weekend, 12th and 13th January 2019

Welcome to the Forest

The heart of Waltham Forest will be transformed to mark the start of the borough’s year as Borough of Culture, with films, installations and a winter carnival.

Various locations in London, Friday, January 11, to Sunday, January 13. Details: wfculture19.co.uk

The 39 Steps

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters, an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance.

Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, CM16 7ER, Thursday, January 10, to Saturday, January 12. Details: 01992 919038 theydondrama.org

Rat Pack Live

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr were the definition of cool during their 50s and 60s Vegas heyday. Rat Pack Live invites you to be part of the gang and features all the patter and razzamatazz of their infamous live shows.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, January 12, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Supersonic 70s

From the towering majesty of Queen and ELO, ‘pin-up pop’ of David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, foot-stompin’ sounds of Sweet and T.Rex, and classics by The Carpenters and 10cc, this show brings you all the hits from the supersonic 70s.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, January 13, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

The Illegal Eagles

The world’s official number one Eagles tribute return in 2019 for more stunning vocals, tight harmonies and awesome guitar riffs. The Illegal Eagles are internationally renowned for their outstanding ability to recreate the Eagles’ distinctive sound with both flare and incredible authenticity. Featuring all the classics including Hotel California, Take it to the Limit, Life in the Fast Lane, Take It Easy, and many more.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, January 12, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Sherlock Homeless

A man struggles to survive on the edges of a society that has abandoned him. No matter how distant and alone, he still cannot be free of the city's echoes and the voices in his own head. Please note this play is in Turkish.

The Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, until Sunday, January 13, various times. Details: 020 8932 4747

Cirque du Soleil: Totem

Totem takes you on a stunning journey into the evolution of mankind – from our original amphibian state to our ultimate quest for flight. Alternating between primitive and modern myths, and peppered with aboriginal stories of creation, Totem explores the evolutionary process of species, our ongoing search for balance, and the curiosity that propels us ever further, faster, and higher. Featuring Cirque du Soleil’s mind-blowing signature acts, and returning to London after record-breaking previous seasons, Totem is an unforgettable spectacle for all ages.

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP, Saturday, January 12, to Tuesday, February 26, various times. Details: 020 7589 8212 royalalberthall.com

London International Mime Festival

UK artists are at the forefront of this year’s programme of contemporary visual theatre. Barely Methodical Troupe opens the festival with its latest acrobatic spectacular Shift at the Platform Theatre, whilst Gandini Juggling & Alexander Whitley, and Gecko, make their main stage debuts at Sadler’s Wells and Barbican theatres respectively. Thick & Tight delight at the Lilian Baylis Studio. Stan’s Cafe makes a rare London appearance with The Capital, whilst Green Ginger explores the inner reaches of the human body in Intronauts, both at Jacksons Lane. As ever a wide range of workshops, artists’ talks and discussions complements the performance programme, which also features two classic silent films with live music at the Barbican Cinema.

Various venues in London, until Sunday, February 3. Details: mimelondon.com

Voices from the Deep

Sunken, forgotten, and then saved from the depths of the ocean: this temporary exhibition displays a selection of over 700 personal letters that have been trapped at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in a sunken ship for nearly three quarters of a century.

The Postal Museum, Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA, until Sunday, June 30. Details: postalmuseum.org

Mindful Drinking Festival

Club Soda’s Mindful Drinking Festival is coming to the Truman Brewery this January. The two-day event will feature over 60 drink producers and will give Londoners the opportunity to taste the best low and no-alcohol drinks on the scene including craft beers, wines, spirits, lower-sugar sodas, tonics and infusions – perfect for anyone wanting to drink less or going dry this January. There will be leading local mixologists showcasing the best alcohol-free drinks, and workshops and talks on mindful drinking, fitness and wellbeing.

The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QR, Sunday, January 13, 10am to 5pm. Details: mindfuldrinkingfestival.com

London Short Film Festival

Broaching its sixteenth year, London Short Film Festival has been recognised as the premiere UK showcase for cutting edge home-grown and international short film. The first significant date on the UK’s film calendar, each January sees diverse audiences of 10,000+ flock to LSFF helming some of London’s most historic cinematic venues, from the Institute of Contemporary Arts to BFI Southbank, Curzon Soho to Dalston’s Grade II listed Rio.

Various venues in London, Friday, January 11, to Sunday, January 20. Details: shortfilms.org.uk

Museum Family Day

On the second Sunday of the month the museum runs fun activities for families to make and do together, inspired by the museum’s collections, exhibitions and the history of Waltham Forest.

Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow, Sunday, January 13, 4.30pm. Details: 079045 46294 e17designers.co.uk

The Chortle Comedy Book Festival

The UK’s leading comedy website, Chortle, presents a funny and fascinating day of sessions as comedians talk about their books, from memoirs to TV tie-ins to their astute social observations.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Sunday, January 13, 1.30pm. Details: 01937 546546 bl.uk