Things To Do This Week In London: 10-16 March 2025

45+ events spanning comedy, live music, sport, royal clothing and more.

All week

FUELFEST: Taking place at Barbican, Fuelfest celebrates 20 years of Fuel Theatre Company, which specialises in "fresh work for adventurous people by inspiring artists". Four new works make up the festival programme, beginning with Beauty is the Beast by Racheal Ofori, a satire about the harsh costs of beauty. 10-22 March

DOUBLE DUTCH/GOBLIN: Comedian Derek Mitchell brings two debut solo shows to Soho Theatre. Goblin is a dark, nostalgic comedy about an emo kid with an imaginary goblin who just wants to be loved. Double Dutch explores cultural clashes between Dutchness, Englishness and Americanness. Tickets to each show are available individually, or get a discount when you book to see both. 10 March-8 April

DEAR ENGLAND: Highly-acclaimed theatre show Dear England returns to the National Theatre, starring Gwilym Lee as England football manager Gareth Southgate as he tries to lead his team to victory. 10 March-24 May

JAMEEL PRIZE: Closing this week, The Jameel Prize: Moving Images features an array of immersive works across film, photography, animation and more, all of which explore identity and community through the lens of contemporary Islamic culture. See it at the V&A in South Kensington. FREE, until 16 March

TRAM POSTERS: A reminder that the London Archives in Clerkenwell currently has a charming exhibition of 40 vintage London tram posters dating from the 1920s-30s. They promoted heritage attractions like the British Museum; days out such as Hampstead Heath; sports; and nighttime and Sunday fares, to Londoners and visitors to the capital. FREE, until 26 June

BAR OF THE WEEK:Templar has just opened in Stratford — an Italian Modernist-inspired bar/restaurant peddling a tasty selection of wines alongside plates of pig's head croquettes, truffle ricotta ravioli and sea bass crudo. If you work or live in the area, make a note that Templar does a Weekday Workers' Express Lunch from 12pm-4pm. Could make a nice payday lunchtime treat.

PUBS OF THE WEEK: Paddy's day may not be till 17 March, but seeing as that's a Monday — and with the big parade coming up this weekend (see Sunday) — there'll be a fair few Gs being split in bars across the city in the latter part of this week. Which means it's time to refresh your memory on London's best Irish pubs.

THINGS TO DO EVERY DAY: Anytime you're looking for something to do in the capital, consult our guide to London day-by-day. We've compiled a guide to regular events for each day of the week, spanning comedy and live music nights, talks, and loads more. Even if you've got this week sorted, bookmark it now — it'll come in handy one day.

Monday 10 March

BRITISH EXPLORATION: The Royal Geographical Society hosts Dr Ed Armston-Sheret to give a lecture offering an alternative viewpoint of the history of British geographical exploration. Hear about the strange, violent, and sexual practices of 19th and early 20th-century explorers in Africa and Antarctica — a darker side to the historical narratives we usually hear. FREE, 2.30pm-3.45pm

WOMEN IN WINE: July wine bar in Fitzrovia hosts Women in Wine, at which you'll get to taste a selection of wines crated by women, and learn their stories of passion and innovation. 4pm-7pm

TRANSFORMING PARALYMPIC SPORT: Find out how science is changing the lives of wheelchair athletes. Para Sport scientist Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey is at the Royal Institution to talk about how current training methods don't always work for wheelchair athletes as they're based on non-disabled guidelines, and how considering the needs of each individual athlete can help to train more effectively. 7pm-8.30pm

HERBIE HANCOCK: Camden's Jazz Cafe celebrates the life and legend of jazz musician Herbie Hancock, marking the 60th anniversary of his Maiden Voyage album. Enjoy a live performance of his most popular tracks by a band of musicians picked and led by jazz pianist Robert Mitchell. 7pm

FASHION LOVES COMEDY: Radio presenter Edith Bowman holds the last of three Fashion Loves Comedy shows at The Bedford in Balham. Comedy sets are interspersed with catwalk shows, with Abigoliah Schamaun, Shazia Mirza, Charlotte Fox and Sophie Garrad among the line-up. Every audience member gets a goodie bag to take home too. 7.30pm-10.30pm

