<<

JUNE 2012 by Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol, Wimbledon and Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend. Weekend. Hackney 1’s Radio and Wimbledon Warhol, Andy Ono, Yoko by

Yoko Ono at the Serpentine Gallery A four-day weekend for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee gets the month started, followed followed started, month the gets Jubilee Diamond Queen’s the for weekend A four-day

SKY LADDERS, 2007 © YOKO ONO FROM SOGNARE, MUSEO DI SANTA CATERINA, TREVISO, ITALY PHOTO BY STEPHAN CRASNEANSCKI

68 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 69 JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012

LONDON EVENTS Walthamstow HARINGEY REDBRIDGE HARROW BARNET Manor Park Harrow BRENTWHAT’S ON WHERE IN JUNE Ilford Wembley HACKNEY ISLINGTON 13 West CAMDEN Northolt Hackney Stratford Ham Camden 8 Barking St John’s 23 East Ham Town Shoreditch 52 Wood 39 Marylebone 30 NEWHAM EALING 3 TOWER WESTMINSTER HAMLETS Ealing 2, 31, 1, 16, 22, 44 CITY KENSINGTON 19 34 24, 25, 27, Acton & CHELSEA 28, 37, 42, 49 18 50 41,46 20 43 47 HAMMERSMIT7 H 35, 40 29, 48 9 & FULHAM 15, 21 6 53 11, 51 38 SOUTHWARK 45 Chelsea 36 HOUNSLOW 33 12, 26 Greenwich 4 Hounslow Fulham Battersea 17 LAMBETH Lewisham Eltham 32 Richmond Dulwich RICHMOND WANDSWORTH Clapham LEWISHAM UPON THAMES 10 Catford Twickenham Tooting 54

Teddington Wimbledon Beckenham Kingston MERTON Bromley KINGSTON Mitcham 14 UPON THAMES Orpington Croydon 01 15 Holland 29 Old Vic Theatre 43 Southbank Centre Page 20 Page 76 Page 78 Pages 33, 58, 74, 77 & 81 BROMLEY 02 Apollo TheatreSurbiton 16 Horse Guards ParadeSUTTON 30 Regent’s Park CROYDON44 St Paul’s Cathedral Page 33 Page 78 Pages 77 & 79 Pages 76 & 80 03 17 Hurlingham Park 31 Photographer’s Gallery 45 Britain Pages 56, 81 & 82 Page 77 Page 60 Pages 19 & 79 04 Battersea Park 18 Hyde Park 32 46 Page 75 Pages 75 & 77 Page 78 Pages 19, 33 & 82 05 19 Kensington Gardens 33 River Thames 47 The O2 Arena Pages 20, 55 & 79 Page 58 Page 74 Page 77 06 Buckingham Palace 20 34 48 The Vic Pages 54, 74, 76 & 82 Page 20 Page 76 Pages 61 & 78 OUNDATION F

L 07 21 Kensington Roof Gardens 35 Royal Albert Hall 49 Page 61 Page 77 Pages 75 & 80 Page 76 08 Business Design Centre 22 (ENO) 36 Royal Hospital Chelsea 50 Trafalgar Square NDY WARHO NDY A Page 81 Pages 58, 62, 78 & 81 Page 82 Pages 75 & 79 HE LONDON ART T 09 23 London Olympic Park 37 51 V & A Museum

TION © TION Pages 19 & 54 Page 54 Pages 61, 62, 81 & 82 Page 20 & 60 C E

LL 10 24 Mall Galleries 38 52 Victoria Park

A CO Pages 79 Page 80 Page 38 Pages 75 & 78 ANDY WARHOL: THE PORTFOLIOS C

MERI 11 Exhibition Road 25 39 Sadler’s Wells Theatre 53 Westminster College Three-month exhibition from pop art heavyweight A Page 80 Page 19 Page 62 & 76 Page 77

ANK OF 12 Greenwich 26 National Maritime Msm. 40 Serpentine Gallery 54 Wimbledon B Page 79 Page 38 Pages 74 & 79 Page 81

I 1978, I 1978, 13 Hackney Marshes 27 National Portrait Gallery 41 Shakespeare’s Globe AL Warhol made four prints of Muhammad Ali in 1981 - the year the boxer retired – and this one sold at auction 20 years later for Page 80 Pages 59 & 79 Pages 33 & 37 $28,750. The Ali Portfolio, on display at the Dulwich Picture Gallery this summer .PAGE 79 , is not to be confused with a similar 14 28 Noel Coward Theatre 42 Somerset House UHAMMAD

series of the boxer and other famous sports stars that was stolen from the home of a Los Angeles collector in 2009. M Page 78 Page 19 Page 77

70 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 71 Sat 30th page 79 79 page

X X

AIN Fri T 29th E BRI page 79 79 page page 79 79 page

page 82 page page 82 page

T

page 78 78 page

28th page 79 79 page Thur )

TA

M OUSE OUSE X X X ENO

H PALACE PALACE 27th Wed M OSTERS, ERA ERA P PERA ( PERA page 79 79 page HA

X X O OP G

page 82 page page 82 page page 82 page

L

Tue 26th ALL ALL OYAL OYAL YMPIC TRAFALGAR SQUARE TRAFALGAR BRITISH MUSEU UCKIN , L H R

X X L B

page 81 page page 81 page ATIONA ,

page 78 78 page HELSEA HELSEA

N page 77 page ES, C 25th

ARA Mon C ON ES ES

P I DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY PICTURE DULWICH O M ISH ATE MODERN ATE N page 77 page X L ITAL ITAL X X

T

ENTRE ARBICAN ARBICAN page 81 page page 81 page

P HA

B C HEATRE HEATRE T

NG , 24th Sun T YE, E OS N page 78 78 page E

ALL ALL H FOLIOS, G SERPENTINE GALLERY page 76 76 page E GARDEN E GARDEN OUSE OUSE

ELEBRAT

T H G H X RY, LES LES RY,

ENTRE C page 81 page OND ESI page 81 page page 81 page

YMPIC AND YMPIC T

RE

NO, NO, C D M ) T Sat OYAL OYAL 23rd O OL ISEUM - ISEUM LEE R OLLE STAGING THE WORLD, THE STAGING

I ENLEY-ON- L

page 77 page TCHCOCK ,

C ICH

ERSET ERSET B H ENO

CLUB OUSE OUSE R X X X THE POR

LONDON 2012 FESTIVA 2012 LONDON M

THEA HI ARBICAN ARBICAN T

H page 80 page S

O YOKO YOKO B

HE COUN Fri , OF S USINESS USINESS THE MODERN

page 78 78 page 22nd T : A JU A : , ERA ( ERA

page 74 74 page : PEARE:

B S ERA ERA 2012,

ONDON INSTER INSTER OUTHBANK OUTHBANK , E S RDER, page 76 76 page RHOL: S OP L IU

WELL X C M

O

, OP EEK

A S H IN page 80 page page 80 page NCH S

page 80 page

EN , LONDON CO LONDON , T page 76 76 page RE page 78 78 page W page 76 76 page

21st

U

LONDON 2012 2012 LONDON ECE EST ALA

T I Thur

G ND CROQUE P ORSE GUARDS PARADE PARADE GUARDS ORSE ATHEDRAL ATHEDRAL page 60 page W GNERS EGATTA MU page 38 page SHAKE

AMONDS

OYAL OYAL A

I

TS RE C EA H ,

OAD

MSTERDAM HE R GGING R , T

H M R DI X X M , ATIONAL ATIONAL T

ANDY W ANDY ES R page 80 page AR

A A MON A AR SADLER’

N GA page 54 54 page U :

D

: 20th W SOUTHBANK CENTRE SOUTHBANK Wed OF ARNASS page 77 page ASTERP

DVARD

, OYAL NG page 58 page ALL P EWELLERY E L EW ATHEDRAL ATHEDRAL page 33 page

M I OF

R OLO BILLY BUDD BILLY

LISH H T PAUL’S PAUL’S T ARK C J N ARR ) MUSEU G P S G VA C ROYENS

E MUSEU page 79 79 page page 79 79 page WN TENNIS WN RE C A

N page 59 59 page

T TI XHIBITION T M

page 55 page Tue E 19th FFER

MALL GALLERIES MALL TU SERPENTINE GALLERY LA

E page 60 page , page 60 page

OETRY ACKNEY MARSHES ACKNEY CADEMY OF OF CADEMY

THE -

, page 54 54 page

ES ENLEY O

M , OLD VIC THEA VIC OLD , LBERT LBERT A

H EI, P L

MMY ARDENS M RE H HAMPTON COURT COURT HAMPTON page 58 page 2012, , ONDON YMPIC ND A

AY RCHESTRA RK X page 56 page

S page 74 74 page G

T PAUL’S PAUL’S T

W U

NG L JI

’ ER A

I HOLLAND PARK T HOLLAND PARK

S D O OL K PA

C VAL 18th LIFT FES LIFT W W OOF GARDENS GARDENS OOF W I I Mon ’S ’S ALLERY

AL MARITI AL OYAL OYAL NGL LBERT (V & (V LBERT R S U ROYAL ROYAL I WEI I OMMONS TECT T RTHDAY ENT’S PARK ENT’S E OLISEU G R N ARK, A I

WORLD CITIES 2012, 2012, CITIES WORLD A GREENWICH page 38 page

ROOP , G ENTRE P C GLOBE THEA GLOBE

, C EEKEND EST BI

T page 77 page E

S page 79 79 page

MU

page 77 page F

C THY AC THY TON TON

R W OF ESSION, ESSION, A RCH page 37 37 page

, G 17th EGEN E FESTIVAL,

Sun W VAL C I HERS’ HERS’ R TORY RT GALLERY RT

NATIO C A BRITISH MUSEU OAD SE P A KENSINGTON KENSINGTON THE ALL ALL THE S U LLAND R OF ONDON E, E, PEARE’

RE, RE, PARK PARK QUEEN’S GALLERY QUEEN’S EST LONDON 2012 2012 LONDON page 77 page O L O XHIBITION, ALA T AL PORTRAIT GALLERY PORTRAIT AL

