Jeff Wayne's rock-opera take on The War of the Worlds comes to the Apollo as a live production that turns a theatre-sized room into something much bigger. It's a proper big Saturday-night nostalgia trip, and doors open at 7pm. Tickets: https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/jeff-wayne-eventim-apollo-20991466/
London's big free Diwali celebration is back in Trafalgar Square, with a 200-dancer opening, music and dance on stage, a vegetarian food market, and sari and turban tying. Come along and soak it all up. (Diwali itself falls on 8 Nov.) Tickets: Free, no booking needed. Details: https://www.london.gov.uk/events/diwali-square-2026
The Halloween favourite hits the big screen at the Apollo, with the score played live by an orchestra. It's a great half-term pick for families. Matinee doors open at 1:30pm. Tickets: https://www.eventim.co.uk/event/hocus-pocus-film-with-live-orchestra-eventim-apollo-21847219/ Also on sale via Ticketmaster
CBBC's Deadly series goes live in the arena, with live animals, stunts and science from Steve Backshall. It's a strong half-term pick for curious kids. Doors open at 12:30pm. Tickets: https://www.ovoarena.co.uk/events/detail/deadly-live
Kevin Rowland's Dexys are back as Dexys Midnight Runners, their first tour under that name since 2003, and they're bringing new album LOVE with them. Expect Geno and Come On Eileen, and it's nearly sold out, so don't hang about. Tickets: https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/book/instance/270601 Also on sale via Ticketmaster
The electronic duo are back at Ally Pally with a new album, for a big-room club night. It's 18+, and doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/overmono/
Kevin Rowland's Dexys are back as Dexys Midnight Runners, their first tour under that name since 2003, and they're bringing new album LOVE with them. Expect Geno and Come On Eileen, and it's nearly sold out, so don't wait too long. Tickets: https://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/book/instance/270401
Tom Walker's ranting fictional newsreader takes on the state of the world in The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie. It's comedy for Halloween weekend, and doors open at 6:30pm. There's a second night on Sat 31 Oct. Tickets: https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/jonathan-pie/jonathan-pie-4030187/ Also on sale via Ticketmaster
Dublin's Irish world-music band Kíla mark Samhain at Halloween with an evening of music from their Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers scores. It's standing and 18+, and the London Irish Centre says previous shows have sold out, so don't wait. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: https://londonirishcentre.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173674095/events
RSC and Factory International production at the Barbican Theatre, co-created by Thom Yorke, Christine Jones and Steven Hoggett. Yorke’s rework of Hail to the Thief is played live; Radiohead are not performing. Samuel Blenkin as Hamlet. About 1 hour 40 minutes, no interval. Opening start time not published.
