Things To Do This Week In London: 21-27 October 2024

Comic Con, a new Tim Burton exhibition, the Lionesses in action and more.

Things to do this week is sponsored by Discover Leicester Square.

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FRENCH TOAST: Last chance to see a new adaptation of Jean Poiret's play French Toast, performed on the English stage for the first time at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. It's set in Basingstoke in 1977 and tells the story of a director trying to make his comeback, and a wannabe leading lady who can't sing or dance. Until 26 October

PRINCESS ESSEX: Also in its final week on stage is Princess Essex, a new play by Anne Odeke, set in Southend in 1908, about the first woman of colour to enter a beauty pageant in the UK. See it at Shakespeare's Globe. Until 26 October

FRIEZE SCULPTURE: Your annual fix of abstract outdoor artworks is only in Regent's Park until this weekend. This year's Frieze Sculpture features an ersatz Roman mosaic, pillars of pills, and a nightmarishly comical scrotum flower with chicken feet, and it's free to visit. FREE, Until 27 October

WILDLIFE ART: You've got until the end of this week to see the Society of Wildlife Artists' annual show, The Natural Eye, at Mall Galleries. View works by artists including a couple of famous faces. Wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham and comedian and artist Jim Moir (AKA Vic Reeves) both have artworks in the show, alongside 350 other pieces spanning paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints depicting wildlife from around the globe. Until 27 October

BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: Continuing throughout the week, Bloomsbury Festival is a celebration of culture in the local area, with theatre, music, exhibitions, talks and walks. The programme is extensive, but highlights include a bookshop crawl around the area, and a stitch and craft workshop for adults. Until 27 October

WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST: Author Jacqueline Cooks, politician Caroline Lucas, travel writer Simon Parker, military historian Max Hastings, World Cup-winning footballer Geoff Hurst and cookery writer Mary Berry are among the many and varied speakers appearing at Wimbledon BookFest this week. Until 27 October

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS: Hope your Bollywood dancing is up to scratch. Diwali officially falls on 1 November this year, but London's getting the party started early with special events including Diwali menus at selected restaurants. Have a look at our guide to Diwali in London and get booking. If it's the Diwali festival in Trafalgar Square you're after, scroll down to Sunday for full details.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS: Also getting started in a big way this week is Halloween. Immerse yourself in spooky season with London's best Halloween events, spanning terrifying escape rooms, night-time walks and epic parties. We can also direct you to London's spookiest film screenings, and pumpkin patches in and around the capital, if that's more your bag.

NEW AFTERNOON TEAS: In the mood for some fancy food? Work up your appetite by reading our pick of the best new afternoon tea menus available in the capital right now, with themes spanning bees, the new Devil Wears Prada musical, and police history. Then book yourself in for some posh sarnies and fancy cakes.

PLAY OF THE WEEK: The Lehman Trilogy — the biographical fable of three Jewish immigrants and their pursuit of the American dream — returns to London for a limited run. Though on the face of it, everything about the Sam Mendes-directed show is big, the devil's in the detail, and the three-hour running time melts away. We gave it ★★★★★. Until 5 January

DRINK OF THE WEEK: A new branch of Cahoots has landed; Cahoots Postal Service in Borough Market ushers you into a netherworld of suspicious rattling parcels, looted paintings and illicit elixirs. As you'd expect from the Cahoots folk, it's extremely well executed, and will no doubt become an attraction in its own right. The most thrilling thing? Cocktails can be sent via a pneumatic tube delivery system. Spiffing!

Monday 21 October

IS YOUR MONEY SAFE?: Today's Gresham College lecture focuses on just how safe our money is when we deposit it with banks or other financial institutions. Professor Raghavendra Rau talks through conflicts of interest between different groups, like CEOs and investors, which can lead to risky choices, hidden fees, and even fraud. Fear not though, he also offers advice on how to keep your money safe from these conflicts. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online. FREE, 6pm

THE GUILTY FEMINIST: Deborah Frances-White and Jess Fostekew, hosts of The Guilty Feminist podcast, are at Waterstones Piccadilly for a book club discussing new release The Map of Bones by Kate Mosse, alongside classic Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. Mosse is on hand to offer an insight into her book, the fourth and final novel of The Joubert Family Chronicles. 6.30pm

