Things To Do This Week In London: 18-24 November 2024

Watership Down, Lord of the Rings, Barbie, Discworld, Wicked...

Things to do this week is sponsored by Art of London.

All week

VOILA! THEATRE FESTIVAL: Comedy, theatre and dance are all on the rather packed schedule of the final week of Voila! Theatre Festival. Parallel lives, Princess Diana's death, and the European dream are among the topics covered, spanning multilingual and multicultural performances. Until 24 November

LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL: Camille Rose, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the Joe Webb Trio, Cyrus Chestnut and Imelda May are all on the line-up for the final week of this year's EFG London Jazz Festival. Concerts and events take place at various central London locations including Barbican and Southbank Centre. Until 24 November

ZAINAB JOHNSON: Zainab Johnson brings her unique comedy style to Soho Theatre, following her successful debut special on Amazon Prime. Johnson dives into her experiences as a Black female Muslim growing up in Harlem, and her toxic trait: optimism. 18-23 November

WOMEN OF THE RNLI: Time's running out to see the National Maritime Museum's Women of the RNLI exhibition, marking the bicentenary of the founding of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It features 42 photographs taken by Jack Lowe, photographer on the Lifeboat Station Project, each depicting women who volunteer for the RNLI. It also looks at the charity's history and how women have been involved from the start, from fundraising to rescue missions. Until 1 December

KINGSTON CHRISTMAS MARKET:Kingston's traditional Christmas market is now open in the Ancient Market Place with food, drink and gift stalls to browse, plus live music and festive entertainment. New for this year is the free Nutcracker Trail : find the names of all 15 statues to be in with a chance of winning a Christmas hamper. Don't forget to snap a selfie next to one of the twinkling installations too. FREE entry, until 5 January (sponsor)

ICE SKATING: The Hampton Court Palace ice rink opens on Friday, along with the Winter Wonderland rink on Thursday, joining the four festive ice skating spots which are already open for the season. Have a look at our guide to ice skating in London this Christmas for everything you need to know. The closer we get to Christmas, the busier the rinks become, so get your skates on.

DRINK OF THE WEEK:Fitz's bar in Bloomsbury has just launched a menu of cocktails inspired by synaesthesia — a condition which can include perceiving colours through taste. Although this experience doesn't sound entirely scientific, it is an excuse to quaff delicious-sounding cocktails like the King of Persia, with its floral hints of pomelo, bergamot and grape.

EAT OF THE WEEK: Specialist Japanese yakitori restaurant Hotori opens in Holborn on Monday — serving a 'beak-to-tail' menu of chicken dishes (17 different cuts altogether), all cooked over a charcoal grill. There's also sake, Japanese whisky, and wines.

Monday 18 November

JEWISH COUNTRY HOUSES: Waterstones Hampstead hosts Juliet Carey and Abigail Green to discuss their new book Jewish Country Houses. The National Trust's Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire and Villa Tugendhat in the Czech city of Brno are among the buildings featured in the book, which delves into the lives of the people who created them, as well as their architecture and the objects they contain. 6pm

WATERSHIP DOWN: Dr Catherine Lester, editor of Watership Down: Perspectives On and Beyond Animated Violence, is among a panel of experts appearing at the BFI Reuben Library tonight. They discuss why the 1978 animated film is still so popular despite the violence within. 6.30pm

MEDIEVAL MAKEOVER: Join award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas, and historians Professor Jill Burke and Amber Butchart at the British Library for Medieval Get Ready With Me. This panel event delves into the history of cosmetics and medieval beauty practices, with insights from experts and interactive makeup trials showcasing how beauty standards have evolved. This event is linked to the current Medieval Women: In Their Own Words exhibition. 7pm

BLENHEIM PALACE: Join Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill for a talk about family life at Blenheim Palace, celebrating its 300 years of history. She will be in conversation with her son, Dr. David Gelber, sharing stories about this grand estate, its baroque architecture, and the impressive interiors. Tickets to watch in person at the V&A have sold out, but you can watch online via a livestream. 7pm-8pm

