What's on in East London this week, 4th-8th November, 2019

Hackney Music Service Gala

This concert celebrates the achievements of some of the most musically gifted and talented pupils and students in Hackney’s schools and community. It features a diverse range of ensembles including bands, choirs, soloists and school groups, as well as a jazz ensemble, combined borough orchestras, dancers and drummers, and partnership work. The Music Gala incorporates the Hackney Mayor’s Music Awards.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Wednesday, November 6, 6.30pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

42nd Street

Young Gen promise a phenomenal celebration of Broadway in one of the biggest musicals of all time. The talented and award-winning youngsters will be tap dancing and singing well-known musical hits including Dames, I Know Now, We're in the Money, and 42nd Street. The show tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer called Peggy who comes to New York to audition for a Broadway musical.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, November 5, to Saturday, November 9, various times. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

How Do We Start Again?

The year is 2042. After the great floods of 2019 and the natural disasters that followed only small groups of humans survived. Existing in isolated communities, humans started again, rebuilt what they could and continued to live. How Do We Start Again? is an original piece of theatre devised by young people from Livewire Community Theatre. The show includes live original music, dance and an explosive, dynamic and engaging story.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Tuesday, November 5, 8pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Romeo & Juliet

The greatest and most tragic love story ever told. In Verona, the Montagues and Capulets continue to feud. In the middle of this the Montague boys attend a Capulet ball and Romeo meets his Juliet. Join Harlow Amateur Theatre Society for their inaugural production of Shakespeare's classic, complete and unabridged, with a modern twist.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Wednesday, November 6, to Saturday, November 9, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

This beautiful warming wintery tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a granddad. All set in the village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new jumper tells a tale. Inspired by the famous Aesop fable this wonderful play has a gifted ensemble of actor musicians who play the endearing characters, the hilarious sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Monday, November 4, 5pm. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Support the Girls (15)

Lisa is the last person you'd expect to find in a highway-side, but as general manager at Double Whammies, she's come to love the place, and its customers. She nurtures and protects her girls on the staff fiercely, but over the course of one trying day, her optimism is battered from every direction.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Tuesday, November 5, 7.30pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk