It’s gonna be a big year for Babes about Town as we celebrate our 10th blog birthday! As ever, I’ve rounded up 20 things to look forward to in London 2020, an exciting mix of light shows, family theatre, West End musicals, showcase exhibitions and family films. Here’s to an incredible 2020!
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20 Things to Look forward to in London 2020
1. The Tiger Who Came to Tea turns 50
Head to gorgeous Osterley Park and House for this immersive look at Judith Kerr and her beloved tiger. At The Tiger Who Came to Tea 50th anniversary exhibition, you can learn about the author’s escape from Nazi Germany, see her childhood drawings and more. Little ones can play with a life-size tiger or make tea in the interactive play kitchen. 11am-4pm, free with Osterley Park admission: adult from £10.10/child from £5.05/family from £25.25 (Jan 11-Mar 1)
2. Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA
Almost every year, the leading circus from Quebec takes a spot on our London hot list. For our 20 things to look forward to in London 2020, we recommend Luzia, their brand new spectacular. Expect breathtaking stunts, acrobatics to make your head spin and infectious songs and beats with a Mexican influence. Ages 3+ (babies in arms free on parent’s lap). From £40.20 to £255.50 for premium with dining (child discounts available); 11am, 3pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm (Jan 12-Mar 1)
3. Winter Lights at Canary Wharf
For the 6th year running, the award-winning light spectacular transforms Canary Wharf. Winter Lights features more than 25 installations by light artists from around the world. Walk amongst the interactive features, admire others from afar, and refuel at the Winter Lights Bites street food stalls. 4pm-10pm, FREE (Jan 16-25)
4. Lightopia at Chiswick House
Got the winter blues? One of our things to look forward to in London 2020 is this dazzling winter light trail at Chiswick House and Gardens. Lightopia invites you to step into a world like no other, with emotive light designs and interactive pieces built around natural elements. 5pm-9pm (Wed-Sun); from £13 (Jan 22-Mar 1)
5. Vault Festival
Once again, VAULT festival returns to Waterloo, luring audiences underground for 8 weeks of family fun, theatre, pop-ups, cabaret, circus and immersive entertainment. Some child-friendly highlights for 2020: theatre and comedy collide in The Misadventures of David and Sam (Feb 2-23, 3pm); OhSo Funny presents the Extraordinary Time Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Feb 22-Mar 1, 3pm); myths and shadow puppetry in Wild(e) Tales (Mar 1-8, 3pm); spicy music-filled adventure Mustard Doesn’t Go with Girls (Mar 14-22, 4.30pm). Times and prices vary; check age ratings ahead of show. (Jan 28-Mar 22)
6. Zoo Nation: Message in a Bottle
Kate Prince, the force behind dance company Zoo Nation (Into the Hoods, Some Like it Hip Hop, Groove on Down the Road), produces what’s set to be another dance theatre classic at Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells). Message in a Bottle features Zoo Nation in a dizzying display of styles, footwork and physicality, choreographed to the music of Sting.7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm (Sun); £14-£89/child discounts available (Feb 6-Mar 21)
7. Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre’s annual family gathering makes our list every year. Hot on the list of 20 things to look forward to in London 2020, Imagine Festival at Southbank Centre invites squealers, crawlers, strollers and scooters for 10 days of creative fun. Top picks: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Feb 12-14); Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo (Feb 15-21); You’re Never Too Young to Change the World (Feb 15-23); the Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show (Feb 21); Dermot O’Leary and Nick East; HomeBros School of Afro Dance (Feb 22); Chineke Orchestra’s Juniors (Feb 23); Meet Pippi Longstocking (Feb 23, 2pm). Times and prices vary, many activities FREE (Feb 12-23)
8. Pretty Woman the Musical
A fairytale about a hooker who meets her prince in the form of a business client doesn’t score highly on the woke scale. But we can’t resist Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in the movie, and we can’t wait for the song and dance version. Pretty Woman the Musical swings into the West End to a score by Bryan Adams. Missing it would be a big mistake. Huge. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm matinee (Wed & Sat); from £15 (Feb 13-Jan 2, 2021)
9. Fairy Tales at Discover
Step into a magical world of gingerbread houses and magic beans, giants, trolls and treasure caves. Follow a trail of breadcrumbs, stand in a giant’s footprint, or join in a palace disco with the musicians of Bremen. Fairy Tales at Discover Children’s Story Centre is designed to bewitch ages 0 to 8. From 10.10am daily (sessions last 45 minutes); £2 (opens Feb 15)