PRIDE IN STEM: The Royal Institution hosts an evening of science talks by LGBTQ+ speakers, as well as demos, and hands-on activities including badge making. Speakers include Gabriel Astorga exploring pathogen origins, alongside Pride in STEM small grant winners showcasing their work. 7pm-9.30pm

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Tuesday 19 November

LORD OF THE RINGS: A rare chance to watch the 1978 film version of the Lord of the Rings, directed by Ralph Bakshi and starring Christopher Guard, John Hurt, William Squire, Michael Scholes, Simon Chandler and Dominic Guard. See it at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, which also begins its Christmas film screenings this week. 12pm

HEALING WORDS: Experts and authors come together at the Royal College of Physicians to discuss the intersection of medicine and literature. Speakers including Dr. Nick Medhurst and Dr. Max Pemberton give insightful talks about the healing aspects of storytelling and writing. 6pm-8pm

LIVE MUSIC: Join singer-songwriter John Adams at the Green Note in Camden for an evening of live music. With influences from Sam Smith and James Blunt, Adams combines organic melodies with strong digital rhythms. Supporting him is Kiah Lindsay, a rising star from Wales whose debut album explores themes of self-discovery and relationships through a fusion of indie folk and country. 7pm

BARBIE SET DESIGN: See the Barbie exhibition at the Design Museum yet? Tonight, production designer Sarah Greenwood and set decorator Katie Spencer, who both worked on last year's Barbie film, discuss their impressions of the exhibition with curator Danielle Thom. They also offer an insight into the art of creating worlds for cinema. 7pm-8.20pm

JAKE BUGG: Singer-songwriter Jake Bugg returns to The Roundhouse in Camden with his sixth album, A Modern Day Distraction. Expect to hear a return to his roots, blending rock-driven sounds with poignant lyrics that reflect societal frustrations and injustices. 7.30pm

KATIE PRITCHARD: Multi-award-winning musical comedian Katie Pritchard presents her latest show, I Kiss The Music, which has been described as "Taylor Swift...on acid". Head to Pleasance Theatre in Islington for humour, songs, and unexpected dance moves spanning several genres and up to 12 musical instruments. 7.40pm

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Have a festive adventure in the West End

Central London is positively GLOWING right now, with Christmas lights illuminating St Martin’s Lane, Leicester Square and Piccadilly. It’s an excellent excuse to take the family/your pals/yourself off on a West End adventure full of festive food, Christmas shopping, and culture.

Fancy a theatre trip? See a critically-acclaimed adaptation of Dr Strangelove starring Steve Coogan. Watch Lily Collins in new play Barcelona. Or try hit musical comedy Why Am I So Single? All are showing on (or near) St Martin’s Lane, so you can admire all 8,000 LED bulbs of its aerial display on your way to a post-show cocktail at The Alchemist or Mr Fogg’s Tavern.

Want to really get into the festive spirit? Pay a visit to Fortnum’s newly-opened Christmas shop, taking in Piccadilly’s glorious lights while you’re in the area. Or head to Leicester Square’s twinkling Christmas market, where you can follow the newly-expanded Scenes in the Square film trail in between mouthfuls of mulled wine and mince pies.

Culture-seekers should also check out Art of London’s handy online guides — stuffed with world-class galleries, theatres, museums and pop ups in the area. There are even specially-crafted festive itineraries for extra festive magic.

Wednesday 20 November

AKRAM KHAN: Legendary choreographer Akram Khan brings his latest show, Gigenis: the generation of Earth to Sadler's Wells, exploring ancient myths alongside an ensemble of six Indian classical dance artists and seven live musicians. 20-24 November

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in Greenwich give one of their regular free lunchtime concerts at Queen's House. Exact programme and performers TBC at time of writing, but it's a relaxed event, everyone welcome. FREE, 1pm-2pm

AFTERNOON TEA TOUR: Take a specially curated guided tour of the Natural History Museum, followed by a nature inspired afternoon tea. Spend an hour with an expert guide visiting often-overlooked specimens within the museum's collection and asking your questions, followed by afternoon tea in the museum's private members’ room. 2pm-4pm

