Things To Do This Week In London: 31 March-6 April 2025

Things to do this week is sponsored by London Transport Museum.

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PLAN YOUR APRIL: With April arriving on Tuesday, plan your month ahead with our curated list of 70+ awesome things to do in London. It spans new exhibitions and theatre shows, music festivals, Easter entertainment, one-off events you might not want to miss, and a few last-chance reminders for shows which close soon.

FREE ANIMAL EXHIBITION: Since becoming the Barnes White Rabbit, conceptual performance artist Spike Mclarrity has built a collective of characters, including the Hybrid Clan, the Hybrid Cruiser and the Lagomorph. Discover them all at a Penny School Gallery exhibition in Kingston. Here, you’ll be invited to challenge how you think about identity, and encouraged to embrace your own inner animal. Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. Until 3 April (sponsor)

MUCH ADO: Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star as Benedick and Beatrice in a short-run production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, but only until Saturday. At time of writing, best ticket availability is for the earlier part of the week. Until 5 April

ALTERATIONS: Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre stages the final week of Alterations, a play about a tailor running a small business who works through the night to complete a large order, causing him to question what price he is willing to pay for success. Until 5 April

RAMADAN LIGHTS: The West End's Ramadan lights are illuminated on Coventry Street, and are now displaying the message 'Happy Eid', alongside Islamic geometric patterns and the celestial symbols of Ramadan. FREE, until 6 April

NAOMI IN FASHION: At the V&A, the NAOMI In Fashion exhibition puts the spotlight on the career of model Naomi Campbell, via the creative output of the many photographers and designers who've worked with her. As with all V&A fashion exhibitions, it's likely to be very popular in its final days, so do book ahead. Until 6 April

THE FOREST WITHIN: 72 voice choirs and sounds of nature feature in The Forest Within, a screen-free, immersive experience at St Stephen's Church in Dulwich. The hour-long experience surrounds you with dawn chorus recordings captured from 18 simultaneous points. Until 6 April

Monday 31 March

BALLER LEAGUE: Stratford's Copper Box Arena hosts the second Match Day of Baller League UK, a six-a-side indoor football tournament, currently in its first season with teams from all over Europe taking part. Gary Lineker, John Terry and Luis Figo are among the team managers. 6pm

TOP OF THE CROQUES: Tasting some of the best croque monsieurs in London? It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it — and that someone could be you, at the Croque Off at Marceline in Canary Wharf. Chefs from across the capital showcase their take on the hot cheese and ham sandwich in a bid to be crowned the first Top of the Croques winner. A panel of experts does the judging, but your ticket to the event gets you a taster of each, as well as three drinks, while raising money for the Felix Project. 6pm-11pm

STARDUST: Join theoretical physicist Roberto Trotta as he explores the profound connections between stars and human history. He discusses how the atoms in our bodies were formed from stellar explosions and how the stars have guided navigation and timekeeping, and influenced our societal development. Takes place at the Royal Institution, with copies of Trotta's book, Starborn: How the Stars Made Us - and Who We Would Be Without Them, available to buy. 7pm-8.30pm

SRI LANKAN CULTURE: Head to Cafe Oto in Dalston for an evening of Sri Lankan audiovisual performances featuring artists Seth De Silva, Suren Seneviratne and Toulip Wonder, to explore the intersections of sound and visual art. 7.30pm

JAZZ IN THE ROUND: This month's Jazz in the Round show at the Cockpit Theatre stars contemporary jazz quartet The W, led by pianist Bruno Heinen, with vocalist Heidi Vogel, bassist Andrea Di Biase, and drummer Gene Calderazzo. They perform material inspired by Bartók's Mikrokosmos, in an intimate setting. 8pm

THE FORBIDDEN LIBRARY: Ever heard of Dr Eric Dingwall? He was appointed Honorary Assistant Curator of the British Museum's Private Case, a role which gave him the nickname 'keeper of the forbidden library', as he oversaw a collection of pornographic and blasphemous literature, and became an expert in the field. Learn more about him in an online talk hosted by the Last Tuesday Society. 8pm-9.30pm

