This Is London - December

65 Years Celebrating the Capital
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3
CONTENTS
Events 4
The Magic of Christmas
Dick Whittington at the National Theatre
Music 6
Film Premiere from Globe Theatre
Tim Minchin’s Debut Studio Album
Active London 8
Sweaty Betty
Exhibitions 10
JR: Chronicles at Saatchi Gallery
The National Gallery Christmas Events
Theatre 12
Tall Stories: Gruffalo Online
Les Mis – The Staged Concert
Dining 14
The Little Pasta Company
Proprietor Julie Jones
Associate Publisher Beth Jones
Editorial Lucie Henry Eleanor Collett Harry Osborn
© This is London Magazine Limited
This is London at the Olympic Park
Stour Space, 7 Roach Road,
Fish Island, London E3 2PA
Telephone: 020 7434 1281
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Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this
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accept responsibility for any damage, errors or
omissions, however these may be caused.
All information listed in the magazine is correct at the
time of writing, but is subject to change. Please check
before you travel.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Emergencies 999 Police Ambulance Fire
24 Hour A & E 020 8746 8000
National Health Service 111 Help Line
Dentistry 0808 155 3256
Visit London 020 7234 5833
REUNITED SERIES OF CONCERTS
More than 2 dozen stars of the UK stage will perform in the Reunited Series
of four filmed ensemble concerts, premiering weekly from 3 – 21 December
on theatre discovery platform Thespie, developed by Thespie’s Creative
Producer Aimie Atkinson.
The concerts are designed to inspire global theatre audiences, by bringing
the UK’s best musical theatre talent directly to their homes this holiday
season. The artists collectively represent over two and a half centuries of
experience on UK stages; their recent credits include The Prince of Egypt,
Pretty Woman, SIX, & Juliet, Come From Away, Wicked, The Phantom of the
Opera, Les Misérables, and Kinky Boots.
The series begins with the premiere of Unlimited: The Songs of Stephen
Schwartz on 3 December at 20.00 GMT, a celebration of the famed composer’s
works including Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, Children of Eden, and The Prince
of Egypt, Schwartz’s newest musical. The nine artists in the concert (Nikki
Bentley, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Alexia Khadime, Melanie La Barrie, Carl
Man, Dianne Pilkington, Liam Tamne, Oliver Tompsett) all starred in Wicked
during its first 14 years in London, and two (Khadime, Tamne) are in the
current cast of The Prince of Egypt.
Oops!... I Streamed It Again... premieres on 10 December, a high-energy
concert of favourite classic pop, rock, and musical theatre songs. The concert
is performed by five artists who met as part of the original company of the UK
musical & Juliet: Jordan Luke Gage, Tim Mahendran, Grace Mouat, Oliver
Tompsett, and 2020 Olivier Award Winner Cassidy Janson.
Next, is the return of the artists from The Reunion, with an empowering
concert of songs by famous girl bands through the decades: Girl Power
premieres 17 December. Expect the tight harmonies and true sisterhood vibes
that these artists have come to be known for since they first met as the
original West End queens of the musical SIX.
Finally, the fourth instalment of the Reunited Series arrives on 21 December.
All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre is a love letter to the tradition of seeing
theatre with those you love during the holiday season. More than three dozen top
UK theatre artists are lending their talents to this special concert, featuring classic
Christmas songs of all styles.
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

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ZSL London Zoo.
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT
ZSL LONDON ZOO
Sprinkle some much-needed magic
over Christmas this year, by journeying
through the animal kingdom to celebrate
the season in the open air of ZSL London
Zoo. After spending the past few weeks
preparing a colourful outdoor Christmas
celebration, the zoo is ready to lift
everyone’s spirits by offering a safe and
festive day out this Christmas season.
Children of all ages will be able
to journey through the animal kingdom
and surround themselves with The
Magic of Christmas during a trip to the
outdoor attraction – helping write the
animals’ wish lists, spotting Santa as he
visits the animals and enjoying the
Zoo’s brightly-decorated Christmas trees
and twinkly animal light sculptures.
Look forward to dashing through
the Zoo’s very own fairy-lit festive
wonderland, where little ones can become
elves-in-training, following a brand
new self-guided trail to find out what their
favourite animals want for Christmas.
Prepare to feast on festive food and
wrap up warm to climb aboard the Zoo’s
famous carousel, before sending letters
to Santa at the Zoo’s express postbox –
checked by the man himself every day as
he visits the animals. Bring your letters
and watch out for Santa popping up
throughout the day to say hi.
