London Diary: The best of what's on in London this week, November 12-18

New Act of the Year 2013 Comedy Comp

An eclectic line-up of acts from around the country convene for this winter series of shows, affectionately known as The Natys.

The best new acts will get their gags on over two months of heats as they bid for a spot in January’s final, after which one of them will be crowned the rising star of 2013.

Previous new act finalists have included Stewart Lee, Jack Whitehall, Simon Pegg, Ed Byrne and last year’s winner Pat Cahill (above).

The laughs are guaranteed, and you might even see the next Live At The Apollo star in the making.

Nov 13, 19 & 27; December 3 & 11, free
Rich Mix, E1 6LA 
Station | Shoreditch High Street  
richmix.org.uk

Coffeehouse Tour

In this behind-the-scenes tour of London’s best, most famous and influential coffeehouses, Dr Matthew Green, actors and musicians take you on a historical journey through how everyone’s favourite daily form of caffeine delivery has shaped the city, its people and everyday life.

There is, unsurprisingly, coffee included. Bonus!

Nov 17. 11.30am-1pm, £13.50
St Michael’s Church, EC3V 9DS
Tube | Bank  
unrealcityaudio.co.uk

Regent Street Xmas Lights

It’s official: the festive season is upon us.

In honour of this best of British year, the Christmas lights of Regent Street are going to be turned on by Olympic gold medal-winning long jumper Greg Rutherford, Paralympics couple Sarah and Barney Storey, and 40 other Team GB heroes.

There’ll be a pyrotechnic display, too.

Nov 13. 5pm-6.30pm, free
W1B 5AH 
Tube | Oxford Circus
regentstreetonline.com

Handmade in Britain Fair

More than 90 innovative designers come together for this 12th Handmade In Britain fair at Chelsea Old Town Hall, in which handcrafted offerings from fashion, design, interiors, textiles, glass, jewellery, woodwork, sculpture and furniture compete for your attention (and cash!).

A top place to start that Xmas shopping.

Nov 16-18. 11am-6pm, £6
SW3 5EE 
Tube | South Kensington
handmadebritain.co.uk

The Urban Masters

No less than 33 street and urban artists feature in this new exhibition, which looks at urban art’s influence and impact.

French street art god Blek Le Rat, who was a key influence on Banksy, US artist Shepard Fairey, the man behind the famed Obama-Hope poster, groundbreaking Bristolian Nick Walker, who created the iconic Moona Lisa, and Melbourne-based Rone are a handful of the names showing.

Until Nov 8. 11am-7pm, free
EC2A 3LS 
Station | Shoreditch High Street 
operagallery.com

The Man Who Fell To Earth

This new exhibition celebrates David Bowie’s golden years from 1969-1981 with a collection of rare original posters, much sought-after promo items and photos from the early days of Ziggy Stardust.

The centrepiece is the original Heddon Street K West sign from the iconic The Rise And Fall Of ... cover.

Nov 13, 19 & 27; Dec 3 & 11, free
The Movie Poster Art Gallery, W1T 2BG 
Tube | Goodge Street
mpag.co.uk

Ordinary Darkness

Kiwi playwright Sarah Robertson’s latest offering for the Shaky Isles company at theatre bar Hen and Chickens is about a dreamer, a lawyer, a player and a banker, for whom meeting at a London party proves a pivotal moment in all of their lives.

A zeitgeistyproduction about greed, manipulation and rebellion.

Nov 14-Dec 1. 7pm
Hen and Chickens, N1 2NA
Tube | Highbury & Islington
shakyislestheatre.com

Photos: Getty, YouTube