Things to do this week is sponsored by Bleak Expectations.
All week
CORONATION: Let's not mess around: the main thing going on in London this week is the coronation of King Charles III, which takes place on Saturday (details below) — but events, preparations, road closures and the like will be taking place all this week around central London, so check journey details and the like before you travel anywhere.
OUTDOOR CINEMA: As May begins, so does outdoor cinema season in London. Open-air film screenings take place on rooftops, in parks and at other locations around London — see our guide to outdoor cinemas in London for the summer 2023 highlights.
BANK HOLIDAY: This Monday and next are both bank holidays, so probably worth bookmarking our guide to spending bank holiday weekend in London. We've covered walking tours, cycling routes, secret gardens, sporting endeavours, pubs, Sunday roasts, family-friendly activities, and plenty more.
EXTINCTION BECKONS: Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons is filled with references to film, politics and colonialism, leaving viewers to draw their own narratives. Our art critic described the Hayward Gallery exhibition as "an invitation to get lost in the worlds Nelson has created — a mind blowing mix of immersive and conceptual art. Unforgettable" — and this week is your last chance to see it. Until 7 May
BEYOND THE STREETS: Also closing soon is Beyond The Streets London, the most comprehensive grafitti and street art exhibition to open in the UK, featuring over 100 international artists and taking over Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Until 9 May
MAY EVENTS: Whether you're looking for things to do this week, or a little further into the future, check out our list of 71 marvellous things to do in London this May. They range from flower festivals to food festivals, new musicals (Spitting Image, Mrs Doubtfire, Brokeback Mountain), a new comedy club and plenty more.
EAT OF THE WEEK: Waterloo station has a new restaurant: The Rosarium — hidden away in the new Sidings area — offers the likes of potted Dorset crab on muffins, spiced bass with coconut rice, and champagne trifle with raspberry & elderflower. All, so we are told, in a quintessential English garden.
PUB OF THE WEEK: A bright, pleasant pub with arts and crafts-style decor, a breezy cocktail menu and a London-centric selection of beers. If that sounds good to you, get to the Greyhound in Sydenham. (And be sure to check out the incredible mural round the back.)
Bank holiday Monday 1 May
DEPTFORD JACK: It wouldn't be a bank holiday in London without a bizarre tradition taking place somewhere. Enter the Deptford Jack in the Green, a traditional procession around the Deptford area, which was revived by the Blackheath Morris Men in the 1980s. The central character is the Jack in the Green, a man covered in a frame of greenery. Starts and finishes at the wonderful Dog & Bell pub. FREE, 12pm-5.10pm
BLACK HISTORY WALK: Join Black History Walks for a guided tour around the St Paul's and Bank area of the City of London, seeking out parts which denote an African presence dating back centuries, and which show submerged links between racism, trade, religion, slavery and politics. Find out about Ancient African architecture, African influence on European romance, secret societies, world economics and the church, Black freedom fighters in 18th-century London and more. 1pm-3pm
BEER AND BREAD FESTIVAL: Local craft breweries and artisan bakeries are jointly celebrated at Brixton Windmill's Beer and Bread Festival. The space around the windmill is taken over by food and drink stalls, a live music stage, craft workshops, games, and maypole dancing for children. 1pm-5pm
CLERKENWELL: Fancy a walk around London's "first suburb"? Tour guide Jonathan Wober leads a group, looking at the fascinating history of the area, which includes monks and radicals, breweries and clockmakers, and the eponymous well from which the area gets its name. 2.30pm
SALLY IN THE WOODS: Trio Sophie Bostock, Jess Collins and Rhona Dalling put their own spin on English folk songs, which includes banjo, fiddle and percussive dance. Watch them tonight at Green Note. 7pm
RYE LANE: Not yet seen the recently-released (and highly-praised) romcom film Rye Lane? It's set in south London (Peckham, Brixton, South Bank), and tonight there's a chance to watch it from above the eponymous Peckham thoroughfare. Rooftop Film Club screens it at the Bussey Building, with deckchairs, wireless headphones, and views across London. 8.30pm
Tuesday 2 May
BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO: The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of 2019 novel The Beekeeper of Aleppo opens at Richmond Theatre today. It's the story of Nuri, a beekeeper; and his artist wife Afra who live in the Syrian city of Aleppo — until the war breaks out and they are forced to escape. 2-6 May