With 36 acres of nature and wildlife to
explore, ZSL London Zoo is set to be the
perfect place for a guaranteed family day
out this Christmas.
Book tickets in advance online at
www.zsl.org.uk/magicofchristmas
DICK WHITTINGTON IN-THE-ROUND
For one year only, pantomime is
coming to the National Theatre. Jude
Christian and Cariad Lloyd’s hilarious
and heartfelt version of Dick Whittington,
first staged at Lyric Hammersmith in
2018 and freshly updated for 2020, will
open in the socially distanced Olivier
theatre on the 11 December. Directed by
Ned Bennett, this wild and inventive
production explores what it is like to
come from a small town and arrive in a
big city today, exploring the ideas of
community and togetherness.
The next show to open as part of the
Olivier in-the-round season in February
is Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart.
Directed by Dominic Cooke, Kramer’s
largely autobiographical play about the
AIDS crisis in 1980 New York has not
been performed professionally in
London since its European premiere in
1986. Ben Daniels will perform the role
of Ned Weeks, the co-founder of an
AIDS advocacy group fighting to change
the world around him, with Danny Lee
Wynter as Tommy Boatwright, Daniel
Monks as Mickey Marcus and Stanley
Townsend as Ben Weeks.
Dick Whittington at The National Theatre.
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

FESTIVE WISHES FROM THE SAVOY
One of London’s most celebrated
hotels is launching a Christmas
collaboration, Festive Wishes from The
Savoy, which will grant wishes
rewarding kindness, and in doing so
support two key charities. The stunning
Thames-side hotel is asking everyone to
nominate a friend or family member who
has been particularly kind or helpful in
2020 for the chance to gift them a
unique Savoy experience of their choice.
Making a wish requires a minimum
donation of £5 with proceeds being
shared equally between two charities that
are particularly important to The Savoy;
Hospitality Action, that supports
hospitality workers suffering hardship
and The Connection at St Martin in the
Fields, who help the homeless
community in and around the Strand.
Wishes can be made either virtually
or in person, and the hotel is
encouraging everyone to really think
what wonderful Savoy experience their
kindest friends might like to receive.
Potential wishes could include enjoying
classic Savoy experiences such as
afternoon tea in Thames Foyer, or an
evening of cocktails at the Beaufort Bar.
Alternatively they could be the chance to
learn skills or insight from the Savoy’s
talented team. Any experience or service
that the Savoy team offer in their day to
day line of work within the iconic hotel
is a possible wish.
Nominations can be made online at
www.savoychristmas.com/wishes or in
person once the hotel re-opens.
When The Savoy starts welcoming
leisure guests from 3 December, it will
do so bedecked in festive decorations
at the centre of which will be a golden
Well of Wishes, into which visitors can
drop their wishes personally if they
would like. In addition, the hotel will be
buzzing with an exciting partnership
with English sparkling wine producer,
Nyetimber and, at the hotel’s heart in
Thames Foyer, friends and families will
be reuniting for the most joyous festive
afternoon tea, while behind the scenes
chefs will be preparing delicious
seasonal menus for the most indulgent
celebrations.
For more about The Savoy’s festive
plans, visit: www.savoychristmas.com
MERLIN ATTRACTIONS RE-OPEN
FOR SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
Merlin Entertainments is bringing
festive joy back to the capital this
December as its five famous London
attractions reopen in time for Christmas,
with an array of seasonal activities.
There will be something for everyone in
the family to enjoy this Christmas at the
popular landmark attractions.
At the world-famous Baker Street,
visitors to Madame Tussauds London can
attend the most glamorous Christmas
Party in town – rubbing shoulders with
A List superstars as they head down the
red carpet at the attraction’s brand-new
Awards Party Zone.
Those who need a break from
Christmas shopping can step on-board
the London Eye and enjoy spectacular
views from 135m above the city, or head
below the South Bank to SEA LIFE
London Aquarium. There guests can
stop and wish season’s greetings to the
adorable colony of gentoo penguins
(pictured) and experience spell-binding
jellyfish, shark and seahorses.
At Shrek’s Adventure! London, little
ones can help Father Christmas find
presents hidden around the attraction
and even sit down for a socially
distanced meet and greet with the big
man himself. Further along the South
Bank, The London Dungeon is
promising to give visitors a frightful
experience this festive season.
