Things to do in London this weekend
Sure, this weekend is likely to be spent either crying with joy after scoring Beyoncé/Jay Z tickets or crying with frustration for the opposite reason, but there's plenty else on too.
There's a pop-up speakeasy in Soho, LGBTQ+ films at the BFI and the chance to while away Saturday in the pub watching the boat race. If you can't wait until the weekend to get out and about, don't miss the screening of the National's Julius Caesar at Vue cinemas on Thursday.
Get your Jay-Z and Beyonce tickets
After weeks of speculation, last week Beyoncé and Jay Z announced a joint world tour for 2018. The couple will perform four UK dates as part of On the Run Tour 2 including London on June 15. Hurry, as tickets will go on sale at 9am this Friday.
Friday, Buy tickets here
Cheer on the boat race (or goat race)
Saturday marks two huge sporting events. First up is the famous boat race, between Oxford and Cambridge – our advice is to head to a riverside spot early, settle in, and then watch from the banks. If two universities splashing about doesn’t seem like must-see entertainment, try the Goat Race, which returns to Spitalfields City Farm on Saturday and promises plenty of laughs as two goats - yes, goats - run around representing the universities.
Saturday, Across London, Boat race: standard.co.uk; Goat race: standard.co.uk
Hide away in a new speakeasy
Glenmorangie are behind this speakeasy pop-up, which is offering up cocktails galore and plenty of fun. It's all to get a little publicity for the latest blend in their Private Edition series, Spios, which is aged in rye casks. True to its name, it's a spicy bottle with plenty of cinnamon and clove flavour in there. The best part is, you needn't be a whisky geek to enjoy this pop-up; it's simply a prohibition-style bar hidden away behind a secret doorway, boasting some jazz, plenty of booze and some debauchery too. All cocktails are around £8.
Until March 24, 14 Percy St, Fitzrovia, W1T 1DR, designmynight.com
Head out for Julius Caesar
Little surprise that Nicholas Hytner has found critical acclaim directing Ben Whishaw in this adaptation of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Though tickets for the National's production are hard to find, Vue cinemas are screening the production live. If you haven't been to one of these showings before, do: while obviously it's not the same as being in the theatre, it comes pretty close.
Thursday, across the UK, myvue.com
Catch the best of BFI Flare
This year's BFI Flare, London LGBTQ+ Film Festival, returns this week with another year of LGBTQ+ screenings. This year, Soho’s post-war decades as a centre of sexual experimentation and creativity are being celebrated, but there's plenty else to be excited about too. Read our top 10 picks here.
Until April 1, BFI Southbank, SE1 8XT, whatson.bfi.org.uk
Put the lights out for Earth Hour
Celebrate Earth Hour at 8.30pm, Saturday evening. The hour is strictly lights out and electricity off and is a symbol of commitment to the planet’s health. Last year, nine million people took part – join in yourself this year either at home, or better yet, at the Shard and Buckingham Palace, both of which are among the London icons who are turning their lights out.
Saturday, across London
Play a round at the new Swingers
After killing it in the city, crazy golf club Swingers have just opened their new site in the West End. Head over for more of the same but even better, with golf galore and plenty of cocktails. Try to tackle the Helter Skelter course and then tuck in to food from the likes of Patty & Bun, Made of Dough, Breddos Tacos & Hackney Gelato. We've been and it's very, very good fun.
Open now, 15 John Prince’s Street, W1G, swingersldn.com
Richard Alston Dance Company
The choreographer celebrates his 50-year career with a show that draws on the span of his work.
Saturday and Sunday,Sadler’s Wells, EC1, sadlerswells.com
Brief Encounter
“An appealing show that mixes larky charmwith unabashed romanticism.” ★★★★✩ Henry Hitchings
Until Sept 2, Empire Cinema,SW1, briefencounterwestend.com
AWOMENFest
The three-day feminist arts festival opens with a Friday- night welcome party featuring female mixes and jazz sets.
Friday, DIY Space for London, SE15, awomenfest.com
Br’er Cotton
“Visually bold, fiery dialogue, surging metaphors and questions about progress.” ★★★★✩ Henry Hitchings
Until March 31, Theatre 503, SW11, theatre503.com
Restival
Restival’s first London gathering brings an evening of East Indian and native American music and performance.
Friday, Re:Centre, W6, restivalglobal.com
The Other Art Fair
The Other Art Fair returns to historic Victoria House with works from 120 contemporary artists.
Until Sunday, Victoria House, WC1, theotherartfair.com
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Broadway star Adrienne Warren stars in the new musical about the legendary singer, which is in previews now.
Aldwych Theatre, WC2. Until Oct 20, tinathemusical.com