Are you ready to leap into spring? I had to make a Leap Day joke although the weather’s not so funny and it doesn’t feel much like springtime is around the corner. However this weekend we March forward (ahem) and there’s lots of fun things to do around London for kids, teens and grownups. Make it a good one.
12 Fun Things to Do Around London for Kids, Teens and Grownups
Thu-Sat: For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy at Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Following previous sellout shows, this widely acclaimed play from Ryan Calais Cameron and Nouveau Riche company returns. See 6 young Black men come together in a heart-opening session where they riff on everything from sex and fatherhood to mental health, colonialism, fashion and jollof rice! Ages 15+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £15 (Feb 29-May 4)
Thu-Sun: Cirque du Soleil: Alegria, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
LAST CHANCE: The massively popular Quebec circus troupe celebrates the 30th anniversary of its show Alegria: In A New Light. The show is reimagined for a new generation with vibrant set and costume design, playful humour and a Grammy-nominated soundtrack. All ages welcome. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 3.30pm (Fri & Sat), 1.30pm & 5.30pm (Sun); select early matinees 11.30am (Sat); from £44.00 (until Mar 3)
Thu-Sun: The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place (off Trafalgar Square), WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross tube)
I’ve heard great things about this show already and after being blown away by the last major exhibition curated by writer Ekow Eshun, I’m chomping at the bit to see this one. View works by leading artists (e.g. Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Hurvin Anderson, Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola and Chris Ofili) that highlight the complexity of Black life and both the presence and the absence of Black figures in Western art history. All ages (PG for some content). 10.30am-6pm (daily, 9pm Fri/Sat); adult £16/£18, child or youth under 25 £5, members £5.50 (until May 19)
Fri-Sat: Luna Loves Library Day at Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
Come for an adventure among the library shelves in this fun new family musical, adapted from the acclaimed book by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and illustrator Fiona Lumbers. Follow Luna and Dad as they discover magic and mystery, laughter and sadness and healing through the power of stories. Ages 4-8. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Fri), 11am & 1pm (Sat); £7 – hurry, tickets selling out! (Mar 1 & 2)
Fri-Sun: Dune: Part Two, cinemas nationwide
We’re booked to see this on Friday and I can’t wait. We’ve been counting down since we watched the epic first part and I’m looking forward to rediscovering this world of nomads, space duels, Spice, and blossoming romance between the characters played by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. Based on Frank Herbert’s cult sci fi novels. Rated 12A. (out Mar 1)
Sat: Barbican Family Film Club: Turning Red at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Catch this acclaimed Disney Pixar movie on its brief cinematic release. 13-year-old Mei is a Chinese Canadian living in Toronto and juggling family obligations with her outside interests. When Mei turns into a giant red panda because of her heightened emotions, she must figure out whether to banish this ‘curse’ with her mother’s help or learn to embrace the beast. Best for ages 7+ (no unaccompanied adults or kids). 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Mar 2)
Sat-Sun: Romeo & Juliet at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
They meet on a South London dance floor and it’s love at first sight, but can love conquer generations of hatred? This remixed version of Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers is told through rap, rhythms and harmonies. From the makers behind ‘Frankenstein: How to make a Monster’ and ‘Pied Piper the Hip Hop Family Musical’, made with Beats & Elements. Best for ages 9-12. FREE post show Q&A on Mar 10 (11.30am & 2.30pm), Mar 16 (11.30am) & Mar 17 (2.30pm). Shows at 10.30am & 1.30pm (Wed-Fri), 11.30am & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); from £13 (Mar 2-Apr 14)
Sat-Sun: Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence at V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
Relive the heady, heated climate of post-colonial West Africa and India at this brand new V&A exhibition. Tropical Modernism was an architectural style developed in the 1940s when, after independence, countries like India and Ghana adopted it to signal their own progressiveness and separation from colonial culture. See models, drawings, letters, photographs, and archival ephemera. All ages welcome. 10am-4.30pm daily (8.30pm Fri); adult £14/child and members FREE (opens Mar 2)
Sat-Sun: Female Pirate Talks at The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube/rail, Monument/Borough tube)
Welcome International Women’s History Month in the company of women pirates. While historically women weren’t allowed to stay on ships that had set sail (deemed as bad luck, apparently), some weren’t deterred by this. Find out about fearless female pirates like Sayyida al Hurra, Mary Read and Anne Bonny, Ching Shih and Gráinne Ní Mháille. Tours last 45 minutes and are included in admission price. All ages welcome. 11am & 2pm (Sat), 11am (Sun) – NB: times vary weekly, check website before visit; £6/group of 4 £18 (Mar 2-29)
Sun: Kickmouse Mysterium at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Jon, the chaotic student of Frank the Dog, breaks a precious artefact. How can he redeem himself? Through a series of weird, yet playful, challenges and games filled with twists, turns, and the interference of the sinister Cyprian Londt. Watch this magical, comical fable from variety, Outdoor Arts and Slightly Fat Features legend Jon Hicks, with long term collaborator Matt Rudkin (Incovenient Spoof) and director Petra Massey (SpyMonkey). Ages 3-11. 11am & 2pm; £12 (Mar 3)
Sun: OAE Tots at LPO Funharmonics: Get Moving! at Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Join the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in a lively workshop uncovering the magic of music for younger family members. These workshops run alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s FUNharmonics family concerts and you can book in for both or enjoy either as a standalone event. Best for ages 2-5 and families. 10.15am, 11.15am & 12.15pm; adult £9/child £3 (Mar 3)
Sun: Funharmonics Family Concert: Goal! at Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Bring the whole team along for this family concert celebrating the European premiere of É Gol! by composer Clarice Assad. É Gol! imagines a day in the life of legendary Brazilian footballer Marta Vieira da Silva as she gets ready for the big game. Put on your best football shirt and join in with voices, breath and body percussion, culminating in a football match soundtrack finale! Best for ages 6+. 12pm; £8-£24/25% concs (limited availability) (Mar 3)
Booking Ahead
- The Little Ritual at A Pinch of Vault, Waterloo (Mar 9 & 10)
- Red Pitch at @SohoPlace, W1 (Mar 15-May 4)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- Boxed In at The Albany, Deptford (Mar 16)
- Open Air Theatre season at Regent’s Park (Mar 23-Sep 21)
- Easter Family Day at Brixton Windmill (Mar 31)
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- Assassin’s Creed Symphonic Adventure at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 29-30)
- Mean Girls the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (Jun 6-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 (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (February 22-25, 2024)
