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There is more to October than Halloween, you guys. Yes, as we creep closer and closer to – dare I say it – Christmas, people start talking about having "quiet months" and saving money. It's something to do with the weather, I'm sure. But let's face facts, the reality is never quiet and despite your best efforts to convince yourself that there isn't much to do in Awkward October, I'm here to remind you that you're wrong.
We've got another fruitful month of exceptional entertainment on offer here, and I'll point you in the direction of the bits worth getting involved in. If you're looking for your next TV fix, there's a legitimately funny comedy on the way to Channel 4 (finally) and Netflix is reviving one of the most talked-about series of the last three years.
There's art aplenty if you fancy mooching around some cool new exhibitions, illustrator Polly Nor is back with new work and there are a couple of exciting fairs on the horizon, so get your culture cap on. Here's our selection of the best films, shows, exhibitions and albums to add to your calendar next month.
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Ella Mai’s new album
If you haven’t heard of Ella Mai then listen up because she’s an absolute gem. She’s become super popular in the States (Ella recently became the second woman to celebrate 15 weeks at number 1 in the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts) and it’s mad that she’s not made a bigger splash in the charts over here. She’s worked with Craig David, Ty Dolla Sign and Chris Brown to name a few, and if great vocals and vibey beats are your thing, give Ella a listen. Her debut self-titled album is on the way, and we’re hoping it’ll get her the local recognition she totally deserves.
Ella Mai is released 12th October
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Making A Murderer season 2
We all knew it was coming but the court case that gripped the world is finally back for a second series. This instalment took a bit longer to materialise than we all thought, but promises to pick up where we left off with Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey’s story. Here’s hopefully where we’ll find out a bit more about the last two years of appeals during which attorneys have been arguing to overturn Dassey’s conviction. Prepare for this to be the only thing anyone in the office talks about for a while.
Available on Netflix from 19th October
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The Anti Art Fair
Throwing a different perspective into the arena is The Anti Art Fair. Don’t be fooled by the name, art will be showcased and by the sounds of it, there'll be some incredible pieces to see. Curated by the team behind the Nasty Women exhibitions, this fair is indeed a celebration of creativity but is also pointedly calling for greater diversity in the arts. In their words, it's a "direct response to the sterilised, exclusive and money driven 'art world'". So expect to be introduced to exciting work by artists and designers from a wealth of under-recognised backgrounds.
Unit 8, 133 Copeland Road, Peckham, SE15 3SN, 4th-7th October
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The Bisexual
If there’s a TV series to clear your schedule for this month, it’s Desiree Akhavan’s The Bisexual. There’s no hidden meaning, the show is quite literally about Leila (played by Akhavan) who, after splitting up with her long-term girlfriend (played by Maxine Peake!), struggles to come out as bisexual to her gay mates. It’s funny and emotional and poignant all at the same time, and we think you’ll love it.
Starts on Channel 4 on 10th October at 10pm
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British Fast5 Netball Championships
There's a newfound excitement for our favourite school sport, and if you want to get into it, or even just learn a little more about it, now is a great time to start. The England team made history earlier this year in the Commonwealth Games, taking gold in the dying seconds of the final against Australia. It was real edge-of-your-seat material. This month, the top Superleague teams come together for a one-off Fast5 competition – the rules are the same but it's faster and packed with flair, just five players taking to the court and sinking shots from distance to score more points in just 12 minutes. Go and watch the live event or tune in from the comfort of your sofa.
Copper Box Arena, London and on Sky Sports, 1–6pm on 13th October
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A Star Is Born
What's all that talk about Bradley Cooper playing guitar, you ask? It's for his new film with Lady Gaga, silly. Huge hype has been circulating since the first trailers surfaced online, and it's showing no sign of slowing down. In short, Coops plays a washed-up musician who meets an up and coming musician (Gaga) and they fall in love. Yes, it's a love story at heart (what isn't?) but there are whispers of Oscar nominations and, well, let's put it this way: if you don't watch it you're probably gonna feel really left out of any and all film conversations for the next few months.
In cinemas 5th October
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Airing My Dirty Laundry in Public by Polly Nor
You've probably seen loads of Polly's illustrations on Instagram (if you haven't, get following) and if you were gutted to have missed her exhibition last year, we have good news: there's another one just around the corner! Her trademark satirical exploration of women and their demons remains at the core of this new show but there'll be a new collection of unseen work on display and there's even going to be an immersive installation room to explore (read: Instagram the shit out of).
Protein Studios, London, 12th–17th October
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Screen Talk: Maggie Gyllenhaal
ICYMI, we're about to be knee-deep in London Film Festival and it's a pretty big deal. Lots of those films your annoyingly knowledgeable mates will be murmuring about ahead of awards season will be showing over the duration of the festival, but what you might not know is that there are loads of events with people in the biz that run alongside the screenings. We spotted this Maggie Gyllenhaal one for any film buffs out there. How often do you get to hear a Hollywood Hot Shot chat shop IRL? Book your tickets on the BFI website.
BFI Southbank, London, 12pm on 19th October
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The Shania NOW tour
Are you going out tonight? Are you feeling alright? Are you gonna let it all hang ou-ou-out? Of course you are, my men's shirt and short skirt-wearing friend. Shania is indeed on tour and why, oh why, would you not want to be there? Tickets are still available and boy, what a show you'd be in for. Call it the draw of nostalgia, call it the pull of exceptional pop music – I don't care. Shania reigns supreme; don't @ me, just go to the show and enjoy it.
The O2, London, 2nd-3rd October
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Battersea Lates
Local yocals will be more than aware of the incredible work done over at Battersea Dogs' and Cats' home, and if you've been waiting for an opportunity to meet some furry four-legged friends, we've found one. This month they're hosting a film screening ( Homeward Bound, obvs) with some of the organisation's cats and dogs in attendance too. All the profits go back towards their work with the vulnerable animals that are rescued, and there'll be pizza and drinks available to buy too. Dream of an evening, no?
Battersea London Centre, London, 6.45pm–10.30pm on 24th-25th October
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In The Company Of
What would a conversation between women artists of the past and present look like? Curator Katy Hessel (founder of The Great Women Artists Instagram account) is having a stab at answering that in this new exhibition. It'll showcase three historic female artists – Barbara Hepworth, Lee Miller and Alice Neel – alongside 12 contemporary female artists working today. It’s a wonderful celebration of some of the best female artists of our time and you’ll probably come away from the exhibition with a more positive outlook on the world.
T.J Boulting, Riding House Street, London, 5th October–17th November
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Human Stories: Another England
October is of course Black History Month here in the UK, so there’ll be lots of events drawing attention to the work and stories of ethnic minorities who have often been left out of history. This exhibition does just that, but Another England pays close attention to the Windrush narrative that swept in (and out) of the news again earlier this year. There's loads of never-seen-before archive photography being shown, relaying the untold stories of Britain's diverse, multicultural history. It's free to go, and definitely worth a visit.
NOW Gallery, Greenwich, 10th October–11th November
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