SAINTS AND LIARS: Tonight's Gresham College lecture explores the Americans who risked their lives to save others during the Nazi era. It highlights the stories of courageous individuals, particularly women, who ventured to aid victims of Nazi Germany. Professor Debórah Dwork, a noted expert on the Holocaust, gives the talk, which you can watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online via livestream. FREE, 6pm

COMEDY AND CURRY: Shazia Mirza, Stefano Paolini, Victoria Howden and MC Sion James provide the entertainment at Comedy & Curry at Sai Restaurant in Raynes Park. Tuck into a two-course Indian buffet as you enjoy the show. 7pm

JAWDANCE: This month's lineup at spoken word night Jawdance includes host Kat Francois, alongside performances from award-winning poet Theresa Lola, musician Amyra León, and poet and playwright Zakariye. There's also an open mic slot at the Rich Mix event. 7pm

THE PLANETS: Under the baton of Alpesh Chauhan, the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of orchestral brilliance at the Barbican. Experience the cosmic journey through Thomas Adès’ Polaris and be enchanted by Gustav Holst's celebrated suite The Planets. 7.30pm

Thursday 21 November

CHRISSIE HYNDE: The Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde opens an exhibition of her artworks at 4 Cromwell Place. Hynde Sight offers up 60 of her recent works for public viewing, with subjects ranging from furniture and musical instruments to self-portraits. 21 November-14 December

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND: London's giant festive funfair returns to Hyde Park from today, with all the usual attractions; ice rink, giant wheel, funfair rides, ice kingdom, circus, Christmas market and food and drink stalls. Like last year, you'll need to book your entry slot in advance, and prices vary depending on peak and off-peak timings. 21 November-5 January

THE 80S: The social and political change of the 1980s is the subject of a new photography exhibition at Tate Britain. View the work of a diverse community of photographers, collectives and publications, working against the backdrop of race uprisings, the miners' strikes, section 28, the AIDS pandemic and gentrification. 21 November-5 May

BANK LATE: The wonderful Bank of England Museum stay open late tonight A chance to explore the displays after work, but also to hear a talk by Clare Cowan on the interplay and relationship between the Bank of England and Parliament. FREE, 5-8pm

TERRY PRATCHETT'S DISCWORLD: Illustrator Paul Kidby has designed the covers for Terry Pratchett's Discworld book series since 2002. Head to Waterstones Piccadilly tonight to celebrate the launch of his new book, showcasing some of his Discworld artwork, and offering an insight into his working relationship with Pratchett. 6.30pm

GREY GOOSE® LATES: The autumn/winter season of Grey Goose Lates, a series of exclusive events hosted by the well-known French vodka brand, continues today. Disco Bambino (@‌disco_bambino) is spinning tracks at Alligator Bar at Louie London in Covent Garden, with signature Grey Goose cocktails served till the small hours. Entry’s free but guest list confirmation is strongly suggested. FREE, 7pm-2am (sponsor)

COSTUMING WICKED: The hype around the new Wicked film continues, as costume designer Paul Tazewell talks about how he brought the musical to the silver screen. Watch via livestream as he chats to V&A Senior Curator Simon Sladen about working with director Jon M. Chu and actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. 7pm-8pm

FINDING THE WORDS: Writers and poets including Julian Barnes, Victoria Hislop, Brian Bilston and Margaret Busby appear at the Finding The Words Literary Festival, in aid of charity Freedom From Torture. Resilience and strength are celebrated in the fundraising event at the London Library, which also features survivors of torture sharing their stories. 7pm-10pm

CONCERT FOR CONSERVATION: Singer Heather Small headlines a gig at the Water Rats in King's Cross, raising money for the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which is working to save the big cats in the wild. A fundraising raffle also features, and there may be a special guest too (probably not an actual cheetah...). 7pm-10.30pm

Friday 22 November

CHRISTMAS WINE FEST: Thinking about your festive tipple already? The Big Christmas Wine Fest has vino experts Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin and Olly Smith on hand to help you pick the perfect wine to pair with your turkey. Over 600 wines from all around the world are available for tasting, and ready to buy when you find one that floats your boat. Takes place at the Royal Horticultural Halls. 22-23 November

