Happy New Year! We’re steaming through January and I’m thrilled to present my 23 things to look forward to in London 2023. This is one of my favourite annual posts as it fills me with so much cheer and excitement for the cultural year ahead. As usual, the list is packed with kid-friendly theatre, family festivals, West End shows, movies, exhibitions and some alternative events. Bookmark this post and here’s to an amazing 12 months in London and beyond.
23 Things to Look Forward to In London 2023
- Cirque Du Soleil: Kurios
Discover the Cabinet of Curiosities defying the laws of time, space and dimension. The international circus continues to wow audiences worldwide with their latest show of high-wire acts, acrobatics, dance and dazzling physicality. All ages welcome (NB: some dark/intense scenes). At Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube). 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 3.30pm & 8pm (Sat), 3pm & 7.30pm (Fri & Sun); select early matinees 11.30am (Sat); from £46-£68 (Jan 13-Mar 5)
2. Sylvia at the Old Vic
This sounds cool. One for older kids and grownups, Sylvia is a revolutionary take on the story of feminist heroine Sylvia Pankhurst. Blending hip hop, funk, soul and dance with original music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, Sylvia is written and co-produced by Kate Prince (ZooNation) and stars Beverley Knight as Emmeline Pankhurst and Sharon Rose in the title role. For ages 12+. At The Old Vic, The Cut SE1 8NB (Waterloo tube/rail). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (select Thus & Sats); from £12-£67.50 (Jan 27-Apr 1)
3. Big Fish Little Fish
So their Fabric gig has SOLD OUT but never fear, family ravers. You can still party with your crew at multiple London locations in 2023 including Ealing (Feb 26), Wood Green (Mar 5), Vauxhall (Mar 18), Hackney (Mar 19) and Balham (Mar 25). I’m also excited to be joining Big Fish Little Fish to host a book stall and reading at their upcoming rave in Farnham, Surrey (Mar 25). The multi-award winning, Glastonbury playing Big Fish Little Fish take over legendary night spots, welcoming young and old to the dancefloor. Their parties include: baby chill out, arts and crafts, face painting (separate charge), buggy parking, baby changing, confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. Usual timings and prices: 2pm-4pm; from adult £9/child £11/pre-walkers FREE (multiple dates)
4. Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyonce
Listen to Queen Bey’s hits under the warm glow of candles lighting up Glazier Hall. Hear Crazy in Love and Single Ladies like you’ve never heard them before at these multi-sensory concerts performed by City String Ensemble. For ages 8+ (under 16s must come with adult). At Glazier Hall, 9 Montague Cl, SE1 9DD (London Bridge tube/rail). 6.30pm & 8.30pm; £25-£35 (Jan 15 & Feb 17)
5. Imagine Children’s Festival
Turning 21 in 2023, London’s biggest family festival offers a plethora of creative, accessible and diverse activities. Highlights: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tales from Acorn Wood; Rapunzel by BalletLORENT; talks by Cressida Cowell and Michael Rosen; YolanDa’s Band Jam; a daytime rave with the world’s youngest DJ; Everything Has Changed (for ages 7-11); dinosaurs, magic, astronomy, hip-hop and comedy. All ages (some restrictions for individual events). At Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail), Various times and prices; more than 50% activities FREE (Feb 8-18)
6. Hibernation at BAC
Little ones can bring a favourite cuddly or blankie and settle into a forest brimming with mirth, music and marvellous creatures. Award-winning Little Bulb (house band in CBeebies The Nutcracker) explores what it’s like to sleep through winter. At Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground; Stockwell tube). 11am & 2pm; Pay What You Can (recommended £10) (Feb 14-18)
7. DAVID HOCKNEY: BIGGER & CLOSER (not smaller & further away)
Venture into the imagination of one of the UK’s most iconic artists. Explore 60 years of his art via large-scale projections using Lightroom’s walls and revolutionary sound system. At Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail). 10am-4pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-8.30pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-4.30pm (Sun); from adult £25-£32.50/child age 5-18 £15-22.50/under 5s FREE/concs available (Feb 22-Jun 4)
8. The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians
