OUR GUIDE TO MAY IN LONDON

May is when London starts to open up again. The evenings get longer, people stay out later, and there’s more going on across the city - from open-air theatre at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season to RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom bringing Chelsea into full bloom. We’re starting to look ahead to summer too. From June, Flute at Broadwick Soho will host El Fenn for a seasonal residency, introducing a Moroccan twist to the rooftop.

In the meantime, here’s what’s happening across London this May.

THEATRE

I’M SORRY PRIME MINISTER, APOLLO THEATRE | Ends 9th May

Sharp, very British political comedy and the final chapter of a cult favourite. Smart, dry, and an easy choice for a lighter evening.

SHADOWLANDS, ALDWYCH THEATRE | Ends 9th May

A short window to catch Hugh Bonneville on stage in this intimate revival of the C.S. Lewis story. Thoughtful and quietly moving, it’s one to book sooner rather than later.

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE | Starts 2nd May

London’s outdoor theatre season begins here. Opening with Sherlock Holmes, it’s one of the first real markers of summer - evenings under the trees, a drink in hand, and the city softening as the light fades.

MUSIC

RÜFÜS DU SOL (+ SG Lewis), O2 ARENA | Ends 13th May

Cinematic and immersive, with layered visuals and a crowd that’s very much there for the full experience. The kind of night that rarely ends there.

ZAYN MALIK: STAIRWAY TO THE SKY TOUR, O2 ARENA | 20-21st May

A rare return to a London stage, drawing a loyal, well-dressed crowd. Expect a slick production with a mix of nostalgia and new material.

DOJA CAT: TOUR MA VIE, O2 AREA | 29th May

High energy, bold visuals and a full-scale production. One for those after something unapologetically theatrical.

EVENTS & exhibitions

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW & CHELSEA IN BLOOM | 19-23rd May

London steps into summer. Beyond the show gardens, the surrounding streets transform into a full floral takeover — cafés, shopfronts and hotels all part of it. Worth wandering even without a ticket.

PHOTO LONDON, SOMERSET HOUSE | 13-17th May

A polished mix of international galleries, collectors and talks, all set within one of London’s most striking courtyards. Ideal for an afternoon that blends culture with a good lunch nearby.

LONDON COFFEE FESTIVAL, BRICK LANE | 14–17th May

Coffee, cocktails and DJs with an easy, social energy. A natural drift from daytime tastings into something more lively as the evening sets in.