See www.merlinentertainments.biz
for more information on the December
re-openings or to book, and follow on
Twitter @MerlinEntsNews
5
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

6
SANDI TOKSVIG STARS IN FILM
PREMIERE FROM GLOBE THEATRE
This December, national treasure
Sandi Toksvig will be bringing laughter,
carols and the joy of Christmas from the
Globe Theatre in an online film premiere
of Christmas at the (Snow) Globe from
21 December. To help share the
Christmas cheer with as many people
as possible, the Globe are offering all
UK care homes and children's hospitals
Christmas at the (Snow) Globe.
This film is based on the 2019
production which was written
and directed by Sandi Toksvig and
Jenifer Toksvig. For a decade, Sandi was
a familiar voice for BBC Radio
4 listeners as the chair of The News Quiz
which led to her induction into the Radio
Hall of Fame. Much of Sandi’s time is
devoted to writing, with more than 20
fiction and non-fiction books for
children and adults to her credit. Pip
Broughton joins to direct this film
adaptation which will be available until
5 January, runs at approximately 45
minutes, and is being shot on location at
the Globe, currently closed to the public.
A child stands in our wooden ‘O’
waiting for the show to begin but
something’s not quite right. The theatre
is bare. Where are the players, the
audience and stewards? Fear not – the
Snow Globe gang are not going to let
anything stop them from giving the
child, and everyone at home the gift of
theatre, especially at Christmastime! Pull
on a festive jumper, gather your loved
ones as close as social distancing will
allow, and watch the company restore
the magic of Christmas.
Online audiences across the world
will be invited to don their best ugly
Christmas jumper, pour a mug of
eggnog and join the Globe on Twitter
@The_Globe for some festive cheer with
the #snowglobe Christmas watch party
from 18.30 on 21 December.
Throughout December, the Globe is
releasing a free advent calendar with a
daily dose of advent joy full of festive
food, fun, song and stories: including
‘Amazing Peace’ by Maya Angelou read by
Dona Croll and ‘Twas The Night Before
Christmas’ performed by Sophie Stone.
FREEMASONS’ HALL VIRTUAL
ORGAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Freemasons are organising their
first virtual Organ Concert, to take place
on 9 December at 19.00. The event
aims to showcase the magnificent
Willis Pipe Organ, and will be streamed
from the majestic Grand Temple in
Freemasons’ Hall, an Art Deco
masterpiece built in 1933.
The virtual audience will be able to
watch Christopher Stokes, the present
Senior Organist at the Freemasons, and
organist and Master of the Choristers at
Manchester Cathedral. He previously
held posts as organist and Master of
Music at St Martin-in-the-Fields in
Trafalgar Square, and director of music
at St Margaret's, Westminster Abbey.
Mr Stokes is a renowned soloist, but has
also appeared with numerous orchestras
including the Hallé Orchestra, the
Manchester Camerata, the Northern
Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of
the Golden Age.
To participate in the event, members
of the public can book for free via
bit.ly/FMH-Concert-Dec-2020
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

Photo: Damian Bennett.
You’ve moved around a fair amount
in your life, where would you say
you feel most at home?
This is the million dollar question!
Sarah and I really don’t know where our
home is. Obviously Perth is our home
town, and I’m perhaps most ‘in my skin’
there. But London feels like home to the
theatre-me (which is a big part) and it was
where our kids were born, and where we
made amazing ‘baby-friends’. But we
also really miss our communities in
Melbourne and LA. Every place defines a
season of our lives, and we kinda grieve
for all of them. Which is sort of what
Summer Romance is about.
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TIM MINCHIN RELEASES DEBUT
STUDIO ALBUM ‘APART TOGETHER’
Following a special one-off concert
global livestream from Sydney’s iconic
Trackdown Studios, musician Tim
Minchin has released his debut studio
album ‘Apart Together’ via BMG. The new
record is a rich suite of disarmingly
honest story-songs written with Minchin’s
inimitable wistfulness and whim.
After some 20 years in the
entertainment industry, Tim has enjoyed
continued worldwide success as a
composer-lyricist, actor, writer, director
and comedian. But this 55-minute record
from Australia’s very own rock n roll nerd
is a stark reminder that Minchin remains
first and foremost a gifted and distinctive
singer-songwriter. He has spent the best
part of the past two years pouring his
considerable artistic energy into a globally
anticipated studio album.
THIS IS LONDON spoke to Tim about
his new project, and what made him
decide to take the plunge and release his
debut studio album.
You’ve worked in Music for many
years but ‘Apart Together' is your
first studio album, what made you
decide to release it now?
