Don't wait until the weekend to have fun, check out our pick of events happening in east and central London this week...

Epping Forest Guardian: On The Map

Maps and the 20th Century

The vast maps collection of the British Library is among its greatest treasures. Some of the most intriguing and revealing are now on display. At this free lunchtime event, lead curator Tom Harper outlines the process of selecting some of the most significant modern maps for the exhibition.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Monday, January 23, 1pm. Details: 01937 546546

Love, Loss and What I Wore

Ladies, have you ever looked in your wardrobe and realised you have nothing to wear? Then this play is for you. Gents, ever wondered why women so often wear black? Then this play is for you. A funny, poignant look at women, their relationships, their mothers, childhood, significant moments such as marriage, buying your first bra, dealing with loss, dealing with love, being a teenager and why your mother never approved of what you’re wearing.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, January 24, to Saturday, January 28, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505

Epping Forest Guardian: Shoplifter tried to hide guitar down trousers

That’ll be the Day

After an incredible three decades of touring, the UK’s number one rock ‘n’ roll variety production returns with another brand new show. This year’s production features a fresh new line-up of sensational classic gold hits, spanning the 50s right through to the 70s and 80s, mixed with hilarious comedy. Complete with stunning costumes and incredible live music performances, you’ll be on your feet and dancing in the aisles before the night is over.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, January 24, and Wednesday, January 25, 7.45pm. Details: 01245 606505

Europeana Sounds

Aleks Kolkowski is a musician and composer whose work focuses on historical sound recording. Throughout 2016, he was Composer in Residence at the British Library and will be guiding the audience through a history of recording machines. Members of the Orchestra of the City perform selected quartets by Mozart alongside Aleks who demonstrates recording techniques from their live performances.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Tuesday, January 24, 6.30pm. Details: 01937 546546

A Charity Variety Show

The Mayor of Havering Cllr Philippa Crowder is honoured to present a special Charity Variety Show. Join her and her consort Cllr John Crowder for a great evening of entertainment and variety, featuring energetic performances by a range of local community acts, including the Royal British Legion Band, the Studio Romford ballet group and Newton Primary School ballroom dancers.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Tuesday, January 24, 7pm. Details: 01708 443333 v

Epping Forest Guardian:

Magical Lantern Festival

A spectacular fusion of art, heritage and culture, with installations of beautiful lanterns, food and drink, ice-rink, ice bar and mini funfair.

Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Lane, W4 2RP, Thursday, January 19, to Thursday, January 26. Details: magicallantern.co.uk

Dash Café: Ukraine - An Artists View

Live music, art films, videos and conversations will explore and unravel contemporary Ukraince through the eyes of some of its most dynamic artists. It will feature live music from Olesya Zdorovetska who will launch her new project Telling Sounds,  A sonic journey across the landscape of contemporary Ukrainian poetry, visual artist Nikita Kadan from Ukrainian contemporary art collective R.E.P (revolutionary experimental space) and contributions from Royal Court playwright Natalia Vorozhbit on her project Theatre of the Displaced that tells the stories of people who have lost their homes in Eastern Ukraine.

Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, Wednesday, January 25, 7.30pm. Details: 020 7613 7498

Creeds Cross – The Celtic Journey

A musical story of Ireland, tracing the Celtic sound across the globe, this fabulous show promises an evening of magical and invigorating music, rhythm and dance.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Wednesday, January 25, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333

Tongu Fu

The evening will host some of the UK’s sharpest poets, storytellers, comedians and writers perform with improvised soundtracks from the genre-hopping Tongue Fu Band (Nostalgia 77, Beardyman, Puppini Sisters) and improvised films-on-the-fly from design studio CR&D.

Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, Thursday, January 26, 8pm. Details: 020 7613 7498