Happy October everybody! Okay, it’s not sunny and the evenings are getting darker, but that means snuggling up in the warm and enjoying what the big city has to offer. As certified Backstage culture vultures, you’ll probably be delighted by this month’s highbrow events. If you like literature, film, and dressing up like a zombie then this month is for you!
Celebration of cinema
Top of our list for the beginning of October is the London Film Festival, which kicks off with director Armando Iannucci’s The Personal History of David Copperfield starring Dev Patel. Just under two weeks of top-class films follow, with new work by talents like Noah Baumbach, Marielle Heller, and Martin Scorsese. A great chance to see the latest films, gawp at the hottest talents and do some hardcore networking as well. Read our round-up of this year’s celluloid highlights here.
READ: 10 Film Schools in the UK You Need to Know
Blessed be the books
On 13 October, the South Bank is going all literary. On the eve of the Booker Prize winner’s announcement, the authors in the running will be in SE1 for an evening of “readings and conversations.” Top writers including Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, and Bernardine Evaristo will be there to talk about their nominated works, and you can join them. (Tickets from £15)
Bottoms Up!
Sometimes even the strongest, most motivated of us needs a drink. Booze or no booze, it’s nice if it’s pretty, and that’s where cocktails come in. Now in its tenth year, London Cocktail Week kicks off on 4 October, running for 10 days. A £10 digital pass entitles you to £6 cocktails in many of the capital’s best bars all week, so if you feel the urge, no need to splurge! (£10 for a pass)
READ: The London Theatre Bars You Need to Know
Even more film!
Over the water in Belfast, the Cinemagic Festival kicks off for the whole month of October. Aimed at young people, the festival programme features over 100 public films and events, 30 industry workshops and masterclasses, and 75 film education workshops. There’ll be Q&As with top talent like Saoirse Ronan, Hayley Mills, and Tchéky Karyo, as well as plenty more to get involved in. (Assorted ticket prices)
Join the Undead?
Taking over the usually sedate area of Bloomsbury on 5 October is World Zombie Day. Inhabit the character of one of the undead in this apocalyptically themed charity walk in aid of homeless charity Shelter from the Storm. Zombie fancy dress and suitably vacant stares are recommended. (Free)
For more from Backstage UK, check out the magazine.