CANDLE-PAINTING WORKSHOP: Feeling creative? Head to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow for a candle-painting workshop, and learn to create your own personalised tapered candle. Your ticket includes three candles to take home, with candle holders available to buy separately. Could give you inspiration for making Christmas gifts for family and friends this year... 7pm-9.30pm

NEW MUSIC: New Moon is a live music night at the Half Moon in Putney, giving up-and-coming artists a platform. Tonight's performers include Cornwall-based rock 'n' roll band The Forty Fours, and indie-pop solo artist Educatable. 7.30pm

HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Bec Hill, Jenny Tian, Verity Sharp, Micah Hall, Leslie Gold, Sam Deards and Steve Holmes are all on the line-up at today's Happy Mondays Comedy at the Amersham Arms in New Cross. As always, Sion James MCs. 8pm

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Tuesday 22 October

SADLER'S WELLS: A powerful new ballet from Birmingham Royal Ballet inspired by the pioneering women of Birmingham comes to London for two days only. Five female choreographers from around the world came together to create Luna – a journey to the moon and back told with love, compassion and creativity. Book now from £15. 22 & 23 October (sponsor)

LITTLE VENICE FILM FESTIVAL: Inclusivity is the driving force of the Little Venice Film Festival, a showcase of work by UK and international filmmakers with underrepresented voices. It takes place at locations around Little Venice and Paddington, as well as the Curzon Mayfair from today, opening with a screening of short films sharing people's experiences with disability. 22-27 October

LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL: Deborah Levy, Robert Macfarlane, Richard Dawkins and Rupert Everett are among the faces on the programme at this year's London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre, which celebrates the written and spoken word in all its forms. It begins today with actor Keanu Reeves introducing The Book of Elsewhere, the new novel he created with writer Matt Kindt and artist Ron Garney. 22 October-3 November

BRITAIN'S HOUSING CRISIS: Why does Britain have a housing crisis? That's the question being asked at today's Gresham College lecture, in which Professor Martin Daunton goes back to the 1970s to look at when problems of home ownership arose. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall, or online. FREE, 6pm

RUGBY DINNER: Former England Scrum Half Danny Care and former England and Harlequins player, Ugo Monye are at Scott's in Richmond for an evening of rugby legends. Tuck into a three-course meal as the players discuss their careers, and their predictions for upcoming matches, followed by a Q&A session. 6.30pm

FREE COMEDY NIGHT: Comedian and Instagram star George Lewis headlines a free stand-up comedy show, exploring the funny side of AI while juggling his everyday life at home. Drag group Clean Qweens also feature in the event, which is hosted by Samsung in King's Cross, so expect a bit of tech product promo along the way. FREE, 6pm-8pm

GEOGRAPHY BOOK LAUNCH: Geopolitical author Tim Marshall talks about his new book, How Geography Explains Our World, at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. Find out how politics and geography intersect on the world stage, what’s at stake for the world in 2024 and how geography will underpin the geopolitical conflicts of the future. It's no coincidence that the event takes place just a few weeks before the US election. 7pm

SHAKE WITH LAUGTHER: Comedian and Taskmaster host Greg Davies headlines Shake With Laughter, a comedy night in aid of Parkinson's UK. Joining him on stage at The Comedy Store in Leicester Square are Gbemi Oladipo, Phil Jerky, Jenny Collier, Tom Price, Catherine Bohart, Huge Davies and Olga Koch. 8pm

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Seek out Leicester Square's newest resident

Head down to Leicester Square this week and you might spot a new addition — a statue of actor Daniel Kaluuya.

He's the latest cinematic star to join the free Scenes in the Square trail, a series of statues depicting icons from the past 100 years of film, including Harry Potter, Batman, Wonder Woman, Mary Poppins, and Gene Kelly in iconic Singin' in the Rain pose.

Kaluuya was chosen in a poll of 5,000 British film fans conducted by Show Film First, as the actor people most wanted to see added to the trail. His likeness in Leicester Square depicts the 'Sunken Place' scene in 2017 film Get Out, which sees his character Chris hypnotised into a trance, spiralling into a symbolic void. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards®, including for Kaluuya as Best Actor, helping to further his career and leading to roles in other hit films including Black Panther.

Find out more about Scenes in the Square, including this shiny new addition, and swing by to visit it soon.

