ART: A quirky annual pop-up
A tiny gallery in Camden Street called Studio Ex Purgamento has, for the past four years, been producing a yearly exhibition every December. They work with artists in various media, both international and British, and mix the unknown with famous names such as Paula Rego and Ana Maria Pacheco. Free. Please Do Touch runs from 6th to 31st December, 132D Camden Street NW1
SHOPPING: Go cross-eyed…
Well, not quite. But for lovers of nicely designed goggles at a good price we suggest you make haste to this stylish new store opposite the Roundhouse. Cross Eyes is Danish-owned and one of only two in the capital, the other being in Clerkenwell. Choose from hundreds of desirable custom-made frames, and there’s a simple pricing structure too – so a pair could even make an affordable Xmas gift for someone spesh. Prices from £85. Open daily 10am-6pm, 68 Chalk Farm Road NW1
THEATRE: Camp it up
Award-winning cabaret artist Scottee has rounded up some of the “UK’s most mediocre talent” for a special festive edition of his sell-out variety knees-up. This one features Dickie Beau, Ginger Johnson, Japans People, Jayde Adams, Jess Love and more to be announced. Expect camp clichés, limp wrists and catchphrases smashed together with “cheap tinsel, fizzy wine and lots of good old fashioned light entertainment”. Camp runs Wed 9th – Sat 12th December, 8pm, from £12.50 at Roundhouse
SHOPPING: Xmas bash at Future & Found
Next Wednesday (16th) Tufnell Park’s fantastic interiors store will be dishing up mulled wine and mince pies to accompany a wander round for some timely purchasing. So if you’re on the hunt for directional furniture, lighting, kids’ pressies, stocking fillers, wreaths or festive flowers in the courtyard, pop down and check out what’s happening at this converted former piano factory. Even better, tell them you saw it on Kentishtowner to receive 10% off your bill. Late night shopping is 16th December, 530pm-830pm at 225A Brecknock Road N19
ART: Go Rowing
This minimal gallery off Leighton Road rewards a weekend morning visit, especially as a foil for frenetic December madness. Andrew Norman Wilson’s solo exhibition features two videos and a wall-based work that “make a connection between artificial selection, synthetic judgement, and making art”. Hmmm – reckon that’ll make more sense when you actually visit the artwork itself. Runs 12th Dec to 16th January 2016, private view on 11th December, 6 to 9 pm. Open Thurs-Sun 12-6pm. 3 Leighton Place NW5
