Arts Ahead: What's On In London 3–9 May

By Zoe Craig Last edited 154 months ago
Arts Ahead: What's On In London 3–9 May

Here's our pick of the things we think are worth seeing this week, as well as a reminder of those shows that are closing in the next seven days.

Be There First: London Shows Opening

From tonight, you get a second chance to see Matthew Bourne's Cinderella in the capital, as it comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre. Tap dance fans should head to the Peacock Theatre from tonight, as Tapeando brings Catalan tap dance experts Tap Olé to the capital for one week only. For two nights from Thursday you can see Maria Pages & Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui perform Dunas, a unique combo of flamenco and contemporary dance.

In theatre, The Strange History of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde comes to the New End Theatre from tonight. Tomorrow, Irish Blood, English Heart opens at the Trafalgar Studios. All's Well That Ends Well opens at the Globe on Thursday; it's the first time Shakespeare's unusual comedy has been performed at the venue. Autumn And Winter brings family troubles to the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond on Friday.

It's all about debuts in the opera world this week. First, Clemency is the world premiere of James MacMillan’s new opera, based on the biblical tale of Sarah and Abraham at the Linbury Studio from Friday; and at the Coliseum the same night, it's Terry Gilliam's opera directing debut with The Damnation Of Faust, Berlioz's kaleidoscopic take on Goethe's play.

Art exhibitions that take our fancy this week include Philip Levine: Headism at NL Gallery from Wednesday: the artist uses his own bald head as a canvas. There are three free photography exhibitions opening this week: Bruce Davidson, a display of work by the Magnum Photographer opens at Chris Beetles Fine Photography on Wednesday; Travel Photographer of the Year opens at the Royal Geographical Society on Thursday; and Burke + Norfolk: Photographs from the War in Afghanistan opens at Tate Modern on Friday.  Finally, at the Leighton House Museum, you can explore the works of Leighton's architect George Aitchison from Friday.

Last Chance To See: London Shows Closing

Friday is your last chance to see Cinderella at the Royal Opera House.

The Children's Hour closes at the Comedy Theatre on Saturday, as does Clybourne Park at Wyndham's Theatre, Godspell at the Union, Iolanthe at Wilton's, Lakeboat and Prairie Du Chien at the Arcola, Little Eagles at Hampstead and Wastwater at the Royal Court. Sunday is the final curtain for The Three Musketeers at the Unicorn Theatre and Smash! at the Menier.

Finally, the Chris Beetles Gallery's celebration of Watercolour closes on Saturday. Enjoy.

Last Updated 03 May 2011