17 Things to Look Forward to in London 2017

 

 
Happy New Year! The Babes about Town are back and feeling ready for London 2017 (hey at least it’s not 2016 eh?). There are so many things to look forward to it was hard to pull together our annual short list.

From family festivals to eye-popping exhibitions, award-winning musicals to the year’s biggest sporting event, it’s all here. Save the dates!

 

17 Things to Look Forward to in London 2017

 

1. Nordic Festival at Southbank Centre

 

 
What’s so cool about those Scandi folks? Is it that Denmark is rated the happiest spot on earth? Or that the best places to be a woman are apparently Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland? Delve into Nordic art and culture at this year-long festival, where you can explore fine art, fashion, dance, literature, design, food and music from the countries that gave us Bjork, ABBA, saunas and the art of hygge. On the Nordic Matters official launch weekend (Jan 13-15), there’s learning through play with LEGO, flat pack hacking and secrets of cinnabun making. It’s also an excellent time to check out the immersive exhibition Adventures in Moominland (until Apr 23), exploring the life and work of world famous Finnish author Tove Jansson. Various times and prices, many activities FREE. (from Jan 13-ongoing)

 

2. Magical Lantern Festival

 

 
Following on from a hugely successful run in 2016, the Magical Lantern Festival is back to illuminate Chiswick House and Gardens for London 2017. Stroll through the magical setting, enchanted by the light sculptures of birds, animals, and striking scenes. For Chinese New Year of the Rooster there’s a special theme – ‘Explore the Silk Road’ – featuring oversized lantern scenes highlighting this significant trade and culture route from Europe to Ancient China.. Throughout the festival you can tuck into yummy food and enjoy live music, virtual reality gaming, Chinese bamboo lantern riddles, ice rink, mini funfair and more. All ages. 5pm-10pm (Thu-Sun) & daily during Feb half-term; adult £16.50-£20/child £10.50-£14/family £50-£64 (Jan 19-Feb 26)
 

3. Fantastic Mr Fox at Lyric Hammersmith

 

 
He’s smart, sassy and more than a little bit fantastic, but not everybody loves Mr Fox — least of all the foul farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. They’re out to ensnare him and his loved ones, but Mr Fox is clever enough to come up with a plan that will save the day. But will Rabbit give the game away? Fantastic Mr Fox is a flagship musical adaptation set to delight audiences at Lyric Hammersmith, bringing Dahl’s beloved characters to the stage in gloriumptious fashion. For ages 5+. 1pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pmmatinees; 7pm (Tue, Fri & Sat), 7.30pm (Wed, Thu) – NB dates and times vary, check site. Extra matinees available in half-term. Tickets £15-£40. (Jan 25-Feb 19)

 

4. Directing Dobby at Harry Potter Studio Tour

 

 
My boy Ezra was heartbroken when Dobby died in the Harry Potter movies, so he’ll be thrilled to see the sweet house-elf brought back to life in this interactive event at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Directing Dobby offers visitors a chance to try motion capture with a display that allows them to see Dobby reflecting their own movements in real time. You can also see the artistry that went into the creation of Dobby’s model used in CGI shooting scenes (he was hand-painted down to the veins in his eyes!). Look up and you’ll also spot Dobby in the window of No. 4 Privet Drive, Harry’s childhood home that will be reopened specially for the occasion. Magical fun for your whole brood. Adult from £37-£39/child from £29-£31/family £118-£126/under 4s FREE (Feb 4-Mar 31)

 

5. Imagine Children’s Festival

 

 
Probably the biggest date on the calendar for kids ages 0-12 in London, the Imagine Children’s Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and the power of the imagination. This year’s highlights include a screening of The Little Mermaid powered entirely by bicycling; a double bill of Julia Donaldson with The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom told to the accompaniment of orchestral music; experimental bedtime story workshop with School of Noise; afternoon clubbing with Rave-a-Roo; and Why the Whales Came plus Q&A with author Michael Morpurgo. Tickets and times vary, many activities are FREE (Feb 9-19)

 

