Again, the United Kingdom finds itself leaderless and rudderless. As the Tory party leap onto each other to see which slippery MP flies out the bottom of the pile into 10 Downing Street this time, we can distract ourselves with some truly great cultural activities this weekend – and distract ourselves we will. 

Mates gone sour
Martin McDonagh films are always special. And Martin McDonagh films starring Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell – even more so! (Two words: In Bruges) Now comes The Banshees of Inisherin, the story of two friends on a remote island off the coast of Ireland who suddenly aren’t friends when Colm [Gleeson] abruptly puts an end to this, much to Pádraic’s [Farrell] confusion.

The Banshees of Inisherin is in cinemas now. 

Art in store
London’s Electric Gallery has opened an Immersive Room pop-up at Browns’ incredible flagship Brook Street store. Across the walls, find 31 pieces of contemporary artwork from a diverse range of artists. There’s a David Shrigley pig, Slim Aarons’ photo of the Riviera’s stunning Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and a portrait of John Lennon by Kelvin Okafor.

Browns is located at 39 Brook Street – find more information here.

Play it louder
Vancouver collective Crack Cloud are in London this Friday, whipping up a frenzy with their signature high-velocity beats and avant-garde compositions. Like a snarling pack of dogs, sharp riffs and biting synth come at you from all angles, snapping at your limbs until you find yourself flaying around on the dancefloor like you never thought possible. This time around, they return to London with a new record in hand, Tough Baby – a poignant story twisting melodrama and trauma into a work of creative brilliance.

Crack Cloud play at EartH Theatre on 21st October, get your tickets here.

Studio Ghibli on stage
The fantastical world of Studio Ghibli’s classic 1988 feature film My Neighbour Totoro lands at the Barbican theatre this weekend. Telling the story of an enchanting summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei who move to the countryside with their dad. Here, surrounded by nature, the siblings escape into the woods where they meet a range of jolly spirits and magical creatures, including Totoro, a gigantic furry friend and the Cat Bus, which is what its name suggests. We could all do with a dose of childish imagination and escape right now – this is the ultimate.

My Neighbour Totoro runs at the Barbican until 21st January 2023, more info here. 

Major moment
Keith Haring’s creative partner Angel Oritz – also known as LA II – is making a come back via a solo exhibition at East London’s D’Satssi Art. Titled King of Hearts, the Peurto Rican street artist has created over thirty new large-scale paintings for his first showcase on British soil in four decades. Having worked alongside Haring throughout the 80s on some of his most iconic pieces, an integral figure in crafting the NYC artist’s synonymous style, the Oritz is now reclaiming his own narrative. Taking inspiration from the past while ultimately keeping his focus on the future, Oritz’s show honours the legacy of a visionary whose recognition was denied.

King of Hearts runs at D’Stassi Art until 28th October, more info here. 

That’s lit
We’ve already recommended our top picks from the city’s Literature Festival but in case you missed it, we’re here to remind you again. Running at the Southbank Centre until the end of the month, the festival is now in its fifteenth year and the line-up continues to get better with age. Musical god Nick Cave will appear in-conversation with journalist Seán O’Hagan, comedian Rob Delaney discusses the release of his devastating new memoir and Greta Thunberg will be making a rare appearance with a vital public address.

London’s Literature Festival runs until October 30th, more info here.

Escapism through eating
If you’re missing sunnier climates as the city gearshifts into winter, Portuguese eatery Lisboeta is here to transport your tastebuds to the European coast. Chef Nuno Mendes, best known for his work at Michelin-starred Chiltern Firehouse, has curated a menu honouring the cuisine of his motherland.

Offering seasonal produce from the shores of Portugal in an array of small plates and larger platters, charcuterie boards sit alongside offerings of grilled carabineiro and mushroom açorda, nicely rounded off by a selection of sweet treats such as tarte de amêndoa. Inspired by Lisbon’s ever-growing culinary scene, if you close your eyes you might just be able to convince yourself you’re there.

Lisboeta is located at 30 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NG, more info here.