FRIDAY 5th November – SUNDAY 7th November 2021

The People’s Princess
A fable based on both fact and fiction, Pablo Larraín’s Spencer sees Kristen Stewart take on the role of Princess Diana, painting an intimate picture of the early 90s and filling in the gaps of that infamous 1991 Chritsmas spent at Sandringham Palace that lead to Di making the decision to break away from royal duties. As rumours of infidelity and impending divorce hang in the air, Jack Farthing stars alongside Stewart as the antagonistic Prince Charles while the walls of their public facade dissipate around them. Larraín is no stranger to a one-woman biographical drama after directing Jackie in 2016, which saw Natalie Portman take on Jackie O post-JFK’s assassination, similarly to Portman, Stewart takes a deep dive into one of the worlds most-watched women.

Spencer is out in cinemas now. 

Triple threat
Gig time. And we have three excellent choices all happening this Friday.

1:) Firstly, Oracle Sisters are hitting up The Lexington, bringing their unique cinematic storytelling to the capital. As fireworks light up the sky, Oracle Sisters are the perfect sonic accompaniment to lull you into that cosy Winter feeling.

2:) Or… Head over to Rough Trade East, where Brighton four-piece Fur are doing a special in-store performance celebrating the band’s debut record, When You Walk Away. Tickets also include a physical copy of the album which you can get signed by the band post-gig. Might be worth a few bob one day.

3.) Finally, still in East, Dubliners Odd Morris take the Sebright Arms stage. Emerging from the same scene as Fontaines D.C. and The Murder Captial, these boys bring their own distinctive voice: expect brooding melodies, troubadour tales and pummeling drums that’ll put those outside fireworks to shame.

Hardcore music heads will hit up all three. Kudos if that’s you.

Family identity 
Multi-media artist Rita Keegan’s first solo exhibition in over fifteen years is being held at The South London Gallery, exploring a myriad of techniques, she uses everything from textile and painting to experimental media – making sure all your sense are still in check. Delving into a family archive documenting the life of her Black middle-class Canadian family from the 1880s to today, she brings the politics of dress and identity to life through self-portraits and conceptual clothing to formulate an intricate representation of Black female identity.

Rita Keegan: Somewhere Between There And Here runs at The South London Gallery until November 28th, more info here. 

Light it up
It would be rude not to  include a few fireworks  in the lineup this weekend wouldn’t it? As bonfire night arrives, the city’s biggest firework display at Alexandra Palace is back, against the backdrop of panoramic views of the capital. Grab yourself a pint from the German Bier Fest or peruse the street food market as the bonfire blazes and watch the dust settle on another Guy Fawkes night.

Alexandra Palace’s Firework Festival is on Saturday 6th November, more info here.

Living the dream
During their two years residency at Islington’s The Compton Arms, the Four Legs team created a real stir, serving up class-A burgers and small plates. Now they’re upping their game, having bought their own pub In Finsbury Park: The Plimsoll – the pub formally known as the Auld Triangle.

Half classic boozer, half dining room, it’s a thing of real beauty. Drinks-wise, expect a wide range of beers – including a perfect Guinness – alongside some tasty wines. As for the pièce de résistance: the food. Alongside those signature burgers, choose from an ever-rotating range of small plates that includes fresh oysters, mussel escabeche, mince tatties, oxtail celeriac and pork belly jalapeno. But leave room for the burnt cheesecake – it slaps, it bangs, it’s well bloody good.

The Plimsoll is located at 52 St Thomas’s Road, N4 2QW.