It’s the first time I’ve had a chance!
Since 2005, I’ve basically just been
running from project to project. I’ve
always wanted to record albums, but it’s
always the project that gets kicked down
the road, because all the other stuff is
always time sensitive.
I’m sure you’re missing the theatres
as much as we are, what do you
think makes live theatre so special?
When live theatre is good, and when
you are properly immersed in the
performances, the feeling of connection
you get to the story is unparalleled. It’s
visceral and transporting and
transformative. Performers being right in
front of you, and an audience sharing the
moment around you, and the sound and
lights and design allowing you to be
simultaneously in a theatre and in another
world... it’s a totally unique feeling.
Of the shows you’ve worked on,
which was the most challenging?
They’re all challenging in different
ways, but Larrikins was the hardest. I was
the key creative on a $90m movie, and
spent years trying to get the balance right.
I had to create what I thought was good
and funny and meaningful, plus I needed
to listen to and learn from executives who
were passionate and were trying to help,
whilst simultaneously trying to protect
myself and my artists, writers and crew
from executives whose vision was
reductive or reactive.
You recently held a global livestream
event, what was that like?
It was a lot of hard work and, in the
end, incredibly rewarding. People
responded exactly as we’d hoped – their
comments suggest that they were really
emotionally invested, and felt the
intimacy of the space. It also came up
looking and sounding heaps better than
any live recording I’ve ever done,
because we were in such a controllable
environment. And we sold a lot of
tickets, especially taking into account
that I wasn’t playing ‘old favourites’.
Apart Together is available to stream at
tim-minchin.lnk.to/ApartTogetherAlbumPR
The official artist store features exclusive
merchandise bundles and signed formats
including limited dual coloured vinyl.
Tim Minchin’s debut studio album
Apart Together is out now via BMG.
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

8
RUNNER’S NEED HEAD TORCHES
Running enthusiasts can explore the Runner’s Need range
of running head torches and lights so you can keep running
around the clock. Running lights are a safety essential for the
darker evenings and winter months, as they keep you seen by
drivers, cyclists and other path users. They also help you to
navigate rocky trails and uneven terrain as you run. Clip a
running light to your top, wear a head torch or secure a
flashing light to your backpack.
A light that easily fits into the pocket
of your running shorts or vest and is
virtually unnoticeable on your head,
the Black Diamond Sprint225 is purpose
built to power fast-paced morning runs
or post-work trail sessions. With 225
lumens on the max setting with an
average 2.5 hours of burn time, the
lithium ion battery is rechargeable via
USB, and the light’s storm proof IPX4
rating protects against rain and sleet
from any angle. RRP £100
BROOKS RUN VISIBLE COLLECTION
When the sun is down, it’s time to shine
with the new Run Visible Collection of
Brooks Running, experts in running
technology. Runners can run safely in the
dark with this new collection specifically
designed to keep you seen. The Brooks
Run Visible Collection consists of
performance running apparel and
accessories that allow you to be recognised
as a runner by a moving vehicle from up to
500 feet away. All products will be sold on
www.brooksrunning.co.uk.
In this fifth generation of the Silva
original running headlamp, they have
developed a new kind of technology where
the power cord is integrated into the
headband. Silva call it Free Technology –
a comfortable headlamp experience
without distracting cords or tangled wires.
No hassle, just free the energy. RRP £40.
Simple and compact, the
Tikka headtorch from Petzl offers 300
lumen brightness and a flood beam for
proximity lighting and some movement.
It is useful for outdoor activities such as
camping, hiking or when traveling.
The Tikka comes with 3 standard
batteries and is also compatible with the
CORE rechargeable battery, thanks to the
Hybrid Concept design. RRP £29.
This autumn, Brooks is introducing a
completely reimagined visibility collection.
The line was designed using insights from
vision science research with high-contrast,
high-visibility colours and 3M
Scotchlite Carbon Black reflectivity to
help runners stand out in the dark.
Brooks’ Run Visible gear maximizes the
ability of runners to be seen in motion.
Brooks’ neon Nightlife colour is one of the
most visible colours to the human eye in
low light. All the running gear is equipped
with reflective accents that are most useful
when they’re placed in high-motion zones.
The high-visibility material reflects the light
from a car’s headlights directly back toward
the driver.
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g

SWEATY BETTY CELEBRATES THE GIFT OF GIVING
At a time when many of us can’t be together, there has
never been a more important time to share words of love and
support. So this year, Sweaty Betty has created a Christmas
campaign that focuses on the Gift of Giving. To introduce the
campaign, the brand has partnered with inspirational women
to bring five messages of strength, confidence, love, warmth
and inspiration.
