1. Russian State Ballet of Siberia – Cinderella
Date: Jan 31, 7.30pm ( £12-£49.50 + booking fees; atgtickets.com)
Location: New Wimbledon Theatre
The rags-to-riches classic is set to Prokofiev’s energetic score with lively choreography and colourful costumes.
2. Burns Night Dinner
Date: Jan 25 (£47pp; peartreecafe.co.uk/events)
Location: Pear Tree Café
Whisky, haggis, neeps and tatties are the order of the day as chef-owners Will Burrett and Annabel Partridge prepare a three-course dinner in honour of the Scottish poet. Don’t miss the 7 pm lantern-led bagpipe procession.
3. Interactive Christmas Tree
Dates: Until Jan 4, 9am-9pm (free; batterseapowerstation.co.uk)
Location: Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station
Enjoy the last of the festive vibes with a visit to this artistic interpretation of the traditional Christmas tree. The brainchild of Studio Bruyant, the art installation creates patterns of light depending on the number of people approaching.
4. The Retreat
Dates: Jan 23-27, 7.45pm (£14; putneytheatrecompany.org.uk)
Location: Putney Theatre Company
In Sam Bain’s comedy-drama, Luke’s discovery of Buddhism is egged on by romance until the untimely arrival of his destitute brother. The ensuing clash examines their grittier sides.
5. Supporting Dementia in Battersea
Dates: Jan 19, 1.30-4pm (carerswandsworth.org.uk)
Location: The Jasmine Café, Randall Close, SW113TG;
Share your experiences over a cup of tea at the Leonard Cheshire Randall Close Resource Centre. You can come alone or with your carer to this friendly monthly get together, held on the third Saturday of every month.
6. Cold Water Swimming Championships
Dates: Jan 26 (slsc.org.uk/cwsc)
Location: Tooting Bec Lido
Brave the icy depths of the Lido for a 30 yard swim in temperatures as low as one degree. Hosted by the South London Swimming Club, age and ability are no barrier, but there’s a strict no wetsuit rule!
7. An Evening with Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir
Dates: Jan 22 & 23, 7.30pm (£17.50; tara-arts.com)
Location: Tara Theatre
Previously at the Jazz Café, 606 Club and Leicester Square, the Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir brings its contemporary gospel music to Earlsfield.
8. A Grand Night Out: Comedy Fundraiser
Dates: Jan 28, 7.30pm (£20-£35; bac.org.uk)
Location: Grand Hall, Battersea Arts Centre
This comedy fundraiser in support of the BAC is hosted by Barry Award-winning comedian Daniel Kitson and features Nish Kumar, Bridget Christie and many more.
9. Labyrinth Movie Night
Dates: Jan 11, 7pm-10pm (£8-£50; claphamgrand.com)
Location: The Grand, Clapham
An unconventional showing to honour an unconventional man. This Bowie-themed evening offers goblin makeovers, unlimited popcorn for £2, and an after-party with a performance from the UK’s number 1 Bowie tribute.
10. Totem at the Royal Albert Hall
Dates: Jan 12–Feb 26 (www.royalalberthall.com)
Location: Royal Albert Hall
The Cirque du Soleil is back with its new show Totem; set on an island evoking the shape of a giant turtle, the story documents the journey of the human species from its amphibian origins through to our desire to fly. Expect amazing acrobatics, wonderful music and jaw-dropping acts. Two extra weeks have been added but book soon as tickets are selling fast.
11. Music and laughter
Dates: Jan 25, 7.30pm (£13; landmarkartscentre.org)
Location: The Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington
The Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington has a great programme over January, including a concert by Cuban guitarist Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas and British-Korean cellist Catherine Lee (Jan 20, 2.30pm) as well as an evening with comedian Patrick Monahan, who discusses life goals, from winning the lottery to your prospective spouse
12. Oliver Twist
Dates: Jan 5–Jan 8, 2pm & 7.30pm (£12; exchangetwickenham.co.uk)
Location: The Exchange, Twickenham
A performance of Dickens’ classic tale from the Rose Youth Theatre; prepare for the evils of Bill Sikes and Fagin, but a warm fuzzy feeling at the end.
13. Jazz Evening with Madeleine Witney
Dates: Jan 12, 8 pm (£10; osoarts.org.uk)
Location: OSO Arts Centre, Barnes
Madeleine dresses with period elegance and draws on the influences of the legends of the 30s and 50s, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.
14. The Art of Dying Well
Dates: Jan 18, 7.30pm (£8; exchangetwickenham.co.uk)
Location: The Exchange, Twickenham
A conversation between Kathryn Mannix, Shelagh Fogarty and Greg Wise, who tackle the difficult topic of death – an experience we will all share.
15. C’est La Vie
Dates: Jan 22–24, 8 pm (£14; osoarts.org.uk)
Location: OSO Arts Centre, Barnes
Discover the story of French actress Sarah Bernhardt, the first global superstar, told through the eyes of an actor nervously travelling on the tube to an audition.
16. Nourish Your Senses
Niamh Bryan
Dates: Jan 23, 10.30am–12pm (£45; petershamnurseries.com)
Location: Petersham Nurseries
As part of Petersham Nurseries’ series of wellbeing events, join mindfulness and happiness expert Palma Michel. The workshop takes place in a private glasshouse and includes a light breakfast of fresh fruit, croissants, yogurt and granola.
17. Masters of Photography
Dates: Jan 24, 8 pm (artsrichmond.org.uk)
Location: Kew Community Centre
Professional photographer and film-maker Chris Ryan gives a presentation about some of the world’s most acclaimed photographers, including Albert Watson, Steve McCurry and Joel Meyerowitz. Open to non-members of Richmond and Twickenham Photographic Society (£4).
