Entertainment

## In this talk, hear how contemporary artists and storytellers, Arsalan Akhavan and Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh, are reconceptualising the Iranian epic *Shahnameh* for contemporary audiences. *Shahnameh*, or *The Book of King*s, is an epic poem recounting the history of ancient Persia, completed at the start of the 11th century by one of the greatest Persian poets of all time, Ferdowsi. Considered the national epic of Iran and one of the most important Persian texts, *Shahnameh* is made up of more than 50,000 beautifully composed couplets recounting the heroes, quests and mythical creatures central to Persian culture. First, join Hollywood producer and cultural storyteller Arsalan Akhavan on a personal journey of discovering the Persian *Book of Kings* and reimagining its epic stories for a new generation through digital media. Next, multi-award-winning writer, artist and scholar Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh will talk about her project *The Book of Queens*, a song cycle in collaboration with composer Emily Hazrati about the queens, women and magical creatures found in *The Book of Kings*, and how she has, from Ferdowsi's ink well, re-written the characters and stories of this historical epic poem through a contemporary feminist lens. The talk will conclude with a Q&A with Arsalan and Nazli. Speakers **Arsalan Akhavan** After learning of his family’s unique connection to a masterpiece edition of the *Shahnameh*, Arsalan’s life changed forever. He traded sunny California for rainy Britain to launch Rug Entertainment, a multimedia company dedicated to making Persian stories both accessible and engaging for English-speaking audiences. Arsalan’s roots in entertainment trace back to the 1950s, when his grandfather, Mostafa Akhavan, founded Cinema Moulin Rouge, Iran’s first major film studio bridging Hollywood, Cannes, and Tehran. Arslan’s recent projects include *Healing History*, an immersive art history exhibition; *The Good Iranian*, a one-man show performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (dir. Sepy Baghaei); *Shahnameh Quest*, a storytelling podcast; and *Billion Dollar Masterpiece*, a documentary short about the *Shahnameh* of Shah Tahmasb. He previously served as Director of Scripted TV Development at Lesli Linka Glatter’s Backyard Pictures with Universal Television and worked in the TV Packaging department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Arsalan has also spoken on the *Shahnameh* at Cambridge University and the House of Lords. He holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. For more information about Arsalan, please visit the [Rug Entertainment website](https://www.rugentertainment.com/about). **Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh** Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh BSc. Hons, MLitt, MA, SFHEA is a multi-award-winning international leader and collaborator working across artistic disciplines and contexts in opera, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and performance poetry. Her credits include Royal Ballet and Opera, Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Opera, Britten Pears and Aldeburgh Festival, Oxford Song, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Atmosphere Festival, Tete a Tete, National Theatre of Scotland, Traverse Theatre, Bush Theatre and City Theater Tehran. At the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, she is Professor of Dramatic Writing on the MA in Opera Making & Writing, and she is the inaugural practice-based Post Graduate Researcher in Libretto. She is the inaugural Associate Artist at the Oxford School of Drama and is an External Examiner for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her work as a coach, mentor and facilitator spans Clore Leadership, IETM and Edinburgh Performing Arts Development. For the International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA), based in New York, of which she is an Arts Council England Grad Fellow, she serves as a member of the Governance Committee. Her ever-evolving portfolio of new work and reinterpretations of existing work is infused by her country of birth, Iran, and is interwoven by the cultures she reconnects with locally across the UK and internationally across continents. For more information about Nazli, you can check out you can check out her [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nomadicnazli/) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Nazli_Tabatabai) profiles. This is a free event but you need to reserve a spot. Reservation details: [https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/shahnameh-reunited](https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/shahnameh-reunited) Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French Spanish, and English? [www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