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THE ONLY OUTDOOR ICE RINK IN
AT THE QUEEN’S HOUSE
London’s most ‘instagrammable’ ice
rink is back for an unmissable skating
experience this festive season. Set against
the striking backdrop of the Queen’s
House, visitors will have the opportunity
to skate in the beautiful surrounds of a
UNESCO World Heritage site, and this
year the rink is even bigger.
New measures have been introduced
this year to make sure that everybody
can enjoy the ice rink safely. There will
be hygiene standards fit for royalty, with
enhanced cleaning regimes and hand
washing sanitation facilities available.
Meanwhile staggered skate sessions
will ensure fewer people on the ice at
any one time.
The Queen’s House ice rink is open
from 11.00 - 20.00 on off-peak days or
10.00 - 21.00 on peak days. What better
treat this Christmas than to skate in front
of the ‘House of delight’ built especially
for James I’s Queen? You will be able to
soak up the beautiful surroundings of
Greenwich Park, take in the spectacular
views across London and enjoy a hot
chocolate while watching the skaters at
the only outdoor ice rink in south
London this Christmas.
The 17th century Queen’s House,
designed by Inigo Jones, was the first
Classical building in England – it is
known for its perfectly proportioned
Great Hall, original marble floor and
beautiful Tulip staircase. The Queen’s
House has Scheduled Monument status
as it is a building of unique architectural
importance and forms an important part
of the UNESCO Maritime Greenwich
World Heritage Site.
Ayesha’s gift is strength. Obsessed
with action since she was a child,
Ayesha had always dreamed of being a
stunt woman. Aware of the lack of
representation of South Asian women,
Ayesha decided to break through
barriers and follow her dream of having
a career as a highly skilled weapons
performer. Now, she’s a stunt woman in
training, practicing six days a week,
mastering sports such as gymnastics,
martial arts, knife throwing, sword
fighting and much more.
Roxxxan’s gift is warmth. A fitness
fanatic, talented rap musician, proud
LGBT and activist. Roxxx passionately
fights for all women to be accepted for
who they are, showing kindness and
warmth to everyone, no matter what
their background is. She believes that
when you show kindness, warmth
radiates from your core. It can be all a
person needs to help them feel included
and accepted.
Jay Jay’s gift is confidence. A 23
year-old model and artist, who’s deeply
rooted to her family and south Sudanese
heritage. Jay Jay believes that you can
do anything you put your mind to, a
mantra she’s carried with her throughout
her life and something that’s been
central in achieving her first ever spread
in British Vogue earlier this year.
There are ideas for everyone this
Christmas at Sweaty Betty. Visit the
website at www.sweatybetty.com
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JR: Migrants, Mayra, Picnic across the border, Tecate, Mexico – U.S.A., 2017.
JR: CHRONICLES AT SAATCHI
GALLERY
From 28 January until 11 April,
Saatchi Gallery is presenting
JR: Chronicles, the largest solo museum
exhibition to date of the internationally
recognised French artist JR, featuring
some of his iconic projects from the past
fifteen years. Curated by Sharon Matt
Atkins and Drew Sawyer from the
Brooklyn Museum, JR: Chronicles traces
JR’s career from his early documentation
of graffiti artists as a teenager in Paris, to
his large-scale architectural interventions
in cities worldwide, to his recent digitally
collaged murals that create collective
portraits of diverse publics.
JR is a TED Prize winner, Oscar
nominated filmmaker, and one of Time’s
100 most influential people of 2018. He
has received critical acclaim for his global
art projects that bring together diverse
groups of participants and create dialogue
around critical social issues, from
women’s rights to immigration, to gun
control. JR spotlights communities across
the world by photographing individual
members of those communities and then
wheat pasting their images – sometimes
illegally – on a monumental scale usually
reserved for advertisements featuring
models, celebrities, and politicians.
For further information: visit
www.saatchigallery.com. Saatchi Gallery
is at Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd,
Chelsea, SW3 4RY.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
IMAX RE-OPENS
Following ten months
of closure to allow for a
major revamp, the Science
Museum’s popular IMAX
cinema returns to cement its
place as Europe’s leading
destination for film fans.
Bringing together IMAX
70mm film and nextgeneration
IMAX with Laser
alongside the museum’s
incredible objects, the newly
named IMAX: The Ronson Theatre will
present a unique and truly immersive
story-telling experience.
