An eve-of-Fringe special. One newspaper this year said that after 5pm, Wanstead becomes a ghost town. The Fringe will be disproving it all throughout September – but for one night only we’re going to revel in it. Author and director Patrick Marlowe – an award-winning writer of ghost stories – will be testing your … Continue reading "Ghost Town Tales"
Wanstead’s best-kept musical secret continues and kicks off this year’s Fringe with aplomb. This year it broadens its scope in terms of local geography and celebrates the plethora of musicians and talented artists in the area. Featuring Wanstead resident and singer/songwriter Ali MacQueen, the night will also see acts such as up-and- coming indie-rock artist … Continue reading "Wanstead Fringe Music Night: The Freak Flag Flying"
Outdoor family cinema in the gardens of Christ Church, Wanstead – reliably Wanstead’s favourite night out of the year. This year’s presentation is Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, starring Emma Thompson, with lyrics by Tim Minchin. Revolting children and their families are most welcome! Bring something to keep you warm and something to sit on … Continue reading "Kinema 2023: Matilda the Musical"
Suitable for adults, kids (6+) and family groups. The hand-building taster sessions are a fun and very accessible introduction to clay. In this class you will have the opportunity to work on guided projects, or have the freedom to develop your own wonderful creations. These classes are perfect for adults and kids alike, and are … Continue reading "Pottery: Handbuilding Taster Session"
Now in its ninth year, the infamous Duke Street Party will once again be opening the Fringe with a bang! The incredible House Jammerz headline the music stage, with support throughout the day from local Dukebox faves. Expect Little Dukes activities (12-4pm), Leytonstone Tavern Burgers and Taco’s Food Trucks, Tiempo Tequila cocktail station, BBQ, and … Continue reading "The Duke Street Party"
Suitable for adults and kids (11+) Taster sessions are the perfect way to introduce yourself to pottery. In this introductory class you will be guided through the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. These classes feature a maximum of three students. You will be taught how to prepare your clay, how to centre … Continue reading "Pottery: Throwing Taster Session"
Comedy for Wanstead Fringe 2023 kicks off with a fantastic evening of stand-up headlined by Mock the Week regular GLENN MOORE. Recognised for his brilliant joke-writing ability, Glenn received superlative reviews for both his Edinburgh shows and his sell-out UK tour. His many TV and radio appearances include Richard’s Osman’s House of Games (BBC) The … Continue reading "Wanstead Comedy Night feat Glenn Moore"
Leading science journalists Miriam Frankel and Matt Warren bring us extraordinary stories and studies that open our eyes to the inner workings of the mind. Every one of our thoughts, actions, moods and decisions is shaped by a whole array of factors, most of which we don’t pay any attention to. From culture, time and … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Miriam Frankel and Matt Warren"
Wanstead Theatre are back with a sparky and engaging comedy set on that glorious morning 20 years ago when England won the Rugby World Cup for the first and only time. Dave’s position as chairman of his local rugby club is being challenged by an extremely loud Australian. Why does Jake, the club’s best player, … Continue reading "Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson"
This workshop will aim to muse all the different cultural and social selves we hold in ourselves (Gender, heritage, race, sexuality, neurodiversity, language, location etc ) presently, historically and ancestrally. And how these manifest in how we see ourselves and how others see us. Victoria, a Wanstead resident, transactional analyst, psychotherapist and community artist, will … Continue reading "How we see ourselves: the Transcultural Self"
Ever wondered what it’s like to cycle 4,500km uphill on forty quid and visit every winery on the way? Join me on an Argentinian wine-tasting adventure. Part comedy, part endurance, part discovery and so great I’d do it again. Sample some of the most emblematic wines of my experience while I take you through some … Continue reading "The Wheel Argentina – Wine Tasting, Travelogue, Comedy"
Local musicians Joe Walters and Lucy Crowe curate an evening of music exploring themes associated with the skylark, our local Wanstead Flats resident struggling to survive in modern times. Joe and Lucy will perform with and alongside their friends, also locals of the area, and also musicians who feel the push and pull of urban … Continue reading "To a Skylark: Classical, folk and experimental music"
Outspoken journalist and commentator Ian Dunt knows something has gone terribly wrong with our society. It’s a feeling many of us have, but we struggle to articulate exactly why. Ian has no such problems. In his Sunday Times bestselling book How Westminster Works… and Why It Doesn’t, he lifts the lid on what has happened … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Ian Dunt"