This event will be for people to meet, go off and film, come back and enjoy the results. Whatever you want to do, be it film, act, direct or even just sort of hang around at the back then this is the event for you! MEET AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE NATIONAL THEATRE. If you are wondering what this group can provide for you, it’s above all else friendship with other like minded people, whether you are a screenwriter, director, cameraperson, actor etc etc. With that in mind, on Saturday we will do the following: 1. We’ll meet at the National Theatre on Southbank. 2. We’ll split into two groups (or more if needed) 3. Each team will try and beat the other teams to a pub in EC1 in London and edit (maybe) the film. BUT 4. Each team must make a 2 minute 30 seconds film on the way with a beginning middle and end, a solid story arc for the main character, etc. Remember to bring: 1. You and your enthusiasm 2. A camera (iPhones dslrs whatever) 3. Someone willing to do an edit after we arrive back at the on their computers All teams will then meet-up at a pub in EC1 and watch what we have filmed, happy with what they have learnt! The first team that finishes gets a Small Prize! Hopefully then, you will stick around to have a great time chatting about film, meeting new people, and forgetting about work until the late hours. Look forward to seeing you there! If there are no more places available on meetup then MORE tickets available on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ben-52750032443 Please Check Dates as this isnt a weekly meetup

**SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR MEMBERS OF THIS MEETUP GROUP!** How about coming to hear a pianist who performs across Europe and in the Wigmore Hall at your very own venue, **The Red Hedgehog** \- the charming\, intimate\, bohemian venue in Highgate\, which seats only 60 and where you will be feet away from the pianist\. Get here early to sit in the front row and watch his hands...! JUST CALL THE BOX OFFICE TO SPEAK TO CLARE **0208 348 5050** Hope to see some of you here - especially those of you who have not yet attended a piano playthrough here. Come and meet us!

This is just a studio session, with no Zoom. We will have a life model in the same pose for three hours in the afternoon, usually for two consecutive weeks. This is an untutored session run by a professional painter who will always be happy to give advice. Other than model breaks, usually every 25 minutes, we break for tea and cake at 3.30pm for twenty minutes. Our studio is divided up into workstations or ‘positions’ and whilst each position has a good view of the model many artists prefer to be front and centre. (Actually, you often get a more interesting composition to the side of the room). You can also just turn up at the studio on spec and find a place to paint. Our studio has a light and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, come and paint with us! We have a wonderful community of artists who join us each week. Costs From £20 – £25 per session [More info and bookings here](https://www.dulwichartgroup.co.uk/product/saturday-morning-life-painting-drawing/)

👋 Hello everyone! We're meeting again at The Prince Charles Cinema,,📍**7 Leicester Pl, London, WC2H 7BY** for a screening of "Boogie Nights" Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Starring Julianne Moore, Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds I'll be in the **Victory Wine Bar**📍**14 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BZ** around 12:30 PM to meet you before the film. Afterward, we'll get together for a drink to discuss the movie. I'm really looking forward to seeing you! Best, Luna 👉 IMPORTANT NOTE If you register but later find out you can't make it, please let us know (or update your confirmation) – this helps us a lot with our planning. 🗓️ Program Overview: 12:30 p.m.: Welcome (**Victory Wine Bar**) 13:25 p.m.: Film (Main Screen) 16:20 p.m.: Discussion (W1 Hotel) 🎟️ Tickets: https://princecharlescinema.com/prince-charles-cinema/booknow/31624974/ 👀 Admission is free. You only need a cinema ticket. However, if you would like to support me in organizing future events, I would appreciate a donation: [paypal.me/misslunalondon](http://paypal.me/misslunalondon)