Wednesday 23 October

STAMPEX INTERNATIONAL: The Philatelic Traders Society brings together stamp collectors and traders from all over the world for Stampex International at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Join businesses, societies, exhibitors, influencers and hobbyists to trade collectibles. 23-26 October

FILM FESTIVAL: London Breeze Film Festival kicks off today, with five days of new films from independent makers being screened at venues including Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, All Is Joy in Soho and Battersea's Cinema in the Arches. There are also various panels, Q&As and an industry day. 23-27 October

SEX, GIN & OPIUM: The Charles Dickens Museum (the novelist's home while he was rattling off Oliver Twist among other stories), is the setting for the new Sex, Gin & Opium tour, which roots around in the seedier side of both Victorian London, and the author's private life. Tales of prostitutes, affairs, and sexual diseases abound. Dickens, we hate to tell you, was not squeaky clean... 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. Also on 6 November

MATAR: As part of its current Belongings exhibition, King's College hosts a screening of Matar, a docu-fiction film about the UK's asylum system and the discrimination faced by those trying to rebuild their lives in England. A Q&A with film director Hassan Akkad is also part of the event. FREE, 5pm-6.30pm

BLACKOUT DINNER: Be plunged into darkness as you eat your dinner at JOIA. The Battersea restaurant hosts a blackout dinner, lit only by candles (and the light from the Battersea Power Station chimneys, outside the restaurant's 15th floor windows). The evening's menu includes petiscos and tapas to share, such as Iberico ham and octopus carpaccio, and duck breast with Madeira jus. 6pm

BOOK OF ABBA: Jan Gradvall, music journalist and author of The Book of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover, is at Waterstones Piccadilly to launch the book about the Swedish pop group. Gradvall was the first journalist to interview the band's members for more than 30 years, and was then granted access to them for the next decade, resulting in the book. Tonight's event also includes a performance by The ABBA Tribute Band. 6pm

CHARLES AND DIANA: Join the double act of Charles and Diana (portrayed by character comedians Tracey Collins and Russell Lucas) as they take you on a nostalgic musical journey through the 1980s in Charles and Diana: The Reunion Tour. Hear tracks by the likes of Ultravox, Madness, and Billy Idol, as you take "a musical cruise through the cultural commonwealth of the eighties". Don your best eighties attire. Takes place at The Phoenix Arts Club. 8.30pm-10.30pm

Thursday 24 October

NEW PUMPKIN PATCH: Get Halloween ready with a family day trip to Hobbledown Heath this week. West London’s ultimate adventure playground and zoo has a brand new pumpkin patch where you can snap autumnal photos, indulge in seasonal street food and pick your own glorious orange gourd to take home and transform into a jack o'lantern. Every Thursday-Sunday until 3 November (sponsor)

FOR THE CULTURE: A festival honouring Blackness through art, performance, conversation, love, and joy, For The Culture comes to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. The programme includes performances, gigs and special events, all with a local focus, and begins with a games and networking event tonight. 24-26 October

MADE LONDON: Browse and buy goods from 120 exhibitors spanning jewellery, homeware, ceramics, textiles, furniture, lighting and design at Made London, which takes place at One Marylebone. The fair focuses on original and innovative designer-makers from across the UK and beyond. 24-26 October

DEVIL WEARS PRADA: The much-awaited musical adaptation of book and film The Devil Wears Prada struts into the Dominion Theatre, telling the story of an aspiring journalist working for the exacting editor of top fashion magazine Runway. From 24 October. A new Devil Wears Prada afternoon tea has also been launched to coincide with the musical.

DOC 'N ROLL FESTIVAL: Music documentary film festival Doc 'n Roll Festival takes places at several venues in London and around the UK. It begins with the international premiere of ODB: The Tale Of Two Dirtys, about the late Russell Tyrone Jones, founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, at BFI. Other films focus on British singer and rapper Hak Baker, and Pauline Black, lead singer of two-tone hit band The Selecter, among many other musicians. From 24 October

VISIONS OF NATURE: Mixed reality experience Visions of Nature opens at the Natural History Museum, imagining what the future might look like 100 years from now. Put on a headset and travel virtually around the world, interacting with virtual plants and creatures, learning how human intervention has saved them from extinction. Age 8+. From 24 October