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Tuesday 1 April

HEAD OVER HEELS: Musical comedy show Head Over Heels opens at the Bridewell Theatre, using the music of 1980s rock band The Go-Gos to retell Sir Philip Sidney's 16th century book The Arcadia, about a royal family on a journey to save their kingdom. 1-5 April

DARKFIELD ARCADE: Immersive experience experts Darkfield take over the basement of Shoreditch Town Hall for Arcade. These are not ordinary arcade machines though — you can enter the world of the game and choose your own unique journey through a world ravaged by war, with the decisions you make determining whether you come out on the winning or losing side. 1-12 April

ROUNDHOUSE THREE SIXTY: Camden's Roundhouse replaces its In The Round festival with new event Roundhouse Three Sixty. Running throughout the month across the entire site, the programme features music, spoken word, theatre, visual arts, podcasts, and club nights, all celebrating unapologetic and boundary-pushing artists. It begins today with performances by Roundhouse Resident Artists Holden, Jaz Lee & NIA. 1-30 April

TALIBAN RULE: Weekly speaker series The Conversation continues at St Martin-in-the-Fields, with Norwegian war correspondent Åsne Seierstad discussing how the first year of Taliban rule unfolded after their return to power in 2021, and where this leaves Afghans today, and in the future. The talk is followed by a discussion with the audience. 6.30pm

HAMPSTEAD HEATH CRUCIFIXION: Film expert William Fowler unveils the fascinating story of the Hampstead Heath crucifixion of 1968. Only a few people witnessed the event directly, but it became a local myth. In this online talk, Fowler reveals a bizarre tale of psychic powers, revolution and London's queer underground. 8pm-9.30pm

BLACK LIVES NATTER: SpeakEasy Po’JaM is a bi-monthly Black & Global Majority music and spoken word open-mic night at Theatre Deli Cafe/Bar. Eljai Morais hosts, with appearances by resident Po’Jam singer-songwriters Stephane Harivelo and Josh Olusanya, and open-mic performances by Sizterly Love, Joanne Blackwood and Shona Babayemi. 8pm-10pm

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Celebrate two big transport anniversaries at this rarely-accessible museum depot

It’s a great week to be a train enthusiast – with London Transport Museum marking not one but two massive transport milestones. From 4-6 April, the team is throwing open the doors of its Museum Depot in Acton to celebrate 25 years of Transport for London and 200 years of the UK’s railways.

These family-friendly open days are a rare chance to explore a treasure trove of transport history that’s usually off-limits to the general public. Head here to explore heritage vehicles and an incredible collection of objects, including: vintage Tube posters, original versions of Harry Beck’s diagrammatic Tube map, and the largest collection of London transport signage in the world.

There are loads of themed activities going on, too. Enjoy curator-led talks, make your own Oyster card holder or LED art in a family craft workshop, or get stuck into London transport-inspired games and quizzes. Or head outside for a ride on the miniature railway (featuring authentic TfL roundel name boards and signage!)

Depot Open Days: A Transport Celebration run 10.30am-5pm on Friday 4 April and 10.30am-5.30pm on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April. Book your tickets now – they cost £19.00 and £10 for children, with those aged three and under going free.

Wednesday 2 April

HOUSE OF VIBES CAFÉ: Want to hone your barista skills? Hot on the heels of their sold-out New York event, Ninja are bringing the House of Vibes Café pop-up to Soho this week. Its coffee-inspired rooms provide tips and tricks on crafting the perfect morning cappuccino, the most impressive latte art, and the most decadent cold-pressed espresso martini. Oh, and it's completely free... Just book in advance for a Café Experience session, or for the happy hour with live music on Thursday 3 April. 2-5 April (sponsor)

JAB: Inspired by true events, theatre show Jab tells the story of a couple whose marriage falls apart while the Covid lockdown goes on around them. The black comedy drama explores themes of power, gender, domestic violence, conspiracy theories, ignorance, and the limits of love, starring Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo in Eastenders) and Liam Tobin. 2-26 April

ED ATKINS: Tate Britain opens the first major UK exhibition of work by Ed Atkins, one of the most influential British artists working today, best-known for creating computer-generated videos and animations. On display here are moving image works from the last 15 years alongside writing, paintings, embroideries and drawings, weighing the digital up against the physical. 2 April-25 August

