What's on in East London this weekend, 9th and 10th March, 2019

Aretha – Respect

A sensational celebration of the life and music of the greatest female soul vocalist of all time, Aretha Franklin. Respect features the awesome vocal talents of international soul diva Janine Johnson whose previous collaborations include George Michael, Take That and Paloma Faith.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, March 9, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Sounds of the 60s

An evening hosted by Radio 2’s legendary DJ Tony Blackburn, with 60s classics performed live by the Sounds of the 60s All Star Band & Singers. With stories and songs from this most loved decade, come along and spend the evening with Tony as he brings sounds of the 60s from the studio to the stage.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Sunday, March 10, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Tashkezar

Tashkezar present a groovy and refreshing retelling of classics, lesser known gems and original music from the Arabian Middle-East, from Turkey and Greece and from the Balkans. They are a 7-piece super-band with members from Egypt, Uzbekistan, France and the UK. Their transcultural vibes and explosive fusion sound takes in powerful Mediterranean rhythms, mesmerising Arabic vocals and melodies, punchy Balkan horns and floor-shaking bass lines.

Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG, Saturday, March 9, 7pm. Details: 07904 525639 lunalounge.info

Murder Mystery Evening

Outside The Box Theatre is back with another hair-raising Murder Mystery Evening. Seated in the theatre’s cabaret-style seating, watch the events unfold before your eyes and hear what the suspects have to say before food is served, giving you the chance to discuss and debate with your fellow detectives before asking your questions, and revealing the true identity of the killer.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, March 10, 7pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Macbeth

The witches have a prophecy: Macbeth will be king. But royalty comes at a price. The cost of power is betrayal, murder and revenge. Follow Verdi’s Macbeth in a blood-soaked journey to the throne and watch a guilt-ridden Lady Macbeth descend into the depths of despair in English Touring Opera’s new production. Sung in English with English surtitles.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Saturday, March 9, 7.30pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Living Things Wildlife Show

Come and see how animals behave in the wild, watch lizards catch their prey, see sugar gliders glide from tree to tree and many more. The animal wildlife show educates your children in a hands-on, visual, fun and exciting way.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, March 9, 11.30am. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Women of Tagore

To celebrate International Women's Day, Komola Collective present Women of Tagore, spotlighting Rabindranath Tagore‘s iconic female characters accompanied by live music. From the inhabitants of the Underworld to those of a dystopian future, these women experience love and loss and have to make sacrifices. Along the way, they will make you question what it means to be women in a man's world.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Saturday, March 9, 8pm. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Untold Tales of London Department Stores

Hear fascinating stories about some of the West End’s major stores and the characters behind them. In 2014 John Lewis celebrated 150 years in business and it all started on Oxford Street - although John Lewis himself might be shocked to discover what his son did to the company. Learn about the bet between Harry Gordon Selfridge and Harrods in 1917 and what the loser had to do. See the building which housed the very first store with the name Debenhams. Find out Liberty’s unexpected connection to the British Navy and why a Marks and Spencer's store is named after a building in ancient Rome.

Oxford Circus Station, Argyll Street, W1B 3AG, Sunday, March 10, 11am. Details: eventbrite.co.uk

Celebrate She

Join influencers and experts at one of the inspirational #empowHER ticketed talks or simply pop along to The Body Shop’s free ‘Celebrate She’ weekend event where female empowerment, activism and discovery collide.

Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR, Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10. Details: thebodyshop.com

WOW: What Next?

Part of the Women of the World festival. In an age of hyperconnectivity, extreme ideas and political turmoil, what’s in store for the future of gender equality? Hear from Sandi Toksvig, Munroe Bergdorf, Lily Allen and more. Hear from the women helping us imagine an equal world – from those on the frontlines of global movements to girls and young women changing our world for the better.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Saturday, March 9, 2pm. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Vegan Life Live

It’s easy to think that being a vegan is all about what you can’t have, but Vegan Life Live is here to show you just how much is on offer. Try pizza, kebabs, ice creams, pasta, curry, soul food, and much more. For those who want some ideas to take home to their own kitchens, learn from some amazing vegan chefs in cookery demos. They’ll be whipping up quick family dinners to delicious desserts, and everything in between. Vegan Life Live will also incorporate the EcoLiving Zone, an area of the event dedicated to advice, guidance and products that will help you to make changes, big and small, to reduce your impact on the world, and live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, from 10am. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

The Glamour Beauty Festival

The Glamour Beauty Festival, is back with all the treatments, expert advice and famous faces you can cram in. Over the weekend, you can spend the morning, afternoon or whole day exploring the different zones including hair, skincare, make-up, cosmetics and wellness in a beauty lover's theme park. Think Boots, Elizabeth Arden, Allergan, Caudalie, Pixi, Molton Brown, Batiste, Schwarzkopf, and Ellie Saab to name but a few. All of the beauty brands will be offering complimentary treatments and you will be entitled to one free talk with your entry ticket.

Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, SW3 4RY, Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 10. Details: glamourmagazine.co.uk