A BEAUTIFUL collection of self-portraits is being exhibited by Iranian artist Maryam Hashemi at the Watermans Arts Centre.

The pictures depict her experience and the challenges of finding her cultural identity since moving to London in 2003.

While considering herself a self-taught painter, she has a BA in graphic design from Azaad Art and Architecture University.

Using mainly water colours and pencil, Maryam takes her inspiration from dreams and legends, her favourite subjects being women and religion.

She said: "Due to my upbringing in Iran, religion had a powerful impact on me, which has created a desire for expression of boundaries and cultural differences.

"I normally combine them with different extremes to form a contrast."

what: Maryam Hashemi Exhibition when: Now until July 4 where: Watermans Arts Centre, 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0DS cost: Free contact: 020 8232 1010

James in the great outdoors

WITH our weather as settled as it will ever be, why not book up for a delightful outdoor tale of that gem, James and the Giant Peach.

Presented by the top outdoor theatre experts Illyria, it tells the tale of James, who is sent to live with his aunts, who treat him horribly. One day, an old man gives him a bag containing the strongest magic in the world. When James accidentally spills it near the old peach tree, the most marvellous things happen.

David Wood's adaptation captures all the fun and excitement of Roald Dahl's superb children's classic, and includes plenty of opportunities for participation.

Fun for all ages.

what? James and the Giant Peach where? Sunday, July 11, at 2.30pm, gates open at 2pm when? Fulham Palace Open Air Theatre, Bishops Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA. cost? £10 for adults, £7 children contact: Illyria on 01789 751 017 or the Palace on 020 7736 3233.

See: www.illyria.uk.com

Ukrainian guitarist

EALING Guitar Society has scored a major coup by enticing one of the most exciting guitarists in the world to play from her repertoire of flamenco, classical and Latin American and European folk music.

A Ukrainian child prodigy, Galina Vale's performing career began at the age of eight with an appearance on Ukrainian state television. Four years later, she performed her first guitar concertos with the Kharkov Philharmonic. Galina won prizes at the international

what: Ukrainian guitarist Galina Vale when: Sunday, July 4, 7.30pm where: St Matthew's Church hall, North Common Road, Ealing, W5 2QA cost: £7, tickets available at the door, but limited seating call: Steve Dell on 020 8621 1394 email: stevedell@hotmail.co.uk

Fisherman's fun day

THE flavour of Grenada comes to Greenford in a cultural fun day celebrating the patron saint of fishermen this weekend.

Fisherman's Birthday (pictured above), a family fun day with music, singing, dancing, arts and crafts, plus, of course, plenty of fish to eat, was brought to the UK by organiser Ken Youngblood from his home town of Gouyave, in Grenada.

The Roman Catholic church in Grenada observe June 29 as the birth of St Peter, the patron saint of fisherman, and Gouyave is Grenada's main fishing district.

There was a procession to the bay, where the priests blessed the boats, as well as other activities.

It was a way of holding various events to bring the community together and Ken wanted to bring this same flavour to Greenford, but without the boat part.

what: Fisherman's Birthday when: Sunday, noon-7pm where: Ravenor Park, Ruislip Road East. Greenford, UB6 9LB cost: free contact: 07973 405 160

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

AN interactive sci-fi and horror experience is one way to describe How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse.

Imagine a touch of Greek theatre with advice on how to build weapons and barricades from everyday items, where the safest places are to hide are and how to choose which friend or family member to sacrifice when the need arises.

It has been variously dubbed 'a delicious piece of straight-faced idiocy' by Venue magazine and 'dead funny and essential viewing' by SFX.

It has even has spawned a book, Dr Dales' Zombie Dictionary, due to be released by Allison and Busby on August 1.

The team are currently in talks with a production company for the film version to be given the green light in 2011.

How To Survive A Zombie Apocalypse is fast becoming a cult hit.

Ben Muir, show creator and actor behind Dr Dale, said: "We're doing something unique in the fact that we're bringing the sci-fi/horror genre into theatres and live venues with a show that fans can get interactively involved in."

what: How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse when: July 7-9, 7.45pm where: Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, W6 9RL cost: £7/£10 contact: 020 8237 1111 see: www.howtosurviveazombieapocalypse. co.uk