BALLET

Resurgence, 11-14 September
London City Ballet’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Sadler’s Wells run comes off the back of a whirlwind UK and international tour that took in China and Portugal – before heading stateside. Resurgence is a programme of acclaimed works, with highlights including Ashley Page’s Larina Waltz, celebrating the ballet’s 30th anniversary, and the premiere of Five Dances by Olivier Award-winner Arielle Smith. Christopher Marney’s Eve, which premiered at Sadler’s Wells in 2022, and the revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s Ballade, unseen in Europe for over 50 years, round out the programme. Expect a dynamic new company of 14 dancers of nine nationalities, blending seasoned principal artists with rising homegrown stars.
Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com) 

EXHIBITION

Foraged, 14-28th September
Marylebone art space SoShiro collaborates with Estonian design studio Heiter X as part of this month’s London Design Festival. The immersive exhibition intertwines sustainable design, art, and culinary memory, inviting guests to experience a sensory journey through interactive edible landscapes. Featuring meditative spaces, soundscapes, and scents, the exhibition aims to spark conversations on conscious consumption and food waste. Heiter X’s Terra Firma concept sees the table landscape evolving with nature, integrating growth and transformation, while Protopia Collective brings together designers, artists, and food innovators. Delectable.
SoShiro Gallery, 23 Welbeck Street, W1G (020 7618 9890; soshiro.co)

THEATRE

Our Country’s Good, 5 September – 5 October
This production of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Olivier Award-winning Our Country’s Good, Aliyah Odoffin plays Duckling Smith/ Lt.George Johnston Olivier Huband plays Caesar/Capt. Watkin Tench winning classic forms part of artistic director Rachel O’Riordan’s successful 2024 programme at the Lyric. The play revisits the true story of Australia’s first penal colony and offers an authentic portrayal of Australia’s First Nations People. O’Riordan says: “ is a visceral story that reminds us of not only the dark history of the British Empire and Australia’s first penal colony, but also explores the morality of our justice systems… Collaborating with Timberlake alongside Ian Michael, our show’s First Nation consultant, has been an incredible joy and I am honoured to bring this ensemble piece to life in this contemporary and bold revival.” Unmissable.
Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 (020 8741 6850; lyric.co.uk)

Aliyah Odoffin plays Duckling Smith/Lt.George Johnston;
Olivier Huband plays Caesar/Capt. Watkin Tench

THEATRE

Giant, 20 September-16 November
Mark Rosenblatt’s daring new play sees its world premiere at the Royal Court this September. It is the summer of 1983, Roald Dahl’s The Witches is about to launch, but the backlash from his recent antisemitic article lingers. Over a single afternoon at his home, the renowned children’s author faces an explosive confrontation, forcing a choice: make a public apology or risk his legacy. Inspired by true events, Giant uses dark humour to explore the fine line between opinion and dangerous rhetoric, painting a complex portrait of a charismatic icon. Elliot Levey, who plays publisher Tom Maschler says: “Rosenblatt’s new play couldn’t be more timely, brilliant and revelatory – it packs a punch. I’m thrilled to be coming along for the ride.”
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, SW1W (020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com)   

Rachael Stirling plays Felicity Crosland, Roald Dahl’s fiancée;
Elliot Levey plays publisher Tom Maschler

ART

Isabella Watling: Portraits, 5-8 September
Trained at Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence, Watling draws inspiration from Titian, Velázquez, and Sargent. She remains dedicated to traditional portraiture, creating vibrant, life-like paintings under natural light and has been shortlisted for the National Portrait Gallery’s Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024. Watling’s solo exhibition offers a rare glimpse into her studio and an intimate look at her artistry, showcasing 25 powerful oil paintings. Combining old master techniques with contemporary fashion, each piece is painted from life using the sight-size method, featuring subjects in exquisite garments with classical beauty and an earthy palette.
St Paul’s Studios, 139 Talgarth Road, W14 (isabellawatling.com) 

Portrait of Alessandro 50x60cm, Isabella Watling

EXHIBITION

Spectrum, 27 August-30 September
Hart Shoreditch is excited to announce its partnership with the creative design consultancy, 2LG Studio, for London Design Festival 2024. Together, they will present SPECTRUM, an immersive installation inspired by ‘Colour Stories,’ which explores diversity and inclusivity through the emotional power of colour. The exhibition, open to the public, will feature a mix of 3D-printed works, plant-based upholstery, digital video projections, spoken word performances, and music. This multi-sensory experience will transform key areas of the hotel, including the lobby, stairwell, and lounge, inviting guests to connect emotionally with the space and reflect on the personal meaning of colour. Spectrum events include:

– ‘Crafting a design narrative through colour’ Workshop, 14th September, 11am- 12.30pm. Book here
– Panel Event, 17^thSeptember, 4pm. Book here
– Launch Party, 17th September at 6pm. Book here
– ‘Breathing in Colour’ Workshop, 21st September.

‘SPECTRUM’ LDF Exhibition at Hart Shoreditch will take place from 27th August – 30th September 2024. Nightly rates at Hart Shoreditch start from £207 on a room-only basis. For more information or to book please visit hartshoreditch.com or call 020 3995 3655

Designers Jordan Cluroe and Russel Whitehead

THEATRE

Matilda the Musical, now until 24 May 2026
The multi-award-winning production of Matilda The Musical is now booking through to 24 May 2026 with tickets for the new dates now on sale at www.matildathemusical.com.   Now in its 13^th year in London and continuing to play to packed houses at the Cambridge Theatre, some new cast members are joining the team. As previously announced, Angelica Scott joins Anna Deikalo, Ava Posniak and Sophia Saravanan in the title role from 10 September.  The new cast who have joined the principal roles are Tiffany Graves as Mrs Wormwood, Neil McDermott as Mr Wormwood and Eve Norris as Miss Honey. Kieran Hill continues in the role of Miss Trunchbull.

A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production, about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination, has now won 101 international awards including 24 for Best Musical. As the production continues to play to packed houses in the West End, Matilda The Musical has been seen by 12 million people across 100 cities worldwide.

Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street London WC2H 9HU, (www.matildathemusical.com)