News | Culture Calling

Actresses dressed as the wives of Henry VIII visit Waterloo Station. Photos © David Parry

The six wives of Henry VIII

Reunited with their iconic portraits at the National Portrait Gallery.

The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT)

NYMT announces PLATFORM and CRESCENDO to close Summer 2024 season.

Interview with Mean Girls lead Charlie Burn

Mean Girls has made itself a new home at London's The Savoy Theatre. We sat down with lead Charlie Burn who is playing the iconic role of Cady to talk all things Mean Girls, singing & Bridgerton...

West End Sessions

West End Sessions presents incredible performances, leading names and amazing wine and cheese.

Jacqueline with Still Life, 2020 by Antony Williams © Antony Williams. Before it’s Ruined (or an Unrealized Mean Side), 2020 by Rebecca Orcutt © Rebecca Orcutt

Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024

Antony Williams announced as winner of the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

Carmel Dean has been announced as the composer for musical adaptation of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

New musical The Stationmaster

New British musical The Stationmaster releases an album of the complete show.

Wormholes

Victoria Yeates stars in Wormholes, a dark compelling tale about coercive control & domestic abuse

A person covered in a colorful, intricate pattern reminiscent of ornate carpets is depicted floating mid-air against a moody, snowy background. The figure appears to be falling or suspended, with limbs bent and body slightly arched.

ECHO (EVERY COLD-HEARTED OXYGEN)

Kathryn Hunter, Toby Jones, Fiona Shaw, Meera Syal and Rebecca Lucy Taylor to perform in ECHO

A young woman with curly hair and a tank top sits with a gentle smile as a bearded man in a gray shirt rests his head on her shoulder. The background is a split design with the top half in white and the bottom half in yellow.

After Sex

Innovative two-hander After Sex comes to Arcola Theatre this summer.

Afrique en Cirque

Roll up, roll up for an incredible performance of acrobatics, artistry and Afro-jazz rhythms celebrating Guinean culture.

A large outdoor event venue featuring a giant purple inflatable structure with cartoonish features, labeled Udderbelly. People walk around and sit at tables under red umbrellas. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the lively scene.

Underbelly Festival

Underbelly Festival returns to London this summer, taking over Cavendish Square.

A dark, ethereal poster for Fray, a Candy Bomber Production. Two hooded figures face each other amidst a swirling, neon mist. The tagline reads, The only puzzle AI can't solve. The scene is vibrant with purples and blues, evoking a sense of mystery.

An Interview with Kate Duhamel of FRAY

FRAY explores the cutting edge of hip-hop dance theater, presenting a narrative about two brothers in evolving world. We caught up with Executive Director, Producer & Writer Kate Duhamel to learn more...

Three eccentric characters stand in colorful costumes and wigs, holding vibrant potion bottles, with dramatic expressions and smoke rising from a cauldron. Text reads Rough Magic and Shakespeare's Globe against a golden background.

Spend the Summer at Shakespeare’s Globe

Globe’s summer season, perfect for audiences looking for a budget-friendly day out in the capital.

A person dressed in all white appears to be floating or jumping in a tunnel-like environment filled with swirling, illuminated blue lights and confetti. Their expression and posture suggest a dynamic, intense moment.

Fuerza Bruta

The global phenomenon returns to London with a brand-new show

A building facade with large black signs displaying Seven Dials Playhouse in white text and colorful triangular shapes. The entrance has large windows, and a glass door on the right, both reflecting the street and adjacent structures.

Edinburgh Fringe Preview Season

Seven Dials Playhouse presents Edinburgh Fringe preview season

ArcadeX

Launching for summer, ArcadeX: The ultimate summer hotspot!

A young person with short, light brown hair stands outdoors with a neutral expression. They are wearing a white and dark green raglan shirt. The background is blurred with greenery and sunlight filtering through, creating a soft, natural ambiance.

Northbound Boy

Heartstopper’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin to make his stage debut in Northbound Boy this August.

DORIAN: The Musical

Brand-new modern musical retelling of The Oscar Wilde classic novel

Yellow background with Sense and Sensibility written in bold black letters on the left. On the right, a minimalist line drawing of a face with flowers and leaves, incorporating shades of pink, blue, and green.

Roman Theatre Open Air Festival

Iconic pop idols bring Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility to stage.

Five women stand with their backs to the camera, each wearing colorful pants and jackets with different names. They raise one arm triumphantly. The title Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World: The Musical is displayed in bold, colorful letters to the left.

