Events
Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair
Saatchi Gallery – 18th – 21st May 2023
This year marks the 66th edition of one of the most popular and prestigious rare book fairs in the world. Whether
you’re a collector looking for the next masterpiece to add to your library, or a bibliophile who loves browsing, this
fair helps you discover titles by distinguished authors, and manuscripts from history’s great moments.
A tribute to Jeff
Royal Albert Hall – 22nd-23rd May 2023
Sandra Beck and Eric Clapton have announced two nights of concerts with rock legend colleagues and friends to
honour the memory and artistry of the late Jeff Beck. Some of the guests include Doyle Bramhall, Eric Clapton,
Gary Clark Jr, Johnny Depp and Sir Rod Stewart.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital Chelsea – 23rd – 27th May 2023
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned flower and garden show held annually. The event features
stunning displays of flowers, plants, and garden designs. The show will showcase amazing garden designs,
gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping options.
Exhibitions
The Offbeat Sari
Design Museum – From 19th May 2023
Curated by Head of Curatorial, Priya Khanchandani, this exhibition will unravel its numerous forms, demonstrating the sari to be a metaphor for the layered and complex definitions of India today. It will bring together dozens of the finest saris of our time from designers, wearers and craftspeople in India.
Belgravia in Bloom
Belgravia – From 22nd May 2023
Expect a celebration of exquisitely crafted floral displays and experiences showcased throughout the beautiful
central London neighbourhood, coinciding with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. During the festival, Belgravia’s
leading boutiques and landmarks will be abloom with unique floral-themed exhibits and experiences.
Private & Public: Finding the Modern British Garden
Garden Museum – Until 4th June 2023
The interwar period in Britain saw a flowering of artists who retreated to planting and painting in their gardens
This exhibition brings together intimate depictions of gardens and greenhouses, public parks and favoured plant
specimens by artists of this era including Charles Mahoney, Evelyn Dunbar, Eric Ravilious and Ithell Colquhoun.
Our theatre recommendations
Aspects of Love
Lyric Theatre
34 years after starring in the original West End production, Michael Ball returns to this lesser-known Andrew Lloyd
Webber musical, this time playing the older role of George. It’s a sweeping story of passion, love and heartbreak, which takes place over the course of 20 years. The direction, by Jonathan Kent, is inspired and there are powerful songs that tug at your heartstrings – especially the soaring “Love Changes Everything”. This, together with the strong lead performances, mean it certainly is a real crowd-pleaser.
Jersey Boys
Trafalgar Theatre
Still one of the best ‘jukebox musicals’ around, this one works in a way that so many others falter. It’s the true
story of the members of the band, and the music is a soundtrack to their lives, so they don’t just start singing a
random song for no apparent reason. And they did have some great hits – from Beggin’ through to December ‘63.
It’s full of “Oh wow, did they write that?!” moments. Strong performances from all four of the leads mean that it’s
a surprisingly meaningful, heartfelt production.
Mrs Doubtfire
Shaftesbury Theatre
This musical arrives in the West End after a recent sell-out run in Manchester where it received regular standing
ovations. We follow the story of Daniel who disguises himself as Euphegenia Doubtfire, a Scottish nanny, so that
he can be close to his children after losing custody in a messy divorce. It is certainly amusing and full of heart, and
we get the best bits from the 1993 Robin Williams film.
New Restaurant openings
Riveria
St. James
Riviera brings a warm journey to the South of France. Celebrating a vibrant Mediterranean experience where
creative and fresh flavours are mixed with a uniquely curated wine selection in an artistic dining room. You’ll have a choice of three glamorous areas: the ground-floor bar and lounge, the main dining area or the outdoor terrace.
Lasdun
Southbank
The people behind The Marksman, a popular East London restaurant, is opening a new venture at the National
Theatre. The new restaurant will be a big change from the original Hackney pub. The menu has been described as “brasserie style dishes brought to life through a classic yet contemporary lens”.
Carlotta
Marylebone
This is a more intimate space compared to its sister restaurants. As with all the Big Mamma restaurants, different
areas of the restaurant will have a different vibe with the basement being called a “80s midnight blue velvet paradise”. The menu will feature a traditional Neapolitan & Sicilian classics with an Americano twist.
