Happy St Patrick’s Day to all those celebrating today. As I mentioned in the last London Kids Weekend Scoop, St Patrick is also the patron saint of Nigeria (only found this out as an adult). This weekend, there will also be marches happening around the country for UN Anti Racism Day (March 21), with a London gathering this Saturday at BBC Portland Place (Mar 19).
I’m still reeling from the news about #ChildQ, a 15-year-old Hackney schoolgirl who was grossly mishandled by Met police on school premises after a false accusation. The story is deeply upsetting but I encourage you to read it to see how racism is so embedded in our systems and how devastating it is for our children. You can read more on my Instagram with suggestions for what actions to take. Let’s keep the pressure on.
London Kids Weekend Scoop: 10 Family Friendly Things to Do
Thu: Love Music Hate Racism: Rebel Music Tour at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
Love Music Hate Racism launch their first London show since the pandemic, as part of a national Rebel Music Tour. Come along to hear some of the city’s finest new talent in Jazz, Soul and RnB. The event is in recognition of the UN Anti Racism Day 2022 and all ticket sales from the show will be donated to help Africans displaced in Ukraine and Poland by the current conflict. 7pm; £5 (Mar 17)
Thu-Sat: Our Generation at National Theatre, Upper Ground, Southbank SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
One for older kids and adults, Our Generation is the buzzy new production billed as ‘an epic coming-of-age drama that’s too extraordinary to be fiction’. Hot on the success of London Road, Alecky Blythe has created a verbatim play from 5 years of interviews with 12 youngsters from across the UK. It’s a visceral and emotive portrait of growing up in our modern age, aimed at teenagers (or anyone who has ever been a teen). Ages 14+ – PG: Content warning for references to violent and sexual assault, references to shooting and gun violence, drug reference and strong language. 2pm (Sats & Wed or Thu matinee), 7pm (Mon-Sat); from £10-£60 (Mar 17-Apr 9)
Thu-Sat: Wuthering Heights at National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
LAST CHANCE: Also at National Theatre, Literature’s famous lovers take to the stage in a critically acclaimed production, adapted for modern timest, shot through with music and dance. Recommended for ages 10+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Wed & Sat); £20-£89. (Feb 3-Mar 19)
Thu-Sun: The Other Art Fair, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane E1 6QR(Shoreditch High St overground)
Art for the masses, or at least for everyday people, is the central ethos of The Other Art Fair. The annual showcase for independent artists where you can pick up affordable, original pieces and avoid the faint whiff of elitism. It’s a lively event with immersive installations, pop-up experiences, DJs and bar. 4pm-10pm (Thu), 1pm-9pm (Fri), 11am-7pm (Sat), 11am-6pm (Sun); adult from £11/concs from £9/child under 12 FREE (Mar 17-20)
Fri-Sun: How to Hide A Lion at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Based on the beloved picture book by Helen Stephens, this delightful musical production features music by popular singer-songwriter Barb Jungr. Join Iris on a mission to help her leonine pal find spots to hide after he’s chased out of town. Songs, humour and dazzling puppetry for ages 3 to 6 and families. Various show times: this weekend at 10.30am (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from £10/babe in arms £1 (Mar 11-Apr 24)
Sat: Come and Sing for Ukraine at St Giles in the Fields Church, 60 St Giles High Street, WC2H 8LG (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Lift Up Your Hearts: Come and Sing for Ukraine is a call to people of all ages and abilities to join together in song for families affected by the war. The song list includes popular hits like Lean On Me, Bridge Over Troubled Water, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Donations to Red Cross. 2.30pm-3.30pm; FREE entry (Mar 19)
Sat-Sun: Periods: A Brief History at Vagina Museum, 18 Victoria Park Square, E2 9PF (Bethnal Green tube/Bethnal Green overground/Cambridge Heath rail)