S ONDON ENSIN DE , M F P E THBANK AT ACKNEY N ON

K ONDON L Sat ICAN ICAN

16th YDE PARK YDE PARK I GE PRO ONCERTGEBO HEATRE HEATRE U , VAL SI R S H B VICTORIA AND VICTORIA L T I H H INA BAUSCH: INA HAMES, HA T A SOUTHBANK CENTRE SOUTHBANK

O I V C RBIT, OF ,

ACECOURSE T S P G

SOUTHBANK CENTRE SOUTHBANK S B PERA O OF R I RDROBE, ONAL EST BLEDON: SHAKE

1’ A REPLY TO K TO REPLY A RRI I EST DE TY L TOMIST, TOMIST, A NATIO H BAR PHOTOGRA AL AL O M O W OPERA H OPERA A SAATCHI GALLERY SAATCHI I A F A T I Fri OYAL CI 15th RI EX ORDS EEKEND W SH R URLIN GE, I page 62 page , SCOT SCOT ASTE ENT’S PARK PARK ENT’S AN

OIL, AD

L A

H LONDON EVENTS KE

P T W A G ND C TIVAL, TIVAL,

I , CUS, , E S LIFE, INCE 1950, INCE 1950, S A OF OPEN AIR THE AIR OPEN RE BI

R A NGL S

FO T ONDON ,

INTERNAT 14th E THE VOLLARD SUI VOLLARD THE ARK L

F EARE’S GLOBE GLOBE EARE’S SE

THE WORLD, THE R BBC R BBC RE, Thur ARES HERZOG & DE MEURON AND & DE MEURON HERZOG I N F SCOT P HAMPTON COURT COURT HAMPTON O ONSH U P page 77 page CADEMY SUMME CADEMY U

I ART ART A page 76 76 page page 74 74 page page 76 76 page

MINSK, 2011: 2011: MINSK, AKED ER WUPPER ER AT

O

A A Q THEA F T CH AND THE W THE AND CH - A - H N S S

page 75 75 page T THE

ART AND IM ART OUT OUT : ARCELORMITT : PEARE FE EE page 58 page 13th

W N

S Wed RENA RENA HAKES HEA HAMP OYAL

NKSGIVING NKSGIVING I D ) A S REEN T R A ROYAL ROYAL R C , ORLD WELL 2 ONDON G OCKLANDS PALACE PALACE PALACE PALACE S D S L O I

W ARDEN FESTIVAL O FESTIVAL OLO ENO M BAUHAUS: M

D F LONDON WONDERGROUND, WONDERGROUND, LONDON YMPICS G TANZ O Tue 12th AVILION 2012: AVILION page 75 75 page W HE LOBE LEONARDO DA VINCI: DA LEONARDO HA HA

P

ENN T EDWARD BURTYNSKY: EDWARD POWER, PAGEANTRY AND THE AND PAGEANTRY POWER, OPEN AIR THE AIR OPEN OL

page 61 page G BRITISH GLAMOUR G , NT P NT E OF TH E OF G AND

:

PICASSO PRINTS: PICASSO ERA ( ERA

I

T PEN THE QUEEN: THE QUEEN: ONDON page 62 page C R

ALL

SADLER’

page 74 74 page M L O TO

)

OP

CH H OWER OWER 182 I ATTERSEA PARK PARK ATTERSEA T 11th

WORLD SHAKE WORLD W W W AWN THE LION, THE WI THE THE LION, B , Mon ES ES UCKIN UCKIN ERVI

, NK

ENO L B B S M I

, , : LOBE LONDON LONDON L A HOUSE A B LBERT LBERT page 75 75 page HA page 62 page R G

ARK

A REENW T ATIONAL ATIONAL LEE LEE P I I page 61 page page 75 75 page page 75 75 page PE 10th G W W Sun

ROYAL RIVE ROYAL

PERA ( PERA N

BALLGOWNS: EACONS B B

O ER page 75 75 page O ALACE

V B L I P OYAL OYAL JU JU MBLEDON R QUARE QUARE R

LISH

, S , A HOUSE A LEE G WI 9th I Sat R ROYAL ROYAL N WAH! WAH! GIRLS, GIRLS, WAH! WAH! SERPENTINE GALLERY SERPENTINE GALLERY B WHAT’S ON WHEN IN JUNE WHAT’S AR E LEE ATTERSEA E, YDE PARK I PE ATIONA G

- NGHAM H D JU B AMOND B AMOND O N I

, M AGEANT AT DI ACECOURSE DI Fri

8th JU CK THE YOUNG THE P ISH VICTORIA PARK PARK VICTORIA R S S

, , ’ ’ VAL RAFAL L I T T

BU ROYAL ROYAL VAL , page 75 75 page I LEE AMOND NG

I OLISEU VAL EEN EEN AT E A SYLPHI A I EST

B C L DI OWNS OWNS 7th AMOND F EST NCH S D Thur QU QU page 61 page ’

JU page 61 page

F EST

LY DI

THE SUI I M F LU S HE HE ’ RE T SALOME, SALOME, T EEN LEE ISEUM - ISEUM SO

I AM T ONDON ONCERT L LEE 6th L OUSE OUSE ART B F

I W W EP EEN Wed , QU H

AMOND , B C JU LEE HE VICTORIA PARK VICTORIA QU DI I JU BBC C BBC ERA ERA T B

G ERBY PPLE 5th Tue W W THE OP

D A BI JU

TTERFLY BUSH THEA BUSH 2012, 2012, AMOND LONDON CO LONDON HAMES HE HE HE FOR BU DI T T T AY

T OYAL OYAL

PSOM D R 4th

BALLO DELLA REGINA / REGINA DELLA BALLO W W W W W Mon E

ALA M, ELD ADAM U HE T G A FI S M

CALIGULA, CALIGULA, 3rd W W W W W Sun THE BELOVED,

2nd Sat 2012 1st Fri JUNE

72 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 73 JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 2nd songs and characters. Promoter 2nd Harvey Goldsmith is organising The Epsom Derby the festival, which will feature A Gala for the Queen’s Saturday 2nd June 2012 a full programme of activities Diamond Jubilee Epsom Downs Racecourse, including celebrity performers, Saturday 2nd June 2012 Liz celebrates 60 years on the throne as the festival season hits full swing Surrey KT18 5LQ equestrian events, death-defying Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, June The Queen will begin her Dia- London SW7 2AP motorbike stunts and kids televi- mond Jubilee weekend celebra- From 1st 2nd - 5th sion characters. The festival will Celebrate 60 years of Queen tions by attending The Epsom showcase Britain throughout the Elizabeth II with an evening of Festival of the World The Queen’s Diamond Derby. This famous race meet- decades, with street perform- rousing favourites performed by 1st June - 9th September 2012 Jubilee ing is one of the oldest and great- ers, orchestral recitals, military celebrated English tenor Russell Southbank Centre, London 2nd – 5th June 2012 est horse races in the world, displays and Commonwealth Watson. Taking place in the mag- SE1 8XX Buckingham Palace, London established by the Earl of Derby dancers. nificent Royal Albert Hall, the Inspired by the cultural vision of SW1A 1AA in 1779. The event is just one nd Gala will include classics such Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the Queen Elizabeth II has been sit- of a series of special celebra- 2 as Land of Hope and Glory, We’ll Festival of the World has got it ting pretty on the throne for 60 tions marking the Queen’s 60th Field Day 2012 Meet Again, You’ll Never Walk Diamonds are forever: Queen all. From the UK’s largest ever long years now, and if that’s not anniversary which gives us an Saturday 2nd June 2012 Alone, Jerusalem, Greensleeves, Elizabeth and Prince Philip poetry festival to an urban beach S extended weekend with an addi- Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, Men of Harlech and Rule, Britan- an excuse for a right royal knees- ONE J tional Bank Holiday on Tues- London E3 5SN with a twist, the Southbank Cen- AN up then the four-day extended I nia! and features soprano Nata- music, dance, crafts, a funfair tre will be transformed to show day 5th June. The Queen’s grand East London’s Field Day o!ers weekend certainly is. School sha Marsh, the Royal Choral and a multitude of other enter-

2006 © arrival by carriage, quite a spec- a more diverse, fresh selection

visitors how art can transform L gates will close and shops shut Society and the Royal Philhar- tainments. Beginning at 12 noon, lives. Running throughout the tacle, will be watched by thou- of acts than some of the more as Brits take to the streets for monic Concert Orchestra. Jae in anticipation of the flotilla, and summer as London celebrates sands of spectators in their mainstream pop festivals in Lon-

CATHEDRA Alexander will conduct this fabu-

four days of frolics to celebrate S

’ continuing until 7pm, the Dia- the 2012 Olympics, the festi- L best togs. Trains from London don. Think subdued electro, mel- the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. lous assortment of British favou- mond Jubilee Festival at Batter- val is based around Coubertin, to Epsom Downs take approxi- ancholic folk, bold dance acts, The festivities kick o! in May rites in honour of the Queen’s sea Park will feature a diamond a founder of the modern Olym- mately 1 hour. and a dreamy summer vibe to (see: The Diamond Jubilee Pag- Diamond Jubilee. geezer pop-up pub - where every pic movement, and his belief that nd - rd match. Celebrating its sixth

IRTHDAY AT ST PAU rd

eant at Windsor Castle, 10th to B 2 3 self-respecting pearly king the arts could inspire young peo- birthday in 2012, this year’s line- 3 13th May 2012 PAGE 58 ), but the and queen will be for a right 80TH The Jubilee Family ple in a manner similar to how S up looks like a corker with the The Apple Cart

real revelry begins in June with TY’ old knees-up - and a diamond sport can. The combination of S Festival Balkan-folk inspired band Bei- Festival a big blowout commencing on AJE encrusted giant cake stand that sport and art is a theme common M 2nd - 3rd June 2012 rut headlining, and Scottish indie Sunday 3rd June 2012 ER will take over 1,000 Diamond Friday 2nd June and stretch- H in many festivals this summer Hyde Park, London W2 2UH rockers Franz Ferdinand, elec- Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, ing to two bank holidays on Mon- Jubilee themed cakes which will and, with a packed out pro- Sainsbury’s is hosting a two day tro popsters Metronomy and London E3 5SN day 4th and Tuesday 5th June. be served with tea throughout GIVING FOR festival in Hyde Park this sum- dubstep DJ SBTRKT all taking Bringing together music, com-

gramme of events at Southbank, S Across the country neighbours The Queen’s 1,000-boat flotilla along the Thames will be the biggest the afternoon. Cake specialists you’ll be hard pressed not to find mer to celebrate the Queen’s to the stage. Neighbouring clubs edy, art, literature, magic, food, HANK are encouraged to join in a Big since the reign of Charles II three-and-a-half centuries ago T Konditor and Cook have even something to enjoy here. Diamond Jubilee. Visitors will be put on some cracking after-par- fun and games, the Apple Cart

