Things To Do This Week In London: 26 February-3 March 2024

Things to do this week is sponsored by Disney's Frozen The Musical.

All week

ORCHIDS: This is the final week of this year's Orchids festival at Kew Gardens. It has a Madagascan theme, with rare plants from the island nation on display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, and is included in a Kew entry ticket. Until 3 March

HORNIMAN WALRUS: A reminder that the comically-overstuffed taxidermy walrus at the Horniman Museum is going off-show until 2026 as part of the museum's refurbishment works. You can only see it until 3 March

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: Cirque du Soleil's latest show, Alegria: In A New Light, closes at the Royal Albert Hall this week. It's an update of a Cirque show now marking its 30th anniversary, telling the story of a power struggle between the old order and youth, with typical Cirque flair. Until 3 March

STITCHES: Told from the perspective of a teddy bear, Stitches is the latest play from Jonathan Blakeley, exploring how relationships change the older we become, the love we have for one another being tested, and the fight for significance. It's on at the Hope Theatre in Islington. Until 9 March

WAR AND PEACE: The Photographers' Gallery near Oxford Circus has a new exhibition, Bert Hardy: Photojournalism in War and Peace. See the work of London-born Bert Hardy, a self-taught press and documentary photographer, including imagery from the Blitz, and the liberation of Bergen-Belsen. Until 2 June

IKECHUKWU UFOMADU: Emmy-nominated actor, writer and comedian Ikechukwu Ufomadu performs his current show, Amusements, at Soho Theatre — the first time it's been on in London. Expect a "nonsensical evening of comic absurdity". 26 February-2 March

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: March is Women's History Month, when the often-overlooked achievements of women, and women who have fought for their right to be recognised, are celebrated. We've rounded up some exciting events happening in London to mark the occasion, starting this week. 1-31 March

MARCH: With February giving way to March this week, get planning for the month ahead with our bumper March events guide. Art fairs, film festivals, a new sculpture trail and a couple of treats for Disney fans are all in there — have a browse and get booking.

GALLERY OF THE WEEK: Situated in the grounds of Bethlem Hospital in Bromley, the Bethlem Gallery is a unique place where you can learn about the history of the Bethlem Hospital, first founded in 1247, and its various incarnations — as well as changing attitudes towards mental health. There's also some incredible art on display, including right now, Sue Morgan's Planet209 Revisited: Past & Present Relics of Visual Experiments, and Julie Cunningham & Company's dance project PIGEONS (tickets for this are going fast). The gallery itself is open Weds-Sat weekly, and is free entry.

EAT OF THE WEEK: Take a canalside stroll Alperton way, and you'll stumble upon Crepes+Coffee, a new cafe on a narrowboat, set up by former Connaught Hotel butler, Andrei. Go savoury with ham & cheese or Forestiere, or plump for something sweet like salted caramel or Nutella and banana. It's about 20 mins walk from Alperton tube station, open seven days a week.

Monday 26 February

JOEL GION: In The Jingle Jangle Jungle: Keeping Time with The Brian Jonestown Massacre is the new book from Joel Gion, and he's at The Social in central London tonight, discussing with Richard Milward the hazards and pleasures of life on and off the road. 7pm-11pm

PUB QUIZ: Every Monday, the White Horse in Wembley hosts a pub quiz, where you can test out your grey matter against other teams. Entry is £2 per person, with prizes up for grabs. Food and drink are available to order during the quiz. 8pm-10pm

COMEDY WIP: Following on from the success of his last show, The Last Living Libertine, comedian John Tothill is trying out new material. Catch his work-in-progress show at 2Northdown in King's Cross. 9pm

FOC IT UP: Soho Theatre hosts The FOC IT UP! Comedy Club, a celebration of comedians of colour who are not cis-men. Kemah Bob MCs, with Desiree Burch, Yuriko Kotani, Njambi McGrath and Aisha Amanduri on tonight's line-up. 9.15pm

MONDAYS IN LONDON: Looking for something else to do, today or any other week? Take a look at our guide to things to do in London on a Monday — we've gathered together live music venues, comedy and cabaret clubs which keep going on what is usually the quietest day of the week, along with guided walks and tours scheduled on a Monday, and a few special offers too.

Tuesday 27 February

PARENTS' PUB QUIZ: Bring Your Baby pub quizzes takes over The Old Bank in Battersea, for a lunchtime quiz for parents and carers with babies. Take your little one along and join in the pub-style quiz in a relaxed environment, with breaks to feed and change built into the proceedings. 12pm

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: It's the turn of the guitar department at Trinity Laban to take centre stage at one of the college's free lunchtime concerts. Even better, it takes place inside the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, so you can admire the impressive surroundings while you enjoy the music. FREE, 1.05pm

WINEMAKER SUPPER CLUB: Nicolas Laugner from the Domaine Allimant-Laugner vineyard is at Humble Grape in Battersea for the latest in the Meet the Winemaker supper club series. Hear about the family-run company's history, dating back 12 generations to the 17th century, and sample six white wines and a pale rosé, each paired with a dish cooked by Humble Grape's executive chef. 6.30pm-9.30pm