The Science Museum’s IMAX cinema
will be one of only two screens in
Europe to feature the very best of both
digital and analogue cinema, allowing
the museum to host newly-released
blockbusters, 3D educational films and
cinema classics as well as an array of
live events, all at the home of science
and technology. The design by Ellis
Williams Architects, who recently
completed a major refurbishment of the
Leicester Square Odeon, features
modern cinema seating for visitors to
enjoy films and events in maximum
comfort, while a new concessions area
will complete the cinema-going
experience with relaxed seating and
refreshments bar.
Opening on Wednesday 9 December,
the IMAX will launch with the UK
premiere of BBC Earth’s documentary,
Antarctica 3D narrated by Academy
Award®-nominated actor, Benedict
Cumberbatch.
Tickets are available to book at
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
IMAX: The Ronson Theatre at the Science Museum
© Science Museum Group
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MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE
NATIONAL GALLERY
For the first time, in 2020, Father
Christmas is making a very special
appearance at the National Gallery
during the festive season. During
selected days in December, children and
their parents or care-givers can go along
and meet Father Christmas with his
elves and step into a painter’s winter
wonderland inspired by the iconic
National Gallery painting A Winter Scene
with Skaters near a Castle by Hendrick
Avercamp (1585–1634).
Take a journey with the National
Gallery and get to know the characters in
Avercamp’s imaginary little town having
fun in this wintery scene: playing,
showing off, laughing or just falling
over, all overlooked by the luscious pink
castle that looks almost like a giant, iced
Christmas cake!
A Winter Scene with Skaters near a Castle.
Hendrick Avercamp (1585–1634)
There is also an opportunity to put
yourself in the painting and take photos
whilst exploring three life-size seasonal
scenes based on A Winter Scene with
Skaters near a Castle, including skaters,
Christmas trees and a sleigh. There will
be tasty treats in the Café to keep
everyone warm and toasty, and a gift
from Father Christmas for each child.
At the end of the event, take a trip to
Room 25 to see A Winter Scene with
Skaters near a Castle, and all the other
works in the National Gallery.
Find out more and book tickets at
www.nationalgallery.org.uk
THE BRITISH MUSEUM GREAT
COURT’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
The British Museum’s Great Court,
one of the most recognisable museum
interiors in the world, turns 20 on
6 December. To celebrate the Great
Court’s milestone, the British Museum
reveals that since it opened, 113 million
people have now walked under the
famous glass roof. The Museum has
also released brand new photos of the
Great Court at 20. Designed by
Foster + Partners, the Queen Elizabeth II
Great Court was opened by Her Majesty
The Queen on 6 December 2000. At the
opening ceremony, she hailed it as
‘a landmark of the new Millennium.’
Hartwig Fisher, Director of the British
Museum, said: ‘I am delighted that the
British Museum can reopen its doors in
time for the 20th anniversary of the Great
Court. This spectacular glass-roofed
courtyard has welcomed 113 million
people since the turn of the Millennium,
and it is the glorious starting point for
nearly every visitor. It is only fitting that
this space, which transformed the visitor
experience of this great institution,
should be welcoming people once again
on its 20th birthday.’
The Great Court is a two-acre space
enclosed by a spectacular glass roof
with the world-famous Reading Room in
the centre. It is the most photographed
space in the Museum on social media.
Before its construction, the central space
of the Museum was home to the British
Library, including in the central Round
Reading Room which was completed in
1857 and designed Sydney Smirke.
The Library’s departure in 1997 was the
catalyst for recapturing the courtyard as
a new public space at the heart of the
Museum. The £100m development was
the final major Millennium Commission
project to open in 2000. It was
supported by grants of £30 million from
the Millennium Commission and £15.75
million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Marking the 20th anniversary,
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive
Chairman, Foster + Partners, said: ‘The
rediscovery of the amazing courtyard of
the British Museum – the Great Court –
and its rebirth as a new social focus
followed what I have often called the
historic tradition of change, which
respects the past while steadfastly
reflecting the spirit of its own time.
The simple act of opening it up as the
spatial heart of the museum was a
catalyst in the Museum’s reinvigoration.
The celebration of its 20th anniversary
this year is a reflection of its success
and we join in congratulating the British
Museum for its foresight and vision.’
Tickets are now available to book for
acclaimed exhibitions Tantra:
enlightenment to revolution and the
Citi exhibition Arctic: culture and
climate, along with free tickets to the
permanent collection, where visitors can
still see Grayson Perry’s installation
The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman
and Edmund de Waal’s library of exile.
