Things to do in London this week

Breach Theatre’s verbatim musical about Section 28 – the heinous legislation introduced in the late ’80s to prevent the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools – is funnier, sharper and more damning than ever before at this Royal Court Theatre run. Co-writers Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett have shaped the testimony of teachers, activists and students into songs drawing on the stylings of New Wave and electronica. It goes big to puncture the poisonous balloon parade of politicians, pundits and homophobic media outlets who created Section 28 and there are devastating testimonies of teenagers and teachers whose lives were – in some cases – permanently harmed by the aftermath of Section 28. It recreates the joyful defiance of the fierce love of community.

Just as it has done since 1974, the Lambeth Country Show will bring countryside pursuits to Brockwell Park. Over its history, certain traditions have developed, like getting a glimpse of Vauxhall City Farm’s alpacas, downing a massive carton of Chucklehead’s super-strong cider and joining the long queue to see the pun-derful entrants in the vegetable sculpture competition. Look out for sheep-shearing, sheepdog and owl displays, an on-site mini farm and lots, lots more. Live music will be heard from two stages over the weekend, too. 

Vicky Park is welcoming a brand new festival. Lido festival will take place in the Tower Hamlets park’s Lido Field with legendary trip-hop outfit Massive Attack headlining the first day with support from Air, FORENSICS and Tirzah. While Jamie xx brings his club residency The Floor to the first Saturday of the festival, with his bandmate Romy, collaborators Sampha and John Glacier, Arca and Panda Bear on the line-up.

Japanese and Italian may seem unlikely bedfellows, but this mash-up – also known as itameshi – dates back to the 1920s in Japan. And though Angelina opened up on Dalston Lane Terrace’s restaurant strip in 2019, it's still a pretty unique concept in London. On offer is a 13-dish kaiseki tasting menu. A production line of laser-focused chefs rattle out creamy and crispy starters, such as cod cheek karaage and tempura courgette flower stuffed with miso ricotta. Wagyu ragu and nori-dusted focaccia are a revelation, and ravioli souped in a tonkotsu-style broth.

Ever wanted to play on the pitch at Stamford Bridge like a true Blue? Well, now's your chance to do just that, and for less. Chelsea FC's Bring Your Boots Tour is back, and for a limited time only, fans can score 20% off this once-in-a-lifetime stadium experience.

London is a famously green city, but a lot of that open space consists of private squares and gardens, most of which we never get to see, never mind hang out in. London Square Open Gardens Weekend is here to address that, prising the keys out of the capital’s secretive gatekeepers to fling open more than a hundred secret green spaces. The event exclusively reveals some of the city’s least-seen spaces: historical, traditional, contemporary and experimental, across all four corners (and the middle bit) of London. They include formal gated garden squares, rooftop terraces with commanding views of the city skyline, community allotments and wildlife havens.

You might have heard of the Great Exhibition, an extravaganza of world riches and inventions that drew six million visitors to Hyde Park in 1851. Prince Albert used those funds to help develop the V&A, the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall – pretty much every grand institution on Exhibition Road in Kensington. 2025’s answer to the Great Exhibition will see Exhibition Road closed to cars and come alive with cutting-edge experiments, mind-bending technology, music, dance, art, live science shows and parades. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Parks and Imperial College London are all taking part.

The British Museum’s ‘Ancient India: Living Traditions’ is a world first: the first exhibition to consider early Indian sacred art through a global, pluralistic lens. It takes visitors on a journey to the roots of three major world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism – through the emergence of the country’s sacred art, and looks at how ancient religious practice has shaped living traditions today, plus the daily lives of around 2 billion people across the globe. Find over 180 objects, including 2,000-year-old sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts. 

Where would London’s music scene be without pirate radio? To celebrate the radical influence of pirate radio that still impacts London’s music scene today, the Barbican is putting on a month-long programme of broadcasts, talks, workshops, club nights and screenings that will explore the history and impact of community radio, and Black British music. Highlights from the programme include musical sessions and parties, a month-long residency by Reprezent Radio, a one-off club night hosted by Rinse FM at the Barbican’s ClubStage, screenings of archive films and panel talks.

