What’s on in November in London and Surrey

ICE SKATE AT THE PALACE

The atmospheric openair ice rink at Hampton Court Palace opens from 20 November to 3 January. Glide across the ice while enjoying spectacular views of the historic Tudor palace and former home of King Henry VIII. This year’s ice rink will be the biggest-ever to ensure greater social distancing, and a raft of new health and safety measures that are in line with, or exceed, government guidelines, have been introduced.

WOKE THEATRE

The Rose Kingston is hosting Woke (16 to 18 Nov), which follows two women’s fight for civil rights set against a soundtrack of original music and traditional gospel and blues sung live. The two women challenge the American justice system, become criminalised through political activism, and ultimately are faced with the same choice: stay and fight, or flee?

WISLEY IS A GLOW

From 21 November to 4 January, RHS Garden Wisley will be lit up for the festive season for Glow 2020. There is a new route for the trail taking visitors through the Pinetum, Seven Acres and Wisteria Walk, and displays inside and outside the Glasshouse, as well as lightshows accompanied by music.

LOCAL ARTISTS HEAD ONLINE

Tadworth Art Group has gone virtual for its November exhibition with affordable artwork to buy, with landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, abstracts, botanical, seascapes, animals and more. 20 November to 3 December. www.tadworthartgroup.com

INTRIGUING KINGSTON HOUSE RE-OPENS

Grade II listed Dorich House, the former studio home of the sculptor Dora Gordine and her husband the Hon. Richard Hare, a scholar of Russian art and literature, is now back open after an extended period of closure due to the pandemic. Pre-booked slots are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

JOIN THE REVELLERS

Join the OSO Theatre in Barnes as it reveals the antics of The Revellers Society, in this immersive but socially distanced experience. The audience tours three rooms and in each space you will sit back, relax and be entertained by the society’s wildest and most eccentric members. 5 – 8 November

TITIAN’S MYTHS

For the first time in over four centuries, Titian, Love, Desire Death, at the National Gallery reunites all six paintings in the series of Classical myths of love, temptation, and punishment commissioned by Prince Philip of Spain, primarily taken from the Roman poet Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’. Until 17 January.

FULHAM HISTORY

Fulham Palace is back open for a great family day out. In November, there will be two fun Victorian-themed tours for children and their families, two new family trails, a Young Archaeologists Club as well as a six-week term of Palace Explorers for 2 to 4 year olds. There will also be virtual and in-person events, with a Zoom lecture on palace architecture, and garden and history tours.

COMEDY IN CARSHARLTON

Cryer Arts is hosting Gagging for Laughs (20 November), showcasing the cream of the international comedy circuit with four of the finest and funniest stand up comedians.

MOZART’S REQUIEM

Join the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, which will reopen to socially distanced audiences on 6 & 7 November for special performances of Mozart’s Requiem.

WIMBLEDON ART FAIR GOES VIRTUAL

Wimbledon Art Fair will take place online from 19-22 November. Browse themed collections for all budgets and join online studio tours and Q&As with the artists, all from the comfort of your sofa. www.wimbledonartfair.com

LIGHT FANTASTIC AT KEW

Kew Gardens’ after-dark spectacular is back this year, with a new route, leading you for the first time through the beautifully illuminated Rose Garden. Discover a glittering tunnel of bells, giant illuminated seed heads and majestic trees wrapped in light. 18 November – 3 January

Main image: Jeff Eden / Kew Gardens

WIMBLEDON INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

This year, the festival will be held online, featuring a series of performances filmed especially for the event and streamed from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 November. Read all about it with our interview with the festival director.