GARDEN SUBURB: Join Footprints of London guide Marilyn Greene for a walking tour around Hampstead Garden Suburb, focusing on Henrietta Barnett, whose vision for a Garden Suburb came about when she heard of the plans to extend the Railway to the fields of Golders Green. She purchased the land to create the Hampstead Heath extension, and created a Garden Suburb intended for all classes. 11am-1.15pm
CORONATION HISTORY: Ahead of the main event on Saturday, Gresham College offers a free lecture about the history of British coronations. Find out how the ritual of crowning kings and queens began, how it's changed over time, and what purpose it still serves today. Watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online. FREE, 6pm
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: Tying in with new exhibition, Animals: Art, Science and Sound, the British Library hosts an evening focusing on wildlife conservation, featuring some of the most important wildlife and conservation organisations in the UK. Hear why conservation projects in Britain are so important, and learn about some success stories, from representatives of The Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB and ZSL. 7pm-8.30pm
EMILY CHAPPELL: Endurance cyclist Emily Chappell is at OSO Arts Centre in Barnes to talk about her books and her experiences in cycling, a sport she started in her 20s, when she began working as a cycle courier. She's since cycled 4000 km in 13 days, from Belgium to Turkey, to become the first woman home in the Transcontinental Race. 7.30pm
Sponsor message
Side-splitting Dickens parody Bleak Expectations debuts in the West End
An award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy has been reimagined for the London stage — and an incredible roster of famous faces is involved! Bleak Expectations is the kind of yarn that Charles Dickens might've spun after drinking too much gin (if he'd lived for another 152 years, that is). Each week, a different guest star will help an top notch ensemble cast bring this chaotic caper to life.
Join the likes of Nina Wadia, Dermot O'Leary, Sally Phillips and Sue Perkins on a riotous romp through Victorian London as they take turns embodying the role of Sir Philip Bin, eminent inventor of the rubbish bin. The play sees Sir Philip recount his youthful exploits - including his attempts to escape the dastardly Mr Gently Benevolent and defeat the hideous Hardthrasher siblings.
If you're craving a spectacularly funny evening out, Bleak Expectations delivers. See this "wickedly inventive" (The Times) show from 3 May at Criterion Theatre - tickets here.
Wednesday 3 May
ROCKY HORROR: Legendary musical The Rocky Horror Show opens at The Peacock Theatre at Sadler's Wells for a six-week run starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba. From 3 May
ART AFTER HOURS: Editor, writer and consultant Ashleigh Kane curates and guides a gallery tour around the Fitzrovia area. Begin at the Berners Tavern with a complimentary glass of Orin Swift wine (or non-alcoholic alternative), then head to Pace Gallery, Sadie Coles HQ and Alice Black, viewing the current exhibitions at all three stops. 5pm-8pm
LIVE COMEDY: Head to the Crown & Treaty in Uxbridge for a night of live comedy featuring Russell Hicks, Stefano Paolini, Johnny CT, Mags, and Lee Hudson, presented by Windsor & Eton Brewery. A Windsor & Eton craft beer, a house wine or a soft drink is included in your ticket. Doors 7pm
RIDICULUSMUS: Cult-favourite comedy duo Ridiculusmus swing by a Grade II-listed church to perform the first of two award-winning shows as part of their UK tour. Tonight you're treated to So... which sees two estranged brothers attempting to overcome their differences while sorting out their mother's estate over Zoom. And tomorrow it's Beautiful People, a tragic-comedy about a trio of centenarians. See them both at Jacksons Lane in Highgate. 7.30pm, until 4 May (sponsor)
CABARET F*CKABOUT: The Great Big Cabaret F*ckabout brings together stars of the international cabaret scene to perform lesser-known routines, or something they've never tried before. The last show of the current season takes place at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club tonight, with 50% of proceeds going to Cabaret vs. Cancer. 7.30pm
CRICK CRACK CLUB: The Women Who Gave No F*cks is the theme of this month's Crick Crack Club storytelling night at Rich Mix in Shoreditch. Six storytellers share tales of death-defying, world-creating, super-women, with the audience voting for a winner at the end. 7.30pm