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Photo: Michael Le Poer Trench. Photo: Matt Crockett.
LES MIS – THE STAGED CONCERT
DATES EXTENDED
Performances are to begin on
5 December for Les Misérables –The
Staged Concert at the Sondheim Theatre.
Extra performances until 28 February have
also been added to enable the public who
have so far been unable to get tickets to
see the show. Public excitement for Les
Misérables – The Staged Concert was
exceptional and tens of thousands of
people had to be turned away. Before
public booking opens for the new
performances at 10.00 on 4 December,
priority booking will be given to patrons
who need to be re-seated.
This spectacular production has a
Company of over 50 actors and musicians
drawn from the alumni of several
productions of Les Misérables. In
preparation for the opening Cameron
Mackintosh has connected the Sondheim
with his other theatre next door, the
Gielgud, in order for the production to
utilise backstage facilities and dressing
rooms, doubling the backstage space to
ensure the maximum safety of the
performers and the staff. For the
new performances the majority of
the Company will be able to
continue, with the four principals
– Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie
Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas –
only be able to play a limited
number of these dates due to
previous commitments.
Cameron Mackintosh’s
production of Les Misérables is
written by Alain
Boublil and Claude-Michel
Schönbergand is based on the
novel by Victor Hugo
.
UTE LEMPER: RENDEZVOUS WITH
MARLENE
When Marlene Dietrich phoned a
young singer out of the blue, the icon
stayed on the line for an unforgettable
three hours... 30 years later West End
and Broadway star Ute Lemper reveals
all in her 5-star critically acclaimed
show ‘Ute Lemper: Rendezvous With
Marlene’.
Now, following a sold out London
season, ‘Ute Lemper: Rendezvous With
Marlene’ will be streamed globally on
Saturday 5 December, after being filmed
at Club Cumming in New York with Alan
Cummin and Ute Lemper as producers.
Ute Lemper in Rendezvous With Marlene.
Ute said: ‘This is a magical fusion of
theatre and cinema with gorgeous music
that will take you on an intense journey.’
Awarded the Moliére Award for her
performance as Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’
in Paris, Ute Lemper decided to write a
postcard to legendary Hollywood icon
Marlene Dietrich, who was also living in
the French capital, to apologise for all
the media attention that had hailed Ute
as a new star and compared the
youngster to the legendary icon.
Photo: Russ Rowland.
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© Tall Stories.
TALL STORIES TO LIVESTREAM
THE GRUFFALO
Following a hugely successful virtual
tour of ‘The Snail and the Whale’ over
October half-term, leading family theatre
company Tall Stories will present a
special live-streamed version of their
much-loved stage adaptation of
‘The Gruffalo’ from 11-13 December.
Based on the classic book by Julia
Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and
presented in association with The Lowry
in Salford, the monstrously fun
production will be broadcast live from
the brand-new Tall Stories Studio in
Islington Central Library, into homes
and schools around the world.
Directed by Olivia Jacobs and Toby
Mitchell, this live-streamed version will
feature exciting additional audience
interaction and a free printable activity
pack filled with ways to make your
at-home theatre experience extra special.
This wonderful adventure is suitable for
everyone aged three and up.
Schools can book to watch the show
on Friday 11 December with weekend
performances for families on 12 & 13
December. The full cast includes Ashley
Sean-Cook (The Gruffalo), Rebecca
Newman (Mouse), Jake Addley
(Predators) and Steve McCourt.
The broadcast will include an exclusive
video introduction from the author Julia
Donaldson and a special afterword from
illustrator Axel Scheffler. Tall Stories are
partnering with TicketCo TV who will be
providing the booking system and
streaming platform. These performances
will replace the run of the live production
that was due to take place on stage at The
Lowry over Christmas.
Julia Donaldson says: ‘It’s very sad
that at the moment it’s harder for people
to see loved ones and to go out to
places like theatres. So, I hope that
audiences will enjoy visiting the Deep
Dark Wood from the comfort of their
own home or school.’
Join Mouse on a daring adventure
through the deep dark wood in Tall
Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of
the classic picture book by Julia
Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching
for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning
Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the
high-spirited Snake. Will the story of the
terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from
ending up as dinner for these hungry
woodland creatures? After all, there’s no
such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Tall Stories was founded in 1997
by joint artistic directors Olivia Jacobs
and Toby Mitchell and last year
celebrated its 21st birthday. Since 1997,
Tall Stories has co-created and staged
30 productions, in 5 languages, in
15 countries, over 6 continents.