HOUSEWARMING: Head to the Museum of the Home for museum late, Housewarming: A Room Upstairs in 1956. Curator-led tours, Irish dance workshops, and performances are on the programme, which explores the themes, interiors, and social context of 1950s Britain. Note that although entry is free, there's a charge for some activities. FREE, 6pm-9pm

ORCHESTRAL FOREST: The Orchestral Forest is an unusual concert combining nature-inspired music from composers such as Felix Mendelssohn and Michael Nyman with innovative lighting and movement designs. Stand among the musicians or wander through an auditory forest of soundscapes recorded in Britain’s endangered temperate rainforests. Takes place at Smith Square Hall in Pimlico. 7pm

A STRANGE MADNESS: Following a sold out show last week, there's another chance to get inside the beautifully distressed Annetta House on Princelet Street this evening, with an exploration of love and madness in the 17th century, including live lute and theorbo music composed by Dowland, Danyel and Purcell. 7pm-8pm

LATE NIGHT JAZZ: London-based piano player David Kofi and his band take their turn in the spotlight at tonight's Late Night Jazz at the Royal Albert Hall. It's a laid-back show, held in the Elgar Room, and you can expect to hear songs from Kofi's upcoming EP. 9.30pm

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Friday 25 October

MCM COMIC CON: Halloween isn't the only reason to dig out your fancy dress costume this week. MCM Comic Con returns to ExCeL for three days of celebrity guests, panel discussions, cosplay, tabletop and video games, and more. 25-27 October

MEDIEVAL WOMEN: Both famous and forgotten women have their stories told in the British Library's new exhibition, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words, opening today. It uses 140 items including books, an ivory cross, textiles and a lion's skull to break free from traditional narratives and tell the real stories. 25 October-2 March

TIM BURTON EXHIBITION: The Design Museum opens a new exhibition dedicated to the world of film director Tim Burton. His fantastical style is explored through a collection of 600 drawings, paintings, photographs, sketchbooks, moving-image works, sculptural installations, sets and costumes, including Jenna Ortega's dress from Netflix series Wednesday. 25 October 2024-21 April

LOST IN LIGHT: Light art collective Squidsoup - famous for their dangling light curtains at events such as Winter Light - take over a three-storey warehouse in Shoreditch for a collection of immersive light installations. Sensory playground Lost In Light is suitable for all ages, with visitors walking from room to room immersed in different lights and sounds. From 25 October

FOUNDLING TOKENS: Craft your own foundling token, like those left at Bloomsbury's Foundling Hospital during the 18th century. Over a glass of wine, artist Martha Todd will show you how to make ceramic tokens, engraved with personal messages. Then, return to the Foundling Museum a few weeks later to retrieve your fired ceramic and enjoy the new Self-Made exhibition, which features the work of four leading artists who work in clay. 6.30pm(sponsor)

HALLOWEEN CEILIDH: Join the Ceilidh Liberation Front for a lively Halloween Ceilidh at Grand Junction in Paddington. Dancers of all abilities can take part, with a host helping you to follow the steps, accompanied by live folk music. A bottle of whisky is up for grabs for the person wearing the most creative outfit (note that no heels are allowed at the venue). 7pm (repeated tomorrow)

THE BIG SMOKE: Expect a night of music, history, and raven tales, as Sacred Grounds cafe in Soho hosts a Halloween special of regular variety show The Big Smoke. Guests include author and former Tower of London Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife, and musical duo Amyas Ensemble, who specialise in exuberant performances of historical repertoire. You can even BYOB. Book ahead for £8, or pay what you can on the door. 7pm-9.30pm (sponsor)

ENGLAND V GERMANY: England's Lionesses take on Germany's women's football team in an international friendly, the first time the two teams have met since the 2022 Euro final which saw England coming out victorious. Before kick-off, Wembley Stadium hosts a retirement ceremony for former England captain Steph Houghton. 7.30pm

Saturday 26 October

HALF TERM: The school break falls over the last week of October, meaning there will be plenty of family-friendly events taking place around London. Browse our half term events guide for theatre shows, exhibitions and other events and activities for all ages. 26 October-3 November

FAMILY DANCE WEEKEND: Kickstart half term with a family weekend hosted by Dance Umbrella. Take the whole clan along to the Unicorn Theatre near London Bridge for performances of Eye Catchers, the new show by renowned Dutch dance company de Stilte. At nearby Potters Fields Park, a touring stage pops up with free performances spanning dance, live cabaret and DJs, suitable for all ages. 26-27 October