GAS LAMPS: London still has hundreds of functioning gas lamps, survivors from another age. Guide Jane Parker leads a night time tour of some of the originals in Pimlico and Westminster, while explaining the history of this evocative form of street lighting. 8pm-10pm
Thursday 4 May
ARAB WOMEN FILMMAKERS: Holborn's The Garden Cinema hosts Mukhrijat: Arab Women Filmmakers, a film festival showing recent key feature films made by Arab women directors that tell everyday human stories from the Arab world. Q&A sessions and other events also feature on the programme, which begins tonight with a series of shorts and a panel discussion. 4-19 May
SCIENCE MUSEUM LATE: Science Museum recently announced that its current — and excellent — sci-fi exhibition has been extended until August. To celebrate, this month's Science Museum Lates has a science fiction theme, handily falling on Star Wars Day (May the fourth...). Head to the museum after usual hours for talks, workshops, food, drink, a silent disco, a pub quiz and more. Age 18+. FREE, 6.30pm-10pm
CINE BRAZIL: Kennington's Cinema Museum hosts a screening of Piripkura, a 2017 documentary about the last two surviving members of the Piripkura indigenous people, a nomadic tribe in the Amazon rainforest, who struggle to maintain their isolated lifestyle as deforestation spreads across the region. After the film, there's a discussion about the threats facing indigenous peoples in Brazil. Doors 6.30pm
BRIXTON VILLAGE LATE: Brixton Village launches a new series of late-night shopping events, First Thursdays, tonight. The inaugural event centres around a sustainable clothes swap — drop your old clothes off, claim your tokens, and exchange them for new (to you) garments. Other shops and businesses in the area also stay open late. 7pm-10pm
STREISAND: Singer, actress and comedienne Liza Pulman is at Wilton's Music Hall in a show paying homage to legendary singer Barbra Streisand. She performs classic songs such as The Way We Were, Second Hand Rose and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, interspersed with storytelling about Streisand's life. 7.30pm
Friday 5 May
BREW LDN: Beer festival Brew LDN is back, taking over Printworks in Rotherhithe for two days of craft beer, cider, food and music — it's last time the event will be held at the venue, which is closing soon. Sample drinks from a range of breweries — including Badger Brewery, Cloak and Dagger Brewing, Freedom Brewery, Toast Ale, and more. 5-6 May
DUNKIRK AT THE DOCKS: Over the Coronation weekend (more on which below), St Katharine Docks hosts a Dunkirk at the Docks Classic Boat Festival, thought to be 'the largest UK gathering of Dunkirk Little Ships in years'. 35 of the vessels used in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940 are on display, with a tea dance and other events taking place on dry land over the weekend too. 5-8 May
POLICING HISTORY: Vicki Pipe, Museum Manager at the Bow Street Police Museum, is at Shoe Lane Library to give a free talk about the early history of policing in London. Find out how brothers Henry and John Fielding pioneered London' first official law enforcement service, the Bow Street Runners, and the connection between these early operations and the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829. FREE, 1pm-2pm
CINCO DE MAYO: Traditionally celebrated in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire in 1862. Decimo at The Standard, London gets in on the action, transforming into a Salsa club. Enjoy a five-course menu mixing traditional Pueblan dishes with Spanish flavours, washed down with Casamigos Tequila cocktails, with live salsa music and dancing to entertain you. From 5pm
ANIMAL MAGIC: The British Library stays open late for an event which sees five speakers each given 15 minutes to tell a story, on an animal theme. Filmmaker Andrea Arnold, authors Karen Joy Fowler and Katherine Rundell, environmentalist Mya-Rose Craig and wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin all take part. 7pm-8.30pm
Saturday 6 May
CORONATION WEEKEND: The biggest event in London right now is of course the coronation of King Charles III. We've got the lowdown on what's happening for the coronation, royal-themed events this weekend, special coronation afternoon teas — and how to avoid the coronation altogether if it's just not your thing. 6-8 May
THE TACOVER: Apparently London's only taco festival, The Tacover is at Signature Brew in Walthamstow, celebrating Mexican street food. Held in association with the Mexican embassy, the foodie event champions authentic Mexican-owned brands from across the UK, with 30 taco vendors (including vegan and Halal options) present at four sessions across two days. 6-7 May