E OF created a portrait of the Queen Jubilee Lunch, anything from lit- C treated to live music and enter- ties to carry those dancing feet Festival was new last year and st rd made of 3,120 cakes, one for each From 1 tle community get-togethers, 3 tainment, with the highlight per- through till dawn. Just keep is a summer family-friendly all- week of her reign. The festival, Serpentine Gallery to full blown street parties with Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant haps being a 70 minute finale on your fingers crossed that the sun dayer in Victoria Park. Last year which has been organised by food, music and dancing in the Sunday 3rd June 2012 both days comprised of Disney shines over leafy Victoria Park. the music stage was headlined Pavilion designer Wayne Hemingway and

streets. A grand pageant will River Thames, Putney to Tower Bridge, London A SERVI AT DINBURGH 1st June – 31st October 2012 E by indie dance pioneers Saint artist Clare Patey who curated Serpentine Gallery, Kensing- take place on the River Thames he queen leads a flotilla of up to 1,000 boats from Etienne supported by songsmith

UKE OF UKE Feast on the Bridge for the

at high tide on Sunday 3rd June. D ton Gardens, London W2 3XA the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world for Badly Drawn Boy. Stand-up

HE Thames Festival, will be a memo- The world-renowned archi- A thousand boats will gather on T was o!ered by the likes of Tim The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, an event which rable celebration of the Diamond tect pairing of Jacques Herzog the water, little and large, old T Minchin and Marcus Brigstocke, promises to be one of the major focal points of the celebra- Jubilee through a timeline of the and Pierre de Meuron together and new and all waving Union while there were DJ sets from tions held on the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. The flotilla, six decades of the Queen’s reign HE QUEEN AND with Chinese conceptual artist Jacks towards the shore as they T Gilles Peterson, Sean Rowley of

E with music, dancing, design and

expected to measure seven and a half miles from end to end, S Ai Weiwei will create the 2012 are led by the Queen’s Thames Guilty Pleasures and Kevin Row-

OUR plenty of opportunities for dress-

will be the largest fleet of ships to be assembled on the River C Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, the cruiser. It promises to be a real E land. While the line-up for 2012 C

A ing up - from vintage fashions twelfth commission in the annual sight to behold with daytime fire- Thames in 350 years, continuing a royal tradition which dates R has yet to be confirmed we can

OM to Morris dancing. There’ll be works colouring the sky as bells back to 1533 when Anne Boleyn travelled by boat for her coro-

EPS expect popular guests, plus high- series. The design team behind a village fete, storytelling, out- chime, trumpets fanfare and the nation. Over one million people are expected to line the banks the highly acclaimed Beijing Y OF end catering from hand-picked S door cinema, an old fashioned crowds cheer. Millions of people of the Thames to witness the pageant which will include a traders from London’s best food National Stadium, the winner steam fair, a fancy dress flotilla are expected to line the banks markets. of a prestigious RIBA Lubetkin diverse mix of the historic and the modern with rowed boats, on the Boating Lake, and a mini- and as many as 20,000 people Prize, will reunite for their first sailing ships, steamers, wooden launches, canoes and kayaks 3rd museum of royal memorabilia at ever collaborative structure built will take to the river making this 2011, COURTE ERBY all decorated for the occasion. Thames piers, riverside roads D Diamond Jubilee the park’s Pump House Gallery. in the UK. This year’s Pavilion one of the largest celebrations OM

and bridges will be closed to tra"c and there will be up to fifty S rd E takes visitors beneath the lawns London has ever seen. The BBC EPS Festival at Battersea 3 big screens along the route - which runs from Battersea Bridge WL NO of the Serpentine to explore the will also put on a Jubilee Concert K Park The Big Jubilee Lunch to Tower Bridge - so members of the public can enjoy the pag- H S O hidden history of the eleven pre- at Buckingham Palace featur- J Sunday 3rd June 2012 Sunday 3rd June 2012 eant from a variety of vantage points. For families and others vious Pavilions, as well as the ing British and Commonwealth Battersea Park, Streets in London & with children, Battersea Park is a good place to go where there TRATION TRATION twelfth. The often edgy Serpen- musicians, and up and down the S London SW11 4NJ nationwide OF CAMBRIDGE AT THE AT OF CAMBRIDGE U SS tine Gallery Pavilion is the most kingdom celebratory beacons will be music, a traditional funfair and special entertainment ILL On the day of the Queen’s The fourth annual Big Lunch HE C EE. L laid on. There’s a cultural aspect to The Thames Diamond Jubi- U ambitious architectural project will be lit to mark the occasion. D Thames Diamond Jubilee River takes on a dual role in 2012 as UBI of its kind in the world and will To top it all o!, pubs will be given lee Pageant, serving as a reminder of the diversity of Britain J Pageant, Battersea Park will be it falls on the weekend we cele-

and the Commonwealth’s maritime history. But undoubtedly AND UKE be presented as part of the Lon- special late licensing to accom- D host to a family friendly Jubi- brate the Queen’s Diamond Jubi- IAMOND IAMOND D HE T don 2012 Festival. modate late-night Lizzy lock-ins. most people will remember it as an amazing spectacle. © Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Epsom lee Festival featuring vintage lee on Sunday 3rd June. With

74 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 75 JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 around 10 million people tak- 4th fun part for visitors is choosing Naked Bike Ride is just the job. to celebrate environmentally ing to the streets to celebrate a favourite and, with the major- Last year more than 1,000 peo- friendly London. Contemporary the 1977 Silver Jubilee, organis- The Queen’s Diamond ity of works on sale at varying ple took o! their clothes and music, high-profile guest speak- ers are hoping for a big turn-out Jubilee Beacons price ranges, you can even buy rode around the capital nude to ers, poetry, children’s activities, at the 2012 Big Jubilee Lunch. Monday 4th June 2012 one if you really fall in love with raise awareness of the need for workshops, exhibitions and even The great thing about The Big Tower of London, St James’s it. First held in 1768, this is the more tolerance of bicycles on the a bicycle-powered music area Jubilee Lunch is that every- Palace & Lambeth Palace, largest regular contemporary roads of the city. Part of a unified - you’ll find all this and much one can take part; it’s all about London art exhibition in the world. It’s world event, the London Naked more as natural and charitable the community coming together A network of 2,012 beacons will an impressive show that gives an Bike Ride does make exemptions organisations collaborate to edu- for some patriotic flag waving, be lit across the United King- excellent cross-section of con- for those a bit too shy to reveal cate and empower Londoners on plenty of food, perhaps some dom, the Channel Islands, the temporary art every summer. all, with a “go as bare as you the benefits of environmentally Isle of Man and the Common- music and a bouncy castle but 5th dare” policy accepted too. friendly living. What’s more, the most of all for some good old wealth on Monday 4th June to th - th event is totally free. fashioned fun. mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubi- The Queen’s Diamond 9 10 th - th Polo returns to Hurlingham 11 17 4th lee. The Queen herself is taking Jubilee: Service of Open Garden Squares part, lighting the National Bea- Thanksgiving and Park in Fulham this summer Weekend London Jewellery BBC Concert at con in London (location yet to be Week Carriage Procession at St Paul’s, as well as marking 9th - 10th June 2012 Buckingham Palace confirmed) at around 10.30pm, Various private gardens 11th - 17th June 2012 Tuesday 5th June 2012 her 80th birthday there in 2006. Monday 4th June 2012 after the televised BBC Con- around London Somerset House, The Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral, London th - th Buckingham Palace, London, cert at Buckingham Palace. In 6 9 From the iron-fenced residen- London WC2R 1LA EC4M 8AD SW1A 1AA London, beacons will be lit on tial parks of west London to There can be precious few peo- The Queen and other members Tanztheater On Monday 4th June 2012 there the battlements of the Tower the landscaped churchyards ple who aren’t partial to a spar- of the Royal Family attend a Ser- Wuppertal Pina will be a televised Diamond Jubi- Of London, St James’s Palace, of the City, hundreds of garden kling piece of jewellery and vice of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Bausch: World Cities lee Concert at Buckingham Pal- and Lambeth Palace at the same squares play a vital part in main- London Jewellery Week will Cathedral, one of several events ace organised by the BBC to time as hundreds of beacons are 2012 taining London’s status as one provide Londoners with the being staged on the extended mark the Queen’s 60th year on lit across the country. 6th June - 9th July 2012 of Europe’s greenest cities. The chance to celebrate the city’s four-day weekend to mark the the throne. Tickets are available th Sadler’s Wells & Barbican, wonderful Open Garden Squares unique heritage for high qual- From 4 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The to UK residents by public ballot London The BBC’s special Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace Weekend is the one time of the ity jewellery design. Whether Royal Academy Queen and her close family will and details on how to apply for In order to commemorate the year when these gardens open you’re looking for the latest and travel in a formal carriage pro- the concert will be available in Summer Exhibition late influential dance choreogra- their gates to everyone - many most glamorous piece to add to 4th June – 12th August 2012 cession, adding to the occasion. with Mascagni’s Zanetto; Doni- th - th due course. Details of the musi- pher Pina Bausch, Sadler’s Wells 8 10 of these private spaces are not your collection or you’re a nov- Royal Academy of Arts, Picca- In choosing to mark her 60th zetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, a cal programme are still to be and the Barbican are presenting MINT Polo in the Park accessible to the public for the ice buyer, desperately seeking dilly, London W1J 0BD year on the throne at St Paul’s charity gala in aid of The Rugby confirmed but there are plans a month long season of interna- 8th – 10th June 2012 rest of the year. Over 200 gar- expert advice, this is to Anyone can submit to the Royal Cathedral, the Queen follows in Portobello Trust; the very best to feature British and Common- tional co-productions. After liv- Hurlingham Park, London dens took part last year, includ- be. This is the UK’s biggest jew- Academy’s Summer Exhibition the footsteps of Queen Victoria from Verdi and Tchaikovsky; and wealth musicians. Surely the ing in a specific city somewhere SW6 3NG ing the minimalist Zen Garden at ellery festival and thousands of which gives it a wonderful ele- who also chose Sir Christopher a revival of Fantastic Mr Fox, obvious choice would be a refor- in the world for a period of time, Now in its fourth year, Polo in the The Hempel hotel, Little Abbey people will descend upon the ment of surprise. Around 12,000 Wren’s great domed cathedral to especially designed to be per- mation of Brian May’s Queen - Bausch’s company would then Park is quickly becoming one of near Westminster Abbey, and main hub at Somerset House and or a Sex Pistols reformation so pieces are sifted through from commemorate her diamond jubi- formed in the gardens of Hol- create a piece drawing on inspi- London’s great summer outdoors Sir John Cass’s Foundation Pri- various other venues across Lon- Johnny Rotten can sing his ren- relative unknowns to famous art- lee in 1897. The Queen has also land Park. rations from that particular events. Aimed at bringing polo to mary School near Whitechapel, don to seek out that perfect new dition of the National Anthem. ists and members of the RA. The celebrated her previous jubilees th - th city. This event will be remem- 8 9 the people, the three-day World who inspired visitors to ‘grow bracelet or shiny gold ring. bering this with the month long Blink 182 Series event showcases a more your own’ with their roof gar- From 12th

