London


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watch-this">WATCH THIS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="655" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-10.38.02-1024x655.png" alt="London Short Film Festival 2025" class="wp-image-8026" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-10.38.02-1024x655.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-10.38.02-300x192.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-10.38.02-768x492.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-10.38.02.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The <a href="https://www.shortfilms.org.uk/programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Short Film Festival</a> launches this Friday <strong>(17-26 Jan)</strong> and kicks off with <em>Funny Shit </em>at the <strong>Curzon Cinema in Soho</strong>. A proverbial pick n mix of 2024&#8217;s funniest shorts, the screening includes a deep dive into the world of Cat Shows at the Long Island Pet Expo and an ominous game of psychological chess with two creepy siblings. Now in its 22nd year, there are a further ten days of short films, live events and Q&amp;As, check the programme for details. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-this">CELEBRATE THIS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/anna-evans-P89jp3zEgzA-unsplash-1024x768.jpg" alt="Anna Evans apple " class="wp-image-8027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/anna-evans-P89jp3zEgzA-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/anna-evans-P89jp3zEgzA-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/anna-evans-P89jp3zEgzA-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/anna-evans-P89jp3zEgzA-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image @ Anna Evans </figcaption></figure>



<p>Embrace your inner pagan and head south to &#8216;awaken the apples&#8217; as part of <a href="https://www.thedulwichestate.org.uk/whats-happening/wassail-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wassail Day</a> at <strong>The Dulwich Estate </strong>this Saturday <strong>(18 Jan; 12-3pm; free but donations welcome)</strong>. An ancient tradition to ensure a good harvest, activities around the estate&#8217;s orchards include apple-inspired crafts, bird feeders, warming bread over a fire, pinning toast to trees (to encourage abundance!), an orchard tour at 12.30pm, live music and food. Scrumptious. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-to-this">GO TO THIS</h2>



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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Oliver! - Gielgud Theatre" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zPTEtHWwT5M?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size">Matthew Bourne, one of the UK&#8217;s most popular choreographers and directors, launched a new production of Lionel Bart’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/oliver" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Oliver!</em></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>this week<strong> (runs until 6 April; Tickets £35)</strong>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<strong>Gielgud Theatre</strong>, Soho. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth time following the story of an orphan boy who’s taken in by a gang of pickpockets, this production featuring all the best songs –&nbsp;<em>Consider Yourself, Food Glorious Food&nbsp;</em>– is well worth booking for this weekend.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroll-around-here">STROLL AROUND HERE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Hampton Court Palace Gardens: Winter" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PMBuWcrEMGA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p><a href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/hampton-court-gardens/#gs.jr59q4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hampton Court Palace</a> is opening up its gardens for<strong> FREE</strong> this weekend <strong>(18-19 Jan)</strong>, so wrap up warm and hot foot it out west to Richmond to breath in some fresh air in the tranquil surroundings of the palace&#8217;s gardens, including the Pond Garden, created by Henry VIII, and the grand Fountain Court. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tour-this">TOUR THIS </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="689" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.22.50-1024x689.png" alt="Maria Callas Royal Opera House Tour " class="wp-image-8035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.22.50-1024x689.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.22.50-300x202.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.22.50-768x517.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.22.50.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>To celebrate the release of upcoming new movie<em> MARIA </em>about the life of soprano Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, the <strong>Royal Opera House</strong> is putting on <a href="https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/maria-la-divina-at-covent-garden-tour-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maria: La Divina at Covent Garden Tour</a> this weekend <strong>(18-19 Jan; tickets £25)</strong>. The exclusive, guided one-hour tour will explore her life and iconic performances at the Royal Opera House. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-party-here">PARTY HERE </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="987" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash-987x1024.jpg" alt="People drinking, Unsplash " class="wp-image-8036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash-987x1024.jpg 987w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash-289x300.jpg 289w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash-768x797.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash-1481x1536.jpg 1481w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/michael-discenza-MxfcoxycH_Y-unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px" /></figure>



<p>Attempting Dry Jan? Same, but that doesn&#8217;t mean we can&#8217;t go out out and let our hair down, particularly when <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-spirited-by-sober-social-x-sunana-tickets-1119847125899" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free Spirited</a> is happening at <strong>Meraki Bar </strong>in Fitzrovia on<strong> Sat (18 Jan; tickets £22.38)</strong>. <strong>&nbsp;</strong>A new boutique and booze-free day party created by lifestyle brand Sober &amp; Social and DJ duo SUNANA, it&#8217;s part of the &#8216;positive party movement&#8217; and promises uplifting vibes, an electric playlist and delicious alcohol-free drinks to ensure the ultimate hangover-free clubbing experience. We&#8217;re in.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-craft-here">CRAFT HERE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="689" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.43.15-1024x689.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.43.15-1024x689.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.43.15-300x202.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.43.15-768x517.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-11.43.15.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">@ Silvia Acién</figcaption></figure>



<p>Silvia Acién, founder of regenerative knitwear brand Acien, is running <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-designer-a-day-for-crochet-and-regeneration-with-silvia-acien-tickets-1144196104349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Meet the Designer: A Day for Crochet and Regeneration with Silvia Acien</a> in her <strong>Hackney Wick</strong> studio this Saturday <strong>(18 Jan; tickets £40)</strong>. During the 2.5-hour workshop you&#8217;ll discover the art of crocheting, and help beat the winter blues with an inspiring afternoon of creativity, connection, and regeneration. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-last-chance">LAST CHANCE </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Francis Bacon: Human Presence | Exhibition Trailers" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nAkxOT4YFPQ?start=4&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2024/francis-bacon-portraits#dates">Francis Bacon: Human Presence</a></em> </strong>at<strong> National Portrait Gallery</strong> ends on <strong>19 Ja</strong>n. The first exhibition to focus solely on the artist’s portraits for almost 20 years features more than 55 works from the 1940s onwards and is a must-see for Bacon fans. Tickets from £23, but be quick as there weren&#8217;t many time slots left at time of publishing. </p>


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