COMEDY TRYOUTS: Every year, Islington's Pleasance Theatre selects a bunch of up-and-coming comedians to take to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This year's entrants have been whittled down, and the Comedy Reserve Tryouts are a chance for you to see them in action and vote for your favourites. Jack Whitehall, Joe Lycett and Chloe Petts are among the acts whose careers were launched this way. 7.40pm (and again tomorrow)

SISTER MIDNIGHT: The BFI screens darkly funny feminist fable Sister Midnight, about a woman who moves into her husband's home following an arranged marriage in Mumbai, and finds herself disillusioned with her circumstances. This screening also has an introduction given by director Karan Kandhari. 8.40pm

Tuesday 11 March

RAGGED CLAWS: Barons Court Theatre presents Ragged Claws, an intense drama in which chef Henry grapples with the implosion of his restaurant, and a spiral into despair, while his musician girlfriend Maggie must decide what she wants from life. All while Henry's rival is thriving at another restaurant. 11-15 March

DRUM TAO: Japanese drumming ensemble Drum TAO presents the UK premiere of The Dream at Sadler’s Wells — expect to see a combination of athleticism, large scale taiko drumming and precise choreography, with contemporary costumes and stunning visuals. 11-15 March

TRANSCESTRY: The Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins hosts new exhibition TRANSCESTRY: 10 years of the Museum of Transology, marking a decade of collecting by the Museum of Transology, which is home to the world’s biggest collection of objects and stories celebrating trans, non-binary and intersex lives. Over 1,000 objects are included, spanning items that commemorate private gender milestones and medical ephemera alongside hundreds of protest placards from mass public rallies. 11 March-11 May

ANTON DU BEKE: Tuck into afternoon tea while ballroom dancer and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke performs in front of you. The event, at the InterContinental London Park Lane, is a fundraiser for the Sick Children's Trust. Various ticket types are available, all including a traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, cake and tea, accompanied by live music and dance performances by Du Beke and special guests. 12.30pm-4.30pm

EVERYDAY JEWISHNESS: Dr Keith Kahn-Harris celebrates the launch of his new book, Everyday Jews, with an evening of silliness with a serious message at JW3 in Finchley. At a heavy time for Jewish people, enjoy discussions on Jewish culture, karaoke, and cocktails, all aimed at showcasing the lighter side of Jewish life. Ticket includes a copy of the book. 7pm

MARISHA WALLACE: West End and Broadway sensation Marisha Wallace is at the Adelphi Theatre starring in her biggest ever headline show, joined on stage by several special guests. 7.30pm

Wednesday 12 March

CRAFT OF CARPENTRY: Step into the world of Japanese master carpenters at Japan House, and learn about the tools and craftsmanship behind Japan’s temples and shrines. The centrepiece of the Craft of Carpentry exhibition is a life-size reconstruction of the Sa-an teahouse in the temple Daitoku-ji in Kyoto. FREE, 12 March-6 July

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR: Prices for artworks start at £100 at the Affordable Art Fair, which is held at Evolution Battersea. Thousands of contemporary artworks are for sale, with special events including late night openings, and a family hour at the weekend. 12-16 March

THE LITTLE PRINCE: Beloved children's book The Little Prince has been adapted for the stage, in a show bringing together dance, aerial acrobatics, and video mapping technology. It opens at the London Coliseum for a limited run, following seasons in Paris, Sydney, Dubai, and a season on Broadway. Tickets here. 12-16 March

FROM HERE ON: Head to Rich Mix for the premiere screening of the film From Here On, a piece of physical theatre all about displacement, movement and being forced to find a new home, performed on Harwich Beach and Liverpool Street station. It marks 85 years since the Kindertransport brought 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe to safety, and the event also has a Q&A with the creative team and cast. 6pm-8pm

SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP: Boxcar Bar & Grill in Marylebone hosts a screen-printing workshop led by artist and textile designer Helen Rawlinson. Create your own paper stencils then print your design into a tote bag to take home with you. All materials are provided, and the workshop is open to all experience levels. 7pm-9pm

Thursday 13 March

PLIED AND PREJUDICE: The Vaults on Waterloo's Leake Street host Plied & Prejudice, an adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, telling Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy's story as you’ve never seen it before, with five actors playing 20 characters, set at a grand ball at Pemberley. From 13 March