How well do you know the current Champions of Europe, West Ham United? Step up & show up your knowledge with our quiz host, Chris Scull, presenter of ‘Quickly Kevin’, author of ‘Can We Not Knock It’ and host of the official West Ham podcast ‘Iron Cast’. Burger deal available with quiz entry. 2-6 per … Continue reading "West Ham – Champions of Europe – Football Quiz"
Wanstead Theatre are back with a sparky and engaging comedy set on that glorious morning 20 years ago when England won the Rugby World Cup for the first and only time. Dave’s position as chairman of his local rugby club is being challenged by an extremely loud Australian. Why does Jake, the club’s best player, … Continue reading "Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
…Two press photographers talk about their careers spanning 50 years of history. Award-winning photographers Geoff Wilkinson and Stefan Rousseau show their photographs that appear in newspapers and magazines around the world. From politicians to the rich and famous and of course everything in between get a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes to achieve … Continue reading "From Schumacher to Sunak, from the King of Italy to the King of Great Britain…"
Artists see things differently. Will Gompertz is familiar to audiences throughout the country from his years as the BBC’s Arts Editor. For years Will was a fixture on the Ten O’Clock News as he would introduce Turner or Booker Prize winners, or explain why a statue or painting had been sold for record prices. No … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Will Gompertz"
Local legends invite friends and music heads for a night of Soul, Funk, Rare Groove, and Boogie! One for the fans of 70s and 80s music, always a busy night.
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Jonathan Coe is one of Britain’s greatest living novelists whose books shine a light on how we as a society see ourselves. From his hit 1994 book What a Carve Up, through The Rotters Club, Number 11 and Middle England, he has found a moving, funny and true way to tell the story of Britain. … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Jonathan Coe"
Suitable for adults, kids (6+) and family groups. The hand-building taster sessions are a fun and very accessible introduction to clay. In this class you will have the opportunity to work on guided projects, or have the freedom to develop your own wonderful creations. These classes are perfect for adults and kids alike, and are … Continue reading "Pottery: Handbuilding Taster Session"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Enjoy the very best of regenerative meats, sourced by Ethical Butcher directly from Farms who champion biodiversity and soil health. Delicious fresh BBQ food, cooked outside in our garden area. Good vibes and good food, which puts soil health first, regenerating the soil and good for the planet. ADMISSION // FREE 1PM until SOLD OUT!
Suitable for adults and kids (11+) Taster sessions are the perfect way to introduce yourself to pottery. In this introductory class you will be guided through the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. These classes feature a maximum of three students. You will be taught how to prepare your clay, how to centre … Continue reading "Pottery: Throwing Taster Session"
The Annual Wanstead Festival will take place on Christchurch Green showcasing all things Wanstead. This popular event in leafy Wanstead regularly attracts thousands of people who come together to enjoy a fun-filled day of music & dance, food & drink, arts & crafts, rides & activities, sports & games for all the family.
Wanstead Parish invite you to this unique service at 6pm on Sunday 17th September at Christ Church, Wanstead. Relax and enjoy a candlelit service and an evening of jazz provided by the Nick Tomalin Quartet and Inge-Lise Nygaard on vocals. Bring your own refreshments to enjoy during the service!
One ‘invisible illness’, lots of puppets, a self-deprecating actor, far too many biscuits and a sprinkle of absurdity all can be found in the room upstairs. But can you handle the journey up? This atmospheric show raises awareness of ME, an ‘invisible illness’, through the lens of a mother/daughter relationship. Based on true events, this … Continue reading "The Room Upstairs"
Wanstead Theatre are back with a sparky and engaging comedy set on that glorious morning 20 years ago when England won the Rugby World Cup for the first and only time. Dave’s position as chairman of his local rugby club is being challenged by an extremely loud Australian. Why does Jake, the club’s best player, … Continue reading "Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson"
“A little less Attenborough, more cybernetic furry Louis Theroux” Winner of the Baloney Award 2023 Emperor Spy Cam A10N3 has returned from his Antarctic investigation for the BBC. In his performance review he’ll be covering his infiltration of a penguin colony, struggles to adapt to their complex and contradictory society, and his code-breaking feelings towards … Continue reading "Robot Penguin"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Join Wanstead photographer Geoff Wilkinson as he discusses his pictures of a changing East London. He writes: I grew up in the East End, Canning Town and then Stratford but it’s changing from what I knew as a child. For the last few years I have been photographing, mostly at night, to capture some of … Continue reading "Photo talk: Where is East London going ?"