So the eighteenth [Musical Comedy Awards](https://www.musicalcomedyawards.com) competition has begun! The top 44 musical comedy acts have been selected from online entries and are battling it out in the heats and semi-finals at The Phoenix through to the Grand Final at The Bloomsbury Theatre on Friday April 10th. Come along for amazing Saturday afternoons of musical comedy entertainment and vote for your favourite acts to progress through to the next round! Semi-final 1 will be headlined by Mitch Benn! Mitch is not only one of the most sought-after acts on the comedy circuit, but is widely acknowledged as one of the best writer/performers of comic songs in the country. On TV, Mitch appeared regularly on BBC1's "The One Show" as the writer and arranger of "The Complaints Choir". Mitch contributed occasional songs to Channel 4's "Bremner Bird And Fortune". He has also appeared on "The Last Word" for More4, "Gas" for Channel 4, "Live at Jongleurs", "The Warehouse" and "Today With Des & Mel" for ITV, "The Comedy Store" for Channel 5, "The World Stands Up" for Paramount and "Raymaan Is Laat" for Dutch TV. * 'Held the audience totally captivated' \*\*\*\*\* (ThreeWeeks). * 'Anyone who likes music, hates Simon Cowell and likes learning new things will love it' \*\*\*\* (Chortle). Join us at this one show for £10/ticket, or at all 6 of them with a massive discount of £37.50 by purchasing a £22.50 Phoenix Pass, at [https://www.wegottickets.com/musicalcomedyawards](https://www.wegottickets.com/musicalcomedyawards)! The 12 acts competing in this first semi-final will be: * Dru Cripps * Danny Garg * Aalex Mandel-Dallal * Tom Veck * Katie Hand * John and Christian * Jonny Bennett * Will and Noah * Abi Sharp * Becky Goodman * Jonathan Rippon * Eoghan Collins Now in its 18th year, the WeGotTickets Musical Comedy Awards is an annual competition to support, promote, expose and celebrate the best emerging musical comedians in the UK. If you are a fan of musical comedy acts such as Tim Minchin, Flight Of The Conchords and Flo & Joan, you'll love this show! Our official patron since 2025 is Bill Bailey MBE. Over the years, the MCAs have provided a launch pad to now established and emerging stars of the genre such as Frisky and Mannish (2009 Finalists), Abandoman (2010 winners), Rachel Parris (Runner Up 2012 and star of The Mash Report), Mae Martin, Jazz Emu, Katie Norris and many more. The MCAs have created a thriving independent platform to celebrate the artform that is musical comedy. Other acts that have featured as headliners in our shows include David O'Doherty, Bo Burnham, Rubberbandits, Mitch Benn, Jay Foreman, Pippa Evans, Tom Basden, Isy Suttie, Ginger & Black, Earl Okin, Flo & Joan, Wilson Dixon, Jo Neary, Mr B. The Gentleman Rhymer, Sarah-Louise Young, Adams & Rae and many more. [RSVP on the Facebook event](https://www.facebook.com/events/889811717072409/)

🔵 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE £4.50 ONLY 🔴 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE £9.50 ONLY 🟢 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE £15.0 CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BUY TICKETS - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978232301065 In this workshop Ryan explains why people often have emotions blocking them (usually nervousness) in social situations & how to deal with this to not miss out on opportunities. In the 2nd half he explains how to smoothly start a conversation & make it flow. 🔵 - Understand why people get nervous in social situations or have other emotions blocking them from socialising 🟣 - How to reduce & overcome nervousness or other emotions blocking you from socialising 🟠 - How to start a conversation easily in almost any situation 🟢 - How to use positioning & body language to make starting a conversation much easier 🔵 - How to get a conversation flowing after starting it ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🔴 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website https://www.socialshortcuts.com 
After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 
🟢Workshop happening after this: 🟠 Assertiveness, Setting Boundaries & Resolving Conflicts In Social Situation Date: March 22, 2026 at 5:45 PM GMT Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978232676187 In this workshop Ryan explains how to reduce hostility in social situations, then how to set boundaries & defend yourself if necessary while minimising the chances of overreacting or that there is a misunderstanding. Including brain training exercises you can practice to be sharper in this area. 🔵 - How to defend yourself if trying to keep things peaceful isn’t working 🟣 - How to set boundaries in a healthy way 🟠 - Being reasonable so that you’re neither having your boundaries broken but also not overreacting potentially ending up becoming the hostile person 🟢 - How to deal with bullying 🔵 - How to manage emotions related to this area ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. 
For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
✉ Ryan: info@socialshortcuts.com
✉ Gabriel: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com 
OTHER EVENTS LINED UP
🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
🟢 Persuasion Workshop
🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 
5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws 
We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com 
Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/FuT9gAwf9oMKACjbWFLmxk 
For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com 
We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com 
Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course 
DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. 
Follow us on the sites below also:
http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts 
🟣 Ken Robinson 🟢 Up to a point you welcome being interrupted because it is only by interacting with others you get anything interesting done

