January can be rather a bleak month to stagger through after the fun and excitement of Christmas. Some prefer to hunker down with a stack of books, a hot chocolate and hibernate for a good few weeks. Often the best way to kick the blues into touch is to get out and about and enjoy all that is on offer. There’s still great fun to be had in London this January so here’s our pick of the best.
Hogwarts in the Snow, Harry Potter Studios, now until Sun 27 Jan 2019
For all those Potter fans it is the last month to catch Hogwarts in the Snow. It all looks very wintery with Christmas trees lining the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room dressed for the season and a blanket of filmmaking snow covering the majestic Hogwarts castle model.
A Royal Wedding: Duke and Duchess of Sussex,Windsor Castle, now until 26 Jan 2019
This exhibition displays Meghan’s Givenchy bridal gown designed by Artistic Director Clare Waight Keller, her 5m veil embroidered with flora symbolising the 53 Commonwealth countries and the 1932 Queen Mary diamond and platinum tiara loaned to the Duchess by the Queen. It’s not all about the bride as Harry’s Blues and Royals frock designed by Dege & Skinner on Savile Row also stands to attention.
100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake, House of Illustrations, Kings Cross, open until Sun 27 Jan 2019
Kids may know him best for illustrating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda but there is a more grown up side to illustrator Quentin Blake. If you fancy viewing some of his more adult work then head to House of Illustrations, King’s Cross where the gallery is exhibiting some of his private work as a figurative artist, featuring never seen before artwork and paintings.
The Catherine Tate Show Live, Wyndham’s Theatre, Mon 14 Jan – Sat 26 Jan 2019
Catherine Tate is returning to the West End stage with The Catherine Tate Show Live. The critically acclaimed, award-winning comedian and actor will open for a strictly limited season at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre. The London shows reunite Catherine’s best-known characters from her hugely successful BBC series, including ‘Nan’ Taylor; Irish nurse Bernie; Geordie Georgie; Essex girl Sam…and the return of a certain argumentative teenager…
The Queen of Spades, Royal Opera House, Sunday 13 Jan – Friday 1 Feb 2019
The Queen of Spades is one of Tchaikovsky’s most impressive and varied scores, containing grand choruses, intimate arias and duets, a masquerade paying tribute to Mozart and a terrifying supernatural episode. Stefan Herheim’s spectacular production places Tchaikovsky himself at the heart of the action, and asks searching questions about the nature of creativity and the parallels between life and art.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink, now until 16 Feb 2019
Get your skates on, Ice Rink Canary Wharf has returned to Canada Square Park for 15 magical weeks of ice skating beneath the twinkling lights. The 1,200sqm rink is open seven days a week and is the perfect place to enjoy one of London’s most loved winter traditions. The Grandstand Bar returns for this year, but is joined by some new features, including a huge LED screen where skaters can upload photos to a rolling Instagram feed. Finally, a chance to shine and get your 15 seconds of fame. If you’re looking for a company team building opportunity then the Corporate Curling Challenge week-long tournament, supported by the English Curling Association, is a chance to try out this unique and challenging Olympic sport, consisting of propelling polished granite ‘stones’ across the ice to a target.
Notre Dame de Paris, London Coliseum, 23 – 27 Jan 2019
The smash-hit French musical returns to London for 7 performances only, after touring in 23 countries worldwide in nine languages over the last 20 years. Based on the acclaimed novel by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame de Paris tells the story of the cathedral bell-ringer Quasimodo and his desperate love for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. This stage spectacular features an international ensemble of singers, dancers, acrobats and musicians, as well as unforgettable music.
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All About Eve, Noel Coward Theatre, London, Sat 2 Feb – Sat 11 May
This play is based on the award-winning 1950s film starring Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a Broadway star, and her young fan, Eve Harrington, who inveigles her way into her life. With Gillian Anderson and Lilly James in the starring roles and with the themes of celebrity and youth at its core, this is definitely not one to miss.
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Sat 2 Feb
The V&A is showing the largest House of Dior exhibition ever staged in the UK, tracing the history of Christian Dior and the six artistic directors who succeeded him. The exhibition is based on the major exhibition Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, and there will be a new section exploring Dior’s fascination with British culture. A highlight will be the Christian Dior dress worn by Princess Margaret for her 21st birthday celebrations, on loan from the Museum of London.