Weekends

Good things to do this weekend 20th / 21st December:

Carols: Trafalgar Square

Carol singers have been gathering in Trafalgar Square every night this month so by now they should be in fine voice and have weeded out anyone who was a little unsure of the words to "Good King Wenceslas." So, if you've had a hard day shopping (and lets face it if you're shopping in the centre of London the weekend before Christmas, it's going to be hard), then this could bring a relaxing end to your day. In case you haven't already seen it there's a big Christmas tree and half of London will probably be there. Pick up some mulled wine from any nearby pub and settle down and listen, or if the mood takes you, join in. You can also voice your opinion on this year's Christmas tree. Donated each year by the people of Oslo, the tree forms the heart of the Christmas celebrations in the square and is generally the subject of much debate. Last year, Capital FM felt that the tree just wasn't up to scratch and sent a letter to the Mayor of Oslo requesting he try harder this year, so go along and see if they've managed it. Trafalgar Square, WC2. Saturday, 5pm - 9pm, ŁFree

Art: Francis Bacon @ The Tate


The Francis Bacon retrospective is the first of his work since 1995 and is a huge affair. Bacon is famous for his torturous, almost nightmarish paintings so it's probably worth going in armed with a strong stomach and a firm grip on your emotions because he's not keen on pretty watercolours. Brought up in Dublin and Gloucestershire, Bacon had a very difficult relationship with his father which resulted in him being kicked out of home and living off the... err... generosity off wealthy old men. This sense of isolation and disassociation with the rest of the world is present in his art and if you're not used to it, it can be a bit harrowing. His close friends were a troubled, bohemian lot and many are depicted in his paintings, probably the most famous of which being Triptych, May - June 1973. This was painted after the suicide of his lover George Dyer and recreates how it happened. So not exactly cheery stuff. That said there is something so compelling about Bacon's work that whilst you might want to look away, you really can't. It's car crash art at its very best. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1 (020 7887 8888). Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm, Ł12.50

Photography: Beside the Seaside - Snapshots of British Coastal Life

Sandcastle and wind-breakers. Families shivering over jam sandwiches and thermoses of tea. Kiss me quick hats and run down piers. The British seaside brings to mind some easy cliches. Even the most globetrotting have at some point or another found themselves shivering in a British coastal resort, promising themselves that the sun will come out shortly or that the end of pier comedy will be worth it. The National Maritime Museum's latest exhibition brings together a collection of snapshots of the seaside around Britain. The majority show typical images of Brits at play, with trousers rolled up to the knees and children merrily tucking into a 99 icecream. However, there are also sections on the working life of coastal towns and the people who make a living from them. More seriously the exhibition is a visual reminder of the poverty into which most of these areas have slipped. Whilst the sunshine might be guaranteed on the South of France, the lack of tourism has seen previously thriving British resorts sink into the sea. Amusing and sad in equal measures, this exhibition contains some beautiful pictures and is a clever reminder of just what we are missing. National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 (020 8858 4422). Sat & Sun 10am - 7pm, ŁFree

Comedy: Newsrevue

Newsrevue has been awarded the Guinness World Record for the longest theatrical run of a comedy show. For over 25 years an ever-changing cast of two guys, two girls and a team of writers have been serving up a steady diet of sketches and songs based on absolutely anything in the current news headlines.


Over the years the show has won the Fringe First Award and a Perrier nomination in Edinburgh, won rave reviews from the national press, recorded many TV & radio specials and helped begin the careers of Rory Bremner, Michelle Collins, Josie Lawrence & Bill Bailey. As with any topical news item it can be a bit patchy - but there should be enough good gags to make up for the occasional misfire. However, they've got plenty to work with at the moment, so expect debate as to the demise of the economy, some bating of The Daily Mail and masses of Christmas moaning. Canal Cafe Theatre, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, W2 (020 7289 6054). Sun 9.30pm, Ł9

Comedy: The Comedy Store

The Comedy Store came of age last year, it's now over twenty one years since London's premier comedy club was first launched and the quality of stand-up here is still a thousand times better than you will find anywhere else in London. Not only do they have excellent acts but they vary the content. The regular Comedy Store Players appear on Sunday to mock the week's news, The Gong Show on the last Monday of the month humiliates and tortures would-be comics in the name of entertainment and the Best In Stand-Up charges you one admission fee to see a minimum of three great acts who are taking the country by storm, it's a bargain. This Saturday sees a particularly interesting line-up. Last year Andrew Maxwell pretty much lived in the Comedy Store, performing his "Maxwell's Full Mooners" at midnight every night for weeks. After taking a brief break he's back doing a straight stand-up gig alongside Jim Jeffries, John Bishop and Andre Vincent. Plus there will be an open-mike spot for anyone who thinks they've got the ability to take on the best at their own game. Warning: If you've had a few pints and suddenly realise you're a comedy genius, the likelihood is that you're not. The Comedy Store 1a Oxendon Street, SW1 (0870 060 2340) Sat 8pm and 12am Ł16