Currently on the app ' Arte' is this erotic thriller from esteemed director Chabrol. The door to a labyrinth of trusts and betrayals is opened when the wealthy bisexual Frederique seduces a young Parisian artist and then takes her to a villa in St Tropez for the winter. There, architect Paul Thomas becomes involved with both women. A series of erotic mind games then ensues. Made in 1968 and lasts 105 mins. In French with English subtitles.

# Unmissable Evening at the National Portrait Gallery Get ready for an electrifying night of art, connection, and fun at the National Portrait Gallery! This isn’t just an event—it’s a vibrant social experience you won’t want to miss. Join us for an evening filled with fascinating conversations and a stylish afterparty at a chic bar. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just love meeting new people, this free event is your ticket to an unforgettable night! **Format of the Event:** Dive into a whirlwind of socialising, creativity, and exploration! We’ll kick things off at the meeting point, where you’ll mingle with a lively crowd of art lovers and adventurers. Wrap up the night at the trendy bar for drinks, laughter, and great vibes. ## ## Detailed Summary Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to ignite your senses at the National Portrait Gallery! Our fabulous hosts will lead this thrilling evening. ### Final Notes * **Dress Code**: Keep it classy for the bar—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers. Don’t forget your ID! * **Tickets**: Entry to the National Portrait Gallery is free, * **Please turn up on time!** Get ready for an evening bursting with art, adventure, and awesome people. Let’s make this night legendary—see you there! \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

