4 brilliant things to do this November

From fireworks with Victorian flare to improvised Shakespeare, here’s our pick of the best cultural events to see this month

Discover Hilma af Klint on the big screen

A spiritualist, artist and philosopher, Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) built her own visual language that blew apart the accepted expectations of Swedish society in the late 19th century. Now a new film, directed by Lasse Hallström (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, The Cider House Rules), tells the incredible story of this artist who defied convention, calling on otherworldly spirits to produce groundbreaking abstract works that still appear contemporary today. It is a brilliant account of a trailblazer who is only now getting her dues.

Hilma is in UK cinemas now

Enjoy fireworks with a difference        

Experience a Guy Fawkes Night with a twist at the Blists Hill Victorian Town, a living history museum that forms part of the immense Ironbridge UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back in time and celebrate with the ‘townsfolk’, while learning about life in the late 1800s. Witness iron-casting demonstrations, visit re-imaginings of shops and workers’ cottages, and tuck into authentic fish and chips (with beef dripping!), all before watching the fireworks light up the sky over the Ironbridge Gorge.

Fireworks Night at Blists Hill Victorian Town, 5 November

ironbridge.org.uk

Pop in for a print

The seventh edition of the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair once again offers incredible art at accessible prices – perfect for a bit of festive shopping! Expect everything from David Shrigley’s acerbic cartoons to Chris Levine’s glossy portraits, collated by leading galleries from across the country and beyond. In addition, there’s a curated section, put together by a panel of experts including artist Gavin Turk and curator Catherine Daunt, that showcases some of the most exciting printmakers working today.

Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, 3–6 November

woolwichprintfair.com

See Shakespeare in a new light

Following acclaimed performances at Edinburgh Fringe, this ingenious new take on the Bard features improvised story and verse. With every performance an entirely new experience, this is an opportunity to not only watch Shakespearean acting, but to become actively involved, as actors riff on everything from Richard III to The Merchant of Venice with the help of audience suggestions.

Impromptu Shakespeare, The Space, The Squire Performing Arts Centre, 11 November

squirepac.co.uk