What to see and do in the Capital this June.
EXHIBITIONS
DIVA – 24 June – 7 April ’24
Prima donnas assemble: this is an unapologetic celebration of some of the world’s best loved divas, from opera goddesses to silent movie stars, big screen sirens and today’s most glittering performers. Expect a voyeuristic deep dive typical of the V&A with over 250 pieces spanning fashion, photography, costume, music, design and more.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 (020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk)
Whitney Houston performing at Wembley Arena, London 5 May 1988. Photograph by David Corio
New Designers 28 June-1 July and 5-8 July
Hailed as the mother of all grad shows, New Designers showcases the most innovative and exciting emerging talent across fashion, furniture design, textiles, illustration and so much more. This year’s line-up includes ND Educates, an inspired programme of talks and workshops, and a must for anyone with more than a passing interest in design.
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, N1 (020 7288 6475; businessdesigncentre. co.uk)
PUBLIC ART
Kensington + Chelsea Art Week 22 June-2 July,
At least 100 venues are expected to take part in this borough-wide exhibition of public art installations, exhibitions, murals, art tours, events and talks. Now in its 6th edition, K&C’s Art Week is refreshingly free and open to all. 2023’s theme is The Art of Change with key locations including Sloane Street, Lots Road, Napoleon Garden, and Kensington Memorial Park. Immerse yourself in art.
Various venues (kcaw.co.uk)
Barnaby Barford, This Earth of Majesty, Holland Park. Photograph: Bea Campbell
THEATRE
Robin Hood: The Legend. ReWritten 17 June-22 July
Think you know the story of Nottingham’s most notorious? Think again. Writer Carl Grose and director Melly Still shake up the beloved English folk tale with a brand new production that promises humour, heart, and a forest full of secrets. And where better to see it than in Regent’s Park’s own wooded hideaway?
Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 (0333 400 3562; openairtheatre.com)
FESTIVAL
Marylebone Summer Festival 10-11 June
June sees the return of Marylebone’s much-loved summer romp, a weekend dedicated to fun in the sun – the former being pretty much guaranteed, if not the latter. Festival-goers will be treated to live music performances, food and fashion stalls, a dog show, al fresco dining, plus an open-air cinema with special screenings of Elvis and Encanto.
Marylebone Village, W1U (marylebonevillage.com)
FRESH & UNBOXED WEEKENDER
Summer starts at Spitalfields 1-4 June
Spitalfields, the vibrant East London gateway to Shoreditch and Brick Lane, is launching the summer season with the Fresh & Unboxed Weekender, taking place Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 June. The four-day Weekender will be the first in a series of events to unveil the destination’s brand new look after 18 months of renovations, bringing together the area’s independent shops and restaurants and celebrating its community.
The Weekender will also introduce London’s newest food hub on Lamb Street. Joining Spitalfields’ already exciting independent collective are nine exciting food operators; including Italian superstars the Pizza Guys, who are launching their first ever branch in the UK.
Spitalfields, E1 (spitalfields.co.uk)
EXHIBITION
The Connor Brothers – Truth or Dare? 7 June
Part nostalgic homage, part irreverent pastiche, Truth or Dare revisits Fifties-style pulp fiction covers to make a playful statement about art, literature and liberation. The show’s title reflects the pair’s fascination with truth and (pulp) fiction, which runs through their life and art. They famously began their careers as a fiction, under the guise of twins who had survived a Californian cult and made sense of the world through their art.
The new exhibition will unveil six, brand new literary art pieces, showcasing their hard-hitting combination of contemporary satire and retro design. The pieces will be available in Giclée editions, unique hand-coloured prints, hand-painted vintage books and originals in assorted sizes and colours.
Clarendon Fine Art, 46 Dover St, W1S (clarendonfineart.com)
