Happy October! Today I’m celebrating Nigerian Independence Day and the start of Black History Month. We’ve also got October half-term and Halloween coming up before you know it. You’ll find some Black history events in the list of things to do with kids in London this weekend. As well as art exhibitions, pop-up festivals, local markets to browse and foodie treats. Tuck in.
Fri-Sun: Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Lively up yourself for the musical biography of legendary Bob Marley. Learn all about the boy from the hills of rural Jamaica who became a cultural icon. Starring Arinze Kene as Bob Marley, written by Lee Hall and directed by Clint Dyer. Recommended for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat & Sun), 7pm (Sun); from £15 (Oct 1-Apr 3, 2022)
Fri-Sun: London’s Black History at Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands
Explore the Museum of London’s collection of events celebrating London’s Black history. For Black History Month, you can visit the Museum of London Dockland’s free display of four Black owned businesses and the stories behind them. Delve into the Museum of London’s permanent gallery on London, Sugar & Slavery. View photographs of Black citizens spanning 30 years by Charlie Phillips. Dig into the dub reggae exhibition SoundClash. Hear tales from the Windrush generation and take part in family workshops celebrating Black identity. Various activities throughout the month and beyond. (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Nigeria60: 60 Years of Independence, Horniman Museum, 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground)
No Black history month is complete without the history of Africa’s most populous nation. Artist and designer Alafuro Sikoki-Coleman’s collection of objects from the 1960s marked 60 years of Nigerian independence in 2020. Explore the display, part of a wider conversation at the Horniman on the ‘giant of Africa’ which has 350+ spoken languages and 36 states. 10am-5.30pm (closed Weds); FREE (ongoing)
Fri-Sun: Japan Week, multiple locations
Catch the last days of Japan Week, the UK’s largest celebration of food, drink and culture from Japan. There are special offers, discounts and events all over town, from top restaurants like Nobu to hole-in-the-wall noodle spots. Family friendly activities include free origami workshops at the Lexus Takumi Townhouse (Fri-Sat, 12pm-5pm). The closing party’s at KANPAI in Peckham (Sun, 12pm-7pm). Various times, places and prices. (until Oct 3)
Fri-Sun: Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
The smash hit Broadway musical is melting hearts in London’s West End. Experience the stage version of Disney’s tale of two sisters and a struggle for power, with original songs from the hit movies. Ages 6+ (under 3s not admitted). 7pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £39-£162 (previews from Aug 27, opens Sep 8-Jun 26, 2022)
Fri-Sun: No Time To Die (12A)
Bond’s back, babes. And it’s the last outing for Daniel Craig. They’ve pulled out all the stops on this one, apparently. So expect plenty of high-speed chases, explosions, sexy banter, death-defying stunts and romance. Shaken not stirred, of course. Out in cinemas now. (from Sep 30)
Fri-Sun: Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House/London Bridge tube/rail)
We’ve seen many adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers. This one sounds intriguing, starring Alfred Enoch (How To Get Away With Murder) and Rebekah Murrell (Nine Night) and described as a ‘woke’ take on the romantic tragedy. It should appeal to families with older kids as it brings some of the themes starkly into the present day. 7pm (Wed-Sat), matinees 2pm (Wed & Sat) & 1pm (Sun); £5-£59 (until Oct 17)
Fri-Sun: Unicorn Theatre: Anansi the Spider Re-Spun, online
Back by popular demand for Black History Month, Unicorn Theatre presents their first entirely digitally created theatre event, Anansi the Spider Re-spun. Inspired by their hit 2019 show about the mischievous, yarn-spinning character from West African and Caribbean folklore. Best for ages 3-8. Watch on demand, FREE (Oct 1-31)
Sat: Fun Palaces at Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
Experience the creativity and entertainment of pop-up theatre, music, art and craft as Half Moon Theatre becomes a Fun Palace for the day. It’s the 6th annual event to celebrate the historic Fun Palaces, offering an inspirational programme of arts, culture and science. Come along for fun and enjoy tea, cake and surprises. All ages welcome. Drop in anytime between 10am-4pm; FREE (Oct 2)
Sat-Sun: Black Culture Market, Downstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, Brixton, SW9 8FR (Brixton tube)
Hunt for toys, gifts, homewares, prints, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, menswear, skincare, clothing, food and more. The tw-day market showcase emerging entrepreneurs and their products. As Black History Month kicks off, it’s a great way to support Black owned businesses and celebrate Brixton’s community spirit. 11am-5pm; FREE entry but ticket registration advised (Oct 2-3)
Sat-Sun: Red at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
The wolves have stolen power from Queen Sukotai and Alpha Wolf sits on the throne. But where has RED disappeared to? Help find the missing lead and restore peace to the kingdom. Visual and physical storytelling adventure with sign language that will let you experience Polka Theatre as never before. Wellies recommended! Ages 6+. Various start times; £19.50 (previews from £15.50)/babies under 12 months £1 (until Oct 31)
Sat-Sun: UNIQLO Tate Play: Make Studio Transform at Tate Modern (McAulay lunch room), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Bring your creative vision to life with clay like Auguste Rodin. Create clay bouquets inspired by the giant still life plant display. Leave it for show or take your piece home. Select dates for families with kids under 5 (Weds, 10am-3pm) and open to all ages (Sats-Suns, 10am-6pm); FREE with booked ticket (Sep 4-Nov 14)
Sun: Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Follow the invincible Captain Cauliflower and his faithful sidekick Marvin on a daring trip to outer space and deep inside the ocean. When Marvin gives his Captain a super-powered hat, will it be enough to defeat arch nemesis Onion Man? Gags and giggles for ages 3+. 12pm & 3pm; from £9.95 (Oct 3)
Sun: Bernadine Evaristo: Manifesto, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Watch trailblazing writer, educator and activist, the marvellous Bernadine Evaristo at this one-off event. She’ll be talking about her latest work Manifesto: On Never Giving Up, in a broad conversation with Afua Hirsch about creativity, tenacity, race, class, sexuality, ageing and feminism. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Booker Prize winning author live. Ages 16+. 7.30pm: £15-£25 (Oct 3)
COMING UP
Mon: The Big Anti-Bullying Assembly, online
Tune in this Monday for an anti-bullying event empowering hundreds of thousands of kids around the country. You’ll hear personal stories, see special performances and learn key insights on tackling bullying behaviour and how to get support. Celebrity hosts include CBBC Newsround’s De-Graft Mensah, Sky Kids FYI TV presenter, inspirational speaker and bionic model Tilly Lockey, actors Will Poulter and Sam Retford, YouTuber and television presenter Nikki Lilly, musician James McVey, and TV personality and UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador for the Department of Education Dr Alex George. The virtual event will be beamed into primary school classrooms and homes and available to view on The Diana Award’s AntiBullyingPro YouTube channel. Visit the website to sign up, download free resource packs and for more info. The Big Anti-Bullying Assembly 2020 video can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/460187025/5fa8872ecd (Oct 4)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