10. Mulan
Many of you will be relieved to know ScarJo doesn’t make an appearance in this movie. Disney’s live action Mulan features an all-Asian cast including Jet Li, Li Gong, Jason Scott Lee, Donnie Yen, and Liu Yifei in the title role. It tells the legend of a Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male warrior to save China from an invading army. And it’s guaranteed to kick butt. (opens Mar 27)
11. Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature at Natural History Museum
It’s a Harry Potter take-over at the Natural History Museum, as Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature showcases mythical creatures alongside real-life specimens. Compare tigers, iguanas and whales with beasts of legend like the Erumpent, the Demiguise, or a dragon skull from Professor Lupin’s classroom. Spellbinding. Tickets on sale from Jan 16 – book early! (opens Spring 2020)
12. Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street
Sneakers. Trainers. Kicks. Kreps. Whatever you call them, no doubt you own a pair (or several) and you’ll probably want to add to your collection after this show. From Air Jordans to Run DMC, Sneakers Unboxed at Design Museum takes a walk through the history of the sportswear trend that turned fashion on its head. £10/child & family discounts available. (opens May 6, 2020)
13. Barbie
She’s a childhood plaything, a global icon and she’s coming to a screen near you. The live action Barbie movie stars Margot Robbie and has Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha) and Greta Gerwig (Ladybird, Little Women) at the helm. Intriguing. (slated for summer 2020)
14. Wonder Woman 1984
We’ve seen trailers and we’re pumped for the follow-up to what the babes call ’one of the best DC movies ever’. Wonder Woman 1984 sees our Amazonian heroine back in her booty shorts, ready to save the world from arch villains all over again. (opens Jun 5)
15. UEFA Euro 2020
Ole ole. However we feel about leaving Europe, we can still be good sports when it comes to the footie. Marking the tournaments 60th outing, London is one of 12 cities hosting games for Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium. Watch Group D matches (Jun 14, 19 & 23), Round of 16 (Jun 27), Semi-Finals (Jul 7 & 8), and the grand finale on July 12. Do our boys have what it takes to make it all the way? Fingers crossed. (Jun 14-Jul 12)
16. Alice in Wonderland at V&A Museum
Tumble into Wonderland with Alice and her imaginary friends at this immersive and theatrical show. The V&A Museum’s Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser is filled with drawings, film, photography, costumes and scripts. Discover how Lewis Carroll’s story influenced creatives from The Beatles to Salvador Dali. From £20/child under 12 FREE (Jun 27-Jan 10, 2021)
17. Singing in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells
Swoon. One of my favourite musicals comes to Sadler’s Wells and we’ll be jumping in puddles in anticipation. Ballet star Adam Cooper takes on Gene Kelly’s iconic role in Singing in the Rain. It’s a toe-tapping, heart-swelling show that’s set to make a huge splash this summer. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 4pm (Sun); £15-£100 (Jul 24-Aug 30)
18. Sister Act the Musical
Hallelujah. The massively popular musical comedy Sister Act hits the London stage this summer, with Whoopi Goldberg reprising her role as fugitive turned nun, Deloris Van Cartier. Sister Act the Musical also features Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior. Expect big tunes and belly laughs. (Jul 29-Aug 30, 2020)
19. Bill & Ted Face the Music
If you’re a fan of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and their Bogus Journey, then you’ll be as stoked as we are to hear Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are back. Bill & Ted Face the Music sees the dopey duo on yet another time-travelling odyssey, in search of a song to save the universe. Excellent. Party on, dudes. (Aug 21)
20. Frozen the Musical
Fresh from Broadway, Anna, Elsa and the gang breeze into London’s West End. Disney’s Frozen is adapted for the stage with stunning costumes, lighting and stage design, plus original songs and hits from the films. Rediscover the heart-melting story of siblings, romance and a princess discovering her true power. Priority booking opens late January, don’t sleep on tickets as they’re sure to fly out! (opens Oct 2020)
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More things to look forward to in London 2020: Sonic the Hedgehog, the movie (opens Feb 14); David Hockney at National Portrait Gallery (Feb 27-Jun 28); Andy Warhol Retrospective at Tate Modern (Mar 12-Sep 6); Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in No Time to Die (opens Apr 8); Grace Jones curates Meltdown Festival at Southbank Centre (Jun 12-21)
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