MAGIC SHOW: James Phelan, known for his magical feats as well as predicting the Lottery numbers, debuts his new show The Dreamer at The Clapham Grand. Expect breathtaking illusions and engaging storytelling throughout the evening. 6.30pm-10.30pm

PHIL ROSENTHAL: Star of documentary series Somebody Feed Phil, Phil Rosenthal is at the London Palladium for one night only as part of his tour. Hear him talk about his 40-year career, which includes creating comedy show Everybody Loves Raymond and producing and starring in the Netflix food and travel show which he's best known for. 7.30pm

SAD BOOK: Author Michael Rosen provides live narration for the stage adaptation of his book Sad Book, at Hackney Empire. Dancers and actors appear on stage to share the personal story of loss and grief, which Rosen wrote as a response to children asking him questions about his own son's death. 7.30pm

WOMEN IN REVOLT: Join Shorts On Tap at Rich Mix for the launch of their 10th season of Women in Revolt, showcasing short films from around the world created by female filmmakers, and focusing on women's experiences. Watch 13 shorts, followed by Q&A sessions with the creators. 8.15pm

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Thursday 3 April

FIXING OUR BROKEN PLANET: As Londonist reported back in February, the Natural History Museum opens a new (FREE!) gallery, its first in almost a decade. Fixing Our Broken Planet explores the biggest challenges currently facing our planet, with over 250 specimens on display including a Sumatran rhino, parasitic worms and whale's earwax. FREE, from 3 April

GIUSEPPE PENONE: Sculptures and works from 1969 to today by Italian artist Guiseppe Penone go on display at Serpentine South Gallery, extending beyond the gallery into the surrounding park too. Penone is a leading figure in the Arte Povera movement which celebrates the simplicity of natural materials and artistic techniques, and the works on display here showcase the relationship between humans and the natural world. FREE, 3 April-7 September

LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Organist Tom Winpenny performs at the Lunchtime Concert series at Sinfonia Smith Square, with a programme featuring works such as Judith Bingham's Master Tallis, his Fanfare, and Mozart’s Fantasia & Fugue in C, K. 394. 1.05pm

SEAFOOD ODYSSEY: The Barnes branch of Rick Stein's seafood empire hosts chef Sally Abé from The Pem for a one-off Seafood Odyssey supper. She teams up with resident chef Jack Stein (Rick's son) to whip up a menu with several courses, including hot shellfish with wild garlic and Marmite butter. Wine expert Charlie Stein (Jack's brother — the business is something of a family affair) offers optional wine pairings. 7pm

SABRA SWING: Jazz ensemble Sabra Swing is at JW3 for a performance exploring the world of Jews in jazz, their influence on the Great American Songbook and the soundtrack of the silver screen. Expect to hear tracks by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Johnny Mandel, Sholom Secunda, Carole King and many more. 7.30pm

Friday 4 April

COMEDY IMPROVATHON: Now in its 15th year, The London 50 Hour Improvathon is back at Pleasance Theatre in Islington for a 50-hour completely improvised comedy soap opera in 25 episodes. Think Moulin Rouge meets The Greatest Showman, with performers becoming increasingly sleep-deprived as time goes on. No need for you to watch the whole thing though — tickets are available for each episode individually. 4-6 April

ROADSIDE: New one-person show Roadside is playing at the Cockpit Theatre. Apparently the first theatre play set in, and created by, the UK's New Traveller community, it tells the story of Milly, who questions whether life on the road is what she wants. 4-6 April

MUDLARKING: The London Museum Docklands opens Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London's Lost Treasures, a new exhibition showcasing artefacts sourced from the Thames foreshore, including a Tudor knitted hat, a medieval gold ring with an inscription, and a Viking-era dagger. 4 April 2025-March 2026

MIDNIGHT COWBOY: Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical makes its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, based on the novel by James Leo Herlihy, which in turn inspired a film of the same name. It's about the unlikely friendship between two men who head to New York City in search of a better life. 4 April-17 May

CRYSTAL PALACE: This area is packed with history, which goes beyond the great glass building after which the district is named. Tour guide Richard Watkins explores the area, pointing out some of the lesser-known sights. 11am-1pm

