Top five things to do in Hampstead and Highgate this week

A history of sex on screen with the BBFC, the latest show by acclaimed actor Peter Egan and Valentine’s Day celebrations are just some of things featured in our top five this week.

1. Thursday - SEX CINEMA HISTORY

The head of education at the British Board of Film Classification gives a fun, informative and irreverent romp through the history of sex on screen. From silent films, the impact of the American “Hays code” and early censorship, to present day day age ratings and changing standards regarding innuendo, nudity and love scenes, Lucy Brett bares all. Included are many clips from films (past and present), promising to prompt lively topics for debate and discussion around changing attitudes to sex on film. Held at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, Golders Green. Starts at 8pm. Tickets £12 (£15 on the door). Visit www.ljcc.org.uk to book.

2. Saturday - CECIL SHARP HOUSE ALL ACCESS

Dance company Folk in Motion rolls into Cecil Sharp House, in Regent’s Park Road, Primrose Hill, to celebrate its completed lift installation enabling full access to all areas of the building. The group draw on the rich heritage of English folk dance to create complex but traditional folk tunes, and is choreographed especially for wheelchair users. The afternoon will be full of dance, art, song and storytelling. Venue tours will take place after the performance, showcasing the building’s new features. Runs from 2.30pm to 4pm. Visit www.cecilsharphouse.org for more information.

3. Friday - VALENTINE’S TANGO

A Valentine’s Day celebration featuring latin DJs, live music from the London Tango Orchestra, and a carefully devised set menu. The London Tango Orchestra is the UK’s first tango orquesta tipica. Founded in 2009 by violinist Caroline Pearsall, the orchestra plays classic tunes from the large Argentinian tango repertoire of the 1940s until today. Held at The Forge in Delancey Street, Camden Town. Doors open 7.30pm. Entry is free. Call 0207 387 5959 or visit www.foundrycamden.co.uk/bookings to book.

4. Wednesday - PETER EGAN

Samuel Beckett’s 1946 novella First Love is brought to life by actor Peter Egan in his highly- acclaimed production fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, where he performed with Michael Gambon.

This comic yet dark story explores a struggle between desire and emotional engagement of a man who finds himself homeless, sharing a canal-side spot with a prostitute.

Egan says of the work: “It’s rewarding to be involved in bringing a Samuel Beckett work that isn’t so well known as Waiting for Godot, End Game and others to an audience that might not be familiar with it.”

Held at Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead. Starts 7pm. Tickets £12 (£10 concs). Call 020 7431 0144 to book.

5. Sunday - GILES FRASER

Giles Fraser, formerly canon chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and a regular contributor to BBC’s Thought for the Day, joins the Jewish community to speak about reconnecting with his roots. Currently a parish priest in Newington, his father was Jewish while his mother was Christian. His Jewish ancestors originally came to this country from Germany in 1715.

As a visiting professor in the department of anthropology at the London School of Economics, Fr Fraser gives his take on what our family roots really mean. Held at Hampstead Meeting House, in Heath Street. Starts at 6pm. Tickets £8. To book, call 020 7794 5229 or email emmak247@googlemail.com.