OUR GUIDE TO OCTOBER IN LONDON
October has London very firmly back in action. Frieze London and Frieze Masters return to Regent’s Park, with the art world spilling out across the city, while closer to home Beefbar at Dear Jackie is now in full swing and Live at Flute keeps the midweek evenings going on the rooftop. Elsewhere, the Bayeux Tapestry makes its long-awaited return to England at the British Museum, with tickets already proving suitably elusive, while Black History Month brings a month-long programme of exhibitions, music, talks and celebrations across the capital. And that’s before October’s theatre, film, exhibitions and live music get involved.
THEATRE
MAN TO MAN | Tilda Swinton at the Royal Court
Tilda Swinton returns to the London stage in Man to Man, reprising the role that helped establish her career nearly four decades ago. Manfred Karge’s solo play follows a woman who assumes her late husband’s identity and job in inter-war Germany, with Swinton returning to the Royal Court for her first UK stage performance in more than 30 years. Ends 24 October.
THELMA & LOUISE | Young Vic
Ridley Scott’s cult road movie gets a new musical life at the Young Vic, with original songs by Neko Case. The stage adaptation brings Thelma and Louise’s escape, friendship and rebellion back into focus, this time with a distinctly alt-country soundtrack. Ends 24 October.
FROM THE HEART | Garrick Theatre
A short West End run celebrating lyricist Don Black, whose catalogue includes Sunset Boulevard, Tell Me on a Sunday and five James Bond themes. Clive Rowe, Caroline O’Connor and Michael D. Xavier lead a mix of familiar songs and new material inspired by the cabaret world that first shaped Black’s career. Ends 18 October.
EVENTS & exhibitions
FRIEZE WEEK | Regent’s Park
For five days, Regent’s Park becomes the centre of London’s art world as Frieze London and Frieze Masters return with galleries, artists and collectors from across the globe. Contemporary work at Frieze London sits alongside art spanning centuries at Frieze Masters, with Broadwick Soho’s Frieze Art Retreat bringing the week back to Soho. From 14–18 October.
TIM WALKER’S FAIRYLAND | National Portrait Gallery
One of the best ways to see a side of London that usually stays behind closed doors. Buildings and spaces across all 33 boroughs open to the public for free, from private homes to historic landmarks and pieces of standout contemporary architecture. Opens 9 October.
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL | Various locations
The BFI London Film Festival returns across the capital with premieres, screenings, talks and new work from filmmakers around the world. One of October’s biggest cultural fixtures, it takes over cinemas across London for a concentrated run of film, conversation and late-night screenings.
MUSIC
BACK TO BLACK 20 AMY WINEHOUSE | Roundhouse
Twenty years after Back to Black, Amy Winehouse’s defining album returns to Camden for a special anniversary performance at the Roundhouse. Original producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi join Amy’s band alongside guest vocalists including Jorja Smith, Yebba, Lianne La Havas, Corinne Bailey Rae and FLO. Ends 21 October.
THE STROKES | The O2
The Strokes return to London for two nights at The O2, joined by Fat White Family and Alex Cameron. A very good excuse to revisit one of the bands that helped define early-2000s New York rock, now on an arena-sized scale. Ends 7th October.
TYLA THE A*POP WORLD TOUR | O2 Academy Brixton
Tyla brings her APOP World Tour to Brixton for two nights following the release of her second album. Expect the South African artist’s mix of amapiano, pop and R&B in a venue that suits her considerably better than an enormous arena. Ends 16 October.