London’s independent theatre scene gets a much deserved spotlight this weekend with two events showcasing the finest in new writing, while the original afrobeats sound takes over East London on Friday, leaving Sunday for good eats and drinks galore… but what would an awesome weekend be without a bit of pinging and ponging? Check out a massive tournament on Saturday, which won’t be for the fainthearted.

FRIDAY

MUSIC: London Afrobeat Collective at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road  City of London, E1 6LA

How much: £12

We say: Check out a 12-piece band that know how to get the party started right, paying homage to everything from psychedelic rock to the afrobeats Fela used to get down to. This show comes as part of the Jazz FM festival, so it should be a good one.

Info: www.richmix.org.uk

ARTS & CULTURE: Freshly Scratched at BAC, Lavender Hill, Battersea London, SW11 5TN

How much:  Pay what you can

We say: This “mini festival in one night” sees artists present their new ideas in a run of 10-minute shows – so expect a new experience with theatre.

Info: www.bac.org.uk/whats-on

SATURDAY

ALTERNATIVE: The Social Athletics Club Presents The World Series Of Pong Slam Jam 2012 Pong At Bounce, 121 Holborn, EC1N 2TD

How much: FREE for spectators, £12 for double teams, £30 for teams of five

We say: The ultimate ping pong party is back with pizza, prizes and a few John McEnroe look-a-likes taking the game way too seriously… should be a hoot.

Info: www.eventbrite.co.uk

ART & CULTURE: Flawless at Tristan Bates Theatre, 1A Tower St, Covent Garden WC2H 9NP

How much: £6.50

We say: Here is a new drama from writer Tahmid Chowdhury that comes courtesy of the venue’s Sparks programme of new writing. With a storyline based on gangs and blackmail it’s little wonder the first performance sold out, so catch this if you can.

Info: www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY

EAT & DRINK: Chocolate Festival at Southbank Centre, outside Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX

How much: FREE to attend

They say: This festival will have you indulging on all sorts of wonderful goodies and leaving with some lovely gift ideas for the holidays. Never to be missed.

Info: www.festivalchocolate.co.uk

EAT & DRINK: FEAST London, The Former North London Mail Centre, Islington Square, Studd Street, N1 0QJ

How much: £7

We say: London’s foodie revolution shows no signs of slowing down: 2012 has seen an influx of fried chicken joints, Peruvian ceviche, and every other week seems to see another ode to Americana in the form of burger bars and steak places, so in celebration of this renaissance comes FEAST, which returns for a Christmas banquet in a disused Royal Mail sorting office.

Info: www.wefeast.co.uk

For more things to do in London, visit www.theculturalexpose.co.uk

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