programme including presenta- S 8th - 9th June 2012 accessible version of the sport, den. The Royal College of Physi- tions such as Palermo, a humor- IND London International M The O2 Arena, Greenwich, mirroring the e!ect Twenty20 cians’ medicinal garden allowed

ous piece looking at Sicily’s TIVE has had on cricket. Last year saw Festival of Theatre P London SE10 0DX guests to discover 1,000 di!er- capital, and Ten Chi, a dance Y CA teams of three taking part from (LIFT) S Recently reunited American ent medicinal plants as well as piece featuring visual imagery, 12th June - 15th July 2012 pop-punk rock band Blink 182 hit cities including London, New enjoying the immaculate lawns hand gestures, Polynesian dance Various locations in London The O2 Arena, unleashing new York, Moscow, Buenos Aires and Londoners walk past every day movement and more. LIFT returns to the capital at material for the first time since Sydney. There’s usually a steady but have never been allowed th theatres, arts venues and other From 7 splitting in 2005. The ‘All The flow of celebrities (Jodie Kidd) onto. If you have youngsters in O IN THE PARK, COURTE O IN THE PARK, L and royalty (Princess Beatrice), tow, many of the gardens stage sites around London with a huge

Opera Holland Park PO Small Things’ band were sup- not to mention medieval jousting activities for families too. Tick- range of live performances, art

MINT posed to tour the UK last year Season and an array of bars, shops and exhibitions and events from a but were forced to postpone as ets allow entry to all participat- OUR 7th June - 4th August 2012 L food stalls. ing gardens. talented and eclectic bunch of CO comeback album Neighborhoods Holland Park, Kensington, S th international performers. Events KIN took longer to make than antici- th - th W 9 9 10 London W8 6LU A take place on the streets, squares D pated. Tom DeLonge, Mark Hop- Thomas Kemp will conduct World Naked Bike London Green Fair and promenades of London from

ODKIN, ODKIN, pus and Travis Barker return a new production of Cosi Fan B Ride 9th - 10th June 2012 Canning Town to Harlesden and to see their loyal UK fans, most

Tutte as part of the 2012 Opera OHN Regent’s Park, London NW1 J Saturday 9th June 2012 major venues include the Bar- Holland Park Season. A tal- of whom have made the transi- Hyde Park, London W2 2UH 4NR bican Centre, National Theatre, tion from angry teenager to fully ented cast including Elizabeth C There’s a good reason why pro- When the Camden Green Fair Southbank Centre and Institute BB

Y functioning adult and might well Llewellyn and Andrew Staples S fessional cyclists wear lycra: to started 20 years ago, its organis- of Contemporary Arts. There

XHIBITION 2011 © XHIBITION be forgiven for asking ‘What’s will be directed by Harry Fehr E hold their privates in the right ers can only have dreamed that are plenty of opportunities to in one of the season’s most excit- My Age Again?’ when looking place so as to avoid unnecessary the event would have evolved get involved online or in person, ERT, COURTE ERT, ing highlights. Also on the bill for C down at their fan tattoos. Known chafing (or entrapment) with the into what it is today. Celebrate before, during and after perfor- for their tongue-in-cheek stage

2012: Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, a EE CON saddle. For naturists and exhibi- the 20th anniversary of the Lon- mances. Tickets usually sell out ADEMY SUMMER L AC shows and zany antics, let’s hope UBI L brand new production at Opera J tionists who are prepared to risk don Green Fair as 25,000 peo- fast for major productions - so C OYA BB Around 12,000 entries compete for wall space in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition every year Holland Park, in a double bill R they’ve been worth the wait. getting all tangled up, the World ple descend on Regent’s Park get on the case while you can.

76 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 77 JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 12th Vladimir Shcherban. Telling Palace Festival history. It’s a spectacular piece David Alden and Edward Gard- From 20th through a range of miniature Imperdibles featured Spanish House of Lords v the tale of modern day Minsk, 14th - 23rd June 2012 of pageantry but also a timely ner brought together again. This Andy Warhol: The speciality dishes - bought with dancers overhead on a transpar- the play is a thought-provoking Hampton Court Palace, Sur- reminder of the role of the splendidly orchestrated all-male the event’s currency, ‘crowns’ - ent stage. The line-up for 2012 is House of Commons and heartbreaking homage to armed forces who are - in the- opera was originally commis- Portfolios hot o! the plates from upmar- still to be announced, but with rey, KT8 9AU 20th June – 16th September 2012 Tug of War a city from those who have left The Hampton Court Palace Fes- ory at least - under the Queen’s sioned for the original Festival of ket places like Scott’s, L’Anima, events taking place across Mar- Tuesday 12th June 2012 Dulwich Picture Gallery, Lon- it behind. Delving deep into the tival returns for its 20th year control. Hundreds of well-disci- Britain in 1951. Petrus, Launceston Place, Bena- itime Greenwich, the Isle of Westminster College Garden, don SE21 7AD underground scene of strip clubs with over 10 nights of concerts plined soldiers in full dress uni- th rd res, Bocca Di Lupo and Sky- Dogs, Canary Wharf, Stratford London SW1P 3PA 19 - 23 The iconic artist is showcased at and underground raves, Minsk featuring some top performers form march past at the Horse lon - to name but a bunch. Top and Woolwich, there’s bound to They managed to raise over Royal Ascot the Dulwich Picture Gallery in a is portrayed as a city where sex- for the older generation, includ- Guards Parade, and a di!erent chefs such as Michel Roux Jr, be plenty to keep the expected £110,000 for Macmillan Cancer 19th – 23rd June 2012 three-month exhibition in which uality is contorted by oppres- ing Frankie Valli and the Four Battalion gives the Royal Salute Pierre Ko!mann, Silvena Rowe, crowds of 50,000 entertained. Support last year and this sum- Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, some of Warhol’s most famous sion. A Russian masterpiece Seasons. The grown-up nature each year, all accompanied by Chris Galvin and Gary Rhodes st mer they’re going at it again with English subtitles, this could Berkshire SL5 7JX print portfolios will be on dis- From 21 of the line-up is entirely in sync stirring military music from the will be doing the rounds, while - the annual House of Lords v well prove to be one of the stand- massed bands. Less crowded Royal Ascot returns to the Berk- play alongside some of his lesser London 2012 Festival with the nature of the mature the civilised sounds of live jazz 21st June - 9th September 2012 House of Commons Tug of War out shows on the London theatre rehearsals take place on the two shire racecourse where it has known works in an exhibition vibe of the festival, which takes and opera will fill the air and aid Various venues in London is back for a 25th year. The typi- scene in 2012. Saturdays prior to the grand been pretty much an annual fix- that is set to delight London art place in the 17th-century court- digestion at this gourmet grazing The London 2012 Festival is cally English setting of Westmin- event. ture since 1711. With nearly £4 fans. Works include the Muham- th yard and gardens of the lavish picnic extraordinaire. ster College Gardens plays host From 13 million in prize money at stake, mad Ali and Myths portfolios perhaps the biggest and most Tudor palace. Guests can bring th st th to this light-hearted skirmish Ealing Comedy 17 this meeting attracts all the big- that were produced just six years 21 - 30 action-packed festival to hit their own picnic hampers full between these two houses of Festival Jimmy Carr: Gagging gest names in the racing frater- before the artist’s death in 1987. Greenwich and these shores in a long time. With of goodies or take advantage of Parliament as they battle it out 13th - 14th & 18th - 20th July 2012 Order nity. And, of course, more than Warhol was one of the leading an astonishing 10 million oppor- the pre-ordered Villandry pic- Docklands to raise money for the Macmil- Walpole Park, Ealing, London Sunday 17th June 2012 300,000 visitors, all dressed in figures in the visual art move- tunities to witness 1,000 di!er- nic options on o!er. Drinks and International Festival lan Cancer Support charity. Last W5 5BQ Richmond Theatre, their finest attire. Ascot is as ment that became known as ‘pop ent performances and events, more basic meal options are 21st – 30th June 2012 year it was the Commons who The Annual Ealing Comedy Fes- famous for its hats as it is for art’. His works have sold for mil- the chances are that you’ll find also available from stalls, while Richmond, London TW9 1QJ Greenwich town centre, Lon- came out on top as they retained tival returns to Walpole Park in the racing, especially on ‘Ladies’ lions of US dollars – the high- something to your liking. The those who want to go the whole The hardest working man in don SE10 their title with a 2-0 victory over Ealing this July and is sure to Day’ where women try to outdo est price ever paid for a Warhol festival opens on 21st June and hog can opt for the Hampton comedy, Jimmy Carr, brings The whole of Greenwich comes the Lords. BBC2’s Jeremy Vine feature another stellar line-up each other with tremendous tow- painting is $100 million for a 1963 runs all summer until the end of Court hospitality package, which his acerbic (and often vile) alive for this 10-day free fes- often plays the role of commen- of comedy acts. The likes of Ed ering creations and outlandish canvas called Eight Elvises. the Paralympic Games in early includes VIP seating, a cham- scattergun gags to venues tival of street performances, tator and brings a witty reper- Byrne, Stephen K Amos, Alistair designs. The gents usually go for st th September. Many events are pagne reception with canapés, 21 - 24 family entertainment, the- toire to the occasion. McGowan, Omid Djalili, Lee across London in 2012 and a more understated look - with free, with dance, music, fash- and a dinner with fine wines. atre, art and dancing in the th rd Mack and Sean Lock have all 2013 as part of his new morning suits and top hats the Taste of London ion, food, film, art and much, 12 - 23 th th streets. Renowned for its out- appeared over the last few years, 15 - 17 Gagging Order tour. He may norm. It’s as much a giant out- 21st – 24th June 2012 much more going on. The festi- Minsk, 2011: A reply to door dance spectaculars, last making this one of the most Lovebox tone down his material for TV door party as a race meet: punt- Regent’s Park, London NW1 val is being designed to be bigger 4NR year’s GDIF was as strong as and better than ever to coin- Kathy Acker renowned comedy festivals of 15th - 17th June 2012 shows like Channel 4’s 8 Out ers at the track will drink over 12th – 23rd June 2012 Direct your rumbling stomach ever with performances by Marc cide with the London Olympics the year. Running for five nights Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, Of 10 Cats, Alternative 150,000 bottles of champagne, Young Vic, Waterloo, London to Regent’s Park for four days of Brew Company, Luca Silvestri- and is a culmination of the four- under the big top tent, the Com- London E3 5SN Election Night and 10 O’Clock 14,000 bottles of Pimm’s and, of SE1 8LZ alfresco gluttony as over forty ni’s Protein, Company Chame- year Cultural Olympiad. Tickets edy Festival is part of the Ealing Lovebox has never had a prob- course, will place untold millions As part of the LIFT Festi- Live but a quick browse on of London’s best restaurants, leon, Up and Over It and Avant can be purchased on the festi- Summer Festivals programme. lem attracting festival-goers, in bets. val, this eagerly anticipated Chortle reveals many including a flurry of Michelin Garde Dance. Canary Wharf also val website, with a handy break- th rd what with the exceptional line- th play comes to The- 14 - 23 complaints about Carr’s From 19 stars, show o! their culinary had the popular Dancing City, down of each category of events ups on o!er: Hot Chip, Friendly atre, adapted and directed by Hampton Court crassness: “too many handiwork. Work your way where Seville’s Producciones to help steer you in your desired Fires, Emeli Sandé and Crystal Yoko Ono disgusting sex jokes,” laments 19th June - 9th September 2012 direction. Castles are amongst those tak- Serpentine Gallery, Kensing- st ing to the stage this year. Set up one; “total appalling use of foul From 21 ton Gardens, London W2 3XA by Groove Armada and inspired o!ensive material,” harrumphs The Serpentine Gallery presents London 2012 Olympic by Glastonbury, Lovebox is the another; “the show at times is a major exhibition of work by cel- and Paralympic park party that comes closest to that bad it makes you feel ebrated artist Yoko Ono as part capturing the vibe of a proper sick,” o!ers a third, gagging. Posters of the London 2012 Festival. The 21st June – 21st September 2012 festival, with a huge range of th exhibition will include SMILE, musical styles (each day has From 18 , Millbank, London a large-scale participatory proj- its own identity) across multi- Billy Budd SW1P 4RG ect that invites people to upload ple stages, and a friendly, music- 18th June - 8th July 2012 Twelve artists have put their and send images of their smiles loving crowd. Victoria Park is a London Coliseum (ENO), thoughts on the Olympics to great festival venue, with loads London WC2N 4ES in order to create a global collec- paper for the o"cial Olympic of space and a sympathetic coun- The production team that tion. The exhibition will feature and Paralympics posters for cil who let them turn the music brought you ENO’s award-win- new and exciting works, many of London 2012 and Tate Britain is up really loud. ning Peter Grimes return to the which will be seen by UK audi- giving visitors the opportunity to ences for the first time. Ono – th London Coliseum to present admire the pieces at a free exhi- 16 Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd, the former wife of the late Beatle bition during the Cultural Olym- Trooping the Colour an opera based on the short John Lennon – has made a huge piad. The posters include Rachel ERY Saturday 16th June 2012 novel of the same name by Her- E impact on contemporary art Whiteread’s take on the Olym- C LL A A L