Writer-actors Tim Key and Tom Basden have delivered a rare blend of unkempt charm, emotional precision and soulful folk music with this British rom-com. Key plays Charles, who has retreated to a remote British isle to mourn his wife and wear out the LPs of his favourite folk duo, McGwyer Mortimer. Once an ‘it’ couple, Herb McGwyer (Basden) and Nell Mortimer (Carey Mulligan) have long since split up – romantically and musically – but for Charles, their music is the sound of happier times. In the manner of Robert Redford in Indecent Proposal, he’s offered them a suitcase of cash in return for a reunion gig on his island. Only, he sold it to them both as a solo gig. It’s a funny, smart premise that pays off in myriad ways. This musical comedy sings when it’s exploring the vagaries of the human heart. 

From the mind of David Mamet comes a razor-sharp noir thriller about risk, deception and obsession. When celebrated psychoanalyst Dr Margaret Ford takes on a troubled new patient, her clinical curiosity leads her into the seedy backrooms of Chicago’s gambling scene. As she infiltrates the House of Games, a dangerous underground poker lounge, she’s drawn into a complex psychological battle with a charming con man named Mike. Adapted by acclaimed playwright Richard Bean and directed by Jonathan Kent, this thrilling stage production is a masterclass in tension.

Enjoy £50 off 'House of Games' tickets at Hampstead Theatre with only with Time Out Offers.

Helping replace Canary Wharf’s corporate image with something fun and family-friendly, Canada Square Park will be screening movies and sporting events up on its big screens this summer. There’s a packed programme of free movies. This week look out for ‘Ready Player One’ and ‘The Wild Robot’. It’s very much a BYO set-up, so bring your own blankets and snacks – though there’s a Waitrose nearby for any last-minute picnic needs.

Founded during the Arab Spring in 2011, biennial festival Shubbak has become one of London’s largest celebrations of contemporary Arab and South West Asian & North African (SWANA) culture. The 2025 edition of Shubbak features a plethora of performances, exhibitions and community-driven events scheduled over three weeks across many venues. This year, see fashion catwalks, the largest Palestinian theatre production staged in the UK for 25 years, as well as 40+ events encompassing theatre, film, music, dance, spoken word and experimental arts. 

Looking for a wholesome, creative night out that doesn’t involve a hangover (unless you BYOB)? Token Studio in Tower Bridge offers relaxed, hands-on ceramics classes where you can spin, shape and decorate your own pottery piece. Whether you fancy throwing a pot on the wheel (£32) or painting a pre-made mug or plate (£23), it’s the perfect mix of fun, mindful and surprisingly therapeutic. And to top it all off, you can sip while you sculpt as it’s BYOB and super chill.

Enjoy your Token Studio session from just £23, only with Time Out Offers. 

Chaotic explosions of wood, scrap metal and cotton cascade through the gallery in the work of Brooklyn-based artist Leonardo Drew. Known for using found natural materials that are oxidised, burned, and left to decay, Drew creates visceral, large-scale installations that reflect on the cyclical nature of existence. His sculptures evoke the scars of America’s industrial past, while also suggesting forces beyond human control. At the South London Gallery in London, Drew will unveil a new site-specific work that engulfs the walls and floor of the main space, with fragmented wood appearing as if battered by extreme weather, natural disasters, or what he calls ‘acts of God.’

For a script penned in 1893, Mrs Warren’s Profession still feels remarkably fresh. The attitude of George Bernard Shaw’s play towards sex work as a functioning product of the capitalist labour market feels bracingly current even today. Yet at first glance, director Dominic Cooke’s production is as traditional as they come, but something darker bubbles beneath the surface. Imelda Staunton plays the titular Mrs Warren who draws the eye from the moment she strides onto stage in her striped frock coat. There is subtle pain in her voice when she talks about the circumstances that led her to her profession. You don’t leave with clear answers about Mrs Warren or even her profession, but you will leave unexpectedly entertained. 

Treat yourself to a Mediterranean feast in the heart of Soho at Maresco, where Scottish seafood meets bold Spanish flavours. With this exclusive deal, you’ll get two courses, house sourdough and a glass of wine for under 20 quid – a serious steal in central London. Whether you're craving jamón ibérico, fresh octopus or rich paella, this buzzing spot brings sunshine to your plate without breaking the bank.

Get two courses with sourdough and wine, for £19.95 (originally £31), only with Time Out Offers.