What's on in East London this weekend, 23rd and 24th February, 2019

The Bon Jovi Experience

The Bon Jovi Experience are the world’s finest tribute to the great Bon Jovi and are the only tribute to have performed live on stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, February 23, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Rock ‘n’ Roll Paradise

Rock 'n' Roll Paradise returns to the UK's theatres for the 10th anniversary tour. Taking you on a magical mystery tour through an era that changed the music world forever, where an amazing number of rock ‘n’ roll stars will be hitting the stage at each show. As the jukebox makes its selection, no two performances will be the same. Each show will be packed with the country's finest tributes to rock 'n' roll's stars performing the very best songs ever written, supported by the explosively dynamic Paradise Band.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, February 23, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Kiss Me Quickstep

Three young couples are striving for glory on the competitive dance circuit – having finally made it to Blackpool’s National Amateur Championships via the motorway hard shoulder. But there’s pain and heartbreak beneath the dazzling glitter ball when you’re dancing to other people’s tunes and hiding secrets. And with the world at your feet, it only takes one false step. This bittersweet comedy reveals the backstage stories behind the fabulous frocks, fixed smiles and fake tan, looking at the real lives of those for whom dancing is everything.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Friday, February 22, to Saturday, March 9, various times. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Smack That

Beverly is having a party and you are one of her guests. Expect games, dancing, humour and a very raw and honest account of domestic abuse. Each member of the all-female cast, a close-knit group of non-performers and dance artists, fearlessly takes on the persona of Beverly to convey turbulent, real experiences. The unusual setting creates a safe space for them to reveal the challenges they have faced and celebrate their endurance with the audience. Faith’s work with a support group at charity Safer Places underpins this show, which seeks to raise social consciousness around domestic abuse by supporting women to openly talk about it.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23, 7.45pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Man of Mischief

Filled with astounding juggling, jaw-dropping magic and feats of daring and danger, this show is not to be missed.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, February 23, 11.30am. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Undiscovered

Each year the Undiscovered team organise a live music contest which is split into two categories: solo acts and bands. There are prizes to be won, but this is more than just a contest; it's an opportunity for local talent to showcase themselves to a network of music promoters and for you all to come along and support.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23, 7pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Cultural Revolution

In 1942 Chairman Mao Zedong declared that all art should serve the worker, peasant and soldier. During the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-76) this policy was vigorously implemented. Images of the leader appeared everywhere: bold, colourful posters combined text and image to promote political messages. The predominant colour was red and when Mao was shown it was always amid a glowing light. Even the traditional folk art of the delicate papercut, used to decorate windows at home, promoted ‘Mao Zedong Thought’. This exhibition displays a selection of Cultural Revolution propaganda posters, revolutionary landscapes, images of the leader and intricate papercuts all of which were collected in China during the 1970s. This is a touring exhibition organised by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.

William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park House, 531 Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4PP, Saturday, February 23, to Sunday, May 26. Details: 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk

Barbican OpenFest

Explore what it means to be British today through the works of artists from around the UK with this free day of art, film, music and performance. The day will showcase works from Sky Arts’ Art 50 which invited artists of all kinds, from all walks of life, from all artistic genres, to create a piece of work which says something important about national identity in 2019. Highlights of the performances, shows and activities throughout the day will be the chance to see brand new work from hip-hop dance group Boy Blue and Ivor Novello award winner Nitin Sawhney with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS, Saturday, February 23. Details: barbican.org.uk

Japan Now

With a new wave of Japanese fiction hitting UK bookshelves, meet the writers alongside translators and contemporary artists at this annual event, exploring gender, history, society and everything in between.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Saturday, February 23, 11am to 5.15pm. Details: 01937 546546 bl.uk

Being Green

Make eco-warriors of your little ones at a reading from The Great Big Green Book, filled with ideas about how to look after our planet. Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith, author and illustrator of the bestselling Great Big Book series, show the cartoons from the book, which approach a deeply serious subject in an accessible and light-hearted way, and leave plenty of time for questions and discussion. After the reading, contribute to a Tree of Hope by decorating a paper leaf with your drawn or written feelings about climate change, animals, trees, the ocean, saving energy or creating a happier, more peaceful future.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Saturday, February 23, 11am. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Craft Beer Rising

Craft Beer Rising Festival is the ultimate craft beer, street food and music experience for both industry experts and passionate hobbyists. The seventh edition of CBR returns for three days of expertly brewed beers, mouth-watering street food and a world class soundtrack.

Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QR, Thursday, February 21, to Saturday, February 23. Details: craftbeerrising.co.uk

Chingford Walk

What do Ivor Novello, Lawrence of Arabia, Queen Victoria and the Forgotten Father of English Sport have in common? Answer - they all have connections to Chingford. Take a walk around the district and learn about its history.

Chingford Railway Station, Station Road, E4 6AL, Saturday, February 23, 2pm. Details: eventbrite.co.uk

The Art of Burial

Since prehistoric times humankind has been united by its practices associated with what happens to a body after death. The V&A has many objects from around the world, some dating back thousands of years, which are associated with burial. This tour looks at items which are now seen as art found within tombs and discusses the imagery and representations on tombs, monuments and reliquaries to the dead. Discuss the practices followed in China, India, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The tour also includes a couple of amazing archaeological discoveries of tomb monuments from the London area.

V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL, Sunday, February 24, 3.45pm. Details: 020 79 422000 vam.ac.uk