Horse Guards Parade, White- man Melville. Starring Bene- G whilst working as an artist, film- pic Rings, which are also meant

hall, London SW1A 2AX dict Nelson (fresh from a star TURE maker, poet, musician, writer to represent marks left by drink- C

To mark the second of the turn as Demetrius in 2011’s A H PI and peace activist over the past ing glasses to symbolize the C TON COURT PA I P

Queen’s two birthdays (this is the Midsummer Night’s Dream) in LW 50 years. She is renowned for memories of a social gathering. U AM D H Y Y S o"cial one, her actual birthday the title role, Matthew Rose and S her boundary-defying works of Another piece is Chris Ofili’s For is on 21st April), Trooping the Toby Spence, this re-imagining art and this showcase of her fin- The Unknown Runner, which OURTE OURTE C Colour presents a vibrant dis- sees the award-winning direc- C est work should be a big hit on depicts a blend of super-athlete MAGE MAGE MAGE MAGE I A splendid backdrop at the Hampton Court Palace Festival play of ceremony and military tor-conductor partnership of I the London art scene. Take a trip to Dulwich to see the Warhol Portfolios and mythical creature running

78 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 79 JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 past a watching crowd. Further 23rd boroughs you’ll have a better From 25th David McVicar’s re-imagin- 26th o"cial posters were created by chance of getting in. More than ing of Hector Berlioz’s epic tale artists including Anthea Ham- Exhibition Road Music 25 acts have been announced Wimbledon Lawn of the Trojan war and its after- Royal Concertgebouw ilton, Howard Hodgkin, Martin Day so far - including White Stripes Tennis Championship math. Written during the 1850s, Orchestra of Creed, and Bridget Riley. Saturday 23rd June 2012 frontman Jack White, Hackney- 25th June – 8th July 2012 Les Troyens was Berlioz’s larg- Amsterdam 22nd - 24th Exhibition Road, Kensington, born rapper Professor Green All Lawn Tennis and est work and was seen as a sum- Tuesday 26th June 2012 London SW7 2HE and hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks - Croquet Club, Wimbledon, mary for his entire artistic Barbican Hall, Barbican, West Side Story The free Exhibition Road Music with more to be confirmed in due London SW19 5AE career. Internationally renowned London EC2Y 8DS 22nd - 24th June 2012 Day, London’s contribution to course. Wimbledon is the most watched names such as Jonas Kaufmann, The Royal Concertgebouw Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, European Music Day, returns rd tennis event in the Grand Slam Eva-Marie Westbroek and Anna Orchestra plays Oliver Mes- London SW7 2AP as leading arts, scientific, aca- From 23 calendar, with a TV audience of Caterina Antonacci make for a siaen’s mammoth Turangalila Fifty years after the release of demic and cultural organisa- London Festival of untold millions and over half a stellar cast in this five-act clas- Symphony in their second per- the iconic musical West Side tions gather to present a day of Architecture million spectators attending the sic that is sure to be one of the formance of the season at Story the Royal Albert Hall puts exciting sounds from around the 23rd June – 8th July 2012 All England Club to catch the major events in the whole Royal the Barbican Hall. Messiaen on a spectacular show to cele- world. A large range of indoor Olympic Posters: artistic take Various locations across action live. Will this be the year Opera Season. describes his work as a love song Berlioz’s Les Troyens returns to brate the original movie in all its and outdoor stages will play on the famous Olympic rings London that Britain finally has its first th and the symphony, inspired by the Royal Opera House glory. The film will be screened host to a variety of musical per- ‘The Playful City’ is the theme Wimbledon winner since Fred From 26 the myth of Tristan and Isolde, is 2012 Olympics. A host of British in the last two centuries and in high definition and will be formances, covering as many for this year’s London Festival of Perry way back in 1936? Last Poetry Parnassus possibly one of the most impor- and international artists includ- bringing some serious com- brought to life by the Royal Phil- genres as one can think of. From Architecture. Spread across var- year, much like 2010, Andy Mur- 26th June – 1st July 2012 tant orchestral works of the ing Leona Lewis, Will.i.am, Jes- petition to the water in one of harmonic Concert Orches- urban to jazz and folk to rock, ious locations during a summer ray made it gamely to the semi- Southbank Centre, London last century. French virtuoso sie J, Florence & the Machine, Britain’s most famous summer tra. The emotionally charged there’ll be plenty of di!erent in the city that welcomes the finals but was obliterated by a SE1 8XX Jean-Yves Thibaudet takes on Lana Del Rey, Ed Sheeran and sporting events. It has been run- score will still feature the origi- types of performances taking Olympics for the first time since rampant Rafael Nadal for the It seems that the Olympic gran- the demanding challenge of the Tinie Tempah will be performing ning since 1839, and has grown nal vocals on songs like ‘Tonight’, place and plenty of new music 1948, the 2012 festival seeks to second year running. Still, with it deur has rubbed o! on everyone notoriously severe piano solo across the six stages to 100,000 from a local event into one of ‘Somewhere’ and ‘I Feel Pretty.’ for you to enjoy. Music Day is look into the ways that both Lon- being the third successive semi- this year as June sees London’s and the symphony, tailor made people. Tickets to the event are the biggest meetings in row- Set in hot and restless downtown also an excellent opportunity to doners and visitors can become final for the Scot at Wimbledon Southbank Centre host the larg- for vast orchestral forces and free (plus £2.50 handling fee), ing, attracting crews of inter- New-York in the 1950s, Tony and catch a glimpse of bands before part of the fabric of the city. In surely it is only a matter of time est poetry festival in the UK, extended percussion, also show- but demand will be high and national quality to an array of Maria are our American Romeo they embark on the hectic sum- acknowledgment of the Olym- before Murray gets a shot at the with 205 poets from each of the cases the ondes Martenot - an luck will play a part if you’re suc- Challenge Trophies. The draw and Juliet who find themselves mer music festival circuit. pics, public spaces will be rein- title. competing Olympic countries early electronic musical instru- cessful in securing one. To be in is still conducted on a knock-out torn between warring families rd th terpreted to encourage physical th descending upon London to bat- ment invented in 1928 by French 23 - 24 with a chance of getting a ticket From 25 basis with only two boats rac- and rival gangs until the situa- fitness and festival participants tle for their country. South- cellist Maurice Martenot. BBC Radio 1’s you must have registered your Dr Dee - An English ing in each heat. Nineteen events tion inevitably ends in tragedy. will be encouraged to play in, and bank’s artist in residence Simon th details and uploaded a photo From 27 take place over the five days The 1961 film won ten Academy Hackney Weekend play with, the surrounding city. Opera Armitage and artistic director on the BBC Radio 1’s Hackney 25th June – 7th July 2012 including six classes of races for Awards and featured a remark- 23rd & 24th June 2012 There will also be open studios, Jude Kelly are behind the ambi- Henley Royal Regatta Weekend website before 11pm on English National Opera, Lon- Eights and aces for Coxless Pairs able performance from Nata- Hackney Marshes, London E9 public realm installations, per- tious cultural event, which will 2012 Monday 19th March. Only those don Coliseum, London WC2N and Double Sculls. But this is lie Wood, whose tragic drowning 5PF formances and other activities host readings and workshops 27th June – 1st July 2012 4ES just as much a social event, with continues to cause mystery and Radio 1’s Big Weekend free music who have registered will be able taking place in an arc around the with the poets. There will be per- Henley-on-Thames, Oxford- Damon Albarn (of Blur and thousands gathering to eat pic- controversy in the press. The festival comes to London’s Hack- to apply for tickets (maximum RITAIN formances aplenty and a UK shire RG9 2AQ City core. B Gorillaz fame) invites you into nics and drink Pimm’s aplenty show only runs for three nights ney Marshes in 2012 for the big- of two) online or by phone, and if ATE tour before the final release of a Henley Royal Regatta is a his- th T Y by the waterside. Expect lots of so be sure to book soon if you gest event of this kind they’ve you’re a Hackney resident or live From 24 S the weirdly wonderful world of poetry collection containing all toric occasion, set in a riverside don’t want to miss out. ever staged, to mark the London in one of the other five Olympic City of London Dr Dee, astrologer, alchemist, of the 205 chosen poems. village that has hardly changed Tim-Nice-But-Dims as the Eng- Festival magician and spy. Unbelievably, lish upper and middle classes this is not a fictitious character descend in their hoards. 24th June – 27th July 2012 th

