What's On Entertainment Previews

EVENT
In Celebration Of My Sisters, Hackney Empire

Mum, we're going to Hackney, you might find yourself crying out this weekend.

Why? Well, it's Mother's Day isn't it, and what better way to spend it than at Hackney Empire, enjoying a host of performers assembled specifically to amuse and entertain on the special day?

The evening will be hosted by Brenda Emmanus and Charlene White and will feature Caroll Thompson, Yolanda Brown, Felicity Ethnic , Donna Spence, Glenda Jaxson, Jackee Holder, Fola, Adelaide MacKenzie, The Carol Straker Dance Company and Chyna.

It's anyone's guess what they wil be doing, but mothers get a free gift. However, It's unclear what the gift will be.

March 22, 7pm, £20-£15, 020 8985 2424, hackneyempire.co.uk, Rail: Hackney

COMEDY
GSOH: Ninia Benjamin, The Albany

Regular comedy returns to the Albany on the last Thursday of every month for the first time since the days of Vic Reeves' Big Night Out in the '80s.

With top headline acts and an in situ bar, what more could you want?

These shows kick off with the Ninia Benjamin who is best known for her part in the BBC's hidden camera show Three Non Blondes.

Benjamin is energetic, powerful and never forgotten when performing live, at least if you believe the press release we received.

Other acts lined up for future Thursdays include Mark Steel, Richard Herring, Jenny Eclair, Andy Parsons, Chris Addison and Simon Munnery.

March 26, 8pm, £10 (£8), 020 8692 4446, thealbany.org.uk, DLR: Deptford Bridge

STAGE
The Hounding Of David Oluwale, Hackney Empire

It was a national scandal at the time but the death of David Oluwale, a victim of police brutality in Leeds, has faded away.

In 1969, the 38-year-old's battered body was pulled from the River Aire following a systematic campaign of violence and racism at a time when prejudice was common.

Based on Kester Aspden's book Nationality: Wog, The Hounding of David Oluwale, the play tells the story of a gentle Nigerian who dreamed of becoming an engineer, the brutal humilitation he suffered and the sad end he met.

First performed last month in Leeds, it has been described as deeply emotional by critics.

March 24-28, various times, £12.50-£16.50, 020 8985 2424,hackneyempire.co.uk, Rail: Hackney

STAGE
Romeo And Juliet, Greenwich Theatre

So here we go again, another week brings yet another version of the Bard's most well-known play.

It's Verona, 1595, or is it? Romeo And Juliet has for decades proved ripe for reimagining. And whether you prefer Bernstein's street gangs in 1957's West Side Story or Baz Luhrmann's 1996 gun toting Montagues and Capulets, it seems destined to be the easy option with its obviously timeless themes.

This version from the award-winning pupils at Kidbrooke School places knife-crime firmly on the agenda wth a gala performance in aid of the Damilola Taylor Trust on March 26.

March 25-28, various times and prices, 020 8858 7755, greenwichtheatre.org.uk,
DLR: Greenwich