Published: 26 August 2010
by JOSH LOEB

• A SATIRE about “The Big Society” is playing at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden Town until August 29 as part of the Camden Fringe. The play, called wekillpimps.com, sees vigilante assassins Justine and Beverley go on the run after they are hired by a local women to exact revenge on the men who exploit them. Amy Butterworth, who plays the character of Justine, grew up in Camden and hopes locals will appreciate the offbeat humour. “It’s quite dark,” she says. “It’s about two people who are desperate and dangerous, but it’s also about young people trying to have some control and make the world their own.” For tickets call 020 7482 4857.

• Director Matthew Dunster has gone from working at the prestigious National Theatre to directing the premiere of The Maddening Rain – a new play by Nicholas Pierpan – at the acclaimed Old Red Lion (see preview). But what of the pub theatre’s “risqué” sibling, the New Red Lion? This venture by the ORL’s owners was said in May to be in the pipeline. I was told at the time that the venue would feature burlesque and cabaret acts and be “a unique addition to the cultural landscape in Islington”.  But not much has been heard about it since then. And while we’re on the subject of the Lion venues, can anyone tell me why the sign outside the ORL has a picture of a boxer dog on it rather than the fierce wild cat from which the pub takes its name? 

• Sailing legend Ellen MacArthur will speak at the Bloomsbury Theatre next month (September 9, 7.30pm). The event is an opportunity to hear the inspiring tale of her circumnavigation of the globe from her own lips. 
To book tickets call 020 7388 8822.