MICK LYNCH: Head to Housmans in King's Cross hosts Professor Gregor Gall, to celebrate the publication of his new book about Mick Lynch, the General Secretary of the RMT. Mick Lynch: The Making of a Working-Class Hero delves into where Lynch came from, and where he got the leadership skills to become such a powerful spokesperson. 7pm

DOCTORS LIVE: Husband and wife team Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey bring their UK theatre tour to Barbican. Eat (well), Sleep (better), Live (longer) features their latest health tips, as well as cooking demonstrations and behind the scenes clips from their upcoming TV series. 7.30pm

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Wednesday 28 February

FUTURE OF MONEY: The Bank of England Museum opens a new exhibition, The Future of Money, which gives us a first chance to see what the new banknotes featuring King Charles III will look like. More widely, the exhibition looks at how money is likely to evolve in the future, including moves towards digital currencies and a cashless society. FREE, 28 February-September 2025

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM: Today's Gresham College lecture delves into how our understanding of autism has changed over the last four decades. Professor Francesca Happé discusses how the autism spectrum is far wider than previously believed, how the historical under-diagnosis of women and girls is being addressed, and what future research might uncover. FREE, 1pm

ART TALK: Digital art exhibition Frameless continues its series of Art Talks with art historian Linda Bolton discussing the artistic, social, and intellectual secrets of famous landscape paintings by Romantic artists, including J.M.W. Turner. Ticket includes access to the full Frameless experience. 2pm-2.45pm

OPERA AT THE PALACE: Not *the* palace, sorry — but Fulham Palace is still a jolly good setting for a spot of opera. Enjoy classic arias and more modern pieces performed by up-and-coming stars from the National Opera Studio, in grand surroundings. 28 February

PHILIPPA GREGORY: Historical fiction author Philippa Gregory takes part in an online event, discussing her latest book with medieval historian Eleanor Janega. Normal Women delves into the often-overlooked role that women have played in shaping England’s culture and traditions from 1066 to the modern day. 7.30pm

Thursday 29 February

EXTRA DAY: It's a leap year, meaning it's the one year in every four when we have a 29 February. Make the most of the extra day by seeing that exhibition you've been meaning to see or visiting the museum you've always wanted to visit — here are 29 ideas for things to do on 29 February. Alternatively, do one of these things that a Londoner would never normally do. 29 February

COLLECT 2024: Head to Somerset House for Collect 2024, an art fair specialising in contemporary craft and design. Over 400 artists are represented by specialist galleries and dealers, with prices ranging from £500 to £50,000. Today's the private view, with both daytime and evening tickets available, before it opens properly tomorrow. 29 February-3 March

CLASSICAL VAUXHALL: A four-day mini festival of classical music, Classical Vauxhall takes place at various venues around the area, opening tonight with pianist Fiachra Garvey performing music that's inspired by mythical events. 29 February-3 March

ROLLING STONES: A new exhibition of photos of the Rolling Stones opens at J/M Gallery in Notting Hill today. The 27 pictures in Elegantly Wasted were taken by 'Spanish Tony' (Tony Sanchez, the Stones' photographer friend), and include a black and white shot of Keith Richards sat behind a sound mixing desk, smoking. FREE, 29 February-5 March

AFTER DARK: UEL hosts this year's After Dark Festival at its east London campus, with various dazzling artworks lighting up the skies, and immersive activities showcasing the power of technology. Themes are the Olympic and Paralympic year, and UEL's Year of Science. FREE, 5pm-8pm

JOHN KEATS: Join Professor Michael Gamer and Dr Deven Parker at Keats House in Hampstead, as they challenge the theory that Keats' career was killed at the hands of his reviewers. It's said that he nearly abandoned his career as a poet thanks to Tory reviewers' savage treatment of his Endymion (1818) — but this talk challenges that viewpoint. 6.30pm-8pm

YOUNG ELIZABETH: The trials that Queen Elizabeth I faced in her early life are discussed by historian and author Dr Nicola Tallis at Southwark Cathedral. From the execution of her mother Anne Boleyn and the loss of several stepmothers to imprisonment in the Tower of London, find out about the challenges she overcame on her way to becoming Queen. 6.30pm-8pm

LIQUID LONDON: This month's Salon for London takes water provision as its theme. Nick Higham and Peter Stone look at where London's drinking water comes from, past and present. It's at Holborn's Horse Hospital, and these events are always a lot of fun. 7pm

Friday 1 March

ST DAVID'S DAY: Whether you're a Welsh person in London, or just an avid fan of all things from England's western neighbour, check out our guide to being Welsh in London, and find a little slice of Cymru just in time for St David's Day.