	Carols: Trafalgar Square Carol singers have been gathering in Trafalgar Square every night this month so by now they should be in fine voice and have weeded out anyone who was a little unsure of the words to "Good King Wenceslas." So, if you've had a hard day shopping (and lets face it if you're shopping in the centre of London the weekend before Christmas, it's going to be hard), then this could bring a relaxing end to your day. In case you haven't already seen it there's a big Christmas tree and half of London will probably be there. Pick up some mulled wine from any nearby pub and settle down and listen, or if the mood takes you, join in. You can also voice your opinion on this year's Christmas tree. Donated each year by the people of Oslo, the tree forms the heart of the Christmas celebrations in the square and is generally the subject of much debate. Last year, Capital FM felt that the tree just wasn't up to scratch and sent a letter to the Mayor of Oslo requesting he try harder this year, so go along and see if they've managed it. Trafalgar Square, WC2. Saturday, 5pm - 9pm, ŁFree

	Art: Francis Bacon @ The Tate The Francis Bacon retrospective is the first of his work since 1995 and is a huge affair. Bacon is famous for his torturous, almost nightmarish paintings so it's probably worth going in armed with a strong stomach and a firm grip on your emotions because he's not keen on pretty watercolours. Brought up in Dublin and Gloucestershire, Bacon had a very difficult relationship with his father which resulted in him being kicked out of home and living off the... err... generosity off wealthy old men. This sense of isolation and disassociation with the rest of the world is present in his art and if you're not used to it, it can be a bit harrowing. His close friends were a troubled, bohemian lot and many are depicted in his paintings, probably the most famous of which being Triptych, May - June 1973. This was painted after the suicide of his lover George Dyer and recreates how it happened. So not exactly cheery stuff. That said there is something so compelling about Bacon's work that whilst you might want to look away, you really can't. It's car crash art at its very best. Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1 (020 7887 8888). Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm, Ł12.50

	Photography: Beside the Seaside - Snapshots of British Coastal Life Sandcastle and wind-breakers. Families shivering over jam sandwiches and thermoses of tea. Kiss me quick hats and run down piers. The British seaside brings to mind some easy cliches. Even the most globetrotting have at some point or another found themselves shivering in a British coastal resort, promising themselves that the sun will come out shortly or that the end of pier comedy will be worth it. The National Maritime Museum's latest exhibition brings together a collection of snapshots of the seaside around Britain. The majority show typical images of Brits at play, with trousers rolled up to the knees and children merrily tucking into a 99 icecream. However, there are also sections on the working life of coastal towns and the people who make a living from them. More seriously the exhibition is a visual reminder of the poverty into which most of these areas have slipped. Whilst the sunshine might be guaranteed on the South of France, the lack of tourism has seen previously thriving British resorts sink into the sea. Amusing and sad in equal measures, this exhibition contains some beautiful pictures and is a clever reminder of just what we are missing. National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 (020 8858 4422). Sat & Sun 10am - 7pm, ŁFree

	Comedy: Newsrevue Newsrevue has been awarded the Guinness World Record for the longest theatrical run of a comedy show. For over 25 years an ever-changing cast of two guys, two girls and a team of writers have been serving up a steady diet of sketches and songs based on absolutely anything in the current news headlines. Over the years the show has won the Fringe First Award and a Perrier nomination in Edinburgh, won rave reviews from the national press, recorded many TV & radio specials and helped begin the careers of Rory Bremner, Michelle Collins, Josie Lawrence & Bill Bailey. As with any topical news item it can be a bit patchy - but there should be enough good gags to make up for the occasional misfire. However, they've got plenty to work with at the moment, so expect debate as to the demise of the economy, some bating of The Daily Mail and masses of Christmas moaning. Canal Cafe Theatre, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, W2 (020 7289 6054). Sun 9.30pm, Ł9

	Comedy: The Comedy Store The Comedy Store came of age last year, it's now over twenty one years since London's premier comedy club was first launched and the quality of stand-up here is still a thousand times better than you will find anywhere else in London. Not only do they have excellent acts but they vary the content. The regular Comedy Store Players appear on Sunday to mock the week's news, The Gong Show on the last Monday of the month humiliates and tortures would-be comics in the name of entertainment and the Best In Stand-Up charges you one admission fee to see a minimum of three great acts who are taking the country by storm, it's a bargain. This Saturday sees a particularly interesting line-up. Last year Andrew Maxwell pretty much lived in the Comedy Store, performing his "Maxwell's Full Mooners" at midnight every night for weeks. After taking a brief break he's back doing a straight stand-up gig alongside Jim Jeffries, John Bishop and Andre Vincent. Plus there will be an open-mike spot for anyone who thinks they've got the ability to take on the best at their own game. Warning: If you've had a few pints and suddenly realise you're a comedy genius, the likelihood is that you're not. The Comedy Store 1a Oxendon Street, SW1 (0870 060 2340) Sat 8pm and 12am Ł16