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World

A smash hit kickass-pirational pop musical bursts into life this July

A person with dramatic black and white hair, a white fur coat, and bright red lipstick smiles while holding a Dalmatian puppy. The background is red with black spots, echoing the Dalmatian's pattern.

101 Dalmatians The Musical

Starring Kym Marsh as the iconic villain Cruella De Vil.

A spherical glass terrarium is depicted, showing a lush landscape with trees, a sailing ship, and red hearts floating around. The bottom half, submerged in water, reveals tree roots and more floating hearts, creating a dreamlike and romantic scene.

Two Theatrical Treats

Creation's Summer Season: As You Like It & Treasure Island.

Promotional image for GO! A New Musical featuring a desert landscape with a pair of worn sneakers placed in the center. The title GO! is prominently displayed at the top in bold letters.

Go! The Musical

Power & politics, humour and Ancient Egypt: it’s Go! The Musical.

A surreal image featuring a dense forest and a calm lake with mountains in the background. The scene blends with translucent, floating faces of a bearded man and a woman looking towards each other, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere.

UTOYA

A timely reminder of the threat of far-right extremism based on the 2011 massacre in Utoya, Norway.

Black and white image of an empty movie theater, with two people embracing and kissing in the middle row. They are sitting close to each other, wearing similar-patterned shirts. Rows of empty chairs surround them.

The Photographers’ Gallery 2024 Summer Season

Opening this week: Ernest Cole, Graciela Iturbide and Meditations On Love.

Two performers with faces painted in vibrant colors and eerie designs pose dramatically against a dark background. Both wear costumes with swirling blue and purple patterns. One person holds their hands out in expressive gestures, while the other leans closely behind.

Dance Umbrella

Full 2024 festival programme announced

Illustration of a summer event advertisement. A beachball and sunglasses are on a yellow and teal background. Text reads The Beach is Back in large letters, with 1 July - 1 September and Free Entry in smaller letters. Website address provided below.

Hampstead Beach at JW3

The Beach is back, free and open to all.

Two actors performing on stage in colorful costumes. One actor is dressed as a fantastical creature with brown, black, and white fur, lifting another actor dressed in an outfit with ears resembling a small animal. The background depicts a vibrant, cartoon-like forest.

The Gruffalo Returns

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood…..

New Creatives 2024

Seven weeks of free summer art exhibitions on the South Bank.

A swimmer with a red swim cap and goggles resting on top of their head is partially submerged in a swimming pool. The swimmer's eyes are focused directly at the camera, with the clear blue water extending into the background.

RED SPEEDO

Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders) to lead European première of Lucas Hnath’s Red Speedo

Bangers

Back to continue the party with an exhilarating night of original music and pure UK garage vibes.

Advertisement poster with a colorful border and a blue background. It reads: Kids Week Shows Announced. Kids go FREE to 50+ top London shows. OfficialLondonTheatre.com. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability. The text is in white and bold, with a rainbow shadow effect.

Kids Week Returns

Kids Go Free to over 50 top West End shows this summer!

A vivid digital illustration blends outer space and music. Saturn floats near a colorful nebula with glowing light waves connecting to Earth. Musical notes drift from Earth into space, symbolizing the harmony between the cosmos and music.

August at The Royal Observatory Greenwich

Science and historic locations combine at the Royal Observatory Greenwich making it an unmissable day out!

An illustrated Christmas scene from the Moomin series shows Moomin characters decorating a Christmas tree in a snowy landscape. The text at the top reads, Christmas comes to MOOMINVALLEY with a subtitle at the bottom, Adapted from the Tove Jansson classic.

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley

Celebrate the 80th anniversary of global phenomenon The Moomins - Booking is now open!

Five individuals in shirts & ties comically poke their heads and hands through a bright yellow wall, talking on old-fashioned black rotary phones. One person holds a captain's hat above another's head. The overall expression is whimsical and lively.

Operation Mincemeat

Announces NINTH extension until January 2025!

A man in a white shirt and bow tie looks surprised and wide-eyed. Behind him, four performers in colorful bird costumes with exaggerated makeup crouch and pose against a dark background with a structure resembling a pole.

Brainfool’s Lucky Pigeons Tour

Soaring across the UK this Summer, Brainfools takes Lucky Pigeons on tour

A person with short hair standing in a grassy field with arms crossed. They are wearing a black jacket. The background features rolling hills and overcast skies. The landscape has patches of trees and a fence stretching across the field.

Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham Live!

SAS: Who Dares Wins 'ALWAYS A LITTLE FURTHER’ Extensive Tour

Släpstick: Schërzo

Musical clowns Släpstick present Schërzo, classical music as you've never experienced it before.

