“Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness” – that’s what poet John Keats said of autumn back in the 19th century. Obviously, we’re not poets, so we’ll go with seasons of show tunes, leopard prints and scaring yourself silly, which conveniently enough are all activities included in this week’s Intermission…
Marie comes to London
If you perform and have ever been to New York, you may already know about the legendary Marie’s Crisis bar in the West Village. Show tunes sung communally round the piano, with oomph and a cocktail in hand, are very much the order of the day, and now this winning formula is coming to London – for one week only! From 30 October to 3 November, Marie will come to Marylebone pub City of Quebec – so get down there, people! (Free)
Making designs on the stage
Over at the National Theatre on 2 November, the UK’s longest serving critic Michael Billington is looking back at six decades of theatre design, from “pictorialism via post-Brechtian clarity” to some of the bells-and-whistles, uber-multimedia productions we see today. Yes, Ivo van Hove – we’re talking to you. (£7)
Spot the difference
As a performer, you already know about the importance of costume in all its glory. Over at the V&A on Friday 9 November is a discussion about the wonder of leopard print. Designer Henry Holland and journalist Hilary Alexander lead the way in this celebration of THE print of the season! Book now. (£15)
Scare yourself silly
It’s also Halloween this week, so why not celebrate with what we presume is your favourite thing – a performance! Luckily there are plenty of options – what about Martin McDonagh’s twisted new play at the Bridge, A Very Very Very Dark Matter – or if you prefer your scares more straightforward, you could try the very-scary The Woman in Black? But if immersive, site-specific is more your thing then Frankenstein at the National Trust’s Sutton House might be for you! (Assorted prices)
Celebrate the Day of the Dead
As well as Halloween, it’s also time to celebrate Mexico’s Day of the Dead Festival. On Friday at the V&A, they’ve got mariachi bands, giant skeleton puppets and Frida Kahlo exhibits. Then why not head over to the Mayfair’s UNIT art gallery for their Día de Muertos party. For £15 you get three tequila cocktails, entry into a cocktail masterclass and if you’re in the mood after all that booze, you can have your face painted in true DoD fashion! (Free at the V&A and £15 for the party)
Check out Backstage’s London audition listings!