…and there isn’t a single Halloween party in sight
Words Aisha Nozari

ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS
Jane Upton’s play has been drawing blistering praise since its first showing back in 2015 and this revival, at north London’s reliable fringe theatre, more than upholds that reputation. Centered around the sexual exploitation of three young girls, Upton’s topical story creeps softly into your soul – what initially seems to be a portrayal of close friendship between the trio of young women develops into something much more harrowing. Sometimes five stars just aren’t enough.
Arcola Theatre, from 10 October, tickets £17, conc. £14

AUTOBIOGRAPHY
This month, choreographer extraordinaire Wayne Mcgregor leads his company on their most innovative and challenging collaboration to date. The wunderkind of the British dance will be working alongside world-leading geneticists in a bid to sequence his entire genome, before moulding his biological autobiography into an entirely new form of dance. Transforming body into code then back into body, Mcgregor’s latest work is an entire reworking of nature’s code and an exhibition of human creativity at its finest.
Sadler’s Wells, 4-7 October, tickets from £12

MARGARET ATWOOD
In this one-time London appearance, the outspoken Canadian author, essayist and activist will join journalist and Literary Director of the Booker Prize, Gaby Wood, to discuss not only the chilling modern-day relevance of her famous novel The Handmaid’s Tale, but a career that runs the sweep from historical fiction (Alias Grace) to hardcore sci-fi (the MaddAddam Trilogy). Likely to provide enough food for thought for at least 12 more months.
Southbank Centre, 2 October, £20-45

OUNJE
Supperclubs have become something of a cliche, but Ounje – an eight course private banquet celebrating African cuisine – puts a deliciously fresh spin on the format. If there’s one thing we need in a drizzly autumnal London, it’s a blast of Nigerian flavours – and chef Victor Okunowow is set to deliver with style, at Bethnal Green’s lovely independent and ethical restaurant, The Pill Box Kitchen.
The Pill Box Kitchen, 8 October, £50

THRILLER DANCE CLASS
Michael Jackson’s Thriller changed music videos for ever. From the moonwalk to the most beguiling groin thrusts ever known to mankind, Jackson wasn’t just the king of pop – he was king of the dancefloor. So what better way to spend a Monday evening in October than prepping for Halloween and learning the iconic moves to this monster hit? Over the course of an hour and a half, you’ll learn each of the glides, kicks and flicks that made this grisly mini-movie the stuff of legend – and become a legend in turn.
Drink Shop Do, 2 October, £15

THE UNRULY WEDDING SHOW
Ready to tie the knot but utterly allergic to meringue dresses and airline-style chicken-or-fish? You need The Unruly Wedding Show, “a rulebook-free wedding event for modern couples who want to break tradition and make their own rules.” Promising to be immersive, fun and interactive, the event – not far from Old Street station – is being pioneered by some of the most innovative talent in the industry, who are determined to break the outdated wedding event paradigm. This is one event that’s bound to give you some ideas for an alternative marriage celebration, whatever your gender, age or style.
JJ Wimborne Studios, Shoreditch, October 29, £6 early bird booking, £10 on the door

ALCOTRAZ PRISON COCKTAIL BAR
Another month, another cocktail bar – but we haven’t ever seen anything quite like this new venue, inspired by San Francisco’s notorious high-security prison Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island may have closed its gates back in 1963, but now London is unlocking the doors to its own Rock. On arrival you’ll be slapped with an inmate number and slipped an orange jumpsuit, before being slammed behind bars. It’s then up to you to smuggle past security and get your mixologist to secretly shake you up a few cocktails. Whether you opt for a seat in the visitation area or your own cell – you’ll want to keep alert all night, because the wardens here don’t play nice.
212 Brick Lane, E1 6RL, until 17 December

IN NIGHT’S DARKLING GLORY
Perfect for a spot of escapist enchantment, this immersive music event will feature not just a live orchestra but also scrumptious, magical (and most importantly edible) concoctions from Masterchef champion Natalie Coleman – all of course tucked away in a secret London location. This interactive three-storey world of food, dance, music and theatre is undoubtedly the most bewitching event this month. As the event organisers themselves like to put it: ‘In a forgotten alley behind London Bridge, an ancient world lies hidden. Travellers speak of a land of music, feasting and legend; of the greatest love story ever told.’ Catch while you can.
Secret location, 19-22 October, £49

RIVOLI POP UP CINEMA
Cinemas are sprouting up everywhere these days, but nothing quite compares to the Rivoli ballroom, South London’s stunning 1913 auditorium. A filming location for the likes of Strictly Come Dancing, The Muppets and many a Hollywood blockbuster, these days Rivoli plays beautiful host to mouthfuls of popcorn and dropped jaws. Our pick this month? Well obviously it has to be the harrowing horror classic that is The Exorcist. Go on, we dare you.
Rivoli Ballroom, Friday 27 October, tickets from £12