Happy Thanksgiving y’all. This year we’re thankful for the Weekend Combo providing us with loads of lovely cultural events to fill our diaries. Come to think of it, that’s what we’re thankful for every year. 

Inside Vatican City
Peter Straughan’s latest cinematic offering Conclave is a powerful adaptation of Robert Harris’s 2016 Papal thriller of the same name. Starring British actor Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, he is tasked with one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Once shrouded in mystery, the halls of the Vatican come under scrutiny as startling truths reveal themselves.

Conclave is out in cinemas now. 

Britain up close
A decade of polarising opposites, the 1980s is coming into focus for Tate Britain’s latest exhibition – expect to see Margaret Thatcher’s government, Rock Against Racism, the miners’ strike and poll tax riots, all from the perspective of those who lived it. Offering an extensive portrait of Britain throughout a decade of turmoil, the showcase features works from defining photographers such as David Hoffman, Martin Parr, Tish Murtha and Paul Graham, who documented society in all its glory and disarray during one of the country’s most critical eras.

The 80s: Photographing Britain will run at Tate Britain until May 5th 2025, more info here. 

Trivial Comedy for Serious People
One of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated literary feats is the last of his four drawing-room plays, The Importance of Being Earnest. A play doused in quick wit and repartee, it treats the trivial things in life with great seriousness and the serious things in life with great triviality – an insight into the mind of a true aesthete. Now showing on stage at the National Theatre, Max Webster directs an ensemble cast comprised of Sharon D Clarke, Ncuti Gatwa, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ and Eliza Scanlon. Read our interview with Ronkẹ and Eliza here.

The Importance of Being Earnest runs at the National Theatre until 25th January 2025, more info here. 

Meet Walter Van Beirendonck
The legendary Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck will be at DSM this Friday to sign copies of his two new books, Cut the World Awake and Draw the World Awake. This will be Van Beirendonck’s first ever book signing so it is an incredibly rare opportunity to meet the designer. Both books showcase Van Beirendonck’s wild world, displaying archival collages and drawings that stretch back over forty years.

Walter Van Beirendonck will be at DSM on Friday 29th from 5-7pm

New Wave in East London
Dutch siblings Ruben and Matthijs Pol are in London for the first time, bringing their pulsing new wave sounds to the Shacklewell Arms. Under their moniker, Pol, the duo tap into late 70s frequencies and give them a contemporary electric spin. Think Gary Numan if he only surrounded himself with Bauhaus and Hedi Slimane. We’re cheating a little here as the gig is actually on Monday, but if you don’t tell neither will we.

Pol play at the Shacklewell Arms on Monday 2nd December – buy tickets here

Save the date!
Cult London brand Chopova Lowena only host their infamous sample once every two years and it’s happening tomorrow, so make sure to set your alarms bright and early. The skirts, knitwear, dresses and kitsch accessories for which the design duo have become best known will be up for grabs at a fraction of the price in their South London studio. Politeness goes out the window at times like this.

The sample sale will take place on November 30th from 9 am at Paynes Wharf Studios, SE8 3GG. 

Festive feast
Everyone’s favourite bao bun joints Mr Bao and Daddy Bao are having a menu overhaul for the festive season. Combining classic ingredients from Southeast Asia with Christmas dinner staples, expect to see dishes such as Apple Sidra Glazed Ham Hock bao, Kabocha Nut Roast bao and salt and pepper crispy roast potatoes. On the sweet side of things, there’s a white chocolate and umeshu trifle on offer alongside a chocolate and hazelnut cake with 5-spice ice cream – take ya pick!

Daddy Bao is located at 113 Mitcham Rd, Tooting, SW17 9PE and Mr Bao is located at 293 Rye Ln, Peckham, SE15, more info here.