WRITE IDEA FESTIVAL: The WriteIdea reading festival is a weekend of free events at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. On the line-up are Olivia Laing (discussing her book about restoring a walled garden in Suffolk), Madeleine Pelling (whose book Writing on the Wall is a cultural history of the 18th century, told through the graffiti) and Tasneem Abdur-Rashid in conversation with Dr Fatima Rajina, about British Bangladeshis. FREE, 22-24 November

IRISH WRITERS' WEEKEND: Over 30 of Ireland's most exciting writers pitch up at the British Library for the Irish Writers' Festival. Authors, poets, comedians, and musicians are among those talking about their work, including Lucy Caldwell, Sinéad Gleeson, Rónán Hession, Chloe Michelle Howarth, Caoilinn Hughes, Una Mannion, Mike McCormack, Paul Muldoon, Graham Norton and Dara Ó Briain. 22-24 November

ANIMATION FESTIVAL: The UK’s largest and longest-running animation festival, London International Animation Festival screens many UK, European and world Premieres, to thousands of people across London venues, internationally and online. Today's opening gala at Barbican Cinema is the UK premiere of independent US animated feature Boys Go To Jupiter, directed by Julian Glander. 22 November-2 December

PERCY JACKSON: Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief has been adapted for the stage, opening at The Other Palace today. It's the story of a New York City teenager who discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon. It's suitable for ages 8+. 22 November-2 February

SYON PARK: Sadly, the Enchanted Woodland light trail isn't happening at Syon Park this year, but the estate is hosting a two-day festive market, in the rather fancy setting of the Great Conservatory. 40 small businesses sell artwork, food, drink, clothing and accessories, jewellery and candles. FREE entry, 22-23 November

SWEDISH CHRISTMAS FAIR: The Swedish Church in Marylebone holds a three-day Christmas fair selling gifts, food and decorations, with a pop-up cafe to keep you fed while you shop. Got loads of shopping to do? Check out our guide to Christmas markets and festive fairs in the capital this year. 22-24 November

HOUSE PROUD: National Trust property Fenton House in Hampstead stays open late for House Proud, an evening celebrating LGBTQ+ history through music, song and talks. Drag king Don One hosts. 6.30pm-9.30pm

BARRIOKE: At time of writing, there are still tickets available for the usually-sold out Barrioke at Between the Bridges on South Bank. The popular event sees actor Shaun Williamson — AKA Barry from Eastenders — hosting a night of karaoke. 7pm

GIN TASTING: The Space charity on the Isle of Dogs has a gin-tasting evening hosted by Emma "Gin Monkey" Stokes, founder of World Gin Day and leading expert on the spirit. Emma will give a brief intro into gin, its history, how it’s made and how to taste. You'll then get to taste five different gins in a range of styles, with tonics and garnishes to match. 7.30pm

MYSTERY ENSEMBLE: Discover the music of acclaimed Italian neoclassical composer Ludovico Einaudi amid the splendour of Kensington United Reformed Church. Beautiful light projections will illuminate the vaults of this Grade II-listed building at this intimate and relaxed concert, presented by Mystery Ensemble, who’ll return to the venue later in the week to perform music from the films of Hayao Miyazaki. 7.30pm (sponsor)

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Saturday 23 November

FREE GARDEN ENTRY: Visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens for free this weekend, as the usual entry fee is dropped for an open weekend. The Great Fountain Garden, Kitchen Garden and Pond Garden are among the areas included, though you'll still need a paid admission ticket if you want to visit the palace itself, the Maze, or the Magic Garden Playground, as well as the ice rink, which opens this week. FREE, 23-24 November

LUKE JERRAM'S MARS: Instagram-famous installation Luke Jerram's Mars is on the move again, this time making itself at home in the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. The 7m-wide artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface recreated to scale, and rotates slowly on its axis. A programme of events takes place around the installation, including silent discos and yoga sessions. 23 November-28 January

