OUR GUIDE TO JANUARY IN LONDON

January is a good month to be in London. The crowds thin out, tickets are easier to come by, and the city’s cultural calendar is full of exhibitions, theatre and festivals reaching their final weeks. From Broadwick Soho, it’s all close - galleries, screenings, late dinners and neighbourhood bars - with plenty still happening, just at a calmer pace.

THEATRE

TWELFTH NIGHT, BARBICAN | Until January 17th

This reworking of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night leans into the play’s humour and emotional undercurrent, balancing romance with sharp comic timing. Smartly staged and well-paced, it’s a short January run that’s easy to miss if you leave it too late.

SUNNY AFTERNOON, ALEXANDRA PALACE THEATRE | Until January 31st

The Olivier Award-winning musical telling the story of The Kinks, packed with sharp storytelling and a soundtrack of British rock classics. A final chance to catch it before the curtain comes down at Ally Pally.

BENGAL THE TIGER AT BAGHDAD ZOO, YOUNG VIC THEATRE | Until January 31st

A powerful, darkly comic play by Rajiv Joseph, set in wartime Iraq and narrated by an unlikely observer. Urgent, political and thought-provoking - one to see before it closes.

events

LONDN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL | Until January 31st

One of London’s most exciting creative festivals, celebrating bold independent cinema. Screenings, talks and late-night events take place across the city, including several Soho venues.

LONDON ART FAIR, BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE | From January 21st until 24th

The first major art fair of the year, bringing together leading galleries, emerging artists and curated talks. A focused five-day snapshot of the contemporary art scene.

WINTER LIGHTS, CANARY WHARF | From January 2Oth until 31st

A free outdoor light festival featuring large-scale installations, digital artworks and illuminated sculptures. Best experienced after dark, and only here for a short January window.

art & exhibitions

GILBERT & GEORGE, HAYWARD GALLERY | Until January 11th

A major exhibition from the iconic duo, showcasing decades of provocative, colourful and unmistakably British work. Last chance to see it before it closes.

CECIL BEATON’S FASHIONABLE WORLD, NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY | Until January 11th

An elegant look at Beaton’s influence on fashion, photography and celebrity culture, featuring portraits, designs and archival material from across his career.

SECRET MAPS, BRITISH LIBRARY | Until January 18th

An exhibition exploring hidden, imaginative and subversive maps from around the world - revealing how cartography can shape power, identity and storytelling.