What's on in London this week: 23 - 29 October 2023
Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 23 - 29 October 2023.
Out-Spoken: October
Out-Spoken is back for its October edition, and it promises an exceptional evening of spoken word and music with a lineup featuring poets Joe Carrick-Varty, Denise Saul, and Jay Bernard. Joe Carrick-Varty, an award-winning British-Irish poet and editor of bath magg, shares his work, while Denise Saul, known for her acclaimed pamphlets and poetry awards, provides a unique perspective. Jay Bernard, an interdisciplinary artist, explores themes of queerness, race, and archiving. Hosted by TS Eliot prize-winner Joelle Taylor, this event celebrates diversity in voice and performance, complemented by the soulful rhythms spun by DJ Sam 'Junior' Bromfield throughout the evening.
Date: 26 October 2023. Time: 7.45pm.Location: Part of London Literature Festival, Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, SE1 8XX.Price: £12. Book now.
Image: Pygmalion at The Old Vic. Image courtesy of The Old Vic.
Pygmalion at The Old Vic
This week marks the last opportunity to catch Pygmalion at The Old Vic. The play follows the journey of Eliza Doolittle, an ambitious woman tired of selling flowers in Covent Garden, who crosses paths with Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering. She unwittingly becomes the central figure in a bold experiment to transform her into a high-society lady. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Richard Jones, the production features Bertie Carvel and Patsy Ferran, offering a satirical exploration of class in George Bernard Shaw's classic.
Date: until 28 October 2023. Location: The Old Vic, London, SE1 8NB. Price: from £13–£77.50. A £2.50 transaction fee applies per booking. Book now.
Day of the Dead on Columbia Road
Columbia Road is hosting London's Day of the Dead 2023, a lively celebration inspired by Mexican traditions. The event includes a vibrant procession, a beauty parlour, a mariachi band, and a colourful walk, all of which pay homage to the Mexican perspective on death as a beloved concept. You can also expect to find flowers to honour ancestral spirits, dancing, a Day of the Dead bike ride, delicious Mexican treats, and even some yoga sessions. As an extra treat, local shops will be adorned with flowers, and their shopkeepers will offer face painting and engaging activities. It's a truly unique event that you won't want to miss.
Date: 28 October 2023. Time: from 12pm onwards.Location: Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG. Price: Free. Website: columbiaroad.info.
Image: London’s Day of the Dead, Colombia Road, London. Image by Kim Tobin Photos.
Manchester Collective: LAD
Violinist Rakhi Singh and bass guitarist Alan Keary (aka Shunya) come together for an experimental musical program that blends ambient drone and baroque masterpiece. Julia Wolfe's LAD, originally composed for nine bagpipes but reinvented here for a powerful solo violin plugged into a fuzzy guitar pedal, creates a formidable wall of sound. In addition, Bach's timeless Chaconne showcases its relentless energy and intricate melodies, and Steve Reich's Electric Counterpoint for guitar and tape offers a mesmerising performance. This event promises an intimate and intense musical experience, evoking the atmosphere of underground clubs and offering a collision of genres.
Date: 27 October 2023. Time: 6pm & 9pm. Location: Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX.Price: £25. Book now.
Karina Canellakis with London Philharmonic Orchestra
Experience two remarkable concerts this week, both conducted by the Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karina Canellakis. On 25 October, revel in the music of R. Strauss and Ravel, featuring a performance of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand by Cédric Tiberghien, along with the UK premiere of Tania León's Horizons. Then, on 28 October, indulge in the melodies of Beethoven's Overture, The Creatures of Prometheus and Piano Concerto No. 2 with Jonathan Biss, followed by Shostakovich's Symphony No. 8.
Date: 25 & 28 October 2023. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX. Price: £7- £70. Book now.
Image: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Karina Canellakis at Royal Festival Hall. Photo by Benjamin Ealovega.
Days of Significance by Roy Williams
Director Monique Touko brings Roy Williams' acclaimed play Days of Significance to the stage, revisiting it two decades after the onset of the Iraq War. The play, set in 2003, explores the intricate love lives and mortal fears of young soldiers leaving their English market-towns for the Middle East deserts post-invasion. With a core focus on morality, the thought-provoking theatre piece delves into the consequences of sending inexperienced youths to war and the far-reaching impact on the West's moral authority.
Date: 23 - 28 October 2023. Location: Milton Court Studio Theatre, Milton Court, Silk St, London, EC2Y 9BH. Price: £15 +£4 booking fee. Book now.
The London Literature Festival
The London Literature Festival continues this week at the Southbank Centre with exciting programming featuring conversations with Ed Gamble, Ian Rankin, Jacqueline Wilson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Oti Mabuse. The full program offers a diverse range of events, including family-friendly activities and free options for the half-term period.Click here for the full line-up of events.
Date: Ongoing. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: varies.
Image: Trafalgar Square. Photo by Franz Wender.
Diwali on the Square 2023
Celebrate Diwali at Trafalgar Square this Sunday. Enjoy a day filled with music, dance, workshops, delicious food, and arts and crafts suitable for all ages. It's a great way to have a wonderful day out and experience the joy of Diwali!
