All the Exciting Things to Discover This January
All the Exciting Things to Discover This January in SW London and Surrey
Kick off the year with a bang, and book these fabulous events to get your cultural fill!
Pictured: And Then There Were None at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Theatre in January
1 Alan Turing – A Musical Biography
Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, 8-27 January
A musical journey through the extraordinary life of Alan Turing. Turing was a genius whose brilliant code-breaking brain saved approximately fourteen million lives in WW2. Follow the life of the great man through the loss of his closest friend, his romance with a fellow worker, the moment he realises how to beat the Germans and his growing awareness of his own homosexuality.
2 TaylorMania
Dorking Halls, 11 January
An award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers, promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
3 Professor Brian Cox – Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey
Richmond Theatre, 16-20 January
What is the nature of space and time? How did life begin, how rare might it be and what is the significance of life in the Cosmos? What does it mean to live a small, finite life in a vast, eternal Universe? Having travelled the world, Horizons is back to the UK.
4 And Then There Were None
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, 16-20 January
The thrilling and timeless Agatha Christie play. Ten strangers are lured to a solitary mansion off the coast of Devon. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, the true reason for their presence on the island becomes horribly clear.
5 Indestructible
Omnibus Theatre, Clapham, 16 January – 3 February
Indestructible is a highly visual, surprisingly funny and fiercely theatrical show from award-winning Proteus that asks when men behave in unacceptable ways, why do we always point to the women close to them and ask why they did nothing? And how far do the ripples of consequence spread?
6 The Greatest Magician
Esher Theatre, 17 January
Following a completely sell out run in 2022, James Phelan, the magician infamous for jamming the BBC switchboard after correctly predicting the lottery, presents an all new show for 2023. This dazzling, five star rated magic show will leave you dizzy in disbelief.
7 Northanger Abbey
Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond, 20 Jan – 24 Feb
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her claustrophobic family and join the smart set in Bath. Inspired by the classic by Jane Austen.
8 Pressure
Hampton Hill Theatre, 23-27 January
A major revival of David Haig’s gripping play. June 1944: meteorologist Captain James Stagg has the task of predicting the weather for what would become one of the most important missions of World War II. His word will trigger the go-ahead for the Allies’ invasion of Normandy.
9 The Littlest Yak
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 24-28 January
This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family. For ages 3-7 years.
10 Merton Live!
New Wimbledon Theatre, 27 January
Merton Live! once again showcases the best local talent – from amazing gymnastic displays to showstopping dance routines and spectacular musical performances. Live stage shows all day until 5pm and a host of family fun.
Music in January
1 Absolute Bowie
The Half Moon, Putney, 5-6 January
Now in their 15th year of touring, Absolute Bowie, the UKs ‘Best Tribute Band’ and ‘Best Bowie’ act, offers an incredible performance of the legendary star.
2 Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri
The Sound Lounge, Sutton, 19 January
Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of their songs and stories which also include some tracks from the new album, plus unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra.
3 BluesClub
Eel Pie Club, Twickenham, 25 January
BluesClub is an AllStar band who have a combined love of the Blues of America from the 1930s to 1970s.
(c) Pat Stancliffe
4 Mozart Explored: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A
St Paul’s Knightsbridge, 31 January
This 2024 series covers Mozart’s final five Piano Concertos, composed during an increasingly tumultuous period of his life. Many of these works are now regarded as his greatest masterpieces.
Arts & Culture in January
1 Moving Parts
Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea, Runs ‘til 7 January
An exhibition that pairs the vibrant work of Canadian painter Kathryn MacNaughton with the playful sculptures of Serbian artist Misha Milovanovich.
2 In Conversation with Brian Blessed
Rose Theatre, Kingston,13 January
Head to the Rose Theatre as they sit down in conversation with the living legend that is Brian Blessed. He will regale you with stories of his fascinating life, and there will be opportunities for the audience to ask questions.
3 Library Care: challenges of looking after a library in a historic home
Fulham Palace, 15 January
Join the collections care assistant and explore what is involved in looking after the historic library at Fulham Palace. You’ll discover some of the key issues, such as how to display historic books, how they deal with pests and how the environment is regulated.
(c) Kajsa Kax
4 Paul Hughes in conversation with Peter Avis
Dryburgh Hall, Putney, 15 January
Paul Hughes, until last year Director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, talks to Peter Avis about the joys and challenges of a career in the BBC and the future of classical music in the Corporation.
5 Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley: The Rebirthing Room
Studio Voltaire, Clapham, Opens 31 January
Marking the end of Braithwaite-Shirley’s year-long residency at Studio Voltaire, ‘The Rebirthing Room’ will demonstrate her ongoing research into the history of gaming.
5 Chimps Are Family: Public Art Exhibition
Kingston Town Centre, Runs ‘til end of January
Last chance to see the chimps! The ten adorable chimp sculptures by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc are leaving Kingston at the end of January 2024, so check them out while you can.
Community events in January
1 New Year Fun at Honeywood
Honeywood Museum, Sutton, 4-6 January
New Year Fun at Honeywood! Make a snowman mask, a midwinter picture and follow the Millie the Mouse Winter Creatures Trail around the museum.
2 Living Willow Workshop
Gatton Park, near Reigate, 13 January
Natural and inexpensive, willow weaving is one of the most ancient of handicrafts. Learn how it can be used to make beautiful creations and living fences and arbours.
3 Cash in the Wardrobe sale
Bourne Hall, Epsom, 20 January
Shop sustainably and affordably. A pre-loved clothes sale with quality second-hand men’s and women’s fashion. It is held on the third Saturday of each month at Bourne Hall.
4 Wassail through the orchards
Morden Hall Park, 27 January
Help revive the ancient tradition of Wassail to bless the orchard for the coming year’s crop. Wassail involves a procession, making plenty of noise to scare off unfriendly spirits and attract good ones with offerings of cider and toast.