WHITEREAD, COURTE WHITEREAD, drummed up in the deep sub- St Paul’s Cathedral, London L From 27 HE

C conscious of Albarn’s mind: the A

EC4M 8AD & various venues R man in question was an influen- New Designers 2012 nearby tial 16th century Englishman, 27th June - 7th July 2012 Founded in 1962, the City of Lon- an advisor to Elizabeth I, cred- Business Design Centre, Isling- don Festival celebrates its 50th ited with inventing the concept ton, London N1 0QH anniversary with a special pro- Young designers gather in their KO LONDON 2012 © of the British Empire, developing gramme based on the theme: W maps, and (successfully) putting thousands to showcase their City of London - Trading Places fresh and innovative creations at OBERT PI OBERT a hex on the Spanish Armada. with the World. This long-stand- R the Business Design Fair. Acting ©

L Dr Dee opened at the Manches- ing summer programme brings ter International Festival and as a springboard for young grad- music, visual arts, film, walks uates exiting the safety of higher

CATHEDRA received glowing reports; it now S ’

and talks to several high pro- L opens in London at the famous education the exhibition brings file venues and outdoor spaces Coliseum. together designers from all ends throughout the Square Mile. of the spectrum. Everything TRA, ST PAU

S th

Highlights include a perfor- HE From 25 from fashion to graphics, interi- C R mance of the Berlioz Requiem O Les Troyens ors to architecture is displayed C T L at St Paul’s by LSO and the Lon- HONY 25th June - 11th July 2012 as over 3,500 students represent P AE

don Symphony Chorus con- EY Royal Opera House, Covent over 200 top UK design courses. S ducted by Berlioz expert Sir Garden, London WC2E 9DD The New Designers shines a

Colin Davis. Classical guitar- , LONDON SYM Not seen at the Royal Opera spotlight on the hottest trends L IN COURT L EV ist John Williams returns with TIVA House since 1972, Les Troyens to come and a gives a glimpse D S

E F a special performance at Fish- ES makes a glorious return to the into the future of British design, © mongers’ Hall while the popular S London opera scene in June. whether you work in the indus- ROYEN

Street Pianos will hit the streets T The Royal Opera’s Music Direc- try, love discovering new talent,

S LE St Paul’s is one of the main venues for the City of London Festival once again. CITY OF LONDON tor Antonio Pappano conducts Can Serbia’s Novak Djokovic defend his Wimbledon title this summer? or just enjoy a good browse.

80 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 81 JUNE 2012 OBE © GL

From 28th of the London 2012 Festival, S The Genius of Hitchcock fea- EARE’ SIX OF THE BEST Edvard Munch: The tures painstakingly restored SP Modern Eye early masterpieces such as The 28th June – 14th October 2012 Lodger, the director’s first trade- 5. SHAKE ROH BEHIND THE SCENES Tate Modern, Bankside, Lon- mark movie in which a landlady Y OF don SE1 9TG suspects her strange lodger may S Yes, it’s true, you can go behind the scenes at all of the following London institutions. In fact hundreds of

Combining his pictorial work OURTE be on a killing spree. This fes- C London’s most famous places offer revealing ‘backstage’ tours. By Vicki Forde with his interest in the modern tival is a chance to bring these ARKE, ARKE, representational forms of pho- lesser-known but visually imagi- L tography and film, the exhibi- native pieces of work back to life tion presents Edvard Munch as once more – a celebration of one 01 02 01 Houses of Parliament a twentieth century artist, thor- of the true masters of suspense.

REDIT SIM CANETTY! C Westminster, London W1 oughly reflecting the modernity Of the nine restored films, so far C This unique tour, available every of his era. The expressionist and only two are complete: The Plea- printmaker’s famous paintings sure Garden (28th & 29th June Saturday, explores the ins and outs of include The Sick Child, Madonna – Wilton’s Music Hall) and The Parliament - including the Commons and, perhaps his most iconic and Lords Chambers and Queen’s

Lodger (Sat 21st July – Barbican TAGE RIGGING, PHOTO S piece, The Scream, which was K C

Centre). A Robing Room. B part of a series called The Frieze th of Life, in which Munch explored From 30 C 4. BB 02 Buckingham Palace the universal themes of love, fear, Diamonds: A Jubilee Y OF S Victoria, London SW1 death and anxiety. This show- Celebration

OURTE During the Queen’s annual visit to case of the Norwegian symbol- 30th June – 8th July 2012 C E, ist painter is sure to be a hit with S Scotland in August and September, & 31st July – 7th October 2012 OU H London art lovers. Buckingham Palace, London the 19 State Rooms are opened for you TING S

th A to explore. This year’s Jubilee sees the From 28 SW1A 1AA C Only a psycho would miss out on Alfred Hitchcock’s silent films opening also include nine days of July

This spectacular exhibition at ROAD Masterpiece London B the Ball Supper Room at Buck- th Every summer inquisitive visi- and a week in October to coincide T 3.

28th June - 4th July 2012 L

From 30 O

ingham Palace shows the many H with the special Diamonds exhibition. tors get the chance to look round

The Royal Hospital Chelsea, W ways in which diamonds have Royal Ballet: Les London SW3 4SR Buckingham Palace and admire 03 04 NDRE Dedicated to finding the best been used by British monarchs Noces the interiors of the principal A 03 BBC Broadcasting House

over the last 200 years. Dia- 30th June – 9th July 2012 REDIT in art and design, Masterpiece royal residence, and this year the C Portland Place, London W1 London is truly an exhibition for monds: A Jubilee Celebration Royal Opera House, Covent season is extended until Octo- Exploring the newly restored hub of

is just one of a number of exhi- Garden, London WC2E 9DD E PHOTO collectors to be excited about. ber to celebrate the Queen’s Dia- C A the BBC, you’ll be able to follow in the bitions organised by the Royal Retiring Royal Ballet director, L Expect contemporary and his- mond Jubilee. Visitors for the footsteps of the famous and even cre- torical paintings, sculpture, Collection to mark Her Majes- Monica Mason, departs with a Summer Opening tour are per- ty’s Diamond Jubilee including a ate your own radio drama. “director’s choice” of works she KINGHAM PA prints, drawings and antiques mitted access to the nineteen C U

photography exhibition at Wind- particularly loves, finishing with B representing both UK and inter- State Rooms which are still used 04 Royal Opera House sor Castle and a special show Bronislava Nijinska’s Les Noces. OOM, national galleries, collectors by the Royal Family to receive R of royal treasures at the Palace , London WC2 and dealers. Held on the South The piece is performed at the ING and entertain guests on state W

of Holyroodhouse, Scotland, as Royal Opera House as part of a RA See the theatre buzzing with pre-per- Grounds of the Royal Hospital and ceremonial occasions. Dec- D well as a touring exhibition of ten triple bill along with two other UE formance action, take an architectural

