From captivating theatrical performances to diverse art exhibitions, pulsating music festivals, and sporting spectacles, London in March offers a kaleidoscope of experiences to suit every taste.
WEST END HIGHLIGHTS
Sister Act
Sister Act returns to the capital this month, with a star-studded cast. Olivier Award winner and soul sensation Beverley Knight reprises her role as disco diva-in-disguise Deloris van Cartier, supported by Lesley Joseph and Lamar, in this story of music, mishaps and nuns on the run.
When: From 15th March.
Where: Dominian Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ.
Tel: 020 7240 0748.
Priscilla The Party
First came the Oscar-winning movie, then a Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical, and now Priscilla Queen of the Desert is set to enjoy an immersive reimagining in PRISCILLA THE PARTY!
When: From 3rd March.
Where: HERE at Outernet, Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2H 8LH.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency and an award-winning film, this smash-hit musical is ends later this month.
When: Ends 23rd March.
Where: Peacock Theatre, Portugal St, WC2A 2HT.
Tel: 020 7863 8000.
Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle
A night of laugh-filled magic and mind-bending silliness courtesy of Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer, creators of Mischief ’s global smash hit, The Play That Goes Wrong.
When: 14th March to 28th April.
Where: Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 7EZ.
Tel: 0330 333 4809.
Web: www.nimaxtheatres.com.
MJ: The Musical
This multiple Tony Award-winning new musical opens next week; it centres around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous world tour.
When: From 6th March.
Where: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton St, W1D 4HS.
Tel: 0844 482 5151.
Web: mjthemusical.com.
Opening Night
Sheridan Smith stars in the world premiere of a new musical featuring music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright.
When: From 6th March.
Where: Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 6AR.
Tel: 0344 482 5151.
Long Day's Journey Into Night
Brian Cox makes his return to the London stage in what is often regarded as the greatest American play of the 20th century. Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is a compelling story of love, hate, betrayal and addiction.
When: From 19th March.
Where: Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0DA.
Tel: 0344-482 5151.
SHAKESPEAREAN FAVOURITES Macbeth
Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma lead the way in this adaptation of the Shakespearean tale. Directed by Simon Godwin, it is performed in a custom-built space.
When: Ends 30th March.
Where: Dock X, Unit 1, Canada Water Retail Park, Surrey Quays Rd, SE16 2XU.
Tel: 0131 510 0395.
Web: www.macbeththeshow.com.
The Merchant of Venice
Ambition, power and political unrest explode as Tracy-Ann Oberman stars as Shylock in Shakespeare’s classic, which is set in the 1930s. Tensions in London’s East End rise and Shylock, a hard-working businesswoman, is desperate to protect her daughter’s future.
When: Ends 23rd March.
Where: Criterion Theatre, 218-223 Piccadilly, W1V 9LB.
Tel: 020 7839 8811.
My Neighbour Totoro
This multi-award-winning family show from the Royal Shakespeare Company is based on the 1988 animation by Hayao Miyazaki. Two young sisters seek escapism in the Japanese countryside.
When: Ends 23rd March:
Where: Barbican, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS.
Tel: 020-7870 2500.
Web: www.barbican.org.uk.
GLORIOUS GARDENS
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
Boasting the largest botanical collection in the world, Kew hosts a variety of events and exhibitions each month, many of which are included with your entry ticket.
To Sunday, 3rd March: The annual Orchids Festival is a must-see celebration of vibrant flowers. Housed within the magnificent Princess of Wales Conservatory, this year’s festival focuses on the biodiversity of Madagascar.
From 23rd March to 14th April: Awaken your senses through Sounds of Blossom, a chance to hear new compositions from the Royal College of Music as you wander through Kew’s collection of blossoming trees.
Web: https://www.kew.org.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673, this glorious botanic garden hosts monthly yoga sessions, events, walks, workshops and kids’ activities.
When: Yoga is on 4th Mar, 6pm-7pm.
Where: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 4HS.
