It promises to be sweltering hot this week, but temperatures aren’t the only thing blazing in the capital this week.
Hot talent, both old and new, light up the stage as a slew of events flock to it London†
From crowd-pleasing musicals to big names, from up-and-coming comics to cultural legends, there’s plenty to see and do in the next seven days or so.
Plus the Proms kick off their explosive first night with a rousing performance of Verdi’s Requiem.
So book your tickets, and let’s hope some of these locations have air conditioning!
Friday 15 July
Milton Avery: American Colourist
This exhibition of the works of acclaimed 20th-century American artist Milton Avery is the most comprehensive collection of his art collected in Europe, with more than 70 paintings from 1910 through the 1960s, including portraits of loved ones and landscapes of Maine and Cape Cod.
Until Oct 16. Royal Academy of Arts
First night of the proms
After two years with reduced-capacity audiences, The Proms is now returning to its former glory – this year the season kicks off with a performance of Verdi’s Requiem by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Crouch End Festival Chorus featuring soloists soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha and tenor Freddie DeTommaso.
Saturday July 16
Quick Ilyas
An audience featuring the star of the Tez O’Clock Show and Man Like Mobeen – with a special mystery guest, Q&A session, plus audience participation.
Includes a copy of Tez’s book Secret Diary of A British Muslim Aged 13 ¾ as part of the ticket price.
fashion freak show
Innovative production exploration the life story of Jean Paul Gaultier through 50 years of pop culture – actors, dancers, circus performers and a playlist of tunes from artists from Chic to Conchita Wurst – combine to form the journey of the French fashion supremo.
Until 28 Aug. round house
sunday july 17
Mabel
Brit Award winner Mabel closes out this year’s Somerset House Summer Series – expect hits like Don’t Call Me Up and Mad Love plus material from the brand new album About Last Night…
bad sex
Theo Hristov writes and stars in this short play that explores the psyche of a young actor who collapses on stage and possibly ends his career, while also juggling the pressures of cocaine addiction and a chaotic sex life – part of the Bitsize- Riverside Studios festival.
See you Wednesday 20 July Riverside Studios
Monday 18 July
Nina Contic
Ventriloquist comedian Conti presents The Dating Show – using her groundbreaking animated face masks to potentially help audiences find romance or, if not, at least make them laugh.
See you Wednesday 20 July Soho Theater
tuesday 19 july
Sister Act
Postponed and reworked musical adaptation of the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg – starring Beverley Knight as singer Deloris Van Cartier.
Also with Jennifer Saunders as Mother Superior.
Until 28 Aug. Apollo
Wednesday 20 July
Sophie’s Surprise 29th Birthday Party
Last chance to see this anarchic immersive production set in an increasingly out of control house party – starring a lineup of comedians, cabaret shows and circus performers and featuring London’s first unicycle drug dealer.
Underbelly Festival Cavendish Square
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