Phew. Have you recovered from the heatwave? Things are looking bright and breezy, but a lot less sweaty for the weekend and we have loads of ideas to keep your minions happy – from Mexican wrestling to a Dragon Boat festival on the Thames. Enjoy!
London Kids Weekend Scoop
Fri-Sat: The Greatest Spectacle of Lucha Libre at York Hall, 5 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PJ (Bethnal Green rail and tube/Cambridge Heath rail)
They’re back, mami! Those daredevil masked and caped warriors of Mexico return to the ring for some more acrobatic trickery, crazy antics and spectacular throw downs. The family friendly evening features some of the UK’s own luchadores going toe to toe in ‘free fighting’ (that’s lucha libre) against heroes from Mexico and around the globe, including the odd WWE superstar. All together now: Lucha! Lucha! Lucha! York Hall is right next to the V&A Museum of Childhood if you feel like making a whole day of it. 7pm; tickets from £20, family and group concessions available (Jun 23-24)
Fri-Sun: Serpentine Pavilion 2017: Diebedo Francis Kere, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA (Lancaster Gate/Marble Arch tube)
The grand reveal of the Serpentine Pavilion is an annual highlight, especially as typically it marries form with family friendly appeal. This year, it’s award winning architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, from Gando, Burkina Faso, who’s been commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2017. It’s a striking structure that’s sure to impress any age, look out for family focused activities throughout the summer. And of course Kensington Gardens with the wonderful Diana playground is just around the corner. 10am-6pm daily, FREE (Jun 23-Oct 8)
Fri-Sun: Wind in the Willows Musical at London Palladium, Argyll Street, Westminster, London W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus/Bond St tube)
Badger, Mole, Ratty and the irrepressible speed-freak Mr Toad are back on the big stage, in a brand new adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Kenneth Grahame. It’s set to be a cracking show, with comedian Rufus Hound (Toad) joined by Denise Welch and Gary Wilmot in lead roles. The script is by none other than Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park) with a score from Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. The choreography and set design are also sure to delight and dazzle audiences from ages 5+. Previews from this Father’s Day weekend! 7pm (Mon), 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Tue & Sat); from adult £15, 1 child FREE with every paying adult + up to 2 additional children (16 and under) at half price (previews from Jun 16/opens Jun 29-Sep 9)
Sat-Sun: West End Live, Trafalgar Square, SW1Y 5AY (Charing Cross tube)
What better way to celebrate the end of the week (and an especially tough few weeks for London) with a good old sing-song in the heart of the Capital? West End Live is an annual showcase of some of London’s best musical theatre and it’s a brilliant way to sample popular shows like Matilda, War Horse, Kinky Boots, The Book of Mormon and others for free. You’ll also get a taste of brand new productions like The Wind in the Willow, as featured in our Weekend Scoop! Arrive early for a good viewing spot. All ages. 11am-6pm (Sat), 12pm-5pm (Sun), FREE (Jun 23-24)
Sat-Sun: In the Night Garden Live at Showdome Richmond, Old Deer Park, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2SF (Richmond tube/overground)
Awww this takes me back. Meeting Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and their mates at In the Night Garden Live was one of the babes’ life highlights when they were little. The CBeebies hit makes a wonderful musical theatre experience for the very young. With full-size costumes, magical puppets, breathtaking projections and music, you’ll feel completely transported to the Night Garden with your babes. More than 800,000 people have seen the show, be part of the action this June. All ages welcome, perfect for ages 18 months and up. 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm (Mon-Tue & Thur-Sun); £12.50 -£35 (Jun 17-Jul 5)
Sat-Sun: Polka Theatre: The Borrowers, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
You’ve read the book, maybe you’ve seen The Borrowers movie, or even the Studio Ghibli version Arietty. Now catch the magical stage adaptation of this popular kids’ fable about a very tiny family that lives under the floorboards. When Arietty’s dad Pod brings her upstairs into the big house for the first time, to learn the art of ‘borrowing’, she meets a real human boy. But when the ‘human beans’ discover the borrowers’ secret world, it might be the end of life as she knows it! Dazzling puppetry, an original score, stunning set and tons of suspense will keep ages 5-11 and families engaged. Varying performances at 11am, 2pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm (check dates); £15 – hurry, tickets flying out, do book ahead if you can! (Jun 16-Aug 20)
Sun: London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, London Regatta Centre, Dockside Road, E16 2QT (Royal Albert Docks DLR)
It’s one of the most vibrant spectacles in London and it’s taking place this Sunday, launching from the London Regatta Centre in Victoria Docks. Join thousands of spectators along the banks of the River Thames for the 22nd anniversary of the London Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Up to 40 teams will be racing to win 6 cups throughout the day. There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained on land, with traditional Chinese lion dancing, martial arts displays, live music on the East West Festival stage, and some delicious Asian street food stalls. All ages. From 10am, FREE (Jun 26)
Sun: The Fairy Queen at The Courtyard Theatre, 40 Pitsfield Street, London N1 6EU (Old St tube)
As part of the Voices of London Festival, the innovative physical theatre and puppetry company Box Tale Soup join world renowned choir The Sixteen of this sweet Shakespearean adaptation. Riffing off the popular tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the production will transport audiences young and old to a world of magic, mayhem and midsummer enchantment. Song, drama, puppets and musical excerpts from Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen all add to the vibe. For ages 8+. 2pm-3pm; adult £12, child £10 (Jun 25)
Sun: Fulham Palace: Emperor’s New Clothes, Bishop’s Avenue, Fulham, SW6 6EA (Putney Bridge tube)
It’s nice and breezy now, perfect for a spot of outdoor theatre. It’s certainly not hot enough to take it all off, like the fabled Emperor who struts around in the buff (NB: there’s no actual nudity in this show)! Hans Christian Andersen’s well-known story becomes fodder for Illyria’s cheekiest production yet. In the era of Trump and Mayhem, there are enough echoes to leave grownups nodding wisely while their little ones giggle behind their hands. Pack a picnic, rug or low chair, drinks available on site. Ages 5+ and adult carers. 2pm gates, 2.30pm-5.30pm show, adult £14/child £8/under 3s £3 (Jun 25)
Sun: Union Chapel Summer Fete, Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, Islington, N1 2UN (Highbury & Islington tube/overground)
My heart is still melting at the memory of Jed and his class performing their recorder concert at Union Chapel earlier this month. We’re lucky to have this incredible building as one of our local venues in Islington, and this weekend you can share in the wonder at their annual fete. This year they’re celebrating 140 years of Union Chapel, with Punch & Judy, cake stalls, baking contest, fancy dress, live music and more than a dash of gin! 12pm-4pm, FREE (Jun 23)
London Kids Cinema Listings
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Barbican Cinema Framed Family Film Club, Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Framed Film Club: James and the Giant Peach (U), 11am; Child £2.50/Adult £3.50 (Jun 24)
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Swallows & Amazons at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jun 24)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
Paddington at 12pm; Adult/Child £3 (Jun 24)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Smurfs: The Lost Village at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jun 24)
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Boss Baby at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jun 25)
COMING SOON
Prince Charles Cinema: Kids Matinee, 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY (Leicester Square tube)
Moana Sing-along (PG) at 12.30pm; non-member£11.50/child £7.50/member £9 (Jun 29)
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Stuart Little at 1pm; adult £11.75/child £4 (Jul 2)
Father’s Day Weekend: London Kids Scoop (Jun 15-18, 2017)