GARDEN OPEN DAY: Did you know that on a few weekends each year, you can visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens for free? The Garden Open Days offer free access to the grounds (excluding the maze and Magic Garden playground), and there are three of them this month (though note that the first one today is part of a coronation screening event, so likely to be very busy, plenty of Union Jacks, that kind of vibe). FREE, 6 and 20-21 May
TRAINER CUSTOMISATION: The Migration Museum in Lewisham Shopping Centre holds a creative shoe customising session. Take your trainers along and learn how to customise them using paint, stencils, embroidery patches and creating new lace holes. It's hosted by Aida, founder of Afro Kickz, a sneakers brand inspired by traditional African imagery and modern Black culture. 12pm-3pm
PAINT LONDON: Head to London Art Bar in Holborn for a Pop Up Painting session, where you'll create your own version of the London skyline. All materials are provided, and a practising artist is on hand to offer tips and guidance. 3.30pm-6pm
ULTIMATE BEATLES: Fab Four tribute band The Ultimate Beatles are playing hits from 1967-70 at Putney's Half Moon tonight — so expect tunes from albums including Sgt Pepper, Abbey Road and Let It be. They're also at this venue on Friday 5 May, covering 1963-66. 8pm
SPEAKEASY PARTY: Keyboardist Tim Penn cooks up a hot gumbo of New Orleans R&B at Ram Jam Records in Kingston tonight, with his group The Second Line. They're inspired by the likes of Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Dr John and Allen Toussaint. 9pm-11.30pm
Sunday 7 May
CROYDON AIRPORT: London's erstwhile airport opens for its monthly guided tours — you'll be taken around by a guide, told amazing stories of the airport's history, and then be free to browse the museum, featuring objects like these wicker passenger seats. You have to book ahead for this one. From 10am
VINTAGE FAIR: Frock Me! Vintage Fair returns to Chelsea Old Town Hall, with more than 60 exhibitors selling clothing, jewellery and textiles dating back as far as the Victorian era. Vintage British labels such as Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb and Biba have been found at previous events. 11am-5.30pm
POOCH PARTY: Dogs are invited to celebrate the coronation at a Pooch Party at M Restaurant in Canary Wharf. With food for humans and dogs, and a dog fashion show (regal outfits required!), the event raises money for canine charity Dogs Trust. 12pm-4pm
SOLO CRAFT FAIR: On the first Sunday of each month this summer, Solo Craft Fair is popping up at Between The Bridges on South Bank. Over 60 London-based makers and designers are selling their wares, including art, jewellery and plants. 12pm-5pm
BOOK OF KINGS: Spoken word artist Xanthe Gresham is at the British Library for an afternoon of wild mythology from Persia. She performs sections of The Shahnameh: The Book of Kings, an epic poem written more than 1,000 years ago, accompanied by Iranian musician Arash Moradi. 2.30pm-4pm
ON WENLOCK EDGE: Vaughan Williams's On Wenlock Edge is performed by a group of talented musicians at Conway Hall this evening, namely James Gilchrist (tenor), Roger Vignoles (piano) and the Edenis Quartet. Other pieces include Ravel's Quartet in F, and a string of Schubert compositions. 6.30pm
LATE NIGHT JAZZ: If you're lucky enough to have tomorrow off, why not stay out late tonight? The Royal Albert Hall puts on one of its Late Night Jazz shows in the Elgar Room, starring Afro-Latin jazz band COLECTIVA. 9.30pm
Museum treasure of the week
The ancient Coronation Chair will be at the centre of attention this week — almost every monarch since the 14th century has been crowned on the aged furniture. But did you know that Westminster Abbey contains a second coronation chair? It's up in the new-ish Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and was created for the coronation of Mary II.
If you remember your history, you'll know she was jointly crowned with husband William III. Two monarchs meant two chairs were needed, so this new one was crafted for Mary while William used the traditional perch. The graffiti you see on its back was carved by boys from Westminster School, in an age when national treasures were not so carefully cared for.
The Galleries will be off-limits during the weeks around the Coronation, but put it on your bucket list for a future visit.
Good cause of the week
Art on a Postcard has curated a special guest auction with War Child UK to raise money to support children in war zones. You can bid for works by around 100 artists, with all proceeds going to the charity. Bidding starts at just £50, offering the chance to take home a unique work by a highly collectible artist, whilst supporting the essential work that War Child UK undertakes across the world. The auction is open until 4 May online via The Auction Collective.