One ‘invisible illness’, lots of puppets, a self-deprecating actor, far too many biscuits and a sprinkle of absurdity all can be found in the room upstairs. But can you handle the journey up? This atmospheric show raises awareness of ME, an ‘invisible illness’, through the lens of a mother/daughter relationship. Based on true events, this … Continue reading "The Room Upstairs"
One ‘invisible illness’, lots of puppets, a self-deprecating actor, far too many biscuits and a sprinkle of absurdity all can be found in the room upstairs. But can you handle the journey up? This atmospheric show raises awareness of ME, an ‘invisible illness’, through the lens of a mother/daughter relationship. Based on true events, this … Continue reading "The Room Upstairs"
It’s time everyone knew the story of Charles Ignatius Sancho. In the mid-1700s, a boy born on a slave ship found his way to Georgian London and miraculously survived. The boy grew and went on to tread the boards of London’s theatres, become a composer, lead the fight to end slavery and become the very … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Paterson Joseph"
How well do you know your 90’s football? Once again, relive the golden days of football with our quiz host, Chris Scull, presenter of ‘Quickly Kevin’, author of ‘Can We Not Knock It’ and host of the official West Ham podcast ‘Iron Cast’. Burger deal available with quiz entry. 2-6 per team. £8 per person.
Natalie Lee is familiar to thousands of people through her Instagram presence as @StyleMeSunday. Her book, Feeling Myself, is about how warped society’s approach to sex has become and how the shame that surrounds conversation about sex can hold women back. It’s an honest and revealing memoir in which she digs deep into her own … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Natalie Lee"
“A little less Attenborough, more cybernetic furry Louis Theroux” Winner of the Baloney Award 2023 Emperor Spy Cam A10N3 has returned from his Antarctic investigation for the BBC. In his performance review he’ll be covering his infiltration of a penguin colony, struggles to adapt to their complex and contradictory society, and his code-breaking feelings towards … Continue reading "Robot Penguin"
A night of curated cocktails and tequila tasting with our signature pure, Tiempo Tequila. Tiempo is a small batch premium Tequila made naturally in Jalisco, take some time to kick back and immerse yourself in the authentic tastes of Mexico. On the decks is ‘Don’t F**K with Disco’ resident and local hero – Harry Bone.
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
One ‘invisible illness’, lots of puppets, a self-deprecating actor, far too many biscuits and a sprinkle of absurdity all can be found in the room upstairs. But can you handle the journey up? This atmospheric show raises awareness of ME, an ‘invisible illness’, through the lens of a mother/daughter relationship. Based on true events, this … Continue reading "The Room Upstairs"
Wanstead High School is hosting a bumper quiz, with a great host, well-stocked bar and complementary nibbles to keep brain power up! It’s Wanstead High School’s PTA’s first time on the Fringe calendar and this event marks the start of a fundraising campaign for the school’s 100th year. A community event – all welcome! Teams … Continue reading "Wanstead Quiz Night"
The popular Wanstead Fringe Jumble trail is back! The original, biggest and best local trail returns on Saturday 23 September bringing Jumble Trail fans to Wanstead from all over East London. The Jumble Trail offers a brilliant opportunity to clear out your wardrobe and free up some space in the toy cupboard – assuming you … Continue reading "Wanstead Fringe Jumble Trail 2023"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Four outstanding MUST Wine tastings with great wines every Saturday throughout the Fringe… it’s a MUST! Saturday September 23rd at 2pm: Three Cheeses and three Wines Tasting Other tastings will include: Saturday September 30th at 2pm: To finish the Fringe in style…Champagne Tasting (Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Demi Sec) Saturday September 30th … Continue reading "MUST Wine Bar Wanstead: Three Cheeses and Three Wines Tasting"
Join Lydia Gerrard for a selection of musical theatre, and classical favourites from Les Misérables and The Phantom of The Opera, to Wicked and Puccini. Lydia has just returned from covering and playing Grizabella & Jellylorum/Griddlebone in CATS The Musical. She previously covered Christine Daaé in the UK Tour of The Phantom of The Opera … Continue reading "Theatre classics and more, with Lydia Gerrard"
Returning from a recent tour of New Zealand, the brilliant Sajeela Kershi headlines the final comedy night of Wanstead Fringe 2023. “The woman is a treasure, magnetic, loveable and extremely witty” – The Spectator. Sajeela can be seen and heard on BBC Radio/TV, Comedy Central, GBN’s Headliners, Free Speech Nation, and TalkTV. Winner of the … Continue reading "Wanstead Comedy Night feat. Sajeela Kershi"
