Things To Do This Week In London: 3-9 February 2025

Comedy in a brewery, a new Charles Dickens exhibition, and Sailor Moon.

All week

FOUR PERSPECTIVES: See the world through the lenses of four unique artists at this colourful exhibition in Mayfair. Hosted at 54 The Gallery – in the heart of Shepherd Market, if you fancy a mooch – 54:FOUR invites you to explore vibrant narratives (Ellie Benton), imagined voyages (Phil Bowman), the raw beauty of the British landscape (Rachel Rogers) and colourful abstract expressions (Tracey Smith). FREE, 3-9 February (sponsor)

HEW LOCKE: Artist Hew Locke has curated a selection of objects in the British Museum which are tied to Empire and Colonialism, and displayed them alongside his own new works in an exhibition which explores, questions and challenges narratives of British imperialism. This week is your last chance to see the exhibition. Until 9 February

PRIDE OF ENGLAND: Pitzhanger Manor's current exhibition is Pride of England, a celebration of art, identity and football. Central to the exhibition are England’s Three Lions, sculptures made from recycled materials by artist Matt Small and young people in Ealing. The lions are surrounded by portraits of the Euro 2020 football squad, and two new commissions of footballers Chloe Kelly and Bukayo Saka, who have links to Ealing. Until 23 February

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: A reminder that Cirque du Soleil show Corteo is ongoing at the Royal Albert Hall. Watch the Italian-inspired joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by mischievous clown Mauro, sprinkled with Cirque's famous acrobatics and daredevil stunts. Until 2 March

ORCHIDS FESTIVAL: The Orchids festival is now open at Kew Gardens, putting Peru in the spotlight; the country is home to some of the world's rarest plant species so being able to see them in London is a real treat. They're accompanied by horticultural sculptures of Peruvian wildlife, and a chance to hear from Kew scientists about their research trips to South America. Until 2 March

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH: February is LGBT+ History Month, with walking tours, kids' events and all manner of other happenings in the capital. Our guide to LGBT+ History Month events has plenty of ideas, so have a read and get booking.

LONDON DAY BY DAY: If you ever find yourself at a loose end in the capital, browse our guides to events in London, day by day. For each day of the week, we've selected a handful of regular events which usually take place on that day — think comedy shows, guided tours, live music and more — bookmark it now so you're never short of things to do again.

DRINK OF THE WEEK: 12th Knot — the bar on top of Sea Containers — is currently running Double Knotted, a 2-for-1 cocktails happy hour running Tues-Thurs till the end of the month. Spritzes, a fruity martini and a mocktail are included in the deal. Tues-Thurs, until 27 Feb

CINEMA OF THR WEEK: Throwley Yard is an independent cinema and cultural hub well worth knowing about, especially if you live anywhere near Sutton. Films on this week include Nosferatu, We Live In Time and Conclave.

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Monday 3 February

FIGARO: Set in mid-1800s Italy, Figaro: An Original Musical is the tale of Sienna, a young woman who feels imprisoned by life on her father's farm, and has a chance to escape and forge a life as a singer. See it at the London Palladium for two nights only. 3-4 February

SOUTH ASIAN NIGHT: Community centre Poplar Union hosts an evening of South Asian culture, with live traditional pianist music, and a food and drink menu from local business Almari Coffee. 6pm-10pm

NIGHT OF FLAMENCO: ‘Virtuoso guitarrista’ Ramon Ruiz returns to Camden's Jazz Cafe for a night of flamenco music and dancing, accompanied by a selection of special guests to transport you to Andalucia. 7pm-10.30pm

RICHARD HERRING: Comedian and presenter Dave Gorman is the special guest on this week's edition of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, which is recorded in front of a live audience at the venue. Herring interviews Gorman, and another special guest TBC. 7.30pm

COMEDY AND QUIZ: New City of London venue DasDas Box hosts a double-header tonight. Watch new and rising comedians at its Start-Up Comedy Night, after which Turkish actors Özgün Aydin and Burak Topaloglu host a quiz. 7.30pm