It’s one of society’s longest running taboos (despite the fact 800 million people around the world menstruate daily). This exhibition examines the facts, fictions and functionality of the menstrual cycle, with a focus on education, equal rights and ending the stigma. Also a good time to visit the Vagina Museum in its new home at Bethnal Green. Museum hours: 10am-8pm (Wed), 10am-6pm (Thu-Sun); FREE entry (ongoing from Mar 19)
Sat-Sun: Fashioning Masculinities at Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
From macho to metrosexual, men’s fashion is in a state of flux. As ideas of gender are being interrogated, this exhibition zooms in on the artists, tailors, designers and models who are redefining masculinity with style. PG (some exhibits feature nudity). 10am-5.45pm; from £20 (Mar 19-Nov 6)
Sat-Sun: Kyōsai: The Israel Goldman Collection at Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Discover one of the most exciting Japanese painters of the 19th century, Kawanabe Kyōsai, in this sweeping exhibition (his first in the UK for nearly 30 years). Celebrated for bridging popular culture and traditional art, Kyōsai’s work ranges from woodcut prints and impromptu paintings to manga, calligraphy and tattoo art. PG: contains some adult content. 10am-6pm; from £17/concs available (Mar 19-Jun 19)
Sun: Central London Holy Colour Dance Party, Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (open/fountain area), 4a Adelaide Road, NW3 3NF (Swiss Cottage tube)
Celebrate the Indian festival of Holi at an interactive party complete with drummers, Western and Bollywood music, tons of food and of course, colour play for all ages. Each ticket this year includes one packet holi colour and a food buffet. Menu: Veg Biryani (mild), Yogurt Raita, Aloo Tikki, Chickpeas (Chole), Chips, Gulab Jamun, Extra Pickle, Chillies (Other food and drinks can be bought). All ages welcome (NB: lots of colour thrown around, be mindful of sensitive little ones). 10am-4pm (entry slots 10am, 12pm & 2pm); adult from £31/child age 8-14 from £24.60/child age 3-7 from £12/under 3s £1 (Mar 20)
We also like
Follow Black History Walks on a Black History River Cruise, suitable for adults and families with older kids (Sat, from £36); the annual Where’s Wally Fun Run goes virtual this year, so you can run and fundraise from wherever you are (Sat-Sun, adult £20/child £15); the popular London Festival of Railway Modelling is back at Ally Pally to thrill train lovers big and small (Sat-Sun, adult from £13/child £7)
BOOKING AHEAD
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at Tate Modern (re-opened for booking)
Wild (for ages 2-6) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (selling out fast, booking until Apr 17)
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (now booking, best availability from Jun 6)
Peppa Pig My First Concert: Mozart to Muddy Puddles at London Coliseum (booking from Mar 22/shows Jul 24)
Big Fish Little Fish Mother’s Day Family Rave at One Night Records, Bankside SE1 (Mar 27)
Beatrix Potter: Relaxed Family View at V&A Museum (Mar 31)
Sea Girl by Carbon Theatre – online (Mar 31-Apr 30)
Tower Bridge Cat and the Missing Button Book Launch at Tower Bridge (Apr 2)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames (from Apr 2)
Ice Age: The Lost Kingdom at Cassiobury Park, Watford WD17 3EX (Apr 2-18)
Jurassic Encounter at Cassiobury Park, Watford (Apr 2-18)
Power Up at Science Museum (Apr 2-19)
ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle at Peacock Theatre, Holborn (Apr 13-23)
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show at Leicester Square Theatre, WC1 (Apr 23)
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Apr 23, Apr 29, May 28)
John Hegley: Drawings of Dromedaries and Other Creatures at Kings Place, N1 (May 5)
Acting for Others: West End Flea Market at St Paul’s Church, Bedford St, Covent Garden (May 21)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (May 26)
Sootyland at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Devon (opens May 28)
Giffords Circus at Chiswick House & Gardens (Jun 16-27)
Sun and Sea at The Albany, Deptford SE8 (Jun 23-Jul 10)
**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!**
Dear Evan Hansen (Theatre Review) #YouWillBeFound