Black and white photo of a historical city street featuring vintage horse-drawn carriages and early double-decker buses. Prominent structures, including a domed building and a tall, narrow church steeple, line the side of the street. Pedestrians are visible in the background.

The National Gallery June-August

Brand-new season of talks, creative workshops and courses

A person with dramatic makeup, wearing a flamboyant red and black sequined outfit, is posing energetically against a blue background. They have large, curly, voluminous hair and are holding an open book that appears to be floating.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre MOREoutdoor

Initial line up for summer 2024 MOREoutdoor events announced

A group of five swimmers, wearing wetsuits and swim caps, jump into the water together in an urban area surrounded by modern high-rise buildings and glass structures. One swimmer wears a green swimsuit instead of a wetsuit. The sky is partly cloudy.

Summer in Canary Wharf

Alfresco arts, summer screens and open water swimming all at canary wharf this summer!

Two women, one wearing a green shirt and black jacket and the other in a red jacket, stand in a dark, misty environment, illuminated by the moonlight. They both hold flashlights, looking startled as they search the surrounding area.

KATHY AND STELLA SOLVE A MURDER!

It’s murder in the West End – as this hilarious musical comedy hits London!

Taming of the Shrew

Shakespeare’s vicious comedy arrives at the Globe Theatre this summer

A woman with blonde hair sits on the floor against a vivid red background, wearing a white fur coat draped over her shoulders. She looks over her shoulder at the camera while holding an open book in one hand.

The Marilyn Conspiracy

Powerful new play wherein lies are untangled and disturbing new evidence is disclosed

A group of dancers wearing white outfits perform a contemporary dance on stage. One dancer, wearing a crown, is lifted above the others, extending their arms outward. The scene is illuminated against a dark background, creating a dramatic effect.

Stratford East

Announce a new production of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party, the return of Ballet Black and more...

A group of six people pose against a blue background. The individuals, dressed in various styles including plaid, necklaces, and a fur-like top, have varied expressions, from serious to neutral. A woman in the center is wearing large hoop earrings.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Upcoming shows over the next few months…

A historic stone castle with crenellated towers and chimneys, surrounded by a moat reflecting the structure. The castle is adorned with red flowers along the perimeter, and lush green vegetation is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Hever Castle The Boleyn Apartment

Step back in time to the Tudors from June 2024

A performer in an elaborate, orange and black costume poses dramatically on stage, with a large, feathery headdress. The stage has bright, colorful lighting and a whimsical, carnival-like set in the background. Other performers in vivid costumes are visible.

Frank’s Closet

The cult hit musical returns, a glittering, eccentric and high camp love letter to musical theatre

A friendly-looking anthropomorphic bear wearing a red hat and blue coat is holding a stack of sandwiches in one paw. The bear is smiling and looking directly at the viewer.

Summer Theatre Ideas

Lots to see at the theatre this summer…..

Silhouette of a person standing in front of a large screen displaying a close-up image of a person pointing and speaking. The screen is divided into multiple smaller panels, creating a composite effect. The colors are predominantly shades of blue and green.

A Face in the Crowd

Cautionary tale about the dangers of celebrity, power and politics

A person wearing traditional Japanese clothing, including a pink outer robe and a green inner garment, stands behind a wooden podium with a triquetra symbol. Their arms are open wide, and they are smiling. The background is dimly lit with a brownish hue.

Rakugo featuring Katsura Sunshine & Luca Cupani

Enjoy an evening of laughter and leave with a piece of Japan in your heart!

A group of five musicians perform on an outdoor wooden stage under trees. They play various instruments, including an accordion, guitar, and ukulele. The audience watches attentively from their seats. The stage is lit warmly, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Fools On Tour!

The Three Inch Fools take The Secret Diary of Henry VIII and The Comedy of Errors on UK tour

A colorful artwork depicting a crowded art gallery with numerous people observing and interacting. The walls are adorned with various framed portraits and sketches. The scene is vibrant with shades of red, pink, and beige, highlighting an energetic atmosphere.

Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair

Announces the relaunch of Woolwich Contemporary | Editions

A person dressed in a loose white shirt and black pants sits confidently on a wooden throne against an orange background. They are holding a green apple and have a white crown drawn above their head. The text reads SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE RICHARD III.

Richard III Opens Soon!

It's fun, punk, rock and roll – Richard III opens soon

Viola’s Room

An audio-driven journey through a moonlit fever dream

Watford Palace Theatre

New CEO and Director of programming Steve Marmion announces his first thrilling season

Exterior view of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London with its distinctive circular, half-timbered design and thatched roof. People are walking in front of the theater, and banners are displayed outside. A tree is on the right, and the sky is clear and blue.