A PIDGIN OPERA: Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the world's first "pidgin opera" with a special performance of Song Queen - A Pidgin Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. Helen Epega's composition blends Nigerian Pidgin English, Patois, Creole, Cockney, hip-hop vernacular and multicultural London slang with western classical music. 8pm

Tuesday 4 February

KIDS' LIT FEST: Head to Herne Hill for a children's literature festival celebrating poetry, performance, writing and illustration. 'Reach for the stars' is this year's theme, with authors Joseph Coelho and Robin Stevens among those leading workshops and events for different ages over the coming days. 4-9 February

IRANIAN FILMS: Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave is a series of nine Iranian documentary and fiction films being screened at Barbican Cinema. The films were all created as part of the Cinema-ye Motafavet, or Iranian New Wave grassroots movement in the 1960s-70s, and include the tale of a Tehran cab driver's search for the mother of an abandoned baby, and the story of a mysterious stranger who arrives in a drifting boat at a coastal village. 4-25 February

SAILOR MOON: One of the most popular manga books of all time, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon has been transformed into a live show featuring music, choreography, and an all-female cast, and it gets its UK premiere this month, showing at Here at Outernet from today, as well as KOKO in Camden on selected dates. 4-26 February

SOLDIER MAGAZINE: The official magazine of the British Army, Soldier celebrates its 80th birthday this year, an anniversary being celebrated in a free display at Chelsea's National Army Museum from today. Learn about the publication's history, from its launch by Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery in 1945, to its world-spanning scope today. FREE, 4 February-6 July

SOMAYA CRITCHLOW: London-based British artist Somaya Critchlow's debut show The Chamber opens at Dulwich Picture Gallery, offering a response to the gallery's own collection of historical paintings. View six newly commissioned works, including three large figurative paintings, as well as Critchlow's preliminary sketches. 4 February-20 July

KENSINGTON HIGH STREET: Footprints of London guide Richard Watkins offers a virtual tour of Kensington High Street, focusing on the road's shopping history. Find out about the arrival of large department stores, whose buildings can still be seen today, as well as its period as a fashion hub in the 1970s. 6pm-7pm

SPACE TELESCOPE: Today's edition of The Conversation at St Martin-in-the-Fields features astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock talking about what we’re learning from the images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Hear from Aderin-Pocock before taking part in a group discussion on the topic. 6.30pm

CHIPPY TEA: Comedy duo Bab host Chippy Tea — a night of LGBTQ+/female-forward comedy at Aces & Eights in Tufnell Park. Tonight's rather excellent line-up includes Joz Norris, Freya Parker and Lorna Rose Treen. 7.30pm-9.30pm

Wednesday 5 February

MARRIAGE OF FIGARO: The English National Opera tackles Mozart's whirlwind comedy The Marriage of Figaro, considered to be one of the greatest operas ever written. Watch the madcap comic schemes and setbacks unfold at the London Coliseum. 5-22 February

LONDON STORIES: Lauderdale House in Highgate opens new exhibition London Stories, showcasing incredible aerial drawings of the capital by artist Paul Hiles. Look out for the small details Hines adds in to each of his images as you admire bird's eye views. FREE, 5 February-3 March. The same venue also opens Rivers and Bridges, Hope and Joy, a free exhibition of colourful multimedia paintings by artist Hilary Rosen.

DICKENS IN DOUGHTY STREET: One of our picks for things to look forward to in London this year was the centenary of Bloomsbury's Charles Dickens Museum, which is being marked by a special exhibition opening today. See Dickens' original manuscripts, personal letters and rare first editions, including some of the first objects acquired by the museum when it opened a century ago. 5 February-29 June

UNION CHAPEL TOUR: Take a guided tour of Islington's Union Chapel, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic chapel, which also houses an arts venue and a homelessness project. Hear about the building's history, including how it survived a wartime bomb, as well as near demolition in the 1980s. 12pm-1pm

BREWERY COMEDY: Paul Tonkinson, Paul Thorne, Chipo, Daniel Mckeon, and Tony Ukulele are all on the schedule for Windsor & Eton Brewery's live comedy night, hosted at the Crown & Treaty in Uxbridge. Your ticket includes a free drink — either a Windsor & Eton craft beer, a house wine or a soft drink. 8pm