6. David Hockney at Tate Britain

 

 
Book fast for what’s bound to be a sellout exhibition of one of Britain’s most influential artists. David Hockney at Tate Britain is the most comprehensive showing of his works in photography, painting, video, print and drawing over a career spanning almost 80 years. From sweeping Yorkshire landscapes to LA swimming pools, some of these paintings have never been seen in public. A visual feast for all ages. Adult £19.50/under 12s FREE (Feb 9-May 29)

 

7. Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum

 

 
After its popular debut in 2009, Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum returns with larger-than-life animals recreated with everyday machine parts and gadgets to show how their real life counterparts see, eat, hide and hunt. Discover a housefly’s lightning reactions or even design your own mutant robot beast. The hands-on exhibition lets you fire a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ or try jet-propelled squid racing, as well as figure out why chameleons colour-shift, how bats see in the dark and what makes grasshoppers leap so high. Educational fun for all ages. Daily; adult £7/child £4/family £17 (Feb 11-Oct 29)

 

8. The Art of the Brick: DC Super Heroes

 

 
After its first outing on Brick Lane, the Art of the Brick presents a special DC Super Heroes edition on the South Bank, featuring 120+ creations using more than 2 million LEGO bricks. See Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern and others, along with super villains like The Joker, hand finished brick by brick by artist Nathan Sawaya. Cruise past a life size LEGO Batmobile, or see the Man of Steel transformed into a Man of Bricks flying above your head. A mind blowing experience for you and your mini master builders. Visit the exhibition in a purpose built tent on Upper Ground, directly behind the National Theatre and the BFI, and next door to the Rambert Ballet Company. All ages welcome. From 10am daily; adult £16.50/child age 4-16 £11/under 4s FREE (from Mar 1)

 

9. An American in Paris

 

 
Described as ‘pure joy’ by the New York Times, An American in Paris spins into the West End after a stunning run on Broadway (4 TONY awards) and in Paris. Inspired by one of the most elegant musicals of all time (Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron… swoon!) and featuring Gershwin standards you’ll be humming for weeks afterwards, the lavish production follows an American soldier in Paris whose encounter with a dancer transforms his journey through the City of Light. The original Broadway cast of 50 dancers, actors and musicians is set to dazzle crowds at the Dominion Theatre. For ages 6+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); tickets from £19.50 (opens Mar 4)

 

10. Beauty and the Beast (the live action movie)

 

 
It’s been a long-awaited movie for some time (at Babes HQ certainly) and finally Disney’s live action version of Beauty and the Beast hits the big screens this March. Starring Emma Watson as bookish Belle who is captured by a prince in Beast’s clothing (Dan Stevens), this promises gorgeous costumes and set design and familiar songs from the animated classic. The starry cast also features Emma Thompson as enchanted teapot Mrs Potts, along with Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor and Sir Ian McKellen. Watch the trailer and be swept away! (opens Mar 17)
 

 

11. The Velveteen Rabbit at Unicorn Theatre

 

 
Once upon a time there was a Velveteen Rabbit, whose fur was sheeny and who was well loved by his boy… for a couple of hours. Now gathering dust on the nursery floor, the rabbit longs to be held and most of all he longs to be real. He spends his days waiting and watching all the other toys getting attention, until one day, he is rediscovered and it seems his dreams might just come true. If you missed it before, now’s your opportunity to catch this hit adaptation, back at Unicorn Theatre after a Broadway transfer. Ages 5+. Varying times Tue-Sun between 11am-7pm (check website for exact dates/times); reviews £10/adult £12-£18/child £8-£12 (Mar 17-Apr 17)

 

12. Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic

 

 
Get your skates on if you want to nab tickets for one of Disney’s biggest live spectacles, touring the UK and stopping at Wembley this March. Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic presents a cast of more than 50 best-loved Disney characters on skates, including Mickey and Minnie, Donald, Goofy, the Disney Princesses including Anna and Elsa from Frozen, and sidekick Olaf. Watch captivating performances from popular movies and shows including The Lion King, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Sing along to your fave songs and learn the Mouse Bounce Dance in the Fit to Dance pre-show. Unforgettable entertainment for ages 0 and up. 6.30pm (Mar 29-31), 10.30am & 2.30pm & 6.30pm (Apr 1), 10.30am & 2.30pm (Apr 2); £18-£45 (Mar 29-Apr 2)