Chelsea, the 2012 event prom- BL

orated in lavish fashion, they . drawings by Leonardo da Vinci works: Frederick Ashton’s Birth- II ises to build on the successes of include paintings by Rembrandt, tour of the auditorium or view an exhi- previous years; o!ering a stag- which travels to five UK venues day O!ering, and A Month in the bition on the Director of Royal Ballet - Rubens and Canaletto, Sevres IZABETH

from January 2012 to January Country based on Turgenev’s EL geringly wide array of high-end porcelain and some of the finest Monica Mason. 2013. There are two exhibitions play of the same name. A Month products and some superb din- English and French furniture in

at the Queen’s London residence QUEEN TY

in the Country and Les Noces S ing options, from the iconic cus- the world. There are also some 05 Globe Theatre (see also: the Leonardo da Vinci: AJE

are well matched as both pres- M tom-built Le Caprice restaurant exquisite royal gifts, including Bankside, London SE1 ER 05 06 Anatomy, 4th May to 7th Octo- ent Russian stories of rituals H to the Mount Street Deli with its Fabergé Eggs, on display. This Envisage the Globe as the notorious strong selection of sandwiches, ber 2012 .PAGE 54 ). The spectacu- and all three have a particularly is a fascinating opportunity to entertainment district it once was. pastries and salads. lar Diamonds exhibition includes strong place within The Royal

admire the taste - often wonder- © 2012, TION Special e!ects, sword fighting and cos- an unprecedented display of the Ballet repertory. But it’s the final C th E From 28 ful, sometimes comically bad - LL tume dressing bring Shakespeare’s

Queen’s personal jewels, both work, Les Noces, which is likely S CO L The Genius of inherited and acquired during of Britain’s monarchy. Also, as ER’ world back to life. LL

to stand out as a must-see classic OYA U R

part of the Diamond Jubilee cel- F

Hitchcock her reign. Highlights include the of 20th-century ballet and will HE T Y OF 28th June – 21st July 2012 necklace and earrings made for no doubt be a poignant moment ebrations, there will be a spe- S 06 Fuller’s Brewery cial exhibition which will look

Barbican Hall, Silk Street, Queen Victoria to wear at her for the departing Royal Ballet OURTE

C Chiswick, London W4 London EC2Y 8DS and Wil- coronation, a small crown worn director. into how diamonds have been ERY, ERY, EBBINGTON 2. EBBINGTON

BFI Discover the secret recipe of Fuller’s B W used by British monarchs over Y S ton’s Music Hall, Shadwell, by Queen Victoria for her o"cial th RE B

beers, take a look back at the heritage London E1 8JB diamond jubilee portrait, and a From 30 the last 200 years. There will be S ER’ of the brewery and finish the tour with Buckingham Palace a beautiful display of many of LL K, COURTE Up to nine surviving silent films Garrard Fringe brooch - remod- U C F © CATHERINE © CATHERINE O S a refreshing tasting session. On top of the Queen’s personal collection, C by Alfred Hitchcock, together elled from a set of diamonds Summer Opening H C

IT its award-winning ales, the brewery with brand new live musi- given to Queen Victoria by the 30th June – 8th July & some of which she inherited by H IATION 6. IATION C OF O cal scores, will be shown at Sultan of Turkey. The exhibi- 31st July – 7th October 2012 Her Majesty or acquired during S also boasts the oldest wisteria in the E OF COMMON ASS S

ENIU UK, planted in the early 19th century. this film festival presented by tion is also a great opportunity to Buckingham Palace, London her reign. Booking in advance is G SS OU H HE PRE 1. the British Film Institute. Part view the Palace’s interior. SW1A 1AA recommended. T

82 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 83 LONDON EVENTS A SUMMER OF FESTIVALS Forget six hour coach trips and damp sleeping bags; the L

world’s greatest music is TIVA S E playing right on our F doorstep... By Tessa Edmondson Y OF 1 ! 2 3 4 S

ing of all festivals, Glaston- H COURTE bury, hangs up its mud splattered C K plastic poncho this year to take a well earned breather, giving its budding 1 ! 2 3 4 SHOREDIT

little festival siblings a shot at grabbing S VENT

some of the limelight. E There is an abundance of capital LOAD LOAD N K

based festivals all grappling for your C attention in 2012, and with the fren- Field Day !e Apple Cart Festival Bloc Wireless Hard Rock Calling Y OF LO zied buzz that will come hand-in-hand Saturday 2nd June 2012 Sunday 3rd June 2012 S 6th – 7th July 2012 6th – 8th July 2012 13th – 15th July 2012

with the Olympic Games and the party E

Victoria Park, London E3. East London’s Victoria Park, London E3. London’s new- L London Pleasure Gardens, London E16. Hyde Park, London W2. The antithesis Hyde Park, London W2. Bruce Springs- OY of historical proportions to celebrate finest gather in leafy Victoria Park for est family-friendly festival likes to think of B Peace and Love get a distinctly urban of Woodstock, Wireless is west London’s teen blasts out heartland rock in London’s

the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it looks AVID plenty of hipster fun in the sun. Famed for itself as a great gooey melting pot of fun, D makeover as Bloc puts down its roots in big and boisterous festival with a line-up glorious back garden. If you want rock © like London is in for a seriously excit- L its melancholic folk, surging electro and bubbling over with comedy, cabaret, art COURTE OUR WEEKENDER, the city. Bold electro, awe-inspiring visuals to match. This year party girl Rihanna and anthems and music icons, Hard Rock Call- F TIVA T S S

ing summer. E

seriously long queues .PAGE 75 and outstanding music .PAGE 75 F and a 6am licence! .PAGE 96 feisty Brit Jessie J headline .PAGE 96 ing is the festival for you .PAGE 98

Judging by the most recent line-up S UNE releases, it looks as though the world’s T C I BB

top music-makers agree: top notch acts Y S Y LOVEBOX SOUTH WE Y LOVEBOX

including Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lana S Del Rey and Bruce Springsteen are all hopping over the pond to enjoy the beautiful British weather (well, we can KNEY WEEKENDER, COURTE dream). Whilst home-grown talents COURTE LOVEBOX, EZ C P A H

S Florence & the Machine, Ed Sheeran O LO J and Hot Chip are all taking to the stage. ADIO 1’ ADIO R ATION © C

Most festival organisers have cho- N BB

sen to take full advantage of London’s L TIVA ING, LIVE S E

many sprawling parks, with Hyde Park, LL F K CA

Clapham Common and Victoria Park C O E CART E CART all hosting huge events. But this year R APPL ARD ARD H HE

also sees festivals venturing out into T Y S

some of London’s less popular spaces. ATION N Bloc makes its home on the Royal Vic- , COURTE L

toria Docklands and Radio 1’s Week- TIVA S E , CREDIT LIVE , CREDIT F ender sets up camp on the Hackney L TIVA S E Marshes. E CART F

SS APPL So all that’s left to do is pick the fes- E L HE T

tival best suited to you. Then go forth, L AH, WIRE TIVA P

frolic in the fields, wear flowers in your S EM hair, dance on people’s shoulders, and BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend iTunes Festival T Lovebox South West Four Weekender 1-2-3-4 Shoreditch INIE D DAY FE D DAY T L

then hop on the tube and return to 23rd – 24th June 2012 1st – 31st July 2012 15th – 17th June 2012 25th -26th August 2012 Saturday 1st September 2012 C Y FIE OGI S

your sweet smelling mud-free homes. L E

Hackney Marshes, London E9. Lana , London NW1. The iTunes S Victoria Park, London E3. London’s Clapham Common, London SW4. Chase Shoreditch Park, London N1. 1-2-3-4 A

Perfect. B Y S

Del Rey, Ed Sheeran and Florence & the line-up is a closely guarded secret, but one , COURTE answer to Glastonbury celebrates a and Status lead the way at London’s high- brings summer to a well earned close with L

Machine perform for the lucky Londoners thing that’s guaranteed is that it will be a TIVA decade of love in 2012, with Friendly Fires energy dance festival. This year it comes alternative fun for alternative kids with S E F

that are crafty enough to secure tickets to magical month filled with delightful and AY and Hot Chip providing this year’s heart, with the added bonus of falling on the after-party madness spreading through- D 2012, COURTE D C L Radio 1’s free festival .PAGE 80 free music delicacies .PAGE 95 O soul and rock and roll. .PAGE 78 August bank holiday .PAGE 113 out East London .PAGE 123 IE BL F

84 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 85 01 Underpinning this Dickensian eruption Appearing on a recent online video away in a debtors’ prison, Dickens was was the BBC’s three-part series of Great about Dickens’ London on the Guardian’s sent to live with a boarding family that Expectations, which cast Ray Winstone website, the actor Simon Callow – a Dick- would later become the inspiration for the and Gillian Anderson as Magwitch and ens enthusiast – recalled how the writer’s Garland family in . Miss Havisham. No sooner had the crit- friends would often joke that wherever A shoe shop by the same name can be ically acclaimed production finished air- they went in London – be it Fulham, Hamp- found today on Portsmouth Street just o! ing than the advance previews of this stead or the East End – there, turning a Lincoln’s Inn Fields in , near to autumn’s new film adaptation starring corner, was Dickens. where Dickens worked as a legal clerk and Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter “He was everywhere and he still is in court reporter. The white-washed timber in the same roles hit our screens. my imagination,” said Callow as he traced building dates back to the sixteenth cen- There is, of course, good reason why some of the author’s haunts around Covent tury and took the name “The Old Curios- Britain has renewed its love a!air with Garden. “It was Dickens’ delight to walk ity Shop” after the novel was released in Dickens: 2012 does not simply mark Lon- round London with friends or visitors and 1841 and is probably not the actual inspira- don’s Olympic year, it is also the 200th point out, as it were, Dickens’ London. He tion for Dickens’ description of his fictional anniversary of the birth of greatest novel- was as much a myth as a man, even in his antique shop. It’s still open today – and well ist of the Victorian period. As such, there’s own lifetime. He celebrated his own exis- worth a gander 03 . a worldwide Dickens 2012 movement to tence in these places. It’s remarkable how To pay for his board and help his fam- commemorate the bicentenary of his birth, much of it remains intact.” ily, Dickens was forced to leave school at 12 which fell on 7 February. The best example of an intact piece of and work in Warren’s Blacking Warehouse Although an international celebration Dickens’ London is 48 in on Hungerford Stairs, near the present of the life and work of the prolific writer, Holborn. Located between Gray’s Inn and Charing Cross station. One of his co-work- philanthropist and champion of the poor Coram Gardens, this Georgian terraced ers, who knew all the shortcuts and tricks – with events going on all over the globe, house was Dickens’ home for two and a of the trade, was called Bob Fagin – a name from Albania to Zimbabwe – Dickens 2012 half productive years following his mar- immortalised years later in . has at its epicentre the city which the riage (during which he completed The This unhappy period in his life was alluded author so wonderfully portrayed in and wrote the whole of to in his favourite and most autobiographi- bulk of his work: London. Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickelby, as well cal novel, David Copperfield. Dickens’ London is a gritty, unromantic as fathering two daughters). Now the site Years later, when Dickens was a suc- place where fog and poverty rules supreme of the excellent Museum cessful publisher, the author set up his and corruption spreads like a bad smell. 01 , this is the only one of Dickens’ London All The Year Round periodical o"ces on Despite the miseries of his youth in Lon- abodes to survive. the first floor of a building in Wellington don, Dickens also had much love for the Dickens was actually born in Ports- Street, opposite Waterloo Bridge, above city in which he spent the majority of his 58 mouth, moving to aged two what is today the aptly-named Charles years. He routinely walked the city streets before spending an idyllic early childhood Dickens Co!ee House. In these years, – sometimes for 10 or 20 miles at a time in the Kent countryside. When his fam- when Dickens was at the height of his – and his descriptions of nineteenth-cen- ily moved back to London in 1822 it was to fame, he would recall those hard times A tale of one city: ’s Dickens’ Dream (1875), an uncompleted homage to the prolific author’s imagination tury London bring the sights, sounds and – and so started the worst while eating at London’s oldest restaurant, smells of the old city alive. phase of Dickens’ life. His father locked Rules, which overlooked the warehouse. LONDONERS NN © STEVEN POTTER NN © STEVEN I The best way to experience Dickens’ London today is to do what the man did himself and cover the city by foot – preferably via a pub or two EORGE MR DICKENS AT 200 G

