DAYS OUT

Stars and Wars

Artistic director Alan Tomkins, veteran of the film industry, worked extensively at Elstree Film Studios during his career. He will be signing copies of his memoir Stars and Wars, which details his fascinating memories from working on films including Lawrence of Arabia, 2001: A Space Odyssey and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

96 Shenley Road, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Saturday, July 18, 10am to 4pm. Details: 020 8236 3101, hertsmereleisure.co.uk

The Beach at JW3

Enjoy a seaside day out...in Hampstead when JW3’s piazza is transformed into a city beach, with sand, seasonal treats, cocktails, deckchairs, music and an in-built paddling pool.

JW3, Finchley Road, Hampstead, until August 31, a variety of times. Details: 020 7433 8988, jw3.org.uk

MUSIC

Bach Players

It's well and truly summer time, so what better time to enjoy an evening of delightful music inspired by the seasons? The programme includes pieces by Vivaldi, Chédeville and Guido.

St John's Church, Downshire Hill, Hampstead, Saturday, July 18, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8815 0197, thebachplayers.org.uk

Swing High

Put on your dancing shoes and boogie the night away with a ten-piece band playing pure swing.

Chandos Arms, Colindale Avenue, Colindale, Thursday, July 18, 8.30pm. Details: 020 8361 0265, chandosarmsjazz.co.uk

COMEDY

Hava Nagiggle Edinburgh Previews

Romesh Ranganathan and Juliet Meyers preview their comedy shows at the JW3 before heading to the Edinburgh Festival in August. Romesh is fast becoming a recognisable face on our TV screens with slots on shows including Mock The Week and Live At The Apollo. Jewish stand-up Juliet explores the labels society gives people - with a rude bit about laptops thrown in for good measure.

JW3, Finchley Road, Hampstead, Tuesday, July 14, 8pm. Details: 020 7433 8988, jw3.org.uk

THEATRE

Steel Magnolias

Set in a Louisiana beauty parlour, Robert Harling’s hilarious but touching play follows six women as they discuss small-town gossip with customers while preparing for a wedding.

Incognito Theatre, Holly Park Road, Friern Barnet, until July 11, 8pm, Saturday matinee 3pm. Details: 07912 875700, incognitotheatre.co.uk

Who Killed the Holiday Rep?

Alice Drabble is a holiday rep for Golden Promise Travel in Benidorm. Among her duties she has to deal with the seedy Britannia Hotel and its unusual collection of guests and staff. But she has a secret which will eventually lead to her murder.

John Keble Church Hall, Deans Lane, Edgware, until July 11, 8pm. Details: 020 8959 4003, johnkeble.org.uk

Her Naked Skin

It’s London in 1913 and thousands of women of all classes serve time in Holloway Prison in their fight to gain the vote. Among them is Lady Celia Cain who meets a young seamstress, Eve Douglas, and her life spirals into an erotic but dangerous chaos.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, July 10 to 11, 7pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

36 Phone Calls

As Martin’s carefully constructed lives as husband, father, son, lover, client, employee and patient spiral out of control, he must decide what is important and how he can atone for his mistakes. BAFTA-winner Jeremy Brock returns to Hampstead with a gripping glimpse into Martin’s unravelling world.

Hampstead Downstairs Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, until July 18, Monday to Saturday, 7.45pm, Wednesday matinee, July 15, 2.45pm, Saturday matinees, 3.15pm. Details: 020 7722 9301, hampsteadtheatre.com

Around the World

Hop aboard the entertainment plane and travel round the world through dance at The Ark Theatre. A group of talented youngsters present specially-themed dance and music to match a variety of destinations around the world.

The Ark Theatre, Hertswood Upper Site, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood, Saturday, July 11, 3pm. Details: 020 8238 7288, thearktheatre.co.uk

The Comedy Club

Enjoy a hilarious night out in Elstree with comedians Kevin McCarthy, Kerry Godliman and Funmbi Omotayo.

Village Urban Resort London Watford, Centennial Avenue, Centennial Park, Elstree, Saturday, July 11, 7pm. Details: 020 3376 1112, thecomedyclub.co.uk

DANCE

Innovation Dance Studios

Students from Finchley's Innovation Dance Studio proudly present an evening of dance, musical theatre and drama.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, Sunday, July 12, 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

Blitz Dance and Performing Arts - Boom Box

Groove along to an enjoyable evening of dance, including traditional and contemporary styles, performed by a group of talented youngsters.

The Ark Theatre, The Ark Theatre, Hertswood Upper Site, Thrift Farm Lane, Borehamwood, Sunday, July 12, 5pm. Details: 020 8238 7288, thearktheatre.co.uk

Thrive Youth Dance Company Showcase

An exciting dance showcase, combining the skills of young contemporary dancers from north London and hosted by Thrive Youth Dance Company.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, Thursday, July 16, 7pm. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS

An Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings

Barnet artist Renos Lavithis has put together a mini exhibition of his interesting work depicting scenes from the local area.

Coffee Seeker, Ballards Lane, Finchley, Friday, July 10, 8am to 6pm. Details: 020 8369 6100, renosart.co.uk

Electricity – A Form of Energy

Middlesex University graduate Elsa Sandy will show a brilliant new collection of lovingly hand-crafted items for the home and garden. Elsa works with a range of materials including wood, ceramic and plastic.

Hasler Gallery, Grand Arcade, off High Road, North Finchley, until August 9. Details: mynorthfinchley.co.uk

Decade

Abstract artist Lisa Traxler celebrates ten years of painting inspired by her life on the Isle of Wight. She works with acrylic paint and 3D enamel and steel sculptures. Her work explores how Lisa's art practice has evolved through the decade and around the Island.

artsdepot, Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, July 16 to 20, from 10am. Details: 020 8369 5454, artsdepot.co.uk

Avenue House at War

To mark 70 years since the end of World War Two, Stephens House and Gardens is transforming its basement back into wartime Avenue House, as it was then known. A selection of fascinating artefacts, memorabilia and photographs will be on display.

Stephens House, East End Road, Finchley, until September 30, Tuesday to Thursday, 2pm to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4.30pm. Details: 020 8346 7812, stephenshouseandgardens.com

FILM

The Long Good Friday

London gangster Harold Shand takes on a lucrative new deal with American Mafia money however trouble arises when a syndicate muscles in on the action. Bob Hoskins presents this character portrayal of a tough man with many fears and troubles. Helen Mirren also stars as Harold's mistress who witnesses his violence, brutality and desperation.

Phoenix Cinema, High Road, East Finchley, Sunday, July 12, 2pm. Details: 020 8444 6789, phoenixcinema.co.uk

Guillaume Tell

Italian director Damiano Michieletto makes his debut with a thrilling production of Rossini's final opera. Screened from The Royal Opera House.

Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Sunday, July 12, 7.15pm. Details: 01707 645005, wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

TALKS

Sex versus survival: The real story of Sabina Spielrein

Who was Sabina Spielrein? Her dramatic life story is most famous for her notorious affair with psychiatrist Carl Jung, later turned into the film A Dangerous Method. Yet she was a woman who overcame family and psychiatric abuse to become an original thinker in the field of sexual psychotherapy.

JW3, Finchley Road, Hampstead, Wednesday, July 15, 2.30pm. Details: 020 7433 8988, jw3.org.uk