REBEL REBEL: Head to West Norwood for Rebel Rebel, a club night playing glam, punk, indie, soul, funk, disco, garage rock, rock'n roll, 60s pop, 80s pop and plenty more — think David Bowie, The Supremes, The Pet Shop Boys and Kate Bush. 7pm

Saturday 5 April

SEA SHANTY SINGERS: All weekend, sea shanty groups give performances on board the Cutty Sark. Included in your admission ticket, see Swinging the Lead (Sunday) and The HogEye Men (Saturday) giving renditions of traditional working songs. 5-6 April

CRO CRO LAND: Indie music festival Cro Cro Land takes over Stanley Arts in South Norwood, with 40 bands performing over two days. The lineup spans from gritty punk-rock to dreamy indie-pop, with Billy Nomates and Go Girl headlining Saturday, and Big Joanie on Sunday. 5-6 April

EASTER HOLIDAYS: The next couple of weeks are the Easter holidays for the majority of London schools. If you've got children or teenagers to entertain, take a look at our Easter holidays events guide — we've covered shows, exhibitions and one-off events, as well as some free things to do. 5-21 April

CATS IN CARTOONS: The Cartoon Museum puts felines in the spotlight for its Cats in Cartoons exhibition. The greatest cats to grace comics, newspapers and magazines feature, including Bagpuss and Garfield. The show explores why we're so drawn to cats. 5 April-7 September

LONGPLAYER LIVE: Longplayer is a 1000-year-long piece of computer-generated music, usually noodling away at Trinity Buoy Wharf. To mark its 25th anniversary (only 975 to go), catch a special all-day performance at the Roundhouse, with live performers augmenting the ongoing music of the ages. 7am-midnight

BY A LONG CHALK: To coincide with Longplayer Live (see above), the wonderful Minimum Labyrinth have put together a "100-minute walk", with a stop at a pub for 1,000 seconds, around the Chalk Farm and Primrose Hill area. As veterans of previous walks by the company, we can highly recommend giving it a go. 11am, 2.30pm, 6pm

OLD OAK TO WHITE CITY: Join Joanna of Iya London for a thought-provoking walk between East Acton and White City, which explores how social housing developed in London in the 20th century. You’ll see a range of homes from an early London County Council Arts and Crafts cottage estate, to Peabody flats channelling Hampton Court, to a hexagonal modernist block inspired by the Giants’ Causeway. 11am-1.15pm

LEYLINE WALK: Join writer and filmmaker Zachary Denman for a guided walk tracing the Parliament Line, a ley line that runs from Enfield to Parliament Hill. Begin at Alexandra Palace and wander through Muswell Hill and Highgate before ending at Hampstead Heath. 1pm

BLACKSTAGE PRESENTS: AUDACITY: Pole dancers of colour are in the spotlight at Blackstage Presents: Audacity, an international pole dancing competition at Clapham Grand. Blackstage is a Black Queer sex worker-led company centring BPOC pole dancers. 6.30pm-10.30pm

Sunday 6 April

GURU NANAK: Barbican hosts a day of events exploring Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and his deep connection with music. Attend a talk delving into Guru Nanak's philosophy, and watch a short film about a community of Pakistani Muslim musicians with deep-rooted ties to the Sikhs through a centuries-old music tradition, among other events. 9.45am-5pm

THE BACH CHOIR: The Bach Choir’s annual performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, sung in English, takes place at Southbank Centre. Part I begins at 11am, followed by a two-hour break, and Part II at 2.15pm.

VINTAGE FAIR: More than 60 exhibitors rock up at Chelsea Old Town Hall for the Frock Me Vintage Fair, selling rare vintage and antique clothing, jewellery and textiles, including British labels such as Ossie Clark, Bill Gibb and Biba. 11am-5.30pm

LDN WRESTLING: LDN Wrestling returns to Fairfield Halls in Croydon for an afternoon of various wrestling styles, showcasing the stars of LDN Wrestling in a family-friendly show. 3pm

DAVID LYNCH: Attend a celebration of the late filmmaker David Lynch, at the Victoria in Dalston. Watch his final feature, Inland Empire (2006), introduced by lecturer and podcaster Dr Lindsay Hallam, followed by an evening of music selected from and inspired by Lynch and his films. 4pm

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