DRESS CODES: The written and unwritten rules of dressing at the royal court are explored in Dress Codes at Kensington Palace, which showcases a rare survival of Queen Elizabeth II's childhood clothes, debutante dresses, court suits and clothing worn by members of the Royal Family such as Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. 13 March-30 November

HITLER'S VENGEANCE: 80 years since the end of the aerial bombardment of London during the Second World War, watch an illustrated talk about the period's new missiles known as "vengeance weapons" and how Londoners attempted to defeat them. Watch in person at the London Archives, or online. The talk ties in with the current Blitz exhibition at the venue. 12.30pm-1.30pm

LITERARY KENSINGTON: Kensington has a rich bohemian history, with many great writers and artists having been attracted to the area. Richard Watkins's tour includes those who wrote radical, epoch-making work while in Kensington, as well as works of widely-loved popular fame. 2pm-4pm

KEATS AFTER HOURS: Keats House in Hampstead holds a late opening, giving you the chance to explore the former home of poet John Keats after dark. Take a tour led by a volunteer, and view the current Hidden Histories of Keats House exhibition. 5pm-7pm

CROYDON AIRPORT: Londonist editor Will Noble does an online talk for the Art Deco Society: When Croydon Was the Centre of the Universe recalls the halcyon days of Croydon Airport during the 1920s and 30s, when the wealthy used it as a global gateway, and others visited Croydon for plane (and Hollywood star) spotting. 7pm

GERARD DURRELL: Lee Durrell, widow of writer and conservationist Gerard Durrell, is at the London Library to celebrate the publication of her husband's posthumous work, Myself and Other Animals. Marking the centenary of his birth and 30 years since his death, the book contains unpublished autobiographies, uncollected pieces and previously published extracts from the archives. 7pm-8pm

STRAWBERRY HILL QUIZ: Swot up on your general knowledge and head to Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham for a fundraising quiz. Your ticket includes bar snacks before the quiz and a ploughman’s supper at half time, with money raised going towards maintaining the historic building, and community outreach programmes. 7.30pm

Friday 14 March

COUNTRY TO COUNTRY: Three days of country music comes to The O2 as Country To Country festival returns. Rising Nashville stars take to the stage (several stages, actually) between sets from headline acts including Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, and Cody Johnson. 14-16 March

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: The Bow Street Police Museum team offers a guided tour around Covent Garden focusing on the history of protests in the local area. Hear about discontented theatre-goers and suffragettes demanding votes for women, and find out when a protest becomes a riot in the eyes of law enforcement. 11am

OFF THE GROUND: Emilia Nurmukhamet, Amy-Rose Edlyn and Dear Annie from Bold Mellon Collective host Off The Ground, a showcase of original performances centring local queer talent. Takes place at Rich Mix, with full line-up TBC at time of writing. 7pm

HAPPY HOUR: See Scandic circus noir at its best, with a performance of Häppy Hour at Jacksons Lane in Highgate. It deals with our relationship with alcohol, both the joy of socialising and the awkward moments that can arise as a result of drinking. 7.30pm

LOST LOMBI: Lifting the lid on the recruitment of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Lost LOMBI hones in on the stories of three related women spanning three generations. It's on at the Muse Theatre in Notting Hill. 7.30pm

BRAD KELLA: Winner of the second series of Channel 4’s The Piano, Brad Kella performs some of his favourite pieces live at Southbank Centre. 7.30pm (repeated tomorrow)

EMILY SAUNDERS: Singer, songwriter, and producer Emily Saunders is at The Other Palace for a performance of her new album, Moon Shifts Oceans. Expect an evening of smoky vocals with jazz-fusion and folk-pop sensuality. 8pm

Saturday 15 March

SIX NATIONS: Big day for rugby fans as the final three matches of this year's Six Nations play out. It's Italy vs Ireland at 2.15pm, England vs Italy at 3pm, and Scotland vs Wales at 4.45pm. These bars, restaurants and venues around London are all showing Six Nations, but you'll want to book ahead/arrive very early today, as they're likely to be rather busy.

