What's on in London: April 2025

EXHIBITION

Tuesday Riddell: Through the Brambles, 2 April – 3 May
Darkly enchanting and rich with detail, Tuesday Riddell’s lacquer paintings transport viewers into a world where nature teeters on the edge of reality and fantasy. Using the centuries old technique of Japanning, she meticulously layers black lacquer, gold leaf, and paint to create otherworldly forest scenes – think flickering fireflies, twisting brambles, and woodland creatures caught in a moment of drama. There’s something theatrical about Riddell’s work, too, with light and shadow playing a key role in drawing the eye deeper into each piece, and this latest collection offers a glimpse into her intricate craft. If you’re drawn to storytelling through texture and technique, this one’s well worth a visit.
Messums London, 28 Cork Street, W1S (020 7437 5545; messums.org)

FESTIVAL

Multitudes, 23 April – 3 May
From circus and spoken word to grime and immersive soundscapes, Southbank Centre is shaking up the classical music scene. This multi-faceted programme redefines what an orchestral experience can be – expect boundary-pushing performances, including a collaboration between Circa and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra joining forces with George the Poet, and a grime-meets-symphony première from Punch Records and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Elsewhere, The Multi- Story Orchestra transforms the Hayward Gallery into a sonic installation, while Huang Ruo’s City of Floating Sounds sends music rippling through the city. Purists look away, this festival is rewriting the rulebook.
Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7452 3961; southbankcentre.co.uk)

THEATRE

Scenes from a Repatriation, 25 April – 24 May
Who owns history? A 1,000-year-old statue sits in The British Museum. When its origins come into question, so does everything else. Joel Tan’s latest work unpacks the tangled politics, personal stories, and ghosts lurking behind cultural artefacts. Directed by experimental theatre duo emma + pj, the play shifts between past and present as power, history, and ownership collide. With a cast including Kaja Chan, Aidan Cheng, Fiona Hampton and Sky Yang, this Royal Court commission brings sharp storytelling and striking visuals to the stage.
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, SW1W (020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com)

THEATRE

Speed, 4 April – 17 May
A nurse, a delivery driver, and an entrepreneur walk into a speed awareness course – what could possibly go wrong? Blue Mist writer Mohamed-Zain Dada’s latest project explores the frustrations, secrets, and buried anger bubbling beneath the surface of modern life. Directed by Milli Bhatia, the world première at Bush Theatre sees an impressive cast – including Nikesh Patel, Arian Nik, Shazia Nicholls, and Sabrina Sandhu – navigate a seemingly routine class that quickly spirals into something far more explosive. Expect razor-sharp dialogue, biting humour, and a deep dive into the messy emotions that keep us all in the fast lane.
7 Uxbridge Road, W12 (020 8743 5050; bushtheatre.co.uk)

MUSICAL

The Great Gatsby, 11 April – 7 September
Jazz Age glamour comes to the West End, as this much-anticipated new musical takes over the Coliseum. Fresh from a sold-out US première and a successful Broadway run, the production brings roaring twenties excess to the stage with a sweeping score, striking choreography, and a seriously impressive cast. Directed by Marc Bruni (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), with music and lyrics by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel explores ambition, illusion, and lost love against a backdrop of Champagne-soaked revelry. Expect a grand setting, an electric score, and a story that still captivates a century on.
St. Martin’s Lane, WC2N (020 7845 9300; londongatsby.com)