FOCUS Favourites February
February, the shortest month of the year, possibly the coldest, nevertheless full of things to do. Events in February include Valentine's Day, Pancake Day and Chinese New Year. Below our selection of suggestions, including booking ahead for the Chelsea Flower Show in May. Enjoy!
theatre: The Girl On The Train
11-16 February
Based on the best-selling novel by Paul Hawkins the Richmond theatre presents the gripping new play 'The Girl On The Train' with Samantha Womack and Oliver Farnworth. Rachel Watson, the main character of the play is obsessed with the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day. Their life, as she sees it, is perfect. But then Rachel witnesses a shocking event, finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery. You will keep guessing until the final moment.
7 February
Anna Calvi, a talented English singer-songwriter and guitarist, announces a new show at the Roundhouse, an art and concert venue situated at the Grade II listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm. Her new live show will see her perform songs from her new record 'Hunter'. Anna Calvi’s powerful, wide ranging operatic voice is characteristic for her blend of dark atmospheric romantic pop. Doors open at 7pm
children: It’s Hot, It’s Not
2 February - 10 March
The Unicorn Theatre for children is showing a surreal, funny and carefully crafted physical performance exploring the weather in all its forms. Why is it that sometimes I’m hot but you’re cold? Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? The Unicorn Production in association with Reckless Sleepers is somewhere between visual art, dance and theatre. Enjoy a relaxed 50 minutes daytime performance with your little once. Age guide 2-5
21 February - 19 May
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, miniature painting was regarded as an art form at which the English excelled above all others, and Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver gained international fame and admiration. The National Portrait Gallery houses the first major exhibition on Tudor and Jacobean portrait miniatures in the UK for over 35 years. In the 16th and 17th centuries, miniatures were worn around the neck or pinned to the clothing as part of friendship, love, patronage or diplomacy. Explore what these exquisite images reveal about identity, society and visual culture.
not to be missed: Orchid festival Kew Gardens
9 February - 10 March
With 4.270 species of orchids, Colombia is the perfect inspiration for this year's vibrant festival at Kew Gardens. The celebration returns for its 24th year. The Orchidaceae are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants, with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Grab your friends and family and enjoy the classic Colombian street food, move to the beat of tango and salsa, get crafty and make your own mask or join one of the talks and hear from Kew experts how the orchid festival was built. Escape the dreary winter with Kew’s festival of orchids.
hidden gems: Westminster Abbey's Hidden Gallery
Westminster Abbey is opening its hidden gallery for the first time in 700 years. The gallery contains a large part of human history, with a full replica set of the crown jewels, wood effigies of dead monarchs and much more. Entry will be the usual £20 that is needed to gain access to Westminster Abbey and another £5 in order to gain access to the galleries. With little knowledge of how long these are going to remain open, it is a great opportunity to gain access to some important history from the UK and have a fun look around.
book in advance: Chelsea Flower Show
21-25 May
Planning on going to the Chelsea Flower Show? You must book tickets in advance for the world’s most prestigious and famous garden highlight of the year. The flower show runs from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 25th of May on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.
restaurant: Market hall Victoria
Market hall Victoria has just opened and it’s one not to be missed. With foods ranging from British to dim sum and from Mexican to fish and chips this hall offers a wide variety of intriguing food choices. All the vendors provide a fresh and diverse selection of foods. This hall is located on Victoria Street just by the train station. They take bookings only on Monday’s and Tuesday’s but feel free to walk in whenever. Showcasing so many cuisines, you’ll definitely be coming back for more!
dance: Sadler’s Well Sampled
8 & 9 February
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the annual celebration of dance styles at the Sadler’s Wells this February. It is an evening of short performances programmed for every taste. The amazing show brings together incredible moves from every dance genre. This year it ranges from the heart-stopping, mind-altering musicality and athletic hip hop of Yeah Yellow, to Jesús Carmona’s flamenco, to Zenaida Yanovsky’s interpretation of Fokine’s classical ballet, “The Dying Swan”. Book a ticket for only £20.
festival: Imagine Children’s Festival
13 - 24 February
Southbank Centre's Imagine Children's Festival returns for 12 jam-packed days of fun. Do not miss the best children’s theatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone.
Including: Peppa Pig: My first concert, Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman and Chris Riddell to discuss their famous stories and treasured characters, and Big Moves for Little Groovers, a hip-hop dance workshop for children ages 5+ .
day trip: Deal
Only one hour twenty minutes by train from London St Pancras and you arrive in a unique little seaside town in Kent, called Deal.
Deal is a former fishing town on the boarder of the North Sea and the English Channel, only eight miles from Dover. A delightful seaside centre with a beautiful long pebble beach, pier, fishing boats and promenade to the castle. Winner of the Daily Telepraph High Street of the Year Award in 2013, it is no surprise that Deal’s selection of independent shops is excellent. With its tidy rows of picturesque Georgian townhouses and fishermen cottages it ticks all the day trip boxes.
Enjoy a lovely walk along the beautiful promenade and the pier and try the wonderful restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy fresh, locally caught fish. See a fantastic range of maritime exhibits at Deal Maritime & Local History Museum, visit the Timball Tower or explore one of the historic castles in Deal and Walmer.
and not in London...
Northampton: Spirit of the Dance
10 February
Seen by more than thirty million people around the world, 'Spirit of the Dance' is coming to the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering on February 10th.
Irish in origin the powerful and explosive show has won nine Global Awards including Best Choreography and Best International Production. This breathtaking show combines the powerful rhythm of Irish dance with the sensual Latino rhythm of Tango, Flamenco and Red Hot Salsa. With brilliant lighting, dazzling costumes and breathtaking choreography, this is one of the greatest dance shows ever.