For tickets, visit the website at
www.gruffalolive.com
A CHRISTMAS WISH –
VIRTUAL CONCERT
Songwriters Anderson & Petty are to
present A Christmas Wish, a virtual
concert with West End stars from
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, SIX:
The Musical, Wicked and more, which
will be available to stream at selected
times from 17-20 December. The concert
is hosted by Ben Stock and Hilary O’Neil
and is in aid of theatrical charity Acting
For Others who provide emotional and
financial support to theatre workers in
times of need through 14 member
charities.
Anderson & Petty said: ‘We have been
writing together for nearly ten years and
in that time we have released two studio
albums and an array of stand-alone
singles featuring many wonderful
performers from Broadway and the West
End. Wish is a Christmas album and for
the last few years we have hosted
concerts in New York and London every
season to raise money for some of our
favourite charities. This year, we are not
able to be together so, alongside the
wonderful charity Acting for Others, we
have created a virtual Christmas concert
to be presented directly into your own
homes featuring a host of stars from the
stage as well as the stars of tomorrow.
The concert will feature performances of
songs from the holiday album Wish, as
well as Christmas musical theatre songs,
Christmas Standards and comedy
sketches, so please join us for a night of
magic and merriment and a celebration
of the pure joy of performance!’
www.stream.theatre/home
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14
CHRISTMAS AT HOME WITH
IBERICA
Spanish tapas restaurant group
Iberica have recently launched their At
Home DIY kits, tapas delivery service
and virtual wine tastings. The spread for
two is packed with a charcuterie of Juan
Pedro Domecq, Ibérico bellota ham,
Cecina de León, air cured beef, ready to
cook Ibérico ham croquettes, their Pitu
chicken rice, finished with Catalan style
Spanish rice pudding served with
cinnamon. The celebration box starts
with bread and olives, pan con tomate,
charcuterie, anchovy and adorned
tomato salads, a Spanish cheese board,
before moving on to dishes of octopus,
prawns and the centrepiece of a leg of
milk fed lamb. Dessert is a crowning
Gloria Cheesecake.
Usually acting as host to Christmas
parties throughout the festive season,
Iberica has launched online Christmas
parties for those who can’t get together
this year. Guests can pre-book a Zoom
event with friends, family or colleagues
to enjoy recommended seasonal wines
by Iberica’s sommelier Graziano Cocco
and head bartender Nacho Ordiz. All
fresh ingredients are delivered to each
guest’s door ready for the virtual event.
The packages vary from ‘Discovering La
Rioja’ with a selection of wines from
D.O.C Rioja to their ‘Sherry and Jamon
Iberico Tasting’ with bottles of premium
and very rare sherry paired with two
different types of Jamon Ibericos.
www.ibericarestaurants.com
THE LITTLE PASTA
COMPANY’S BOXES
Launched in July this year,
The Little Pasta Company is
a small delivery-only business
founded by husband and wife
team Daniel and Anouska
Webber-Quick. Daniel found
himself with spare time after
being made redundant from
his job in luxury retail earlier
this year and took the
opportunity to create a
business surrounding his
lifetime love, Italian food.
Now, The Little Pasta
Company is providing homes
all over the country with fresh
handmade pasta from their Surrey
kitchen.
The pair have created a pigs in blankets
bucatini with sage butter sauce, and a fiery
nduja rigatoni available to order separately
or in a date-night box which also includes
burrata, a rocket and pine nut salad,
prosciutto crudo with black truffle and
traditional mini panettone.
Customers can also order the Festive
Luxury box that includes: tagliatelle with
truffle butter for two, all the date-night
box trimmings, plus a platter of mixed
vegetable antipasti, a bottle of black
truffle oil and a larger Dolce and
Gabbana panettone.
The Little Pasta Company offers a
series of pasta dishes to prepare at
home, made from authentic Italian
ingredients. Each of the pasta dishes on
the menu are handmade and tested by
Daniel, with every meal made to his
exacting standards. The boxes also
include a recipe card with simple stepby-step
instructions on how to prepare
the dish.
www.thelittlepastacompany.co.uk
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Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind
by William Shakespeare
Blow, blow, thou winter wind
Thou art not so unkind
As man's ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most freindship if feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze thou bitter sky,
That does not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As a friend remembered not.
Heigh-ho! sing, heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.