More things to do in London this week/end

 With thanks to Country and Townhouse and the Southbank Centre:

November 02, 2025   |    Dear Reader, It made me laugh that my newsletter last week was about the hobbies that I’m trying to bring into my second half century. Now that I’m watching the brilliant Riot Women, I feel my choices of line-dancing and sauna are insanely middle-aged. I should really be starting a rock band (if only I could sing). Well, you can’t do it all, but I do love this attention on women at their halfway point. You can’t read anything nowadays without reference to the menopause, but given that this stage of a woman’s life has been hitherto neglected, disregarded and misunderstood, the attention it’s now getting is incredibly liberating. It’s a stage of life where women cross a threshold – and how we decide to do it can be within our power (with the right help and advice). We can turn it into a superpower, in fact. So maybe I need to book those electric guitar lessons after all. Have a great week. WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK Blackacre Ambition I met the founder of Blackacre this week. It’s a jewellery brand with ambition not for the sake of commercial success, but because Sam is just obsessed with what he does and he wants to be the best. This is why founders are (generally) always the best adverts for their brands – they are the story just as much as the product.  London Sparkles London has officially slipped on its festive finery. I know, I know, it’s only just November – but the clocks have gone back and the city just looks that much more gorgeous with its twinkly lights on. We recommend the best places to dazzle.  Founder Lucy Johnson Welcome To The World’s First Ethical Online Department Store Lovebrook & Green has finally opened its digital doors, promising a beautifully curated experience where every piece is selected for both its craftsmanship and regenerative credentials. Think fine homeware, fashion and beauty with transparent sourcing, circular design and no compromise on elegance. Bravo! SPOTLIGHT In partnership with Wealth Club With Three Weeks Until The Budget, Download Wealth Club’s Free Guide To Tax Efficient Investing Higher earners are braced for a heavier tax burden following the Budget on 26 November. If this worries you, where could you turn? And how could experienced investors make the most of current tax-saving allowances – while they’re still around? This free guide from Wealth Club explains briefly and simply where you could invest if you want to reduce the tax you pay. Tax rules can change and benefits will depend on your circumstances, and you should not invest money you cannot afford to lose. This 16-page free guide is not advice nor a personal recommendation: it simply explains the main facts, so you can decide if these opportunities are for you. LEARN MORE FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS Halloween is all done, but don’t pack away your skeleton costume just yet: it’s Día de los Muertos today and London’s Mexican restaurants are pulling out all the stops. Who says scones should be restricted to the afternoon? Enjoy The Savoy’s opulent new Twilight Tea with a crisp glass of Nyetimber under the soft glow of a stained glass dome. Book at thesavoylondon.com Gillian Anderson is back on the small screen next week, starring in Channel 4’s adaptation of Louise Kennedy’s Troubles romance Trespasses opposite Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen. 9 November Now in its second year, Highgate Art Fair returns to North London next weekend, with the work of both local and international artists backdropped by a Victorian hall. 7 – 9 November Loved House of Guinness? Soon you won’t need to fly all the way to Dublin to taste the most authentic pour: Guinness is opening a new brewery tour in London this winter. 11 December C&TH SHOPPING EDIT GROVE ENGLAND Anemone Eau De Parfum, £120 BUY NOW GYM+COFFEE Industry Fleece Jacket In Black, £80 BUY NOW GAÂLA PARIS Angelina Faux Fur Coat, £745 BUY NOW CODE8 BEAUTY Red Box Set, £75 BUY NOW WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH Take a look at The Orient Express train reborn Hayley Ellen Day/CARL GAMBINO of the Gambino Group at Compass Lily Allen & David Harbour’s NYC brownstone is on the market The coolest new hotels opening in London next year All the celebs that call Hampstead home COMPETITION OF THE WEEK Win A Cellcosmet Skincare Collection Worth Over £1,000 With everything from dehydration to age wearing away at your skin, having skincare products you can trust is key. Want to enhance your collection? Cellcosmet is giving you the chance to win an exclusive bundle of skincare worth over £1,000. ENTER HERE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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Treats only 👻

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We hope your Halloween was all treats and no tricks! With spooky season ending, we're ready to light up your calendar with our Winter Lights opening.

Plus, we’ve announced a new family show, and you can get your fill of literature, classical music and gigs this week, as well as a series taking art to its limits. Scroll on, if you dare!

 Shine bright

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Winter Light

UNTIL SUN 18 JAN

Over the dark winter nights, our site is illuminated by outdoor artworks that play with light and colour – explore to discover them all.

See the lights

 Just announced

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The Boy at the Back of the Class

TUE 7 APR – SUN 12 APR

Come along on a heartfelt and often hilarious adventure as a group of friends set out on a quest to reunite their new classmate with his family.

Thu 9 Apr at 6pm and Sun 12 Apr at 11.30am: British Sign Language interpreted (BSL)

Book now

This week for experience seekers

KUNSTY

WED 5 – SUN 8 NOV

Our new performance series platforms the rad, the queer and the uncategorisable. 

Pick your show

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Sung Im Her: 1 Degree Celsius

THU 6 NOV

The choreographer invites us to consider how art can spark action in the face of a climate crisis.

Justin Talplacido Shoulder: ANITO

FRI 7 NOV
Enter a future folkloric world of dance-theatre and elaborate craft reimagining Filipino myths.

Adam Russell-Jones: Release the Hounds

SAT 8 NOV

Witness a performance of dance as an escape from reality – but also a means of surviving it.

Harry Clayton-Wright: Mr Blackpool's Seaside Spectacular

SAT 8 NOV

An end-of-the-pier show at the end of the world, twice nightly.

Make the most of it

Book to see multiple KUNSTY shows in the same transaction to get up to 30% off your tickets.

Take a chance

The Christmas shop is open

Shop our range of kitsch baubles, festive homeware and artful gifts – every penny spent keeps the Southbank Centre thriving.

Shop now

 Listen in

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Is classical music just one big remix?

Should classical music be remixed, reused, and recycled? With music choices including John Williams’ Star Wars and Luciano Berio’s daring reimaginings, they explore how reinvention keeps classical music alive and surprising.

Listen now

Get down with us

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futuretense: Big Softy + Princess Xixi

WED 5 NOV

Free gig? I'm there

Nala Sinephro

SUN 9 NOV

Try some jazz

Classical time

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Tiffany Poon: Alkan, Debussy & Ravel

SUN 9 NOV

Hear the piano

Manchester Collective: Lights and Places

SUN 9 NOV

Cross-genre music

Your literature recommendations

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Joelle Taylor: Maryville

SUN 9 NOV

Hear new poetry

The Booker Prize 2025 Shortlist Readings

SUN 9 NOV

Learn from the authors

Coming soon

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Salman Rushdie: The Eleventh Hour

TUE 25 NOV

Sh!t Theatre: EVITA TOO

TUE 9 DEC – WED 31 DEC

From our friends

Poetry Club: Leo Boix and Mona Arshi

THU 20 NOV | THE CORONET THEATRE

A reading of powerful new poetry from two award-winning voices. Both poets draw on deeply personal histories and urgent global concerns.

Find out more

An Evening with Lou Barlow

WED 26 NOV | ICA

The indie rock legend takes the stage for a rare career-spanning set, from lo-fi anthems to intimate solo gems.

Find out more

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What's On    Visit     Membership & Support

Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoyed your specially selected highlights. Share your comments and photos with us by mentioning @southbankcentre or @haywardgallery.

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Southbank Centre is a charity registered in England and Wales No.298909. Registered office: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX