Happy World Book Day. Now more than ever we need stories to connect us, stories that teach us, stories that promote empathy and hope, stories that reflect who we are and who we might become. My kids are past the dressing up stage (sniffle/phew) but it’s always a joy to see children on the school run and across social media all decked out as their favourite book characters. It’s also delightful to see more representation for Black and Brown authors and characters — check out this brilliant cover interpretation via Woke Babies of the fantastic picture book I Am Every Good Thing. Adorable!
In the Weekend Scoop today, you’ll find World Book Day celebrations as well as events to mark International Women’s Month, plus the usual mix of family theatre, exhibitions and nature outings.
Last week, I shared @withukraine and @chooselove on Instagram along with this list of ways to support various Ukrainian organisations. In light of the deeply upsetting reports of racism and anti-Blackness towards refugees along the Ukrainian/Polish border, I’d also like to add this Go Fund Me to donate to help African Caribbean students trying to flee to safety.
Be kind, stay safe and wishing you a peaceful weekend.
13 Things to Do this Weekend in London with Kids
Thu-Fri: Caroline Walker: Birth Reflections, Fitzrovia Chapel, TJ Boulting, 59 Riding House Street, W1W 7EG (Goodge St tube)
Don’t miss this powerful and intimate look at women in the medical community, as captured through large-scale paintings by artist Caroline Walker. After a residency at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson maternity wing at University College Hospital (UCLH), Walker painted midwives, doctors, cleaners and mothers in a series inspired by Frederick Cayley Robinson’s ‘The Acts of Mercy’. 11am-6pm (Thu-Sat) & 12pm-5pm (Sun); FREE (until Mar 4)
Thu-Sat: Josephine at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
One of the most celebrated figures of the Jazz Age, Josephine Baker was a dancer, a singer, a spy, an activist and an icon. Learn more about her story in this family friendly musical inspired by her life and work. For ages 8+. 10.30am & 1pm (Thu), 1pm & 4.30pm (Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat); from £10/babe in arms £1 (Mar 3-5)
Thu-Sun: Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail, Temple tube)
LAST CHANCE: Have you been to see Beano at Somerset House yet? There’s still time to immerse yourself in the world of the cartoon prankster and his mates at this critically acclaimed exhibition. See rare materials, drawings and sketches, and how artists and designers have interpreted the spirit of Beano through the decades. 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun & Tue), 11am-8pm (Wed-Fri); adult £16.50/concs £12.50/family of 3 £22/family of 4 £38/under 6s FREE (until Mar 6)
Thu-Sun: Stand With Hope, UCL Student Centre, 27-28 Gordon Square WC1H 0AH (Euston tube/rail, Goodge St tube)
Pop into the UCL Student Centre ahead of International Women’s Day to see a free exhibition about the women’s suffrage movement. Kids and adults alike will marvel at Hope, the life-size suffragette built from 32,327 LEGO bricks. The sculpture was originally built and displayed in the House of Commons in 2018, marking 100 years since some women won voting rights. This show also invites discussion around those whose voices were excluded from the movement. Stand with Hope, take a selfie and join the conversation. All day; FREE (until Mar 7)
Thu-Sun: Orchids at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE (Kew Gardens tube/Kew Bridge rail, overground)
LAST CHANCE: The dazzling Orchids festival at Kew comes to a close this weekend. Enter the vibrant world of Costa Rica through a series of plant and floral displays and installations by Costa Rican artist Dino Urpí. While you’re at Kew, you might want to check out their International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, also wrapping up this Sunday. 10am-6pm; Orchids is included with entry to the gardens – adult from £15/child 4-15yrs £5/family tickets from £23 (until Mar 6)
Thu-Sun: Handa’s Surprise at Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington/Angel tube)
If you’re lucky, you might just nab one of the remaining tickets this weekend for this popular show, based on the beloved kids’ book. Follow Handa on her trip to see best friend Akeyo and meet the 7 cheeky animals who threaten to spoil her surprise gift. Live music and puppetry at the world famous theatre for ages 2-5 and families. Various times (check availability); adult £13.50/child £11.50/under 1s FREE on carers’ lap (Feb 10-Apr 16)
Thu-Sun: The Green Planet AR Experience, 55 Regent St, Piccadilly Circus W1B 4DY (Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square/Green Park tube)
This is the last weekend to check out the AR experience that allows you to follow in the footsteps of David Attenborough. Explore 5 digitally enhanced worlds via augmented reality, moving through saltwater, desert, rainforest, freshwater and seasonal environments. Delve into the secret life of plants inspired by the BBC series and powered by EE’s 5G network. Best for ages 8+, kids under 8 will be allocated mobile devices to share with their adult companion. 10am-6pm (Mon-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Sun); FREE but timed entry tickets required for everyone ages 8+ (until Mar 9)