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Thursday 6 February

SADLER'S WELLS EAST: One of our cultural highlights of 2025 in London is the opening of new dance theatre Sadler's Wells East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It officially opens its doors today (though it's been open for preview browsing for a couple of weeks), kicking things off with Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu's Our Mighty Groove, starring young dancers from the local area. Check out the full upcoming programme at the new theatre, which has a 550-seat auditorium, dance studios, a public performance space for free performances, a restaurant and a bar. From 6 February

NOAH DAVIS: View an exhibition dedicated to the paintings of late artist Noah Davis, which capture both the everyday and historic milestones of the US from his viewpoint. It's on at Barbican Art Gallery, and our art critic chose it as one of his 2025 highlights. 6 February-11 May

LATE NIGHT KEATS: Hampstead's Keats House stays open late for an evening focusing on the dangers of 19th-century life, including a talk by Dr Emma Marshall from the University of York, pop-up poetry and crafts. Sounds bleak, but it's inspired by the venue's current Hidden Histories of Keats House exhibition. 6pm-8pm

IMPERIAL LATES: Also open late tonight is Imperial College, with a theme of 'weird science'. Play quantum classic computer games, make mysterious maths Valentine's Day cards, or view a mushroom ballet show, as you learn about some of science's most surprising revelations. Age 18+. FREE, 6pm-9pm

TIME LOOPS: Rarely-heard historical musical instruments come to life in Time Loops at the Science Museum. Composers Sarah Angliss, Gavin Bryars, and Shiva Feshareki present new works written specially to be played on historic pieces of sound tech equipment including the EMS VCS3 and VCS4 synthesizers, the Watkins Copicat and the Roland Space Echo. 8.50pm-10pm

Friday 7 February

STRICTLY LIVE TOUR: If you were glued to the latest series of Strictly when it was on TV, catch the live show as the Strictly Come Dancing tour comes to The O2. Past contestants Jamie Borthwick, JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri, Montell Douglas Sarah Hadland and Shayne Wardare strutting their stuff, watched by judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood. 7-9 February

JAPANESE FILMS: Taking place in several towns and cities around the UK, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme showcases films made in Japan. The London strand begins tonight with mystery drama Stay Mum and black comedy Qualia, both screened at the ICA. 7 February-31 March

LITERARY CATHEDRAL TOUR: Celebrate author Charles Dickens's birthday, with a special tour focusing on the literary figures associated with the Southwark Cathedral. Find out how Dickens, Chaucer and Shakespeare are all linked to the cathedral. 2.30pm-3.30pm

ORCHIDS AFTER HOURS: Stay late at Kew Gardens for Orchids After Hours, a chance to see the Orchids Festival illuminated at night. The evening has a Peruvian twist, with traditional food, live music and dance performances, as well as a chance to hear about Kew's scientific research in the country. 6.30pm-10pm

JANE ELLEN HARRISON: Mary Beard described Jane Ellen Harrison as the first women in England to become an academic in the fully professional sense — an ambitious, full-time, salaried, university researcher and lecturer.Sue Blundell explores this fascinating figure tonight in a talk at Lower Hall, St Andrew's Church in Southwark. Ticket includes a glass of wine. 7pm

TRANS MUSIC TAKEOVER: Writer and performer Travis Alabanza hosts a trans music takeover, giving trans voices in music and the performing arts a spotlight, with special guest performances from Jason Kwan, TRIBE, Tobi Adebajo, and Kyoko Takenaka (WasteWowxn), Petals, and Trans members of My Blood Is My Voice & Nawi Collective. Takes place at Barbican, in collaboration with The Common Press and Guildhall School. FREE, 7pm

REBEL REBEL CLUB: Head to West Norwood for Rebel Rebel, a club night playing glam, punk, indie, soul, funk, disco, garage rock, rock'n roll, 60s pop, 80s pop and plenty more — think David Bowie, The Supremes, The Pet Shop Boys, Kate Bush, etc. 7pm-midnight

Saturday 8 February

SIX NATIONS:The Six Nations rugby tournament is underway with two matches today (including England vs France at 4.45pm) and a further match tomorrow. Our guide to where to watch the Six Nations in London features bars, pubs and other venues screening the tournament — you'll want to book, or get there early, to be sure of getting in.