18. Lost Treasures of Strawberry Hill House
Dates: Until Feb 24 (strawberryhillhouse.org.uk)
Location: Strawberry Hill House
Baby, if it’s cold outside, head into the Gothic marvel that is Strawberry Hill House and catches the last few weeks of this incredible collection of artworks, collated by Horace Walpole. There are paintings, fine furniture, sculpture and various curiosities, many of which are on show to the public for the first time.
19. Head for the hills
Dates: Jan 19; 8.30 am - 2 pm (aat-events.com)
The Surrey Hills in fact, for the Fitstuff G3 Series Run – a hilly event that attracts the very best and most fun-loving runners. Renowned for its tough cross-country routes, it sells out quickly (absolutely nothing to do with the infamous homemade brownies and flapjacks) so get in while you can. This is a chip timed event and is part two of the three-part series. The race has 10km and 15km options.
20. Fit and fun
Dates: Jan 13; 10.30am-2.30pm (£55; 01306 711685/amyandduncan@btinternet.com)
Location: Leith Hill Place
Start your year the right way for a spot of Vinyasa Flow yoga designed to cleanse, restore and detox the body at Leith Hill Place. The day will consist of a morning invigorating yoga session, mindfulness walk, lunch then restorative yoga session.
21. A night with Judy
Dates: Jan 25; 7.30pm (£26; harlequintheatre.co.uk)
Location: The Harlequin Theatre & Cinema, Redhill
Singer-songwriter Judy Collins has inspired audiences with her sublime vocals, vulnerable tunes, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism for more than 50 years. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Catch her at the Harlequin Theatre for one night only in what promises to be a fascinating journey through her life and work.
22. The Great Brick Safari
Dates: Jan 26-Mar 3, 10am-4pm weekdays, 9.30am-4pm weekends (normal garden admission; rhs.org.uk)
Location: RHS Gardens, Wisley
Designed by professional LEGO® brick building company Bright Bricks, the Great Brick Safari is set up across the gardens, with at least 40 exquisite models of animals and plants for you and your resident LEGO® enthusiasts to find. Afterwards, join a workshop, buy your favourite LEGO® bricks animal, or take a selfie in the iconic LEGO® bricks jeep. LEGO® galore!
23. Writing Workshop: Keeping Up The Interest
Dates: Jan 29, 10.30am-3.30pm (£45; brooklandsmuseum.com)
Location: Brooklands Museum
Determined to finally write that book in 2019? The latest in a series tutored by Adrienne Dines, this workshop focuses on plot and structure. Whether you write fiction, memoir or poetry, come and enjoy the morning masterclass, followed by exercises, optional critiques and a competition.
24. The Dragon’s Tale
Dates: Jan 5, performance 2 pm, puppet workshop 3 pm (£10/12 ages 4+; riverhousebarn.co.uk)
Location: Riverhouse Barn, Walton
Based on the legend of the Lambton Worm, Paul Batten’s puppet show comes to life with song, changing scenery, and sound effects. Stick around for a meet and greet with the puppets, and craft your own dragon puppet!
25. Walton Folk – Alden, Patterson & Dashwood
Dates: Jan 27 (Adults £12.50, children go free; riverhousebarn.co.uk)
Location: Riverhouse Barn, Walton
Riding on the success of their award-winning debut album Call Me Home, this three-person folk band from Norwich comes to town. Taking inspiration from time travel, mountain journeys and home, they released By The Night earlier this year and are set to perform in theatres and clubs across the UK.
26. Night of folk
Dates: Jan 18; 7.30pm-10.45pm (£16; 01428 607096)
Location: Grayshott Folk Club in Hindhead
New year, new folk Grayshott Folk Club in Hindhead is hosting The Bully Wee Band who are currently on the road for their 15th Anniversary Reunion Tour. The performance coincides with the Club’s eighth birthday so should be a good night all round!
27. Woman’s work
Dates: 30 Jan– June 2; 10am-5pm (£5; thelightbox.org.uk)
Location: The Lightbox in Woking
The Lightbox in Woking is hosting an exhibition – Women in Photography: A History of British Trailblazers which for the first time in over 30 years will present a comprehensive historical survey of the achievements of female photographers working in Britain. From the early innovations of Anna Atkins through to Dorothy Bohm and Sarah Lucas in the 1990s. Don’t miss it.
28. A talk by Mudlarker
Dates: Jan 29, 7.30pm (£3; chiswickpier.org.uk)
Location: Chiswick Pier Trust, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG
Ever wondered what secrets lie buried in the thick mud of the River Thames? Jason Sandy, a member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks, has found some incredible objects which are now on display in several museums, each one revealing a unique story about London and the people who lived here centuries ago. If you would like to see part of his extensive collection and hear the intriguing stories behind the artefacts, Jason will be giving a talk at Chiswick Pier Trust this month.
29. Russell Howard at The George IV
Dates: Jan 13, 5.30pm, Jan 20, 3 pm, Jan 27, 5.30pm (free - tickets first come, first served; eventbrite.com)
Location: The George IV, 185 Chiswick High Rd, W4 2DR
After a successful first series, funnyman Russell Howard returns to Sky One with a studio show that offers his unique and humorous take on the week’s news and current affairs. Join him for a one-hour intimate warm-up before he records his live show.
30. Celebrate the new year
Dates: Jan 1 (lnydp.com)
Location: The parade sets off from Piccadilly at 12 noon
Don’t miss the world’s greatest street spectacular that is the London New Year’s Day Parade, featuring thousands of performers and colourful floats from across the world. This year’s parade promises over 10,000 participants, from marching bands and dancers to acrobats, cheerleaders, historic vehicles and more. It is a huge, colourful celebration of contemporary performances mixed with traditional pomp and ceremony, huge balloons, music and lots of confetti - the perfect start to a new year!