 

13. Open Air Theatre: Oliver Twist and More!

 

 
Every summer, we get a tingle of excitement for the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre programme and this year boasts another incredible line-up. Kicking off in May with their biggest musical yet, On The Town (May 19-Jul 1) features score by Leonard Bernstein, hot dance numbers and adds some New York razzle dazzle to the heart of London. Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities comes next (Jul 7-Aug 5) followed by Oliver Twist for Everyone Aged Six and Over (Jul 17-Aug 5) and rounding off with Jesus Christ Superstar (Aug 11-Sep 16) back by popular demand for just 41 shows. Pack a picnic and some all-weather clothing for an evening’s entertainment in one of London’s most evocative theatres. Ticket range £18-£65 (May 19-Sep 16)

 

14. Wind in the Willows Musical

 

 
Hold onto your top hats, the Wind in the Willows Musical leaps and scampers into the London Palladium in a thrilling new adaptation based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel. Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes joins forces with Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist George Stiles and Anthony Drewe for this riotous comedy about pompous and impulsive Mr Toad who gets up to all sorts of hi-jinks and needs his woodland pals Mole, Badger and others to come to his rescue. Multi-talented actor, presenter and comedian Rufus Hound stars as Mr Toad and producer Jamie Hendry hopes to recreate the show’s earlier success in Manchester and Plymouth. 7pm (Mon), 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Tue & Sat); from £15 (Jun 17-Sep 9)

 

15. IAAF World ParaAthletics & World Athletics Championships

 

 
For London 2017, the world’s biggest sporting spectacle comes to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, with 245 events and 3,300 athletes from all around the globe. Relive some of the 2012 Olympics buzz in the same setting where athletes like Sir Mo Farah, David Werewolf and Jessica Ennis-Hill sealed their legendary status. An inspirational 4 weeks for people of all ages and abilities. (Jul 14-23 & Aug 4-13)

 

16. Hamilton – An American Musical

 

 
Hotly anticipated, multiple award winning Broadway smash Hamilton – An American Musical is finally making its way to London this summer. It’s reopening the Victoria Palace Theatre this November and you’d better be prepared because tickets are like gold dust. Created by the outrageously talented Lin-Manuel Miranda (whose music helped give Disney’s Moana its showstopping appeal), Hamilton tells the tale of one of the founding fathers of America, reframed through contemporary beats and lyrics including soul and hip hop. It generated rapturous reviews, a cult following and unprecedented advanced sales as well as scooping a near record-breaking 11 TONY Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. Don’t miss out! Recommended for ages 10+ (strong language, non-graphic adult themes), kids 4 and under will not be admitted. (opens Nov 2017)

 

17. Star Wars: Episode VIII

 

 
So what do we know about Star Wars Episode VIII? We know that it will feature the ongoing saga of Rey, one of the feistiest and most relatable female heroines and Finn, one of the baddest Stormtroopers ever. We know that Luke Skywalker who was tantalisingly evasive in The Force Awakens, will take on a bigger role. And now that The Force is well and truly woke, we can expect some serious lightsaber action. Rogue One wet our appetites for more Star Wars stories and the trailers for Episode 8 don’t disappoint. Rumours of Tom Hardy as a Stormtrooper only add to the ooh factor. Another massive December release to mark on your watch list. (opens Dec 17)

We also like
An adaptation of brilliant kids’ book The Iron Man at Unicorn Theatre (Jan 24-Mar 5); the world premiere of David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon for ages 3 and upwards at Arts Depot (Feb 11-12); Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert at Royal Albert Hall featuring John Williams’ score brought to life by Royal Philharmonic Concert orchestra (May 11-14); fun family movies coming soon including LEGO Batman, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman and Despicable Me 3…