Whats On October

Image: Liv Litte (gal-dem), Southbank Centre

IF YOU LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND SEE LEAVES FALLING, IT’S PROBABLY FRIEZE WEEK. WE’RE ON FULL ON AUTUMN MODE, AND THIS SEASON FITS LONDON’S PERSONALITY LIKE A GLOVE.

October in London is an underrated month and an Autumn lover’s dream. Perfect for cosy retreats, theatre plays, art exhibitions: basically some of the things that the capital does best. Talking of which – if you think that summer is the only festival season you’ll have to think twice. The Southbank Centre, Boiler Room’s festival(s) and many others will change your mind.

Image: National Theatre

Faith, Hope and Charity

Defined by The Guardian as an “urgent account of the austerity age” that shines a light on the “resilience and humour of those struggling to survive”. Alexander Zeldin is the Ken Loach of theatre plays:  following Beyond Caring – ‘unforgettable’ (The Times) – and LOVE – ‘the National’s play of the year’ (Evening Standard), this is his latest work. This new play investigates the challenging times we’re living in. At the same time, it’s a true celebration of lust for life, love, dignity. Set in run-down community hall on the edge of town, we can’t but highly recommend The National Theatre next masterpiece.

National Theatre, 1-12 October, tickets from £15

 

Frieze

The art aficionados event not to miss – Frieze London – is an October certainty. In the four days, the capital will see the best of the best of the world’s best contemporary art galleries offering visitors an all creativity round-up. From the most exciting emerging artists to new classics – to actual classic at Frieze Masters – this is a true feast for your eyes, and your mind. The art week will feature exciting talks, tours, performances and the off-site Frieze Music.

Regent’s Park, 3-6 October, tickets from £27.95

Image: Frieze London

Image: @londondesignfestival

Boiler Room Festival

Centred around Peckham, the Boiler Room Festival will push the boundaries of a traditional festival! Rather than having a blockbuster line up, this new festival concept is all about celebrating London’s incredibly vibrant underground music scene. Showcasing a different genre each day, the multi-event programme will feature emerging artists from contemporary jazz, rap, bass and club. The musical streaming website establishes itself again sets and gigs spread across Peckham. there’s a “no headliners’ ethos but talent abounds”.

Various London locations, all month, tickets from £22.50

LONDON LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival returns for its 13th year. As always, with an exploration of fairy tales for our times with today’s leading writers, thinkers and cultural observers. Over 11 days of talks, readings, poetry and performance, it’s the Southbank Centre’s longest-running festival (founded in 1967). This year follows the theme of disruption, “Once Upon Our Times”, spanning from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones to The Handmaid’s Tale.

17-27 October, tickets from £15.00

Image: Author Sharlene Teo, Southbank Centre

Image: London Film Festival

London Film Festival

The not to miss event for any cinephile living in the capital, The BFI London Film Festival will hit cinemas across the city. This year’s opening night gala will see the screening of ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ and a killer closer in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Irishman’ –  with a stellar cast including: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. From mainstream movies to experimental short films, the London Film Festival got any film lover expectation covered. With Q&As, workshops and masterclasses with filmmakers, this cultural feast never disappoints.

Several locations, Tickets from £10

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