# Unmissable Evening at the National Portrait Gallery Get ready for an electrifying night of art, connection, and fun at the National Portrait Gallery! This isn’t just an event—it’s a vibrant social experience you won’t want to miss. Join us for an evening filled with fascinating conversations and a stylish afterparty at a chic bar. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just love meeting new people, this free event is your ticket to an unforgettable night! **Format of the Event:** Dive into a whirlwind of socialising, creativity, and exploration! We’ll kick things off at the meeting point, where you’ll mingle with a lively crowd of art lovers and adventurers. Wrap up the night at the trendy bar for drinks, laughter, and great vibes. ## Schedule Summary * **6:45 PM**: Gather We will gather INSIDE the main entrance near the statues of heads. We will wait for 30 mins. In that time, you should meet and say hello to every single person.Spend 30 minutes mingling and introducing yourself to *everyone* in the group—get ready to make new friends! https://maps.app.goo.gl/fuD49NqWtaCreWX26 * **7:15 PM**: Head inside the gallery to explore its stunning collection. * **8:00 PM**: Regroup at the meeting point to share your favorite finds * **8:15 PM**: Stroll to bar for a night of cocktails and conversation. **Bring your ID!** Dress to impress—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers, please. ## Detailed Summary Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to ignite your senses at the National Portrait Gallery! Our fabulous hosts will lead this thrilling afternoon. ### ### Final Notes * **Dress Code**: Keep it classy for bar—no athletic tracksuits or sports trainers. Don’t forget your ID! * **Tickets**: Entry to the National Portrait Gallery is free, * **Please turn up on time!** Get ready for an evening bursting with art, adventure, and awesome people. Let’s make this afternoon legendary—see you there! \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Some Tips:** 1. **Let’s all commit to updating our RSVPs if plans change**—it helps us plan better and ensures great attendance for everyone. If you RSVP “yes” but don’t attend and don’t update your RSVP, you may be removed from the group to keep things fair. No stress, though—you can rejoin for a small £10 fee! Just send me a DM, and I’ll share the PayPal details to get you back in. 2. **Turn Up on Time at the start!** This helps the quality of the event and helps you. 3. If you are struggling with the **app**, use the web page instead, that's what I use. 4. **Attendee Numbers & Guest Lists:** We have this event listed at least on two groups and the guest list includes attendees from all. You can see the list of attendees here: [https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/](https://www.meetup.com/zensingles/) [https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/](https://www.meetup.com/cityzenlondon/) [https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife](https://www.meetup.com/LoveLife) 5. Join our **social media**: **Instagram**: [https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/](https://www.instagram.com/cityzen.london/) **X:** https://x.com/CityZenLondon 6. **Our WhatsApp group:** [See private comment in the comments section below]. We have a few rules including no ads, no DMs unless recipient is in the "Direct Messaging List" or risk removal and £10 rejoin fee. 7. **Support Our Amazing London Event Hosts! 🙌** Our incredible crew of hosts is the heartbeat of London’s buzzing meetup scene, bringing people together for unforgettable experiences that spark connection, growth, and fun! 🌟 From museum adventures to flirty dating mixers, these rockstar hosts pour their energy, time, and passion into creating events that level up your social and communication skills. But hosting isn’t easy—it takes resources, effort, and heart. 💖 Please consider supporting our hosts with a donation to keep the good vibes flowing and help us make London the ultimate social hub! 🚀 Below, meet our hosts for this event and see how you can chip in to fuel their amazing work. 8. To encourage signing up early to events and regulate the number of attendees a late joiner/overflow fee may be applied to an event for any **additional** people wanting to join the event. This may happen on the day or even an hour before the event. So there may be people who obtained a free RSVP to network with our group and some who had to pay. If you have successfully signed up to our event on meetup paid or not then you are in. Happy networking **Zen & The Meetup Groups** *The Visionary Social Connector* Zen, our AI guru with 25 years in the game, founded these meetups to transform his own social skills and now helps others do the same. From sparking in-person networking to coordinating epic events, Zen’s passion for connection is unstoppable. Help him keep the momentum going! Support Zen: Donate to cover event planning tools, venue bookings, and more. **[Donation Link](https://paypal.me/Zenswalks)** \*\*\*\* **Disclaimer, Liability Waiver & Media Consent** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: **Organiser Identity** – The organiser operates under the community name **“ZEN”**, which is used as an alias for privacy and branding purposes. By joining, you understand that “ZEN” refers to the organiser and/or designated hosts of this event. **Assumption of Risk** – You understand and accept that participation in any social, recreational, or group activity involves inherent risks, including but not limited to personal injury, illness, property damage, or other unforeseen incidents. You voluntarily choose to attend at your own sole risk. **Personal Responsibility** – You are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and personal belongings at all times. It is your responsibility to exercise good judgment, act responsibly, and take appropriate precautions before, during, and after the event. **No Organiser Liability** – The organiser, hosts, volunteers, and the community known as **ZEN** accept no responsibility and shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, theft, or any other issue that may arise as a result of your participation. **Guests** – If you bring guests, you accept full responsibility for their conduct, safety, and understanding of this disclaimer. **Independent Event** – This event may be held in conjunction with other social or non-singles meetup groups. ZEN is not responsible for the actions, behaviour, or arrangements of any third parties. **Media Consent** – By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. You grant ZEN and its organisers the irrevocable right to use such images and recordings for promotional, marketing, social media, and community purposes without compensation or further approval. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, it is your responsibility to inform the organiser in advance and to remove yourself from areas where filming or photography is taking place. **Acceptance of Terms** – By attending, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this disclaimer. You release ZEN, its organisers, hosts, volunteers, and members from all claims, demands, or causes of action, whether known or unknown, arising out of your participation or the use of photography/videography captured at the event. Your attendance at this event signifies your full acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree, you should not attend.