Tel: 020-7352 5646.
FESTIVALS & PARADES
St Patrick’s Day Parade
More than 50,000 people are expected to join the procession of marching bands, dance troupes and pageantry as the parade leaves Hyde Park Corner before winding through Piccadilly, Pall Mall and Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, where the party continues with concerts, films, dancing and singalongs.
When: 17th March, Noon-6pm.
Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
Watch dozens of films from all aspects of LGBTQIA+ culture.
When: 13th-24th March.
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT.
Tel: 020 7928 3232.
Web: www.bfi.org.uk.
The Stitch Festival
Crafts lovers will enjoy this leading event for contemporary dressmaking, sewing and stitching.
When: 21st-24th March.
Where: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, N1 0QH.
Tel: 020 7288 6475.
The Grand Expedition - Dining
Diners can embark on a culinary adventure that defies reality with this experience led by Gingerline, pioneers of immersive dining. Delight in four delicious courses, as well as immersive performances and breathtaking visuals.
When: From 6th March.
Where: A secret London location, close to a Tube station in zone 1 or zone 2.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
The Gemini Boat Race is one of the most prestigious events in the UK sporting calendar, with Light and Dark Blue crews Oxford and Cambridge Universities competing in a 4.2-mile side-by-side race along The Championship Course.
When: 30th March, from 2.45pm.
Where: Between Putney and Mortlake.
Web: www.theboatrace.org.
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Westminster Abbey - Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition
Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition, takes visitors on an interactive historic journey, from the lavish wedding of King Henri IV, to the 19th century construction of Notre-Dame’s iconic spire of Viollet-le-Duc, which was tragically destroyed by fire.
When: To June 1st.
Where: Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA.
Kensington Palace - Untold Lives: A Palace at Work
A new exhibition is launching later this month at this grand royal residence, which was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana’s last home. Untold Lives: A Palace at Work uncovers the forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal palaces more than 300 years ago, from cooks to seamstresses.
When: From 14th March
Where: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX.
Web: www.hrp.org.uk.
Tel: 0333 320 6000.
The Royal Mews Reopens Today
After a winter break, this attraction has flung open its stable doors, so visitors can enjoy a regal day out. Home to the royals’ horses and historic carriages, the Mews is a living piece of history where you can admire the white Windsor Greys and brown Cleveland Bays and see the spectacular Gold State Coach, which was on display at King Charles III’s coronation last May.
When: From 1st March. Where: Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0QH.
Web: www.rct.uk.
Easter at London Zoo
Families can enjoy trails, activities and an egg hunt over Easter at the world’s oldest scientific zoo, which is also home to more than 750 species including lions, penguins, tigers, camels, macaws and gorillas.
When: 29th March to 14th April.
Where: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY.
Web: www.londonzoo.org.
Tel: 020 7722 3333.
St Martin-In-The-Fields
This glorious Palladian church off Trafalgar Square, hosts concerts, tours and candlelit performances this month.
When: 16th March - Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight; 30th March - Allegri Miserere by Candlelight.
Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ.
Tel: 020-7766 1100.
ART FOR ALL
Affordable Art Fair
With artworks for sale ranging in price from £50 to the thousands, it’s accessible and packed with a hand-picked selection of works from contemporary galleries. Admire the art while relaxing over a drink and listening to DJs spinning sounds.
When: 6th-10th March.
Where: Battersea Park.
The Other Art Fair
This is worth a visit for those seeking a boundary-breaking piece that will become a talking point among friends. More than 120 independent artists show off their affordable and original works alongside live music, immersive installations and a bar.
When: 7th-10th March.
Where: Truman Brewery, Brick Lane.
London Original Print Fair
Those partial to woodcut, lithographs, screen prints and engraving will be in their element here. You may stumble upon a Rembrandt or a Matisse, though you’re just as likely to see
something by celebrated printmakers such as David Hockney or Bridget Riley.
When: 21st-24th March.
Where: Somerset House.