Happy birthday, William Shakespeare!

Shakespeare's Globe incredible summer season starts this week!

Four people are standing and sitting around a wooden counter in a casual setting. Two women and two men, all smiling, are posing with notebooks and a few small mugs in front of them. The background shows part of a modern, open office or studio space.

2:22 - A GHOST STORY RETURNS

Stacey Dooley debuts as Jenny and James Buckley reprises the role of Ben

A person with short light hair, ear piercings, and closed eyes is being touched by a colorful, gradient silhouette of another person. The text GIRL IN THE MACHINE is centrally placed over the image.

The Young Vic

Spectacular new work announced by Young Vic

A promotional image for New Victoria Theatre's upcoming season. It features a magazine cover with a scene from The Wizard of Oz showing Dorothy and the Wicked Witch's legs under a house. Bold text reads, STEP INTO A NEW SEASON WITH THE BEST IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

From April 2024 What’s on Guide

The New Victoria Theatre is springing into the new season!

A person stands against a plain background, dressed in a sparkling red, sequined dress with matching gloves covering their head and part of their face. The outfit has a bold, dramatic flair, and the person strikes a confident, glamorous pose.

‘STRAIGHT EXPECTATIONS’ TOUR 2024

Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. Season 4, Danny Beard has a brand-new tour for 2024!

A person with short, brown hair smiles while standing outdoors. They are wearing a white top and are positioned in front of green bushes with trees and buildings in the background. The scene appears to be in a garden or park.

Wigmore Hall 2024/25

Announces 2024/25 Concert Season & the launch of The Director’s Fund

A man dressed in ornate Renaissance clothing, holding a flower, is surrounded by vibrant foliage and flowers. The text reads Much Ado About Nothing and Shakespeare's Globe against a blue background.

Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare’s timeless comedy in the iconic open-air Globe Theatre

A triptych featuring three people: on the left, a person with long braided hair adorned with beads, gazing forward; in the center, a person with curly hair and a serious expression, depicted in black and white; and on the right, a person with a natural afro wearing a yellow top.

The Jamie Lloyd Company’s Romeo & Juliet

Full cast for the new West End production announced starring Tom Holland

CABARET Releases New Trailer

The Kit Kat Club releases new trailer featuring Cara Delevingne, Luke Treadaway and Michael Ahomka-Lindsay

Promotional poster for Frank Skinner's 30 Years of Dirt show at Gielgud Theatre from 5-24 August 2024. The poster features a silhouette of a man holding a microphone on the left, with the show's details and a four-star rating from The Times on the right.

Frank Skinner 30 Years of Dirt

Back in the West End by popular demand for three weeks only!

A group of nuns in black and white habits are standing behind a wooden choir rail, holding hymn books and singing. They are in a dimly lit church with a large stained glass window in the background. One nun on the left is singing with her arms expressively open.

SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL

Starring Beverley Knight, Ruth Jones, Lesley Joseph, Lemar and more!

Cast of a musical performing on stage. Four performers stand prominently in front, with one pointing upward. Others are in the background with raised arms. The set includes wooden structures and ropes, suggesting a historical context.

HAMILTON Extends Booking

Until 29 March 2025 with Christmas schedule also announced!

Ghost the Musical

The Oscar-winning love story live on stage!

A group of children performing on stage, dressed in school uniforms with grey sweaters and shorts or skirts. One child stands triumphantly on another's shoulders, raising a fist, while the others cheer enthusiastically around them. The background is a wooden mosaic.

Matilda The Musical

Extends booking to May 2025 and welcomes new cast members

Close-up of a woman's face with blue eyes and glittery eyeshadow, holding a pink lipstick to her lips. Pink text at the bottom reads I'M GONNA MARRY YOU TOBEY MAGUIRE followed by white text BY SAMANTHA HURLEY.

I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire

A sharp new comedy reminding us that with great obsession comes great heartache.

Two young people wearing black robes with maroon linings sit beside a small table with a red cloth, a teapot, and teacups. Behind them, other robed individuals sit at similar tables adorned with patterned cloths and red cushions. The setting has a cozy, dimly lit ambiance.

Return to Azkaban

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

A group of people are gathered around a table, watching a man on a video call displayed on a wall-mounted monitor. The table holds papers and a map with markers. A banner nearby reads Ministry of Justice, mentioning Remote Trial and providing case details.

Jury Duty

Immersive gaming theatre where the audience decide: Guilty or Not Guilty?