CHRISTMAS TREE MARKET: Know where you're getting your Christmas tree from this year? You could welly up, pile into the car and head out to one of these Christmas tree farms near London... or you could just go to Walthamstow, where Big Penny Social opens its Christmas Tree Market today. Every weekend between now and Christmas, Nordmann Firs are available to buy, with a free mulled wine with every tree purchase. From 23 November

SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL: Warm up your vocal pipes and climb aboard Cutty Sark for the Sea Shanty Festival, celebrating the vessel's 155th birthday. Bands and singers from across the UK perform live including the HogEye Men and the London Sea Shanty Collective. 10am-4.30pm

CHRISTMAS SORTING OFFICE: Complimentary workshops, a special post box for Father Christmas letters and an illustrator decorating handmade gift tags are all part of special event The Christmas Sorting Office at Islington Square today. The event is named after a former postal sorting office nearby, and local shops, bars and restaurants have special offers and events going on too. FREE entry, 12pm-5pm

QUEER HISTORY WALK: Join a London Museum Docklands guide for a walking tour focusing on London's queer history, revealing hidden stories of queer people who have lived in the capital, since the city was founded. Age 18+. 3pm

GAS LAMPS: Another chance to catch Jane Parker's tour around the gas-lit streets of Westminster. Admire lamps that have recently been awarded Grade II listing status. Hear the history of the first gas lamp demonstrations and how the streets became brighter due to the innovations of 1813. And see the site of the first public gasworks in London. 5pm

JOY DIVISION: Or rather, Joy Division tribute act, Transmission — who are at 229 in Great Portland Street tonight, playing Unknown Pleasures in its entirety plus other classics by Ian Curtis and co. 7pm

JEWISH CABARET: Head to Artsdepot in Finchley for an evening of music, magic, and comedy showcasing acts from the Tsitsit Fringe, celebrating Jewish culture. 8pm

Sunday 24 November

MODELS: Love building/appreciating scale models? Today POSK in Ravenscourt Park shows off projects created by the International Plastic Modellers Society Harrow Club, with themes including sci-fi, military, civilian vehicles and dioramas. FREE, 10am-1pm

DULWICH COLLEGE: A rare chance for the public to see inside Dulwich College, as the Barry Buildings, cloisters and courtyards host 120 stalls for its annual Christmas fair. 10.30am-3.30pm

CLASSICAL COFFEE MORNING: London-based wind quintet Aeolian Winds are the performers at today's Classical Coffee Morning at the Royal Albert Hall. Take a seat in the Elgar Room and enjoy a hot drink and pastry (included in ticket price) while they perform works by Debussy, Rossini and Schumann as well as two pieces by contemporary composer and flutist Valerie Coleman. 11am

FESTIVE BOOK SWAP: Everyone's welcome at the festive book swap at Battersea Bookshop. Take along any books you no longer want and swap them with other attendees, then learn how to make Christmas decorations out of old proofs and books that are no longer in readable condition. Recycling at its finest. 1pm-3pm

ST AUGUSTINE'S TOWER: Like to get up high and see London from different viewpoints? Ever scaled the tower of St Augustine's Church in Hackney? It's free to do so on the last Sunday of each month*, which happens to be today. *December's the only month they don't do this, so this is your last chance this year! FREE, 2pm-4.30pm

COUNTRY JAM: Mascara Bar in Stoke Newington hosts a free country jam this afternoon, with Maletta Jackson & The Reputations leading the way. There's an open mic, so if you've got a country/bluegrass/honky tonk etc song in your fingers/lungs, sign up to join in. 3pm

HISTORY OF WOMEN'S BODIES: The complex medical and religious history of women’s bodies is the subject of this month's Ethical Matters at Conway Hall. Helen King, Professor Emerita of Classical Studies at The Open University, takes us from classical Greece to the modern day looking at ways in which medicine and religion have played a gatekeeping role over women’s organs. 3pm-4.30pm

SILENT FILM SCREENING: Barbican Cinema screens 1926 silent film By The Law, adapted from a Jack London story, about two people trapped in a primitive wooden cabin with a murderer through a Canadian winter. It's accompanied by Stephen Horne on piano, and Martin Pyne on drums. 3pm

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