Are You Speaking My Language?

An evening of language, slang and identity. We are surrounded by hundreds of modern social tribes, each speaking their own distinct language of colourful words, jokes and phrases. Susie Dent, resident word expert in Dictionary Corner on Channel 4’s Countdown, and Jonnie Robinson, the library’s lead curator of spoken English, are joined by the world’s leading slang lexicographer Jonathon Green and sociolinguist Devyani Sharma, to explore the connections between language and identity.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB, Friday, October 21, 7pm. Details: 01937 546546

Omid Djalili

Award-winning, British stand-up comedian Omid Djalili is back on a nationwide tour with his new show, Schmuck For A Night. 

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, October 21, 8pm. Details: 01279 431945

The Magic Flute

Hackney Empire presents this brand new re-working of Mozart’s masterpiece.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London, Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22, 7.30pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Mind Body Soul Experience

Across the three days of the show, you are invited to come along and try your hand at a creative art. Take the illustrate your mantra class, where you can create a beautiful piece of art containing a quote or lyric that inspires you. Or produce a beautiful piece of jewellery in the introduction to jewellery making class.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Friday, October 21, to Sunday, October 23. Details: 020 8365 2121

Alan Barnes

The multi-award-winning performer Alan Barnes is bringing an all-star group of top UK jazz musicians to play a fundraising concert. Alan is a prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist. He has received more than 25 British Jazz Awards and has twice been BBC Jazz Musician of the Year. His quintet for the concert brings together the cream of current British jazz musicians.

Loughton Methodist Church, 260 High Road, Loughton, IG10 1RB, Saturday, October 22, 2.30pm. Details: nationaljazzarchive.org.uk

Elkie Brooks

One of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced. Now in the fifth decade of her career, Elkie remains one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, October 22, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945

Bloomsbury Festival

This year’s Bloomsbury Festival is inspired by the theme of language, from computer code to the language of food. The festival will be popping up in the streets, parks, museums, galleries, laboratories, public and usually private buildings of this vibrant part of London. You can look forward to breakfast talks, classical concerts, sound and visual art installations and much more. The festival opens with a night-time street party with a twist, held on Bloomsbury’s Store Street. For one night, artists, dancers and musicians will stop the traffic and the party will take over.

Store Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 7BS, until Sunday, October 23. Details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk

Danish Chamber Orchestra

Internationally acclaimed Hungarian conductor Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for a very special Memorial Concert for the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London, Sunday, October 23, 5pm. Details: 02089 852424