Salamanders, lizards and snakes… oh my! Discover the astonishing diversity of these species including the world’s largest amphibian and largest aquatic frog at London Zoo’s brand new exhibition. Sounds pretty slippery. All ages welcome. At London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube). Zoo entry (Mar 26-Sep 3): 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm); adult from £26.50-£35.50/child £17.25-£23.10/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (opens Mar 2023)
9. Ballet Black: Pioneers
It’s been 21 years strong for the acclaimed ballet company and they’re back at the Barbican Theatre with an exciting double bill by award-winning choreographers Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli. See Then Or Now mixes classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich. It’s followed by Nina: By Whatever Means, a love letter to Nina Simone, blending ballet, jazz and blues. Spellbinding. For ages 7+. At Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube). 7.45pm (Wed-Sat) & 3pm (Sun); from £16 (Mar 8-12)
10. BBC Earth Experience
See stunning footage from Seven Worlds, One Planet, projected on multi-angle screens. This fully immersive journey is narrated by David Attenborough and open to all ages (under 3s go FREE). At The Daikin Centre, Earl’s Court, Empress Place, SW6 1TW (Earl’s Court tube). 10am-7pm (Sun-Thu and Bank Holidays), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); from adult £28.50/child £22 (from Mar 30)
11. Titanosaur at Natural History Museum
Something gigantic this way comes. Discover the titanosaur Patagotitan mayorum - one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. Follow its journey from tiny egg to towering creature of legend. If you’re in luck (and hurry), you might snap up tickets for the autumn sleepover Dino Snores: The Titanosaur Special (Oct 7) for ages 7+. Titanosaur is open to all ages. At Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube). 10am-5.50pm daily (last entry 5.30pm); adult £16/child £9/family from £27.25 (Mar 31-Jan 7)
12. The Box Rocket at Discover Children’s Story Centre
Prepare to blast off at Discover Children’s Story’s newest immersive space. Created by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola and writer Tola Okogwu, this astro-themed exhibition is inspired by Rocket (the popular character in picture book Look Up!) and opens in time for Easter holidays. All ages. Tickets on sale from Jan 20, join the mailing list for details. At 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR). Discover opening hours are 10am-5pm (off peak/weekdays), 10am-1.15pm or 1.45pm-5pm (peak/school holidays and weekends); session passes from £8 per adult or child/1 year olds £2.50/under 1s FREE (from Apr 1)
13. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
I CANNOT WAIT for this movie. One of the defining novels of my adolescence (hands up fellow Gen Xers), this coming of age story centres on Margaret Simon, an 11 year old girl trying to navigate puberty, school, friendships and a crisis of faith. Banned by a few, adored by millions, Judy Blume’s 1970 classic finally hits the screen in a film starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Jecobi Swain and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret. (out Apr 28)
14. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2023
Normally, I pick one show from the summer season but in 2023, there’s too much goodness to skip over. Visit the popular outdoor theatre to see: Caribbean love story Once On This Island (May 10-Jun 10); Ben Okri’s new fairytale Every Leaf a Hallelujah (May 22-Jun 10); Robin Hood, The Legend Re-Written (Jun 17-Jul 22); The Tempest Reimagined for Everyone Aged Six and Over (Jun 30-Jul 22); sparkling musical comedy La Cage Aux Folles (Jul 29-Sep 16); and Dinosaur World Live (Aug 19-Sep 3). At Queen Mary’s Garden within Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube). Various ages, times and prices. (May 10-Sep 16)
15. Mrs Doubtfire the Musical
A desperately unemployed dad who will go out of his way to provide for his kids, winds up losing custody in a messy divorce. He takes on the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire to stay in their lives. And all manner of chaos ensues. Crackling comedy adapted from the hit Robin Williams movie. For ages 6+. At Shaftesbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8DP (Piccadilly Circus tube) 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £37.50 (May 12-Jan 13)
16. The Little Mermaid
The trailer for this made my heart sing and set the racist trolls off again. Scroll on if you’re one of those who can’t fathom the concept of a Black mythical creature (or please Google mami wata for African mermaid tales). Otherwise, save the date for another spectacular Disney live adaptation of a beloved animation. It stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, the sea creature who falls in love with an earthly prince. Also featuring Awkwafina, Javier Bardem and coproduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana). (out May 26)
17. The Invisible Man
What would you get up to if nobody could see you? At this funny and surrealist show by acclaimed Theatre Artemis, a stage technician and a musician are ready for the show, the audience is waiting, but where is the main act? For ages 5-11. At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail). Various times around 11am & 2.30pm; adult from £12-£25.5/child from £8.50-£17 (May 28-Jun 18)
18. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales is back! OMG I’m excited for the sequel of the greatest Spider-Man ever (IMHO). Reuniting with Gwen Stacy, the newest neighbourhood superhero is catapulted into the Multi-Verse where he must help fellow heroes battle a new threat. (Jun 2)
19. The Wizard of Oz
Somewhere over the rainbow… follow the yellow brick road to the London Palladium for the brand new theatrical blockbuster from the producer of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Join Dorothy and Toto on a magical adventure to Oz, with additional songs and music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. For ages 6+. At London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F 7TF (Leicester Square tube). 7pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5pm (Sun); from £20 (Jun 23-Sep 3)
20. Crazy for You
After a sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, this dreamy musical follows showbiz hungry banker Bobby Child putting on the show of his life to impress theatre owner’s daughter Polly. Gorgeous sets, a cracking book and some of the most enchanting Gershwin tunes (e.g. Someone to Watch Over Me, I Got Rhythm and They Can’t Take That Away from Me) make this one of my favourite musicals ever. Ages 4+ (younger ones not admitted). At Gilliane Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, WC2B 5PW (Covent Garden tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (Jun 24-Jan 20)
21. Barbie
Love her or hate her, you can’t ignore her influence. Children’s plaything turned post-feminist icon Barbie gets her big screen outing in this new movie by Greta Gerwig. Starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as her boy toy Ken, with costars Issa Rae and America Ferrara making up an intriguing cast. (out Jul 21)
22. Young V&A
Remember the Museum of Childhood? Bethnal Green’s family friendly outpost for the Victoria and Albert Museum is reopening this summer as Young V&A. Get ready to spark your creativity at this brand new space where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. At Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Tube). 10am-5pm; FREE (opening Summer 2023)
23. Dune: Part Two
We’ve waited a long time for the sequel to the epic Dune, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Two years on, the story continues with nomads, mystics and intergalactic battles over the precious commodity called Spice. Based on Frank Herbert’s cult sci fi novels. (out Nov 3)
We also like
Vault Festival is back under Waterloo (Jan 24-Mar 19); the Tony winning musical Oklahoma! transfers to Wyndham Theatre (Feb 16-Sep 2); classic musical Guys and Dolls breezes into The Bridge Theatre, SE1 (Mar 3-Sep 2); for ages 16+, Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life is at Harold Pinter Theatre (Mar 25-Jun 18); see Ai Weiwei: Making Sense at Design Museum (Apr 7-Jul 30); check out Groundhog Day with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin at Old Vic (May 20-Aug 12); National Portrait Gallery reopens after a major revamp (summer 2023)
+ Family Movies on our Watch List
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Feb 3)
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (Feb 17)
- Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (Mar 3)
- Super Mario Bros: The Movie (Mar 31)
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5)
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Jun 9)
- The Flash (Jun 23)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Jun 30)
- The Marvels (Jul 28)
- Trolls 3 (Oct 20)
- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Nov 17)
- Wonka (Dec 15)
- The Color Purple (Dec 20)
- Aquaman 2 (Dec 29)
**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!**
