What's on in London: December 2024

Circus

Duck Pond, 19-30 December
Duck Pond splashes into the Southbank Centre with a cheeky spin on Swan Lake. Get ready for feathers, flippers, and loads of laughs as acrobatic swans and a rowdy duck army take over the stage. Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the talented Circa crew, it’s got all the essentials – daring stunts, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a big dose of circus magic. From a bumbling prince to aerial antics that’ll leave you gasping, the production is packed with surprises. Expect serious fun, loads of sparkle, and a fairytale like you’ve never seen before.
Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 3879 9555; duckpond.live)

Photography by Pia Johnson

THEATRE

Cyrano, 11 December-11 January
A fresh, funny, and tender take on the classic Cyrano story comes to Park Theatre. Virginia Gay’s version flips the script – Cyrano is now a fiercely witty woman, charming, eloquent, and hiding her insecurities behind dazzling wordplay. She’s drawn to Roxanne, who’s brilliant, beautiful, and unfortunately head-over-heels for Yan, a classic himbo with muscles to spare but not much else. Yan’s suddenly poetic, winning Roxanne’s heart with words that aren’t his own. In fact, they’re Cyrano’s, pouring her soul into every line. Directed by Clare Watson, this show is packed with music, romance, and hilarity – a perfect festive rom-com with a heart of gold, just the thing to warm up your winter nights.
Clifton Terrace, N4 (020 7870 6876; parktheatre.co.uk)

Cyrano What's On December Theatre

Photography by Mihaela Bodlovic

EXHIBITION

Versailles: Science and Splendour, 12 December-21 April
Opening this December is a must see exhibition where science and spectacle meet in the court of Louis XV. Think unexpected treasures – gilded microscopes, finely crafted timepieces, still-life paintings, and opulent sculptures that once filled the palace. And, for the first time in the UK, Louis XV’s rhinoceros makes an appearance, adding a touch of wild history to the mix. Visitors will also see the famous gardens from a new perspective and uncover stories of women whose contributions to science went largely untold. This exhibition peels back the layers of French royal lives, revealing how science became not just a pursuit but a tool of power, influence, and style.
Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 (0330 058 0058; sciencemuseum.org.uk)

Left: Le rhinocéros de Louis XV © MNHN – Agnès Latzoura,
Right: Optical microscope © Château de Versailles, Dist. RMN © Christophe Fouin

THEATRE

A Christmas Carol, Until 4 January
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a performance of this beloved Dickens classic at the Old Vic. This time, John Simm steps into the role of Scrooge for a festive season filled with tradition. Directed by Matthew Warchus, with Jack Thorne’s celebrated adaptation, we can expect a star-studded cast, including Rob Compton as Bob Cratchit, Jenny Fitzpatrick as Ghost of Christmas Present, and Kimmy Edwards as Mrs Cratchit. And the show will once again support a local cause – this year raising funds for the Waterloo Foodbank, just minutes from the theatre. Plus, a free streaming version will be available to care homes, spreading a bit of Christmas cheer to all.
The Cut, SE1 (0344 871 7628; oldvictheatre.com)

Photography by Hugo Glendinning

EXHIBITION

Marilyn, Until 23 February
Offering a deep dive into everything Monroe, this exhibition brings together 250 of the Hollywood icon’s personal artefacts, including costumes, vintage shoes, and her signature beauty essentials, as well as more intimate items like love letters, handwritten notes, and family photos. Visitors can explore pieces from Marilyn’s career-defining moments, such as memorabilia from her film projects in London and keepsakes from her meeting with Queen Elizabeth II. This is a thoughtful curation that looks past the glamour, offering a glimpse into her life’s complexity, from her transformation into a screen siren to her everyday routines, each piece providing a window into the woman behind the legend.
Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey Street, SE1 (marilynlondonbridge.co.uk)