As London continues to sizzle, we’re loading up your cultural diary with some gems happening across the city this weekend – whether you’re more inclined towards the sun or shadow. 

Aliens at the rodeo
After the success of his Oscar-winning directorial debut Get Out, and his subsequent 2019 horror US, we’ve all been waiting to see what Jordan Peele will do next. Out in cinemas this weekend, Nope is a neo-Western sci-fi thriller set on the only Black-owned Hollywood horse ranch. But it’s not all yeehaw’s and good times, as a malevolent force from the sky begins affecting the behaviour of people and animals alike. Peele has once again enlisted British actor Daniel Kaluuya, who starred as Chris in Get Out, as he appears alongside Keke Palmer, Barbie Ferreira and Steven Yeun. Crafted with the sort of nuanced social commentary Peele twists into really engrossing action, buckle up and get ready for a rocky ride at the rodeo.

Nope is out in cinemas now. 

Film recommendation for punk-heads
Enter the doors of Max’s Kansas City in its 60s/70s heyday. Imagine seeing Andy Warhol at the bar, alongside Joey Ramone, Iggy Pop, William S. Burroughs, Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, and possibly Federico Fellini (apparently). This is New York punk’s ground zero, the venue that launched a thousand careers, and ripped a hundred thousand tees. Now, in a new documentary by Danny Garcia titled Nightclubbing – The Birth Of Punk Rock In NYC, we’re transported back to this seismic time of cultural and sonic rebirth – through its legendary fights, gigs, conversations and horrific bogs. It’s where Bowie met Iggy, where Sid Vicious’ solo career came to a shambolic end and Debbie Harry worked as a waitress before Blondie took off.

Nightclubbing – The Birth Of Punk Rock In NYC plays at Catford Mews on Sunday 14th August at 18:15.

Giant pills and Oompa Loompas – no, we’re completely sober
When you think of art, fast food and big pharma don’t necessarily spring to mind but multimedia artist Miss Bugs is combining the lot in her latest installation, Do No Harm – The Dispensary at Jealous Gallery. Exploring themes such as addiction, advertising and consumerism, the installation comprises 6,000 supersized tablets pouring from a ‘sentient’ vending machine. Each item in the exhibition is unique, as resin capsules are filled with real junk food wrappers from the likes of Hubba Bubba and McDonalds, while very eerie Oompa Loompa music pulses through the sound system.

Do No Harm – The Dispensary by Miss Bags runs at The Dispensary until September 4th, more info here. 

Sex & lies
After premiering 25 years ago, the Olivier Award-winning play Closer from Patrick Marber is back in the city and more importantly, this weekend is the last chance to get your hands on a ticket. Adapted for the silver screen in 2004 starring Jude Law, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, the first thought for many is Portman’s shiny pink wig. Telling a tale of four Londoners whose intertwining stories of love, loss and desire play out against the backdrop of infidelity and emotional turmoil, director Clare Lizzimore is reviving the plot in a radical new production at the Lyric Hammersmith, starring Jack Farthing, Ella Hunt, Nina Toussaint-White and Sam Troughton.

Closer runs at the Lyric Hammersmith until August 13th, more info here. 

Time to eat
The latest restaurant from the folks behind Peruvian eatery Pachamama has turned its hand to a Greek-inspired menu at a new Portobello location, Zephyr. In a sunlit ground floor space, vibrant artwork meets kitsch 80s glassware, while in the basement below, a retro lounge bar serves up a mean Negroni – and we loveeeeee Negronis. Hungry? Find a perfect mix of fusion Greek delights including mushroom orzo pasta, Soutzoukakia and Seabass Carpaccio. Leave a bit of room for desert because the Greek donuts with coffee dulce de leche are [chef’s kiss].

Zephyr is located at 100 Portobello Road, W11 2QD, more info here.