HE 02 03 04 T London celebrates the bicentenary of the writer who brought the capital to life By Felix Lowe

London. Michelmas term lately over, and the Lord observe that Dickens described London “like a special correspon- © STEVEN POTTER 4. © STEVEN Chancellor sitting in Lincoln’s Inn Hall. Implacable Novem- dent for posterity”. While Dickens managed to capture the joy and P EUM ITY SHO S ber weather. As much mud in the streets as if the waters despair of the city during the injustices of the Victorian era, his S U M

had but newly retired from the face of the earth, and it acute depictions of London are ones that often still ring true today. S D CURIO KEN C OL would not be wonderful to meet a Megalosaurus, forty feet Just moments after the evocative opening description of I D

HE S T E “long or so, waddling like an elephantine lizard up Holborn Hill.” muddy Holborn Hill, the narrator of Bleak House takes issue with L Thus, with magical imagery, begins Charles Dickens’ Bleak the area’s pedestrians, “jostling one another’s umbrellas in a gen- © CHAR SS

House, the celebrated author’s scathing satire on the Byzan- eral infection of ill-temper, and losing their foot-hold at street-cor- U B

tine legal system in London. Dickens’ tale, which was serialised ners, where tens of thousands of other foot passengers have been IAM LL

between 1852 and 1853, guides the reader through the foggy dank slipping and sliding since the day broke”. Sounds a bit like rush POTTER 3. E © STEVEN S streets of London to the maze of the peaceful Inns of Court, where hour today, does it not? OBERT WI OBERT R

“lawyers lie like maggots in nuts” a stone’s throw from the city’s Any UK resident with a TV and access to newspapers could CHEE HIRE S

worst slums and criminal haunts. not have failed to notice the spike of interest in Dickens last REAM BY D

DE CHE S

As a social commentator and urban novelist, Dickens was Christmas – you’d be forgiven for thinking that Miss Havisham OL E KEN Y C I 2. second to none, leading the essayist Walter Bagehot in 1858 to was a new celebrity pop singer in the mould of Lady Gaga. D

86 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 87 The Maiden Lane restaurant 05 is still confused city” in Bleak House) and over hosts Wednesday evening walks which fea- open today, championing British classics the Thames in Southwark is the National ture readings from Dickens’ novels, facts HEATRE T such as fish and chips served the old-fash- Trust-owned George Inn – London’s only from his life and a visit to one of his favou- SS ioned way: in a newspaper. remaining coaching inn – which often rite pubs. Newspapers and periodicals were opened its doors to Dickens 04 . The only surviving house the author Y CHARING CRO Y CHARING

the life-blood of Dickens, who made his Further down the river, The Grapes Inn lived in, the Charles Dickens Museum, S name as a journalist and continued being in Limehouse was another Dickens haunt houses more than 100,000 manuscripts, COURTE one while publishing his novels in weekly and featured in Our Mutual Friend as “a rare editions, personal objects and paint- S 01 instalments. Following the release of his tavern of dropsical appearance”. North ings . Usually open 365 days a year, O CITIE father from prison, Dickens could finally of Hampstead Heath is the historic Span- the museum was founded in 1925 after TW E OF L A T

finish his schooling and, on completion in iards Inn, which was mentioned in Dick- the Dickens Fellowship saved the build- 1827, he joined a law firm in Gray’s Inn as ens’ first novel, The Pickwick Papers. ing from demolition. Oddly enough for A ERY LL a clerk, aged 15. Having learnt shorthand, The best way to experience Dickens’ a museum that boasts the world’s finest A G he became a freelance court reporter and London today is to cover the city in the Dickens-related collection, 48 Doughty

then a political journalist in Clerkenwell. same way as Dickens himself: by foot. The Street will be closed for much of the Dick- PORTRAIT L ens Bicentenary owing to a much-needed ATIONA 05 £3.2m renovation project, dubbed “Great N © Expectations”. So, make sure you visit by S ! 1900 9th April 2012 otherwise you will have to S

wait until December and the annual Dick- , 1880 SS

ensian Christmas celebrations. URNI F Despite the post-Easter closure of 48 ARRY Doughty Street, the H Dickens on Screen Dickens and London Charles Dickens (1812-70): A Bicentenary BY BY will be picking up the slack with Dick- S BFI Southbank | Until 25th March 2012 Museum of London | Until 10th June 2012 V&A Museum | Until 1st April 2012 KEN C I D

ens and London, the first major UK exhi- S

E From the multi Oscar-winning Oliver! to The first major UK exhibition on Dickens This free display of original manuscripts L bition of the author for over 40 years. the BBC’s hit series Bleak House and myr- for over 40 years is an audio-visual experi- focuses on Dickens’s most autobiographi- Running until 10th June, the exhibi- OT CHAR iad takes on A Christmas Carol, Charles ence drawing on paintings, photographs, cal novel David Copperfield and examines P DE

tion promises a “haunting journey” using S Dickens is the most-adapted novelist on objects and rarely seen manuscripts writ- the development of the book through to RT A

sounds and projections to explore wealth, Y

S the silver screen and television. ten in the author’s own hand.. publication and beyond. poverty, prostitution, childhood mortal- , COURTE

ity and philanthropy in Victorian times. S YE Located close to the Barbican Centre, L ARGO

the museum draws on paintings, photo- M

graphs, costumes and objects that illus- IRIAM M

trate Dickens’ work and manuscripts in A & his own hand. V Other museums and institutions PORTRAIT © PORTRAIT

involved in Dickens 2012 are the V&A S KEN’ C

Museum, which hosts a bicentenary I D

S E

At the height of his fame Dickens would dine out in Rules restaurant in Covent Garden exhibition that draws on original man- L uscripts, printers’ proofs, first editions CHAR These formative years in Dickens’ and illustrations, focusing primarily on L HAE

“It was Dickens’ delight C career provided him with much mate- Dickens’ favourite novel, David Copper-

rial for novels such as Nicholas Nickelby, to walk round London field; the , which held a Y CARMI , and especially, Bleak Dickens and the Supernatural exhibition ALL

with friends and visi- E © S

House (which takes place largely in and until early March; and the National Por- OU tors and point out, as it H around the picturesque Inns of Court, trait Gallery, whose Life & Legacy display EAK much frequented by Dickens). were, Dickens’ London” charts the key aspects of the author’s life, BL As a journalist, social chronicler and and includes his friend Daniel Maclise’s T EDITION OF T EDITION keen devourer of London’s pavements, famous portrait of a young Dickens aged S IR a thirsty Dickens of course spent a lot of 26. F time in public houses – many of which Guardian website has numerous commen- For fans of theatre and film, a musi- still stand today. The most famous is the taries that you can download onto your cal version of hits EUM OF LONDON EUM OF LONDON S

delightfully cavernous and rickety Ye Old iPod while following his footsteps. For the West End stage with a four-week run U Dickens’ Women Charles Dickens: Life & Legacy A Tale of Two Cities: Musical D L M Cheshire Cheese 02 , whose gloomy charm organised tours, the guides at London at the Charing Cross Theatre in April, | 23rd & 24th June 2012 National Portrait Gallery | Until 22nd April Charing Cross Theatre | Until 12 May 2012 HFIE BFI C Y captivated Dickens, who alluded to the Walks wear Victorian-style costumes as while the BFI Southbank ran an intrigu- S SET L

EI The much-loved actress Miriam Mar- Comprised of prints, drawings and pho- Set in revolutionary Paris and nineteenth

Fleet Street establishment in A Tale of they lead guests down Dickensian alley- ing Dickens on Screen season until late N golyes brings a rich assortment of Dick- tographs, this display focuses on the key century London, Dickens’s classic tale Two Cities. ways on Fridays; the Walks of London web- March. Just stay clear of nearby busy REEN COURTE C ens’ most colourful characters to life in aspects of the author’s life and is shown of one man’s ultimate sacrifice for love is

Beyond nearby St Paul’s Cathedral site suggests free jaunts around the haunts Holborn Hill if you’re visiting during rush TAURANT © S ON S E

S this critically acclaimed one-woman show alongside Daniel Maclise’s portrait of Dick- brought to life in this stunning new musi- R

(whose cross atop the dome is described and famous landmarks of the great nov- hour - it would not be wonderful to meet S E KEN L C

I that has toured the globe. ens as a bright young writer. cal on the West End. U D as “the crowning confusion of the great, elist; while the Charles Dickens Museum a Megalosaurus... R

88 LondonTown.com LondonTown.com 89