Wanstead Theatre are back with a sparky and engaging comedy set on that glorious morning 20 years ago when England won the Rugby World Cup for the first and only time. Dave’s position as chairman of his local rugby club is being challenged by an extremely loud Australian. Why does Jake, the club’s best player, … Continue reading "Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson"
NB. Please note new venue Eddie and Victor will discuss their experiences on their respective career journeys, current affairs and local issues before taking questions from the audience. It promises to be an entertaining and informative evening with two local prominent voices. Eddie is an actor, radio broadcaster (with a regular show on BBC Radio … Continue reading "In conversation: Eddie Nestor MBE and Lord Victor Adebowale"
Forensic psychiatrist Sohom Das has spent 15 years trying to understand, treat and rehabilitate dangerous people. His work takes him to high-security prisons and securely locked hospital wards across the country, as well as to courtrooms where he gives evidence as an expert witness. ‘The vast majority of psychiatric patients are not violent,’ he says. … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival: Sohom Das"
Wanstead Theatre are back with a sparky and engaging comedy set on that glorious morning 20 years ago when England won the Rugby World Cup for the first and only time. Dave’s position as chairman of his local rugby club is being challenged by an extremely loud Australian. Why does Jake, the club’s best player, … Continue reading "Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson"
You may have seen Russell Boyce’s pictures of Wanstead High Street business owners last year. You might have seen his post Covid exhibition ‘Overheard in Lockdown’ in Wanstead Park this year. In the 1980’s Russell started photographing his local community in Hull and Peterborough. Between these dates he travelled the World working for Reuters as … Continue reading "Documentary Photography – Why Bother? Who Cares?"
Back for its third year, the Fringe’s Evening of Spoken Word has become a ‘must do’ on the schedule. City Place Coffee, at the heart of the High Street, transforms into a cabaret-style venue, including a bar, for an intimate evening of poetry, spoken word and music from eight diverse artists. This event is a … Continue reading "An Evening of Spoken Word"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Ladybird Books are instantly recognisable. As well as helping generations of children to learn to read, they represented a vision of how people perceived their lives as things were changing around them. Helen Day is the unofficial – but unchallenged – historian of the role the books played in our lives. She will be celebrating … Continue reading "Wanstead Book Festival presents: Helen Day – Visions of our future"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
The Fringe is delighted to host the next chapter for the Just Checking In podcast as it host its very first live show. Hosted by founder Freddie Cocker, below, the Just Checking In podcast has a mission to give people a voice, change the conversation around mental health and provide an outlet where everyone – … Continue reading "The Just Checking In podcast – Live!"
Join award-winning composer - and Wanstead resident - Simone Spagnolo for a unique blend of chamber music and mystery drama soundtracks. This concert will present Low Strings Drama, a musical drama for viola and violoncello in eleven variations that alternates tense and turbid moments to frantic passages and dreamy melodies. Recently release on all music platforms, this … Continue reading "Concert: Simone Spagnolo’s Low Strings Drama"
Suitable for adults and kids (11+) Taster sessions are the perfect way to introduce yourself to pottery. In this introductory class you will be guided through the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. These classes feature a maximum of three students. You will be taught how to prepare your clay, how to centre … Continue reading "Pottery: Throwing Taster Session"
Guided tour of the crypt – come and gaze into Wanstead’s past, and hear about the people who lived here in Georgian times in the many mansions that existed then, and of course Wanstead House. Tours leave promptly on the hour, and take 45-50 minutes; the beautiful church will also be open, visitors are advised … Continue reading "Crypt Tours at St Mary’s Parish Church"
Four outstanding MUST Wine tastings with four great wines every Saturday throughout the Fringe… it’s a MUST! Saturday September 30th at 2pm: To finish the Fringe in style…Champagne Tasting (Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Demi Sec) Future tasting: Saturday September 30th at 4pm: We will have competitions and raffles at each event so … Continue reading "MUST Wine Bar Wanstead: Champagne Tasting I"
