Happy 2024. London is lighting up with a heap of thrilling events and activities for all ages. As usual, I’ve compiled the things I’m most excited about in the Babes About Town London hot list: 24 Things to Look Forward to in London 2024. You’ll find immersive theatre, exhibitions, movies, family festivals and more for various groups ranging from babies to adults only. Take a look and fill your calendars!
London Hot List: 24 Things to Look Forward to in 2024
- Malorie Blackman: The Power of Stories
Technically this is a 2023 event, but I suspect it slipped under your radar. So don’t miss this free exhibition of one of the UK’s best-loved authors. Learn how the library inspired her love of reading and writing and how she became a trailblazing force in publishing. Also see original writing and art from her works including the landmark series Noughts & Crosses. At British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. 9.30am-6pm (Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri), 9.30am-8pm (Tue), 9.30am-5pm (Sat), 11am-5pm (Sun); FREE (until Feb 25)
2. Plaza Suite
Real life husband and wife Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker come to the West End in Neil Simon’s sparkling comedy. Having taken Broadway by storm, Plaza Suite is a witty exploration of love and marriage, following the outlandish events happening in a legendary hotel room. Best for ages 13+. At Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET (Piccadilly Circus tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 5pm (Sun); from £55 (Jan 17-Mar 30)
3. Cute at Somerset House
If you’ve ever lost time with a kitten meme on social media, you might be drawn to this landmark exhibition. Investigating the irresistible force of cuteness in contemporary culture, it takes in everything from online memes and video games to plushies, music and fashion. There will also be a games arcade and a celebration of the 50th birthday of Hello Kitty. All ages. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun, 9pm Thu-Fri); from £18/concs £11/under 25s 50% discount on select Tuesdays/family 10% discount (Jan 25-Apr 14)
4. The Handmaid’s Tale
One for older kids and adults, this dystopian thriller is adapted from the bestselling Margaret Atwood novel. Discover the Republic of Gilead where women and their bodies are controlled ruthlessly until one handmaid dares to reclaim her rights. Paul Ruder takes the story to operatic heights with a strong cast and a minimalist libretto by Paul Bentley. Age guidance 15+. At English National Opera, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Covent Garden tube). 7.30pm (Thu) & 6.30pm (Sat); from £55 – hurry, almost sold out! (Feb 1-15)
5. Entangled Pasts at Royal Academy
This spring, Royal Academy delves into the (often) unspoken history of art and how it shapes narratives of empire, colonialism, enslavement, resistance, abolition and reparations. See installations by Lubaina Himid, Hew Locke and El Anatsui alongside works by major contemporary figures like Sonia Boyce, John Akomfrah, Isaac Julien, Kara Walker in a visual conversation with other art from the past 250 years. All ages welcome, PG/content warnings for themes of racism, slavery, historical language and imagery. At Royal Academy. 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun) & 10am-9pm (Fri); from £22/under 12s FREE (Feb 3-Apr 28)
6. The Picture of Dorian Gray
Fellow Succession nuts will be chomping at the bit to catch Sarah Snook (aka Shiv Roy) playing every part in this bold revival of Oscar Wilde’s novel. The ground-breaking production blends live performance and video in what’s been described as a ‘dizzyingly beautiful tour de force’. Hurry, these tickets will fly. Age guidance 12+ (content warning: adult themes, drug use, suicide, theatrical haze and herbal cigarettes). At Theatre Royal Haymarket, SW1Y 4HT (Piccadilly Circus tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £40 (Feb 6-May 11)
7. You Are The Sun at Polka Theatre
Discover the wonders of nature at this very first opera for babies and their grown-ups. Using music and gentle interplay, HurlyBurly Theatre presents a joyful invitation to look for beauty in the little things. Ages 0-2 and carers. At Polka Theatre, (South Wimbledon tube). 10am & 11.45am (Wed-Sun) & 2.15pm (Sat-Sun); from £14 – hurry, it’s already selling out! (Feb 7-11)
8. Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre
Every year, Imagine Children’s Festival takes over Southbank Centre at this big and colourful festival for kids aged 0-11. It’s a mix of author talks, creative workshops, live performances and free activities. Highlights include: The David Gibb Big Band, Wondergig, Tom Fletcher’s There’s a Monster in Your Show, talks by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and Michael Rosen, YolanDa Brown, CBeebies Ocean Adventurewith the BBC Symphony Orchestra and more. All ages welcome. At Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail). Various times and prices; 40% of activities are FREE (Feb 7-17)
9. Diversity: Supernova
Blazing across multiple stages in 2024, Supernova is the brand new tour from Diversity. Following their sold-out Connected tour, this show is set to light up the London Palladium. The UK’s most successful dance group brings a dynamic mix of hip hop, street and modern dance with playful energy and powerful messaging. All ages. At London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus tube). 7.45pm; from £35 (Feb 9 & 10)
10. Dinosaur rEvolution at Horniman Museum
What comes to mind when you think of a dinosaur? Teeth, horns and scales? What about quills? This fascinating exhibition explores the link between dinosaurs and birds. New research gives us a glimpse into the ancient life of a much more feathery species than once imagined. See 5 large animatronic models along with cast fossil skeletons, interactive art, games, dress up and more. All ages. At Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ (Forest Hill overground). 10am-5.30pm; adult from £9/child from £7/family from £19/under 3s FREE (Feb 10-Nov 3)
11. Bob Marley: One Love
Celebrate the legend that was Robert Nesta Marley, the reggae icon and revolutionary who grew up in rural Jamaica. Kingsley Ben-Adir takes on the title role with Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita. The film’s produced in partnership with the Marley family and is guaranteed to put you in a dancing mood. (out Feb 14)
12. For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy
After 3 previous sellout shows, this hugely acclaimed stage play from Ryan Calais Cameron and Nouveau Riche company brings 6 young Black men together in a fictional group therapy session. Free to pour their hearts out on everything from sex and mental health to fashion, jollof rice, fatherhood and Empire, it’s a powerful and profound insight into what it means to be Black and male in modern society. Ages 15+. At Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £15 (Feb 29-May 4)
13. Dune: Part Two
Having eagerly anticipated this at the end of 2023, I was more than a little disappointed to see it rescheduled for 2024. Now I’m counting down again for the return of this epic journey into a world of mystics, nomads, space battles and romance blooming between the characters played by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Based on Frank Herbert’s cult sci fi novels, hopefully the 2nd part will have plenty of Spice. (out Mar 15)
14. Red Pitch
Tyrell William’s wildly popular production makes its West End debut after selling out Bush Theatre. Best friends and football fans Omz, Bilal and Joey dribble and banter their way through a neighbourhood that’s changing before their eyes. But can they make a difference when their local football pitch comes under threat? Best for ages 14+. At @SohoPlace, 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG (Tottenham Court Rd tube). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 3pm (Wed & Sat); from £25 (limited £15) (Mar 15-May 4)
15. Mean Girls the Musical
So fetch! From the big-screen adaptation (out Jan 12) to its London arrival, Mean Girls the Musical is all the rage this year. Tina Fey adapts her 90s comedy for the stage in a show brimming with classic characters, outfits and killer tunes. Ages 12+. At Savoy Theatre, Strand, London, WC2R 0ET (Piccadilly Circus tube). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu or Fri & Sat), 3pm (Sun): from £25 (Jun 6-Oct 27)
16. The Color Purple
Oprah’s blockbuster musical production, adapted from the hit stage version, finally sweeps into London cinemas. Starring the uber-talented Fantasia Barrino alongside Taraji P Henson, Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey, it’s the deeply emotional tale of sisterhood, survival and self-discovery in the American south. Expect roof-lifting songs and buckets of tears. (out Jan 26)
17. Back to Black: Amy Winehouse
Lead actress Marisa Abela portrays the singer in a film that’s already stirring up some controversy in certain circles. The film charts Amy’s meteoric rise from Camden to the global arena, with director Sam Taylor-Johnson aiming to hit all the high (and devastatingly low) notes. Let’s hope the movie does justice to Amy’s story and her immense talent. (out Apr 12)
18. Spirited Away at London Coliseum
Hot on the heels of My Neighbour Totoro Live comes another stage version of a Studio Ghibli classic. The Hayao Miyazaki animation is reimagined by Olivier and Tony award-winning director of Les Misérables, John Caird. Watch the original Japanese cast bring the tale of Chihiro and her enchanted world to life using puppets, lavish set and costume designs. The famous score by Joe Hisaishi is played by a live orchestra too. Performed in Japanese with English translation. Ages 7+. At London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Covent Garden tube). 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 3pm (Sun); from £28 (Apr 30-Aug 24)
19. Naomi at the V&A
This sounds exciting. A first of its kind look at the groundbreaking career of Naomi Campbell, one of the original ’80s supermodels. Take a closer look at the fashion superstar from Peckham as leading designers and photographers help to showcase her impact. At V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube). 10am-5.45pm (10pm Fri); £tbc (opens Jun 22)
20. Barbie at Design Museum
In case you didn’t get enough in 2023, the Design Museum lets Barbie strut her pink stuff in a major exhibition marking the brand’s 65th anniversary. With special access to extensive Barbie archives from California, the exhibition explores Barbie’s fashion, furniture, vehicles, architecture and more. All ages. At Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube). 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 9pm Sat); £tbc – members FREE (Jul 5-Feb 23, 2025)
21. Fuerza Bruta: AVEN at Roundhouse
One of the most dazzling theatre shows I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen plenty) Fuerza Bruta makes a very welcome return to their London home at Roundhouse after a 10 year break. Their new spectacular promises to break more boundaries of space, form and imagination creating a thrilling immersive experience that’s part theatre, part club night. Age guidance from 8+ (confirm with theatre). At Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH (Chalk Farm tube). 7pm (Mon-Thu), 5.30pm & 10pm (Fri), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sat); from £20 (Jul 9-Sep 1)
22. Paris Olympics and Paris Paralympic Games
Ok, so it’s not exactly in London but with the world’s greatest sporting tournament a mere Channel Tunnel away, London is set to be abuzz this summer. Follow the competition at multiple sites including Paris, Nice, Nantes and Marseille. The Paralympic Games kick off just 2 weeks later! If you don’t make it across, you can watch all the action at live screenings at multiple London locations. (Jul 26-Aug 12 & Aug 28-Sep 6)
23. Wimbledon Children’s Festival
For the first time ever, Wimbledon – home to Wombles of yore and tennis players of lore – gets its own family festival. The New Wimbledon Theatre and Roast Productions are hosting the Wimbledon Children’s Festival, a sprawling event with live theatre, baby opera, authors like Lydia Monks, Piers Torday and Jennifer Bell and more. All ages. At New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, SW19 1QG (Wimbledon tube). Sign up here for ticket sales info. (Jul 30-Aug 11)
24. Tim Burton at Design Museum
Enter the wacky, wild and wonderful world of one of the most intriguing directors of our time. Explore his design aesthetic through drawings, paintings, photos, sketchbooks, sculptural installations, set and costume design, and of course movie clips. Find out what drives the creative visionary behind films like Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands and more. All ages. At Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube). 10am-5pm (6pm Fri-Sun, 9pm Sat); £tbc – members FREE (Oct 25-Apr 21)
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**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!**