NETBALL NATIONS CUP: Stratford's Copper Box Arena hosts the second and final weekend of the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, with teams Vitality Roses, Ugandan She Cranes, Malawi Queens and South African SPAR Proteas going head-to-head in a bid to take the trophy. 8-9 February

ORDINARY MADNESS: Theatre show Ordinary Madness, inspired by the life and works of Charles Bukowski, opens at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. This production explores various characters embodying Bukowski's themes, giving voice to their struggles in modern society. 8 February-9 March

LAVENDER, HYACINTH, VIOLET, YEW: See the world premiere of new theatre production Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew at Bush Theatre. It's the story of Pip, a young person trying to find themselves through gardening, who discovers an old diary, and with it, a family secret. 8 February-22 March

WINTER WASSAIL: Get yourself over to Barnes to witness the Barnes Common Winter Wassail. Taking place at the Vine Road Recreation Ground, a Wassail Master oversees a session of storytelling, crafts and singing, in keeping with the traditional rural celebration to hope for an abundant crop in the coming year. 10am-1pm

HEARTSTOPPER: Celebrate a decade of web comic-turned-Netflix-series Heartstopper, at a special event with creator Alice Oseman marking the publication of the 10th anniversary edition. Oseman chats to author Rosie Talbot about the coming-of-age story of Nick and Charlie, whose friendship becomes something more. 6pm

CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS: The Chicago Blues Brothers are back with their RESPECT greatest hits tour after successful runs at London’s West End theatres. The show, at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. features vibrant performances of Blues Brothers tracks by a talented band and soul singers. 7.30pm

ROSALIE MINNITT: Comedian Rosalie Minnitt — featured in The Telegraph's Funniest Shows of the Fringe 2024 — is crafting a new show, which you can get a sneak peek at, at the Pleasance in Caledonian Road tonight. 7.40pm-8.40pm

Sunday 9 February

CLASSICAL COFFEE MORNING: Start your Sunday right at a Classical Coffee Morning at the Royal Albert Hall. Harpist Jamaal Kashim performs works by S Bach, Nino Rota and Joe Hisaishi in the building's Elgar Room, while you enjoy a hot drink and pastry (included in your ticket). 10am

MENAGERIE OF ELEPHANTS: Take the kids along to Lambeth's Garden Museum for a free creative session, where you can create a colourful collage of elephants, inspired by the current Lost Gardens of London exhibition. Suitable for ages 3-12 and parents/carers. FREE, 11am-12.30pm

POP UP PAINTING: Try your hand at recreating Gordon Bruce's Winter Light at today's Pop Up Painting session at the London Art Bar in Holborn. All art materials are provided and an artist is on hand to give you tips, to perfect your canvas which you can take home with you. 3pm-5.30pm

CHARITY NIGHT: Comedians Sara Pascoe, Mark Simmons, Jojo Sutherland, Jo Caulfield and Lauren Pattison perform in a fundraising show at the Leicester Square Theatre, along with musicians Charlotte Elizabeth, Abbie Gathard, Choir Of Man star Rob Godfrey, and the Funk2K Band. The event raises money for Haematology Cancer Care and Brave. 7pm

DAWN PENN: First emerging on reggae's rocksteady scene in the 1960s, you'll almost certainly recognise Dawn Penn's mid-1990s hit No, No, No. 30 years further down the line she's still at it — and tonight you can catch her at the Fox & Firkin in Lewisham. 7pm

COMEDY: A trifling fiver gets you into JK Comedy at Nell of Old Drury in Covent Garden, where six pro comedians each do a seven-minute set. 7.30pm-8.45pm

SUPER BOWL: It's Super Bowl Sunday, when two of America's finest NFL teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, face off against each other. Assuming you're not jetting off to New Orleans to watch in person, here's a guide to Super Bowl screenings and parties in London. It runs into the early hours, so consider booking Monday off work. Kick-off 11.30pm, though events begin earlier in the evening.

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