Thu-Sun: World Book Day Live with Matilda & Friends (online)
Come to a unique event celebrating World Book Day’s 25th Birthday, originally live-streamed on Feb 28 and now available on demand for 3 months. Hosted at the Cambridge Theatre, home of Matilda the Musical, it features a cast reading from Roald Dahl’s Matilda, a performance from the musical, and a fantastic line-up of authors and illustrators such as Children’s Laureates Cressida Cowell and Chris Riddell, Greg James, Chris Smith, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Humza Arshad, Allen Fatimaharan, Hannah Lee, Nizrana Farook and Maisie Chan. In partnership with Roald Dahl Story Company, Royal Shakespeare Company and Puffin, the event can be watched via the website and on the YouTube channel (no registration needed). Online, FREE (from Feb 28-May 28)
Fri-Sun: Life Through a Royal Lens, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX (Lancaster Gate tube)
A brand new exhibition focused on the Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera for the past 200 years. From Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s patronage in the early days of photography to previously unseen family portraits, including stunning images of Her Maj and the Queen Mother. Discover how Cecil Beaton redefined modern royal portraiture through a camera lens. Why not take the kids to let off steam in the Diana Princess of Wales playground either before or after your visit? 10am-6pm (Wed-Sun); adult £20/child £10/under 5s FREE (Mar 4-Oct 30)
Sat: International Women’s Day 2022: Dear Black Women x CURLYTREATS Festival at Novotel West London, Hammersmith International Centre 1, Shortlands, Hammersmith W6 8DR (Hammersmith tube/overground)
This one-day festival, now in its 9th year, the intersecting identities of Black women through talks, workshops, seminars and self-care activities. Join a head wrapping workshop, the Black Girl Knit Club, or learn how to make nourishing smoothies for skin and hair. Hear from Black women authors and also experts such as Sistah Space on issues like domestic violence, Black maternal and medical wellbeing, therapy, meditation, yoga and more. Open to all ages but PG for some grownup topics. 11am-7pm; £0-£25 (Mar 5)
Sat-Sun: World Book Day at Camden Market, Camden Lock Market, 54-56 Camden Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AF (Camden Town tube/Camden Rd overground)
Feed your imagination (and your belly) at a weekend-long celebration of World Book Day at the historic market. Camden Lock, Stables, Hawley Wharf and Buck Street Market are coming together to offer family friendly activities including readings from top children’s authors, literary arts and crafts, limited edition dishes straight out of the pages of children’s books (Alice in Wonderland’s ‘Eat Me’ cookies, the BFG’s Frobscottle and more). Join a Mad Hatter tea party brunch, customise hats, t-shirts, shoes and more with Koko Art, or hear authors like Nicholas Allen and Konnie Hue reading from on board a barge. Also look out for face painting, butterfly-winged stilt walkers, and a Hansel & Gretel treasure trail. 10am-6pm; mostly FREE but some activities require a ticket (Mar 5-6)
Sun: I, Elizabeth at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
The award-winning creators of Austen’s Women, A Room of One’s Own and Christmas Gothic present a tale of womanhood intertwining and clashing with the duties of sovereignty. Based entirely on Elizabeth I’s own words, this play explores the inner life of a young queen on the cusp of making history. Ages 10+. 7.30pm; from £12 (Mar 5)
From Sun: Gulliver’s Travels, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
A race of tiny people, a land of giants, and other wondrous adventures are all part of the mix for Gulliver on his travels around the globe. Exploring themes of escapism, home and belonging, this quirky take on Jonathan Swift’s satire uses table-top sets, projection and other devices. Ages 7+. Various shows between 1pm-7pm; adult £12 (previews) & 14/child £10 and £8 (Mar 6-Apr 17)
BOOKING AHEAD
International Women’s Day Storytelling at Lewisham Shopping Centre (Mar 8)
To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (from Mar 10)
Wild (for ages 2-6) at Unicorn Theatre, SE1 (Mar 11-Apr 17)
WOW Women of the World Festival at Southbank Centre (Mar 11-13)
SENsory Sailors at National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Mar 12/once a month)
Big Fish Little Fish Space Rave at The Goodness, Wood Green (Mar 13)
St Patrick’s Day festival in Trafalgar Square (Mar 13)
Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Mar 16 & May 26)
The Other Art Fair in Brick Lane (Mar 18-20)
Big Fish Little Fish Mother’s Day Family Rave at One Night Records, Bankside SE1 (Mar 27)
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)
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)
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)
Sootyland at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Devon (opens May 28)
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. Also be mindful of the Tube Strike until Thursday March 3!**
