Things to do in London this week

What to do and see in London this week,  Wednesday 16th July to Wednesday 23rd July : The coolest, cultural, current events in London as selected by the Culture Whisper team.

London theatre: tickets not to miss

So, where to begin? Best to book now for the Royal Opera House ’s upcoming autumn/winter season (booking opened yesterday, Tuesday 15th July 14). Don’t delay for tickets to performances this year and next, including Don Quixote (a ballet produced by and starring Carlos Acosta), Peter Pan (a new family opera by Richard Ayres and Lavinia Greenlaw) and a new work by Philip Glass, The Trial.

We'd also highly recommend getting tickets for Holes' limited run  (from 16th July - 9th August) at the Arcola Theatre while you can. Having been billed as the must-see play of the moment, this is a fast-paced, absurdist comedy from award-winning writer Tom Basden, who has also written for ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Peep Show’, about four survivors who are stranded after their plane crashes but have no idea where they are. Read our Culture Whisper preview here.

For Foodies 

The Pudding Bar Pop-up (doing what it says on the tin to an exemplary degree) opening this Saturday 19th July at 26 Greek Street is a dream destination for anyone with a penchant for dessert. Serving café style cakes and coffee during the day, and plated delights with wine from 6pm onwards, all the baking will be handled by ex-Gordon Ramsey chef Laura Hallwood – known for her creative and modern take on dessert.

Live music events, London this week

The BBC Proms opens on Friday 18th July 2014 and runs through until 13th September 2014. Highlights include lashings of Strauss, the Pet Shop Boys, the Lapland Chamber Orchestra, Valery Gergiev’s World Orchestra for Peace and Mahler

The cult alternative rock band Eels, led by the melancholy Mr E (Mark Everett) are also set to grace the Barbican stage (24th July) showcasing their moving lyrics and first-class melodies, performing tracks from their latest album ‘The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett’. Check out our preview for more info.

Alternatively, as part of the St John Sessions, a series of concerts featuring some of the world’s finest talents in contemporary music in the delightful setting of St John at Hackney church, critically acclaimed American artist, singer, songwriter and composer Julia Holter will be supported by the distinctive sound of Portico Quartet on the 21st July.

Exhibitions

At White Cube Gallery, Gilbert & George are back with new exhibition ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES’, opening on the 18th July. It seeks to describe the mysterious reality of our modern existence – a world permeated with surveillance, paranoia, religion, accusation and victimhood. Read our preview here. The much-loved mischievous East London duo have dedicated their adult lives to their calling as ‘Living Sculptures’.

Meanwhile, Finding Vivian Maier is a documentary charting the discovery of the extraordinary body of work left behind by Chicago street photographer (and professional nanny) Maier. As picked by our cultural diarist Gavin Turk… And we've also written a comprehensive and immensely enthusiastic preview.

For something a little different

A slice of rural bliss and a real community atmosphere, the Lambeth county show has all the attractions of a traditional country fair, from home grown vegetables, jams and chutneys, to sheep dog and even owl displays, all in the heart of London.

And a little London for Kids

As this week marks the beginning of the summer holidays for most London children, parents everywhere will no doubt be searching for interesting and inventive ways to keep the little ones occupied. And the Creative Arts Club’s William Morris Week workshop is just the ticket. With day trips including a visit to The William Morris Gallery, discussions and classes creating collages and exploring Morris’legacy, plus the chance to sew, customise and even bake and decorate printed cookies, it’s a sure fire way to keep both parent and child happy. Full preview here.

Have a great week,

The Culture Whisper team.

Want to read more? Members enjoy full access to all Culture Whisper's arts previews, exclusives and features. Click here to take our cultural quiz and get a month's free trial.