What to see and do in the Capital this October

Exhibition

MARILYN – The Exhibition, 18 October – 23 February 2025
The UK premiere of MARILYN – The Exhibition at Arches London Bridge offers a rare glimpse into the private world of Marilyn Monroe. This exclusive collection, curated from Ted Stampfer’s archive of 250 extraordinary objects, showcases Monroe’s iconic style and life, from love letters and famous outfits to makeup, shoes, and personal accessories. The exhibition traces her journey from Norma Jeane Baker to Hollywood legend, with highlights including memorabilia from her 1956 London ventures, her meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, and items from her groundbreaking career, offering a fresh perspective on an enduring pop culture icon.
The Arches, London Bridge,  www.marilynlondonbridge.co.uk. 

Theatre

Well Walk Theatre, 12 October – 3 November
Last month, Hampstead welcomed a new cultural gem – and it is nothing short of magical. Nestled in one of the area’s most picturesque spots, this family-owned venue is set to become a vibrant community hub, offering an array of performances from puppet shows to magic acts, all within a beautifully restored Victorian building. With its intimate 50-seat auditorium, the theatre promises a unique and immersive experience. Don’t miss the enchanting Petit Pierre Halloween Show: The 666 Sausages – a spooky, glove-puppet adventure perfect for the little ones. Running on weekends throughout the month, it’s the ideal way to dive into the Halloween spirit in north London’s newest theatrical hotspot.
49 Willow Road, NW3 (020 3951 1465; thewellwalktheatre.com)

© Ollo Weguelin

Theatre

LAPADA, 22 – 27 October
This month, London’s premier art and antiques fair sees its welcome return. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this year’s event promises to be a standout, featuring over 80 world-class exhibitors, including fresh faces for 2024. Expect a dazzling array of treasures, from fine art and jewellery to Samurai artefacts and Impressionist masterpieces. The fair coincides with the close of the Capital’s art season, making it the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts ahead of the upcoming festivities. Don’t miss the newly launched LAPADA Fringe, celebrating Mayfair’s vibrant culture. This is a must-visit for seasoned collectors and newbies alike.
Berkeley Square, W1J (lapadalondon.com)

London’s premier art and antiques fair

Exhibition

Haegue Yang: Leap Year, 9 October – 5 January 2025
Known for her boundary-pushing work, the internationally acclaimed Korean artist explores themes of cross-cultural exchange, modernism, and personal histories through a multifaceted practice that spans installation, sculpture, collage, and more. The Hayward Gallery presents five thematic zones, featuring three major new commissions alongside iconic works like Yang’s Venetian blind installations and Sonic Sculptures. Visitors can expect an immersive sensory experience, too, with artworks that transform everyday objects into thought-provoking pieces. An unmissable opportunity to engage with her visionary world.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 (southbankcentre.co.uk)

Music

Tatiana Eva-Marie, 9 October – 5 January 2025
Over the summer, Soho’s legendary jazz club Ronnie Scott’s underwent a stunning refurbishment, marrying its historic charm with modern elegance. The refreshed interiors retain the club’s signature intimacy, now enhanced with plush seating, improved acoustics, and a revamped bar area. And, they have an exciting line-up to celebrate the makeover, including the enchanting Tatiana Eva-Marie for a special Sunday lunchtime performance. Known for her spellbinding vocals and rich blend of musical influences, Tatiana’s style draws from her French and Romanian-Gypsy roots, the vibrant Parisian art scene of the 1920s to 60s, and the soulful rhythms of New Orleans. Not to be missed.
47 Frith Street, W1D (020 7439 0747; ronniescotts.co.uk)

Theatre

Witness for the Prosecution, until September 28, 2025
Since 2017 Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution has captured the imagination of audiences gripped by the case of Leonard Vole, accused of murder in cold blood. The show is more popular than ever with almost every show selling out. Director Lucy Bailey thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action as Christie’s enthralling tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.  The twists and turns of the case are played out in a spectacular courtroom setting inside the atmospheric London County Hall as prosecution battles defence and witnesses take the stand to give their shocking testimonies. The production received Best Revival nominations at the 2018 Olivier and WhatsOnStage Awards.  A twelfth cast has recently been announced and takes the show into its eighth year.
Belvedere Road, London SE1 7GP (witnesscountyhall.com)