The Arcola Theatre
Currently showing at the Arcola Theatre is Afterbirth, a co-production between Arcola theatre and Paigeworks company. Afterbirth is a contemporary drama set in a home in North London near you, a scary thought. Afterbirth is David Florez's (Royal Court YWP, Young Playwrights Festival in Australia 2003, 'Future Perfect' scheme at Paines Plough in collaboration with Channel 4, Soho Theatre) first full-length play, phew, and it looks set to be fantastic. To follow Afterbirth is a contemporary devised, physical theatre, technological version of Romeo and Juliet by the experienced Volcano Theatre Company. Plus a children's production of Sink or Swim, and acclaimed multiple Edinburgh run production Hush, Through a Cloud, written and co-performed by Jack Shepherd and Cleansed, horrific and beautiful tests of love.

Arcola also offers term-time, 60-plus workshops and the resident Arcola Youth Theatre, both free. There is also the UK's first ever black drama school Identity. See the website for more information. www.arcolatheatre.com 020 7503 1646

Rio Cinema
Running until the end of September is Pride and Prejudice (U), with a stellar cast including Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen and Brenda Blethyn. As we go to press, the Rio has not confirmed the details of its October programme. To find out what's showing visit www.riocinema.co.uk, 020 7241 9410.

Hackney Empire
As usual, Hackney Empire has something for everyone: Handel's Alcina, where one women's lust rules until love is her downfall; Extreme Ballroom, exactly what it says (joining the team are the winners from the 2005 Strictly Ballroom competition); Alice Walker, the author of The Colour Purple, in conversation with Dotun Adeayo; for kids, Jack and Jill in the Forgotten Nursery, Bodger & Badger's Magic Mash Show plus the beautiful and universal Han's Christian Andersen's classic The Little Mermaid; and Jump - the first show of its kind, with a blend of martial arts and comedic and compelling narrative - returns from Edinburgh with rave reviews. If you want to get out of your seat for a change, try Face the Challenge!, a one-day intensive drama workshop (no experience necessary) to train and act in a professional production on the same day. The course is only £10 with lunch included. Well, I know I'll be there. For all dates and times visit www.hackneyempire.com, 020 8985 2424.

Terrace Gallery
Tucked just behind Kingsland Road is an artist-led gallery that's only been going since 17 July this year. The multi-disciplined nature of the resident artists extends the invitation to other artists to join a forum of art discussion and collaboration. The space is free to use and you can download a proposal to present your own work, from their site www.terracestudios.co.uk.

Resident artist Claire Zakewicz first solo show is currently at the gallery under the title Scissor Paper Stone. The exhibition comprises a body of figurative work in a variety of media including resin, coins, earth, painting and monoprint on canvas or wood. If you miss the chance to see her work in the gallery space, I highly recommend having a look through her website www.clairezakewicz.com 4-17 Frederick Terrace, E8 4EW, 07913 681 286

Abney Public Hall
From November onwards Stoke Newington market, inside Abney Hall, will take place every Saturday. It includes Arts & Crafts, Vintage Clothing, Antiques, New Designs, Health & Beauty, Home Baked Goods and Bric-A-Brac. There are still some vacancies for Stall Holders: contact Emily for more information (info@ebneypublichall.co.uk).
During the week there are Belly Dancing classes for adults on Mondays,7.30-8.30pm, and kids on Wednesdays, 4.45-5.45pm (massy@bellydancerweb.com). Blue Sky drama classes for children, Nimbus (5-7 yrs) and Cirrus (8-11 yrs) start from 27 September (sarah@blueskydrama.co.uk).
There is also the table tennis club every Tuesday and Friday, very reasonably priced. Call Abney Hall for details. Abney Hall 73A Stoke Newington High Street, N16, 020 7923 9332.
(N16 will be including an extended feature on Abney Hall in the Christmas issue.)

Finally, don't miss Stoke Newington resident and N16 Magazine illustrator Bronwen Jones/Eve Libertine solo show of monoprints and mixed media depictions of human heads. The ex-CRASS vocalist's exhibition runs at the gallery at 96 Gillespie Road, N5, until 14 October (Thur-Sun, 2-6pm).

N16 Magazine is keen to hear from all artists, performers, photographers, sculptors, dancers, actors and dramatists etc who are currently performing or exhibiting in the area. We will include details of all local events in our Xmas issue (published on 3 December) and also on our website www.n16mag.com . Free publicity - what more do you want?