OUT OF OFFICE
MOTHERLAND
Having swept the awards at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Motherland, a play recounting the true stories of women affected by the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, is currently enjoying a three week run in London. The cast of four women play 16 different characters – mothers, daughters, wives and lovers of soldiers sent off to fight. A powerful piece with superb acting. Until 7 November, Tristan Bates Theatre, 1a Tower St, WC2H 9NP. Tickets £10 from 020 7240 6283.
WICKED FAMILY DAY
For some Halloween-flavoured family fun, this weekend the witches-and-broomsticks musical, Wicked, will be hosting a day of face painting (green, presumably), workshops, games and appearances from the West End hit’s cast. 12pm-6pm, 1 Nov, The Lawrence Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, Greycoat Street, SW1P 2QD. See www.wickedday.co.uk for more details.
HALLOWEEN IN HAUNTED CINEMA
Ghoulish goings on of a more grown-up nature will be taking place in Shepherd’s Bush’s Haunted Cinema on Saturday night. Disused since the 1970s, the cinema will play host to cobwebs, pumpkins, fortune tellers and possessed paintings, plus live bands and DJs, and drinks served in skulls. The Haunted Cinema, 58 Shepherds Bush Green, W12 8QE. For tickets and more info see www.estimatedtimeofarrival.com.