FAMILY FILM WEEK: While some screenings have sold out, others at Barbican's Family Film Week still have tickets available at time of writing. Throughout half term, the cinema shows family-friendly films at the bargain price of £2.50 per child/£5 per adult. It's a mixture of mainstream and lesser-known productions, with other events including craft activities and a film quiz also on the schedule. 26 October-3 November

ICE RINK: With still more than two months to go until Christmas, the first of London's seasonal ice rinks opens for business. Ice Rink Canary Wharf is located at the foot of east London's skyscrapers, below hundreds of fairy lights. Oh, and it has a roof, meaning rain won't stop play. Get in there early and practice your moves before the seasonal crowds find it. Alternatively, try one of London's year-round ice rinks. 26 October-3 February

FARMERS' MARKET: Shop a wide array of fresh produce and artisan goods from over 25 vendors, including farm-reared organic produce, vegan treats, Mediterranean goods, and homemade pies at the Wembley Park Farmers' Market, which takes place once a month. 9am-3pm

RUN TO WINE: A social 5k run is followed by a well-earned wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie, in this Run to Wine event. It starts and finishes at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham. 12pm-3pm

JAZZ BRUNCH: Probably not one to tackle on a hangover, 108Brasserie in Marylebone hosts a jazz brunch, with live musicians providing the soundtrack to the afternoon as you tuck into unlimited antipasti, salads and seafood, alongside seasonal new brunch dishes. Finish up in the Pie Room, filled with decadent desserts including lemon meringue pie, pecan pie and salted caramel apple pie. 12.30pm-4pm

PINK OKTOBERFEST: It's the second and final weekend of Pink Oktoberfest at Between the Bridges on South Bank. Bavarian-style boozing meets queer fun, with drag queen Rhys's Pieces hosting proceedings, joined on stage by other queer drag and alt-cabaret artists. 6pm-11pm

DEMONS: "They will make cemeteries their cathedrals and the cities will be your tombs". It's time to psyche yourself up for Halloween — and Queer Horror Nights will help you, with their screening of Lamberto Bava's 1985 horror film Demons, at Rio Cinema in Dalston. 10pm-2am

Sunday 27 October

CLOCKS CHANGE: A reminder that the clocks go back an hour at 2am on Sunday 27 October. Sadly that means winter is truly coming, but fear not, we've put together some ideas for brightening up the dark nights here in London.

STAGES AND CELLS: Meet outside the Bow Street Police Museum for a 'stages and cells' themed guided walk around the local Covent Garden area. Hear stories of crime and theatre dating back to the 17th century, a time when the area was rife with pickpockets, sex workers and gin palaces. 11am

VINTAGE FAIR: In need of a fancy new outfit ahead of the festive season? Frock Me! vintage fair returns to Kensington Town Hall, bringing together 100 exhibitors selling vintage and antique clothing, textiles and jewellery. It's not unusual for designer items to turn up at these events, so keep your eyes open. 11am-5.30pm

DIWALI ON THE SQUARE: London's biggest free Diwali celebration is back. Diwali on the Square takes place in Trafalgar Square, offering an afternoon of entertainment that's open to everyone. Expect Bollywood dancing and Punjabi singing medleys, meditation, yoga and plenty to keep kids entertained too. FREE, 1pm-7pm

FASHION CINEMA: To mark the opening of the new Tim Burton exhibition (see 'Friday'. above), the Soho Hotel hosts the exhibition’s curator Maria McLintock to discuss Burton's long-time collaboration with costume designer Colleen Atwood. That's followed by a screening of Burton's 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, and there's also the option to add a three-course meal after the screening. 4.30pm

CUTTY SARK CONCERT: British folk-rock band Fairport Convention bring their autumn tour to Greenwich, with a one-off performance on board the Cutty Sark. Head for the tea clipper's copper hull for an evening of Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new. 7pm

BASEMENT ORCHESTRA: 50-piece musical band Basement Orchestra rock up at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, for a programme of haunting music, both classical and modern, with a Halloween theme. 7pm-9pm

LAST OF THE LIZARDMEN: Southend rockers Last of the Lizardmen play the Good Mixer in Camden tonight, featuring tracks from their 2024 album Reptile Oblivion. Lost Gravity support. 7pm-11pm

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