Romeo & Juliet

Storms London’s West End for a strictly limited run starring TOM HOLLAND as Romeo

Illustration featuring the number 1884 overlaying the African continent. A hand reaches towards Africa, with depictions of oil drills, buildings, and people within the continent, symbolizing colonial exploitation and historical intervention.

Rhianna Ilube and Coney 1884

Thrilling interactive game-theatre show inspired by the legacy of the 1884 Berlin Conference

Two men are dressed in period costumes, likely from the Victorian era. One wears a dark suit with a high collar and cravat, while the other dons a patterned waistcoat and bow tie. They are standing against a wall with partially visible red text and framed pictures.

New Casting For Les Misérables

Peter Jöback and Milan van Waardenburg take on the role of Jean Valjean

A gravel pathway lined with neatly trimmed grass, blooming white and yellow flowers leads to an ornate wrought iron gate. Behind the gate, there is a red brick building with a glass domed roof, surrounded by trees with fresh spring foliage.

Chiswick House & Gardens

FREE entry to the Kitchen Garden in 2024!

An anthropomorphic mouse with a backpack stands between snow-covered trees, looking towards a lush, sunlit clearing ahead. A winding path leads through the vibrant green landscape, with snowfall adding a magical touch to this whimsical woodland scene.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Announces summer 2024 season

Close-up of a young person with short, curly black hair and an earring in their left ear. They are dressed in a white shirt and a dark blazer, with a neutral expression, standing against a light, blurred background.

The Kit Kat Club - CABARET

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay to play Clifford Bradshaw

A DJ wearing a neon green shirt stands at a mixing console, performing for a large crowd under a large, dark, arched canopy. Blue lighting enhances the atmosphere, highlighting the audience's excited faces as they enjoy the music.

Junction 2 Festival Second Wave of Acts

Over 30 new names added!

Bold white text saying FEEL ALIVE and SUMMER 2024 appears on a vibrant red and orange gradient background.

Shakespeare’s Globe Summer 2024

With brand-new Shakespeare productions this summer promises something for everyone!

A person with dark curly hair sits at a bus stop, looking at an advertisement. The ad features the text A REAL WOMAN in bold letters, with OPEN CALL at the bottom in orange. The background shows trees and a street scene with parked vehicles.

Open Call for Artists!

Free Open Call for major project: The Gallery Season 4 exhibition!

Illustration of a person with long hair in a seated yoga pose, legs crossed, and hands pressed together in a prayer position. The background features large green leaves and a light blue circular backdrop, set against a darker blue background.

Inner Space

London’s oasis of calm and insight

A nighttime photo of a brick building adorned with large, illuminated photographs that depict various garden scenes. Two blurred figures walk along the cobblestone street in the foreground. The sign Soho Photography Quarter is visible on the side of the building.

The Photographers’ Gallery 2024

Exhibition Highlights

A person stands in front of a large, colorful abstract painting wearing a black hoodie and pants. The floor around them is scattered with various smaller artworks and papers. The background features vibrant hues of pink, blue, and green.

Flora Yukhnovich

The Wallace Collection has announced an exciting 2024 collaboration with British artist Flora Yukhnovich

The Pink Podcast

New cultural podcast bringing together voices from all across the arts!

A cheerful performer in colorful clothing and rainbow shoes enthusiastically poses with arms and one leg raised next to two costumed characters: a pink pig in a red dress and another pink pig holding a green dinosaur. The background features a zoo theme.

PEPPA PIG LIVE! IS BACK

Peppa & friends will tour the UK and Ireland in oink–tastic new show!

A group of six people standing in a row, posing for a photo inside a room with high ceilings and arched windows. They are dressed in casual to semi-formal attire, smiling at the camera. There are microphones and stands visible in the background.

OPENING NIGHT

Further casting for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT

Bombay Superstars

One-night only, the spectacular Bombay Superstars will debut on the West End

A group of five individuals dressed in similar protective suits and helmets stand and sit around a large vehicle with oversized tires. They pose confidently in front of a building with stairs, suggesting a serious and professional context. The photo is in black and white.

Women of the RNLI

An exhibition celebrating the vital role that women have played in saving lives at sea

Wonder Boy

PW Productions announces UK Tour of award-winning play Wonder Boy

A lavish, gold-adorned carriage is being pulled by horses through a city street during a parade. People in red and gold ornate costumes escort the carriage. The surrounding architecture includes grand, arched windows and columns. Onlookers are visible in the background.

Explore: Lord Mayor’s Show

One of the oldest and most recognisable events in Great Britain, the Lord Mayor’s Show has been running consistently since as far back as the 13th century.