Date: Sunday 29 October 2023. Time: 13:00 - 19:00.Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN.Price: Free. Website: london.gov.uk.
Wellness
Barking Riverside’s Wildlife & Wellbeing Trail
Explore Barking Riverside’s new Wildlife & Wellbeing Trail. Embark on a 5km trail at Barking Riverside to explore its unique ecosystem and discover endangered and protected wildlife. Along the way, you can spot seals on the Thames Foreshore and learn about local wildlife through artworks and sound installations. Wrap up your journey with coffee at GROUNDED, a café run by local residents in a scenic setting.
Website: thewildsbarkingriverside.london. Instagram: @thewilds_barkingriverside.
Image: Barking Riverside’s new Wildlife & Wellbeing Trail. Photo by Thierry Bal
Museum Lates: this week
As the month draws to a close, there is an exciting array of Museum Lates happening this week. With a variety of activities and exhibitions, Friday Lates are the perfect way to kick off the weekend and make the most of your Friday evening. Here are some of our favourites.
Image: V&A Museum. V&A Lates' Friday Late: Radical Imaginaries to take place this Friday. © MTotoe.
V&A Friday Lates
This week, the V&A presents Friday Late: Radical Imaginaries featuring artists, architects, and creative minds from the Venice Architecture Biennale, with a focus on Africa and the African diaspora. Explore performances, talks, installations, and workshops that challenge conventional architectural notions and ignite your imagination.
Date: 27 October 2023. Time: 6.30pm – 10pm. Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL. Website: vam.ac.uk.
Handel Hendrix House After dark
Don't miss the Friday evening magic at the Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair! This historic site, once home to Handel and Hendrix, is opening its doors for special after-hours visits. Experience Handel's Georgian home with live music in the room where he performed, and soak up the psychedelic vibes of Jimi Hendrix's bedroom with more live music. It's a unique blend of rock and Baroque in an historic setting that's not to be missed.
Date: Fridays from 27 October – December 2023. Time: 6pm – 8pm. Location: Handel Hendrix House, 25 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HB. Price: £20 per person. Book now.
Image: Handel Hendrix House. Photo by Christopher Ison.
Tate Lates
Tate Modern Lates this Friday promises an engaging evening of art and entertainment to celebrate the Hyundai Commission by El Anatsui. The event includes live DJ sets by Peter Adjaye, accompanied by live percussion from Afla Sackey, and an array of music, drinks, and social spaces across the Tate Modern premises. You can also participate in workshops like Tate Draw and To Gather; Together with October Gallery, where you'll be involved in creating collaborative art inspired by El Anatsui's work. Film screenings, discussions, and talks by artists and experts provide a well-rounded cultural experience. Tate Modern Late offers a diverse and dynamic atmosphere for art enthusiasts and visitors looking for a unique Friday night in London.
Date: 27 October 2023. Time: 6pm – 10pm. Location: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Price: Free. Book now.
Image: Hyundai Commission El Anatsui Behind the Red Moon, Installation View, Photo ©Tate (Joe Humphrys).
Soane Late: The Grand Tour
Experience a journey into the world of young John Soane during the Soane Late event at Sir John Soane's Museum. Uncover hidden drawings, delve into the stories behind the collection, and have a glass of wine in the Library Dining Room as you transport yourself back to the Regency era. Soane Lates takes place on the last Friday of every month.
Date: 27 October 2023. Time: 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:00pm. Location: Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP. Price: £25 or £10 for under 25s. Book now.
Arts & Culture
Opening this week
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Europe's largest art fair dedicated to collectible print works returns this week. Showcasing a diverse collection of original prints from over 500 artists, this event is a treasure trove for art aficionados. Explore exclusive limited edition prints and acquire pieces from both established and emerging talents, featuring notable artists such as David Shrigley, Tracey Emin, and Ian Davenport. Curated by renowned galleries like Bonham’s and Paul Stolper Gallery, the fair offers a unique opportunity to discover the finest contemporary print artistry.
Date: 26 - 29 October 2023 Location: Woolwich Works, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD Price: from £15. Concessions available. Book now.
Image:Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.
The Cult of Beauty
The Cult of Beauty at the Wellcome Collection will delve into the ever-evolving concept of beauty, scrutinising its connection to morality, social status, health, age, race, and gender. The exhibition explores three themes: 'The Ideals of Beauty,' 'The Industry of Beauty,' and 'Subverting Beauty,' challenging established norms and promoting more inclusive definitions of beauty. Featuring over 200 objects and artworks, along with contributions from artists like Juno Calypso and J.D. Okhai Ojeikere.
Date: 26 October 2023 - 28 April 2024 Location: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE. Price: Free. wellcomecollection.org.
Image: 12 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time, 2013, Photograph. Credit: © Juno Calypso. Courtesy the artist and TJ Boulting.
Borough is Always a Good Idea at Mobile Art Disco
Mobile Art Disco is currently presenting the unique and hand-crafted screen prints of Dave Buonaguidi (also known as Real Hackney Dave). His art combines vintage maps with unusual designs. The exhibition even extends a warm welcome to visitors and their dogs, offering a dedicated doggy Instagram wall and stylish bandanas for your four-legged companions to enjoy.