DAVID BOWIE: A free exhibition of photographs of David Bowie is unveiled, in the beautiful setting of Fitzrovia Chapel. They were snapped by photographer Kevin Davies in a single day in 1992, as Bowie was preparing for the release of his 18th studio album, Black Tie White Noise, and though a few made it into the mainstream press, most of the images were never seen again... until now. FREE, 1-20 March

ANGELICA KAUFFMAN: The Royal Academy's new exhibition puts the spotlight on Angelica Kauffman, a child prodigy-turned renowned painter who helped to shape the direction of European art. Find out about her rise to fame in London, her role as a founding member of the Royal Academy and her later career in Rome, through her drawings and paintings, including some self portraits. 1 March-30 June

FIERCE QUEENS MASQUERADE: Queen's House in Greenwich stays open late for Fierce Queens: Masquerade, an LGBTQ+ History Month event celebrating queer liberation and LGBTQ+ representation. Drag King and Queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres host, with cabaret performances taking place all night. 7pm-11pm

RONNIE SCOTT'S: The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars take to the stage at Alexandra Palace, telling The Ronnie Scott's Story, in a show which combines live jazz, narration and rare archive footage. Get an insight into the history of the Soho jazz club, from police raids and gangster regulars to the icon it is today. 7.45pm

DIRTY DANCING: Have the time of your life at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, which hosts a sing-along screening of Dirty Dancing. Fancy dress is highly recommended, as you watch, sing and dance along with the story of Baby and Johnny at a summer camp in the summer of 1963. 8.30pm

Saturday 2 March

COMIC CON: Dust off your costume and head to Olympia London for London Comic Con Spring, a two-day celebration of film and TV. VIP guests on the line-up this time around include Billie Piper, Ruth Madeley, Alfie Allen, Tom Savini and Michelle Greenidge. 2-3 March

BOOK WEEK: Previously known as Jewish Book Week, Book Week takes over Kings Place in King's Cross for nine days of talks, performances, debates and workshops. Topics covered are many and varied, but include women working in the intelligence services, Jewish-Italian cooking, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Charles Dickens and plenty more. 2-10 March

WOMEN OF THE RNLI: Greenwich's National Maritime Museum opens its Women of the RNLI exhibition, celebrating the bicentenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It features 42 photographs taken by Jack Lowe, photographer on the Lifeboat Station Project, each depicting women who volunteer for the RNLI. FREE, from 2 March

WELLING UNITED: Fancy a bit of live footy? Welling United take on Braintree in the National League South this afternoon. The home team are a fair bit further down the table than the Essex lads, so go give them some support, accompanied perhaps by a nice cup of Bovril. KO 3pm

BULGARIAN FOLK FEST: The Spring Fest of Bulgarian Folk and Traditions takes place at Edmonton's Millfield Theatre, with singing and dancing groups from all over the world taking part to promote Bulgaria's folklore, while wearing traditional costumes. 4pm

ICE HOCKEY: As the ice hockey season nears its end, catch the Haringey Huskies in action at home at Alexandra Palace, facing off against the Oxford Rising Stars. New to the sport or need a refresher? Take a look at our guide to ice hockey in London. 5pm

Sunday 3 March

FLEA MARKET: 60+ flea and vintage traders take over Big Penny Social for the Walthamstow Flea Market. Furniture, salvaged electricals, homewares and other oddities are among the objects you can expect to find. 11am-5pm

VINTAGE FAIR: Meanwhile, if it's your wardrobe that needs sprucing up, make a beeline for Kensington Town Hall, where Frock Me! Vintage Fair has 100 vintage fashion dealers from across the UK selling their wares, spanning from the Victorian era to more recent designer label pieces. 11am-5.30pm

NT LIVE: Didn't score tickets to see Vanya in the West End? Plenty of good cinemas across London are screening a recording of it; today these include ActOne Cinema in Acton (2pm), the Castle Cinema in Homerton (2pm) and ArtHouse Crouch End (3.30pm)

WHO OWNS THE MOON?: If humanity were to colonise the moon and Mars, is there any guarantee that it would be peaceful? Or is it more likely to result in conflict and wars as different groups from the human race fight for space and dominance in the new territory? That's the topic of discussion at Conway Hall today, with examples from history used to show that it could go either way. 3pm-4.30pm

ARTISTS' TALK: Artists Paloma Bosquê, Holly Hendry and Teresa Solar Abboud — all of whom have work in the current When Forms Come Alive exhibition — chat to Hayward Gallery director Ralph Rugoff. It's a chance to hear about their creative processes, and the themes behind the exhibition. 3.30pm

DANCING SCREAM: Taking place at The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, Dancing Scream is a night of live rock renditions of ABBA songs. Guitars, bass, drums and vocals combine to cover some of the band's greatest hits as you've never heard them before. 5.30pm

COUNTRY MUSIC: Nathan Leazer headlines a night of country music at King's Cross' Water Rats. The singer-songwriter performs intricate melodies and lyrics inspired by his love of travel. Support comes from Rhiannon Paige and Fin Pearson. 7pm

Good Cause of the Week

After many years at a permanent home in Fitzrovia, the enchanting Pollock's Toy Museum is now in Croydon's Whitgift Centre for a pop-up residency. If you haven't been yet, do — we thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit. As a charity run by trustees and volunteers, Pollock's is currently seeking flexible and enthusiastic volunteers. Training is provided, and you'll learn some fascinating things about the history of toys along the way. Find out more on the Pollock's website.

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