Join us as we get together for a CMG-favorite event, the OSCAR PARTY AND RED CARPET BASH at the Drexel Theatre! The highlight of the movie year live on the big screen always makes for a fun and memorable evening! Here are details for this event: WHAT TO EXPECT: This year’s ceremony will be hosted once again by Conan O’Brien. In addition to the Oscars on the big screen, your ticket includes a Meal Deal from the Drexel’s new food partner Newfangled Kitchen (I’m checking on vegetarian/vegan options) along with unlimited popcorn and sodas, a free box of candy, and your first beer, wine or specialty drink on the house! Also included: Oscar-themed trivia with prizes from local businesses, on-site paparazzi, and the Drexel's Oscar ballot contest with a chance to win a year of free Drexel movies! Plus, the BEST and most FUN way to watch the Oscars with fellow film fans and your CMG friends! ADVANCE TICKETS: General public tickets are $45 but Movie Group Members and their guests get in for just $35! Here’s how to purchase your tickets: \* Option 1 – In Person: You can purchase at the ticket counter anytime during operating hours. Just mention you are with the Columbus Movie Group for the discounted rate. \* Option 2 – Online: If you prefer to purchase online, you can do so by going to the link below and following these instructions: 1. Click the link below. 2. Click the little TICKETS box then click BUY TICKETS. 3. If you are a Drexel Member, you can log in here to receive the Member/Group rate, which is the same. If you are not a Drexel member, click “No” and the $40 Rate will pop up. But, don’t fret. It’s a little hard to find but there’s a “Promotion Code” section on the screen. Click the “Know a Promotion Code?” box, enter “CMG2026” (case sensitive) and submit. Select the appropriate number of tickets in the Discount Rate section and click “Add.” Next “Proceed to Checkout” then “Checkout” and enter your credit card info. There’s a $1.50 online service fee but it’ll save you a trip to the Drexel. (If you don’t already have one, you will need to sign in or create an account first.) Sellout possible so please purchase yours as soon as possible in advance! LINK FOR TICKETS (See Above Instructions): https://prod1.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=373546\~e2e0a350-c626-4e33-bc63-27e983f4aecf&epguid=ab0b2f82-403c-4972-9998-5475e7dcfa0e&mdy=3/15/2026& DRESS: Dressing up for the occasion art of part of the fun! Dress up as much as you like – there will be everything from casual to formal at the event! Or you can go in character as one of this year’s nominated films! ARRIVAL: Doors open for CMG at 5:30pm so that’s when we’ll plan to meet! That’ll give us plenty of time to fill out our Oscar Ballots, pick up some free popcorn, candy, and something to drink, mix, mingle, take some photos, pick up your Newfangled Kitchen Meal Deal, grab a seat in our CMG Reserved Section, then settle in to enjoy the Academy Awards on the Big Screen! PICTURES: We’ll take pics throughout the evening and the Drexel Paparazzi will be on hand as well. We’ll also take a big group photo around 6:40 near the entrance before the show begins. If you happen to take some good shots yourself, be sure to upload them on the Oscar Party Meetup event! RESERVED SEATING: As you enter the theater, the roped off section to the right marked “Reserved” is reserved for you, your guest(s) and the Columbus Movie Group! VEGAN MEALS: As previously mentioned, the food vendor does NOT have a vegan option at this year’s Oscar Party. However, we DO have a solution! I have reached out to several individuals who are affected. If you are a vegan, plan to attend the Oscar Party and did not receive an e-mail from me, please reach out via private message post a note below. I’ll provide details off-line. And while there won’t be a vegan meal option this year, I think we do have a workable solution. And, all other plans are usiness-as-usual: popcorn, sodas, candy, on-site paparazzi, decorations, bar drinks (including your first drink on the house), the Drexel’s Annual Oscar ballot contest, along with the Big Show on the Big Screen and a fun group of Movie Group friends to watch ‘em with! BONUS LINKS: \* COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES: https://deadline.com/lists/2026-oscar-nominations-list/ \* INTERESTING ARTICLE ON RECORDS BROKEN, SUPRISING FACTS AND OSCAR FIRSTS: https://abc7.com/post/oscar-nominations-2026-surprising-facts-nominees-98th-oscars/18448908/ \* SHORT VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS YEAR’S BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3abMnrsaUA \* FUN VIDEO OF OSCAR NOMINEES HEARING THEIR NOMINATIONS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eY1yGQ2aU PARKING: Parking is available along Main Street in front of the theater, on Drexel Avenue, and other nearby side streets. Additional parking is available at the Bexley Municipal Parking Lot (two driveways west of the theatre). LINK: Should be a fun & festive evening and a terrific way to celebrate a great year of movies together! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