Date: 6 - 28 October 2023 Location: 197 Dirty Lane, Borough Yards, London, SE1 9AD Price: Free. mobileartdisco.co.uk.
Image: Museum of the Moon at Southwark Cathedral. @southwark_cathedral.
Museum of the Moon
Don't miss Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon at Southwark Cathedral. This seven-metre replica of the moon offers a beautiful immersive experience, combining lunar imagery, moonlight, and a soundscape by composer Dan Jones.
Date: until 28 October 2023. Location:Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA. Price: Adults: £3 Children (4-17): £1.50 Children (0-3): free. Book now.
Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective
The Photographers' Gallery presents a retrospective of the celebrated artist and street photographer Daido Moriyama. With over sixty years of groundbreaking photography, Moriyama's innovative, grainy images have challenged conventions. The exhibition traces his transformative journey, spanning early works for Japanese magazines, engagement with photorealism, and a self-reflective phase. Showcasing over 200 works, installations, and rare photobooks, the retrospective offers a unique opportunity to explore Moriyama's pioneering contributions to photography.
Location: The Photographers' Gallery Price: from £6.50. Concessions available (Free for Members). Book now.
Upcoming
Asian Art in London
Asian Art in London is an annual festival that positions London as a hub for Asian art. The event features diverse artworks, spanning both ancient and contemporary pieces, with styles encompassing figurative and abstract art from regions including India, the Islamic world, China, Japan, Korea, and South-East Asia. Under the leadership of Nicole Schoeni, Director of Asian Art in London, a tour will take visitors through exhibitions at Cromwell Place.
Date: 31 October 2023 Location: Cromwell Place, Cromwell Place, SW7 2JE. Price: Free. Book now.
Image: Art by Szelit Cheung. Part of Schoeni Projects DOOR TO DOOR exhibition.
Pop-ups & Venues
EKO Brewery
Image: Eko Brewery. © Eko Brewery.
Founded by Anthony and Helena in 2018, Eko Brewery is a unique brand that infuses traditional African brewing techniques into their craft beers, with popular offerings like EKO GOLD, a citrus lager, and EKO BLACK, a smoky porter. This week, Eko Brewery is making exciting moves as they open their new taproom in Copeland Park, Peckham, becoming a part of the vibrant Copeland Park community. Notably, they are one of the only two Black-owned breweries in the UK, with the name "Eko" paying tribute to Lagos, the birthplace of Anthony's family. If you can't make it to their taproom, you can still savour their distinctive beers at the Warehouse Bar in Seven Dials Market.
Website: ekobrewery.com. Instagram: @ekobrewery.
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the Week
FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Frieze Sculpture
This week is your final opportunity to visit Frieze Sculpture. Curated by Fatoş Üstek, the 2023 edition presents 21 prominent international artists showcasing their works in the picturesque English Gardens of The Regent’s Park.
Date: 20 September – 29 October 2023. Location: The Regent’s Park. Price: Free. Instagram: @friezeofficial Website: frieze.com
Image: Louise Nevelson, Model for Celebration II, 1976. © MTotoe.
Food of the Week
Third Culture Deli
Third Culture Deli is a unique spot on Broadway Market, combining a deli, cafe, and cocktail bar with a focus on plant-based and gluten-free offerings. Founded by the creators of I Am Nut OK, it offers vegan coffee, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and special homemade desserts, including a famous pandan matcha tiramisu. This cool deli brings together flavours from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating dishes that are both creative and flavourful.
Location: 29 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH. Instagram: @thirdculturedeli Website: Third Culture Deli.
Image: Cream cheese board with our vegan salmon and caviar. Image: @thirdculturedeli.
Cause of the week
Amos Trust
Image: Amos Trust
Amos Trust is a small and creative human rights organisation committed to challenging injustice, building hope, and creating positive change worldwide. They collaborate with grassroots partners in various regions, including Palestine, South Africa, Nicaragua, Burundi, India, and Tanzania. Currently, they have launched an emergency appeal for Gaza, urging support for their partners and other organisations in the area to ensure they can deliver emergency assistance.
Click here for more on how you can help.
Website: amostrust.org. Instagram: @amos_trust.
Upcoming Event
Film Orchestrated: Silent Slapsticks
Get ready for a fun night of classic silent comedy and live music by the Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) at Brixton's Ritzy cinema next month. They're presenting Film Orchestrated: Silent Slapsticks, the second installment of their residency, following a successful Halloween screening in 2022. The 15-piece orchestra will perform alongside timeless sketches from comedy greats like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. René Clair's 'Entr'acte,' with its original Erik Satie soundtrack, will also be shown. Comedian Darran Griffiths will host the evening, and every ticket includes a complimentary can of beer from Brixton Brewery.
Date: 2 November 2023 Location: The Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG. Price: £25. Concessions available. Book now.
The Brixton Chamber Orchestra's will preform Silent Slapsticks at Ritzy cinema next month.