Things to do in London this weekend (January 21-23)

This weekend, incredibly, marks the third weekend of January; 2022 is already off to a flying start.

After another punishing week of astonishing politics, this weekend marks the chance — hopefully — to take a break from it all.

From an immersive screening of Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett and co to the chance to get cosy in an igloo, here’s five things to fill your Friday, Saturday and Sunday with.

Get spooked Screen on the Green’s Nightmare Alley experience

Guillermo del Toro’s latest blockbuster, Nightmare Alley starring Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, hits cinemas this weekend. To celebrate the occasion, Screen on the Green cinema in Islington is hosting this immersive event. Circus performers, tarot readers and a live band will accompany food and cocktails inspired by 1940s America, with guests encouraged to come dressed in the style of the era.

£45, January 21-23, Upper Street, N1 0NU, everymancinema.com

Start your engines with Victoria Scone at Clapham Grand

Victoria Scone, the drag queen who made history as the first cisgender female contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race last year, takes the reins of this night at Clapham Grand. Part of a nationwide tour with popular drag events group Klub Kids, it’s bound to be packed full of all sorts of shenanigans. Get down early, from 6pm, for a VIP meet and greet.

£14.20, January 22, 21-25 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TT, dice.fm

Have a giggle at The Bill Murray’s Roast Battle

Cheerfully cheap and regularly hilarious comedy pub The Bill Murray hosts the latest edition of Roast Battle UK this Friday. Self-described as “the show that turns smack talk into an art form”, it’s all about putting comedians on stage and getting them to insult each other in the funniest way possible. If you like your comedy with a mischievous streak, this is for you.

£8, January 21, 39 Queen’s Head Street, N1 8NQ, angelcomedy.co.uk

Catch the end of the London Short Film Festival

The London Short Film Festival is wrapping up this weekend, but there are still plenty of screenings and events that you can catch before things come to a close. From panel discussions helmed by POC film executives to a round-up of the funniest short films of the year, it’s a varied bunch — check out the programme for full listings.

Various prices and locations, until January 23, shortfilms.org.uk

Get cosy in an igloo

Igloos aren’t just for Christmas. Although seeing groups of friends huddled up inside transparent domes might have become a defining image of the festive period in London, many of the best do stay up into the spring. The igloos at Coppa Club in Tower Hill (coppaclub.co.uk/towerbridge), Aviary near Shoreditch (aviarylondon.com), the Skylight venues in Tobacco Dock and Peckham (skylightbars.com) are all still taking bookings this weekend, promising food, booze and more.