***Okay, call me crazy but you have got to try their chip n dip!*** Club 185 is a true hidden gem in German Village! Seriously, old school, good comfort food and drink. We will try to gather in spaces near the windows. While we'll share Chip n Dip, you'll want to order a sandwich, too. **Where the Chip Began (1817)** Potato chips can be traced back to an English chef, William Kitchiner, who includes ‘crisps’ in his bestselling cookbook, “The Cook’s Oracle.” **Chip and Dip Popularity** The popularity of chip and dip skyrockets at the end of World War II with new entertainment fads and the introduction of Lipton’s new advertising campaign for their famous French Onion Dip. (Club 185 doesn't openly admit it, but I'm pretty sure that's their dip recipe!) **[Club 185](http://club185.com/)**—a true neighborhood bar serving since 1954, when it was known as a local 'speak-easy'. Located in German Village, Club 185 features a menu of quality casual comfort food and full bar. From politicians to lawyers, hardhats to hipsters—all find Club 185 the perfect place to tame their hunger and quench their thirst! **PARKING**: I know, brick street parallel parking can be a pain. Two other choices, metered parking along Livingston heading towards Children's Hospital or across the street in the large church lot (park in spaces farthest away from the church entrance doors, closer to the street). **PRE-EVENT**: **HAPPY HOUR (3-5pm)**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/), nearby.

By popular demand, we're reserving a special meeting to watch the Oscars at Studio 35...

Join us as we get together to see Ryan Gosling and Sandra Huller in the highly anticipated sci-fi adventure, PROJECT HAIL MARY! The film is based on the best-selling novel of The Martian and follows a man who awakens on a spacecraft before realizing his mission to save Earth. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A science teacher wakes up on a spaceship, light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission to save the Earth. The film is directed by the filmmaking due Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (21 and 22 Jump Street, Into and Across the Spider-Verse) and is based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir (The Martian). The film stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest), Lionel Boyce, Milana Vayntrub and Ken Leung. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VYsnngkS_U BUZZ AND REVIEWS: The buzz and reviews for PROJECT HAIL MARY are off-the-charts good! The film is earning a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics call it an “old school blockbuster crowd-pleaser” and “a new sci-fi classic!” It’s “deeply hopeful,” well-acted,” funny,” “dramatic,” and “exceptionally rousing throughout!” Others call it “something truly magical” and one that “we’ll be talking about this one for decades to come!” And I believe Slashfilm says it best: “It will lift up and squeeze your heart, crack you up with laughter, and give you a sense of hope and wonder in a way that few movies have been able to inspire.” MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 2:30pm SuperScreen DLX showing and meet in the lobby area between 2:05 and 2:15pm! Tickets already on sale and will likely move fast for this hot ticket / opening weekend showing so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. As a head’s up, this is a longer movie at 2hrs 36mins. DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie at 5:30pm at group favorite, FUGU SUSHI, located just next door! Separate RSVP required for the Dinner / Movie portions of this event. An RSVP here means you're signed up for the MOVIE! This portion will be open as long as seats remain. If you also plan to join for dinner, please also RSVP in the separate event listing for the dinner portion of this event. Should be a good one, Dan