RAILWAY MODELLING: Model railway enthusiasts from all over the country gather at Alexandra Palace for the London Festival of Railway Modelling. 35+ exhibitors show off their layouts, and there's a chance to pick up rarer scales and gauges. 15-16 March

BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: Pianists, saxophonists, organists, singers and a concert band are some of the performers lined up for this year's Barnes Music Festival, which takes place at venues across the area from today. The Music in the Dark concert is always a particularly popular aspect of the programme. Under-12s get free entry as part of the festival's Youth Programme, in a bid to reach a younger audience. 15-30 March

SOUNDS OF BLOSSOM: Kew Gardens is going all out for blossom season this year, with a musical soundtrack playing in the gardens' blossom hotspots. The new pieces of music were composed and recorded by students from the Royal College of Music, and are included in your entry ticket. 15 March-6 April

COFFEEHOUSES: Join actors, musicians, and Dr Matthew Green for an immersive whirlwind tour of London's original coffeehouses. From Cornhill's labyrinth of medieval streets to the weeping Walbrook, discover how "bitter Mohammedan gruel" transformed the face of the city. Includes free shots of black and gritty 17th-century style coffee specially imported from Yemen! 11.30am-1pm

OLD KNIGHTSBRIDGE: Join guide Laura Agustin for a tour round Knightsbridge, taking in "Horse Guards, Courtesans and Music Hall Stars", with a focus on the lives of "ordinary folks" who lived and worked in the area. 1pm

SCIENCE DEMOS: As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations for the Royal Institution's Christmas lecture, catch the highlights in one show. The British Science Association showcases the best science demonstrations seen in the annual lectures — expect flames and loud bangs aplenty. 2pm-3.15pm

TOWER CLIMB: Today's your monthly chance to get a tour of St Mary's church on Upper Street and admire the views from the top of the tower. Tours are conducted by the very knowledgable Islington Guided Walks, and are highly recommended. 2pm-3.30pm

MET OPERA LIVE: Today's performance of Beethoven's Fidelio by the Metropolitan Opera in New York is broadcast live to cinemas around the world, including Barbican Cinema here in London. British tenor David Butt Philip plays the role of political prisoner Florestan, with Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen as Leonore. 5pm

THOMAS WALSH: Singer-songwriter Pugwash, AKA Thomas Walsh, is at West Hampstead Arts Club to perform his Beatles/XTC/ELO-inspired debut album Almond Tea in its acoustic entirety, alongside various other musical gems from his back catalogue. 6pm-10.30pm

Sunday 16 March

RETRO GAMES FAIR: Traders from all over the UK come together for the Retro Games Fair at the Royal National Hotel in Bloomsbury, where retro video games, board games and merchandise are available to buy. 10.30am-4.30pm

HOLI DANCE FESTIVAL: Expect a day of colour, music, dance, and authentic Indian culture as Magic of India celebrates the festival of Holi in Waterlow Park, Highgate. Everyone attending receives a packet of skin-safe powder colours to participate in the traditional colour-throwing, with Indian food available to buy, DJs playing a fusion of Bollywood and western music, and live performances by dancers and drummers. 12pm-5.30pm

ST PATRICK'S PARADE: Though St Patrick's Day isn't until Monday, London's main (free!) celebration takes place today. The St Patrick's Day Parade begins at Hyde Park Corner, travelling through Piccadilly, St James's Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall, culminating in Trafalgar Square where a free festival goes on all afternoon. FREE, 12pm-6pm. Plenty of other places have St Patrick's events happening this weekend too.

NETBALL SUPER LEAGUE: Local team London Pulse take on Nottingham Forest in the Netball Super League, in a home match at the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. 6pm

SKETCH OFF! Bloomsbury's Museum of Comedy hosts the last of three semi finals for Sketch Off! tonight — London's definitive sketch and character comedy competition. Prepare to cram tightly into the sweaty church crypt space, and perhaps discover your new favourite comedians. 6pm

SUNDAY CONCERT: Japanese violinist Coco Tomita makes her Conway Hall debut, headlining this week's Sunday Concert along with respected pianist Simon Callaghan. Enjoy an evening of live music as they perform works by Schubert, Debussy and Beethoven. 6.30pm-8.30pm

LOBODA: Ukrainian pop artist Svetlana Loboda is the at the Troxy in Limehouse, celebrating the 20th anniversary of her stage career. This stage show spectacular also features Ukrainian ballerinas and Latvian musicians. 7pm-11pm

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