What's on in East London this weekend, 1st and 2nd June, 2019

The Greatest Hits of Motown

Now in its 18th successive year, this stunning live show combines first-class music with slick choreography and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances. This show will include songs from legendary artists such as Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five, and many more.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Lipstick on your Collar

Step back in time as Lipstick on your Collar return with their brand new show, following their sell-out performances in 2017 and 2018. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax – you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s! From the birth of rock ’n’ roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British Invasion and beyond, the show is packed with hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Sunday, June 2, and Monday, June 3, 7.30pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz

After a tornado whisks away a young Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, to the magical land of Oz, she starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tinman and a Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey. This is an amateur youth production.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Saturday, June 1, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Velvet

Tom has always dreamt of being a successful actor, and now after years of disappointment he is finally presented with his golden opportunity – and an impossible decision to make. Set against the backdrop of the 2017 #MeToo movement, Velvet explores the complex realities of harassment within the industry and how far a person is willing to go to achieve their dreams.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Sunday, June 2, 7.30pm. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

In the Night Garden Live

Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all. You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. The show lasts just under an hour and it’s a completely new production for the very first In the Night Garden Live UK theatre tour.

Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ, Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2, 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Details: 02089 852424 hackneyempire.co.uk

Secret Rivers

For centuries Londoners have existed beside a series of waterways, which have shaped the city and the people within it. The history of this relationship and the art that is has inspired are the focus of this new major exhibition. Secret Rivers uses archaeological artefacts, art, photography and film to reveal stories of life by London’s rivers, streams, and brooks, exploring why many of them were lost over time. Historic and contemporary artworks from artists, poets and authors will also show how London’s rivers have played an important role in the city’s imaginations. Previously unseen artefacts from excavations of the River Fleet and elsewhere hint at the diverse industrial, economic and religious roles these rivers have played over the centuries. The intriguing histories of the River Effra, Fleet, Neckinger, Lea, Wandle, Tyburn, Walbrook and Westbourne will all feature in the exhibition. Each river will highlight a broader theme such as poverty, industry, development, effluence, manipulation, activism, sacred association and restoration.

Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL, until Sunday, October 27. Details: museumoflondon.org.uk

E17 Art Trail

The festival belongs to the people of Walthamstow who create, exhibit and sell their work and who invite you to roam around this year's E17 Art Trail to explore how they have risen to the challenge of the theme Wonder {of Art & Science}. 205 venues, from studios to schools, walls to windows, cafes to community centres, faith spaces to front rooms, provide spaces for you to marvel at the creativity on display, get involved and start conversations.

Various venues in Waltham Forest, Saturday, June 1, to Sunday, June 16. Details: e17arttrail.co.uk

Romeo and Juliet Auditions

The theatre is looking to cast a number of the lead roles in Shakespeare’s best loved tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, on at the Civic Theatre in July. There is a huge pool of local young talent in the city and this will give them the chance to be involved in a professional production. For people aged 16-25.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, June 2, 10am to 5pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk