It doesn’t feel much like autumn this September in London but it’s definitely time for my 2023 Autumn Hot List. From baby-friendly shows to great theatre for teenagers, immersive art exhibitions, family festivals and fireworks over the capital, it’s set to be an exciting countdown to the Christmas season. Bookmark this post and let me know what you get up to with your little sparks.
2023 Autumn Hot List: 23 Awesome Things to Look Forward to in London
The Paddington Bear Experience
The beloved bear from Peru gets his very own immersive London adventure blending video, live performance and multi-sensory design. Go on a mission to help Paddington and the Brown family get out of a ‘sticky situation’. Best for ages 4+. At London County Hall, South Bank, Belvedere Rd, SE1 7PB (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). Dates and times tbc, sign up for priority access. (Autumn 2023, opening date tbc)
Red Pitch
Lifelong buddies Omz, Bilal and Joey are three football-loving teens with big dreams. But all around them, flats are being demolished, local shops are closing and soon their football pitch, a home from home, is under threat. Fast, funny and sharp, Tyrell William’s smash hit production returns to Bush Theatre for three weeks only, starring its original cast. Best for ages 14+. At Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Rd, W12 8LJ (Shepherd’s Bush Market tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (limited £15) (Sep 11-30)
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre: Mixed Bill
Simply one of the most mind-blowing dance companies I’ve seen live (years ago in New York). There’s still time to catch them in London as part of a breathtaking mixed bill of performances at Sadler’s Wells. Don’t miss it. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). At Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube). Various shows at 7.30pm or 2.30pm; from £15 (until Sep 16)
Rumble in the Jungle Rematch
Ali vs Foreman. The historic clash comes back swinging in this theatrical retelling, bursting with live music, dancing and celebration. Travel to 1970s Kinshasa through the Rumble in the Jungle Rematch time portal! All ages welcome. At Dock X, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 2XU (Canada Water tube). 6.45pm, 7pm & 7.15pm (daily) and 1pm 1.15pm, 1.30pm (weekend matinees); adult £69.50/child under 16 £38.50 (Sep 14-Oct 29)
Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto
Head to the V&A for what is (surprisingly) the first UK exhibition dedicated to the icon known as Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. Trace her story from establishing House of Chanel to becoming a timeless figure on the global fashion scene. At V&A Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube). 10am-5.45pm (10pm Fris); from £24 (opens Sep 16)
Discover’s Birthday Weekend
The Children’s Story Centre celebrates 20 years with a weekend of events. Come for a birthday disco, clothes-customising, live mural illustrations of new and beloved picture books with Fiona Lumber, and a guest spot from Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho! Best for ages 0-10. At Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street, Stratford E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR). From 10am; tickets from £0-£20 with pay-it-forward options (Sep 16-17)
Frida Kahlo Puppet Show and Workshop
Discover one of the 20th century’s most dynamic artists in puppet form. This fictional episode from Frida’s life is set to live Latin American music, followed by a family workshop inspired by her art. Best for ages 3+, younger ones welcome. At Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground). 10.30am (English) & 1.30pm (Spanish); £10/under 2s FREE on parent/carer’s lap. (Sep 17)
Close-Up: The Twiggy Musical
Learn all about the skinny lass from Neasden who became the most famous teen on the planet. It’s a fairytale story brushed with tears, laughter and nostalgia. Written and directed by Ben Elton. Best for ages 12+. At Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark St, SE1 1RU (London Bridge tube/rail). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 3pm (Sat-Sun); from £45 (Sep 18-Nov 18)
The Tempest (Reimagined For Everyone Aged Six and Over)
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…” A windswept tale of enchantment, monsters, shipwrecks, romance and revenge. See Shakespeare’s play reinvented for younger audiences ages 6-11 and families. At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail). Various shows at 10am & 1.15pm (Tue & Thu), 10.30am (Wed), 10.30am (Fri), 11am & 2.30pm (Sat), 11am (Sun); from £18/£23.50 (Sep 19-Oct 15)
Marina Abramović at Royal Academy
The eagerly anticipated exhibition is finally here. Discover key moments from a groundbreaking career in performance art. Marina’s work has pushed limits of endurance, pain and even the possibility of death. Find out what the hype is about at this show that’s definitely not for everyone’s eyes. PG for some extreme content. At Royal Academy, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus tube). 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri); £25.50-£27.50 (Sep 23-Jan 1, 2024)
Big Fish Little Fish 10th Birthday Party at Fabric
The Big Fish Little Fish party crew celebrates its 10th birthday year with another blowout bash at legendary nightclub FABRIC. Hear DJ Suddi Raval, ‘I Love Acid’, DJ Luli and HiFi Sean spinning the dance classics and relive your clubbing days with your knee-high squad. There’s also face painting, Nifty Natty crafting, giant mural, Villa Pia baby chill out, confetti, bubbles, foam, balloons and the parachute dance finale. Book ASAP because this WILL sell out. All ages, best for 0-8 and families. At Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail). 2pm-4.30pm; tickets from adult £14/child £10/pre-walking humans FREE (Sep 24)
Totally Thames 2023
The Great River Race, mask making, create your own pop-up Tower Bridge, kayak taster sessions, paddle steamer cruises, foreshore archaeology… These are just some of the activities taking place as part of the annual Totally Thames festival. A jam-packed celebration of the world famous river, events range from arts and crafts to live performance, workshops, talks, tours and installations. Get in. All ages (some restrictions for events). At various locations along the River Thames. Various times, dates and prices; most activities are FREE (until Oct 1)
The Time Traveller’s Wife
From the producers of Back To the Future: The Musical and Ghost comes another musical based on a tale that defies time and space. Audrey Niffenegger’s internationally best-selling novel is brought to life with original songs from Grammy Award winners Joss Stone and Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart. Follow the love story of Clare and Henry as they are pulled together and torn apart by fate. Best for ages 11+. At Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (opens Oct 7)
El Anatsui at Tate
Get ready to be dazzled by one of today’s most intriguing artists, best-known for his cascading metallic sculptures of recycled materials. This brand new Hyundai Commission will reflect ongoing themes of environment, consumption and trade. All ages. At Tate Modern (Turbine Hall), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube). From 10am daily; FREE (Oct 10-Apr 14, 2024)
Disney 100
Delve into a treasure trove of memorabilia at this never-before-seen exhibition of more than 250 artefacts, costumes, props and works of art. Wander through 10 themed galleries and relive classics like Snow White, Frozen, Encanto and new family members e.g. Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel. All ages. At ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR). 10am-6pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-7pm (Sat-Sun); adult from £24/child 5-15 £16.50/family £18.25/under 5s FREE (Oct 13-Jan 22, 2024)
Japan: Myths to Manga
Go on a thrilling journey through Japan’s folklore and landscape. See how historic elements have influenced the nation’s design, pop culture and technology. All ages. At Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green/Mile End tube). Daily from 10am; tickets from £10 (opens Oct 14)
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at Science Museum
What is it about music that has such a hold on the human heart and imagination? Why do some tunes leave us cold while others have us gurning on the dance floor? Science Museum explores the science of what drives us to create, hum, perform, feel and connect. Try instruments, meet robots and discover the music of the future. All ages. At Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube). 10am-6pm daily; £10/family discounts available/under 5s FREE (Oct 19-May 6, 2024)
Skateboard at Design Museum
From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the present day, this sweeping exhibition features the skateboard in all its glory. See 90 rare and unique boards alongside hardware, magazines, VHS and DVDs, and ephemera. All ages. At Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube). 10am-5pm (8.45pm Sat); adult £16/child 11-15 £11/under 11s FREE (Oct 20-Jun 2, 2024)
Pied Piper: A Hip Hop Family Musical
Fresh off their smash-hit show and BBC film, Frankenstein: How to Make a Monster, the BAC Beatbox Academy is back with another world premiere. On the eve of a mayoral election, can a curious stranger help the kids of Hamelin find their beat and rid the town of rats? A fairytale reimagined with beatboxers, musicians and special guests. All ages, best for 6+. At Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground). 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm & 7pm; Pay What You Can (£12 recommended) (Oct 24-28)
Buffy Revamped
Seventy minutes. Seven seasons. One Spike. If you’re a fellow Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, then you’ll be chomping at the bit for this funny, fast-paced parody of the cult 90s TV show. Ages 14+ (under 16s must come with an adult 21+). At Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, N10 3TG (Alexandra Palace rail/Wood Green tube then bus W3).6.30pm; £29 (Oct 27)
Ally Pally Fireworks Festival
Is it that time of year again?! Billed as the ‘Glastonbury of fireworks’, this sizzling affair promises more bang for your buck over 2 November evenings. Enjoy foot-stomping tunes, the UK’s largest German Bier Festival, tribute bands, DJ sets from Fat Tony and DJ Spoony, ice skating, and of course fireworks from Lords of Lightning. All ages. At Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N10 3TG (Alexandra Palace rail/Wood Green tube then bus W3). 6pm-10.30pm (Fri), 4pm-10.30pm (Sat); adult from £17/child 0-10 £4.50/child 11-15 £9.50/family discounts available (Nov 3-4)
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Are you brave enough to go back to Hawkins? A Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry production, based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, draws on the mythology of the Netflix phenomenon. Expect retro ‘fits, twists, turns and theatrical storytelling. At Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0JP (Tottenham Court Rd tube). 7pm (Tue-Sat), 2pm (Fri & Sat) & 3pm (Sun); from £20 (Nov 20-Aug 25, 2024)
My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre
If you missed it the first time round, you’re in luck (but hurry). This hugely acclaimed production of the Studio Ghibli animation won loads of awards, broke box office records and left audiences wowed. Adapted by the Royal Shakespeare Company and composer Joe Hisaishi, it features live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For ages 6+. At Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube). For ages 6+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Nov 21-Mar 23, 2024)
We also like
Two families warring over their kids creates the rollercoaster ride God of Carnage at Lyric Theatre Hammersmith (Sep 1-30, ages 14+); my book club members are getting excited about the RSC’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel Hamnet (Sep 30-Feb 17, age guidance tbc); NSync reunite for the first time in 20 years in Trolls 3: Trolls Band Together (opens Oct 20); still slithering its way towards us, The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians is now set to open at London Zoo this autumn (Oct 21-Dec 31); Africa Fashion Week brings a vibrant showcase from the continent to the capital (Oct 27)
**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!**
August Bank Holiday Weekend Scoop (August 24-28, 2023)
