The London Exhibitions & Theatre Shows To Book Now

This exhibition celebrates the ground-breaking fashion photography and portraits from The Face, the influential youth culture magazine that shaped British creative scenes. Published from 1980 until 2004, The Face propelled musicians and models like Kate Moss to fame and launched the careers of leading photographers and stylists. Relaunched in 2019, the magazine continues to champion new talent. The exhibition showcases over 200 images from more than 80 photographers, many of which are being displayed off the page for the first time.

Until 1st June

Visit NPG.ORG.UK 

British artist Linder Sterling, known for her pioneering photomontages blending pop culture, fashion, and feminism, is the focus of this new exhibition. It explores her work across photomontage, photography, performance and sculpture. From the 1970s Manchester punk scene to new digital montages, Linder examines shifting attitudes toward glamour, sex, food and fashion. Using a scalpel to dissect aspirational lifestyles, her forensic approach addresses the body’s representation, from early glamour photography to troubling modern-day deep fakes.

Until 5th May

Visit SOUTHBANKCENTRE.CO.UK

Dress Codes will showcase never-before-seen royal fashion from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. The exhibition will explore the evolution of royal clothing and its impact on modern dress codes. Highlights include childhood dresses of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, a Bruce Oldfield gown worn by Princess Diana, and an evening ensemble from Princess Margaret. The exhibition also features contemporary designs from young creatives, inspired by royal attire, in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. 

13th Mar-30th Nov

Visit HRP.ORG.UK

The Design Museum’s spring exhibition will explore the cultural and social history of swimming over the past 100 years. Key items include Pamela Anderson’s Baywatch red swimsuit, 1980s Speedos and a banned LZR Racer swimsuit. Over 200 objects will be on display, examining swimming’s impact on design, fashion and architecture, from lidos to natural swimming spots. 

28th Mar-17th Aug

Visit DESIGNMUSEUM.ORG

Delusions of Grandeur will feature over 40 new works by Sir Grayson Perry, alongside masterpieces from the collection that influenced his vision. It will be the largest contemporary show at the museum, exploring the nature of craft, comparing intricate handcrafted objects with digitally made pieces. Curated to Mark Perry’s 65th birthday, the exhibition also examines 'outsider art' through works by Aloïse Corbaz and Madge Gill.

28th Mar-26th Oct 

Visit WALLACECOLLECTION.ORG

The V&A will host the UK’s first major Cartier exhibition in nearly 30 years, showcasing over 350 stunning objects. It will explore Cartier's evolution as a global name in jewellery and watchmaking, highlighting its craftsmanship, designs and clientele, including royalty and celebrities. Featuring jewels, historic gemstones, watches and unseen drawings from the V&A and Cartier archives, it will also include significant loans from major museums and private collections, including His Majesty The King.

12th Apr-16th Nov 

Visit VAM.AC.UK

The V&A East Storehouse, a free visitor attraction and working store, will open its doors this spring at Stratford East Bank in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Featuring over half a million objects from fashion to fine art, it will offer behind-the-scenes experiences, self-guided tours and rotating exhibitions. Excitingly, it will also house the David Bowie Centre (opens September) – the V&A recently acquired Bowie’s private archive collection, featuring over 80,000 items – from fashion to lyric sheets, all of which will be on display. Elsewhere, the storehouse’s first major exhibition will open in 2026, charting the extraordinary contribution Black British music has made to culture around the world.

Opens 31st May 

Visit VAM.AC.UK

The Anatomy of Painting will be the UK’s first major museum exhibition dedicated to one of the world’s leading contemporary artists. Featuring 50 works spanning Jenny Saville’s career, from her 1990s figurative paintings to new virtual age portraits, this exhibition highlights her exploration of the human form and female beauty. 

20th Jun-7th Sep 

Visit NPG.OR.UK 

Clueless: The Musical brings Amy Heckerling’s iconic 1995 teen film to the stage, blending '90s nostalgia with fresh, catchy songs. Loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, the story follows Cher Horowitz, a wealthy and fashion-obsessed high schooler, as she navigates friendships, matchmaking and romance in Beverly Hills. It includes an original score by singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, as well as high-energy choreography by Lizzi Gee.

Until 27th Sep

Visit CLUELESSONSTAGE.COM 

Multi award-winning actor Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, King Lear, Wicked) returns to the stage to take on the tragic role of Richard II. Richard is a charismatic and witty but disastrous, dishonest, dangerous and politically inept king. Shakespeare’s play tackles the timeless dilemma of a ruler with a legitimate right to reign but who threatens to destroy the nation he governs. At its core are two contrasting figures: Richard, convinced of his divine right to rule, and Henry Bolingbroke, a pragmatic leader with real authority.

Until 10th May 

Visit BRIDGETHEATRE.CO.UK

Set against the backdrop of the Windrush generation's aspirations and sacrifices, this reinvigorated version of Michael Abbensetts’ era-defining comedy follows Walker Holt, a tailor with big dreams and a near-impossible order to complete. Over 24 hours, Walker works tirelessly to meet his client’s demands, but as tensions rise, friendships and relationships begin to unravel. Directed by Lynette Linton, this production highlights the personal costs of success for London’s Guyanese community in the 1970s.

Until 5th Apr

Visit NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK

In this new adaptation of Chekhov's timeless story, Cate Blanchett stars as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose larger-than-life presence dominates her personal relationships. Arriving at her family's country estate for the weekend, she finds herself caught in a storm of conflicting desires. Her playwright son, Konstantin (Kodi Smit-McPhee), struggles to step out of her shadow as he pursues his own artistic ambitions, while her lover Trigorin (Tom Burke) becomes the object of affection for the aspiring young actress Nina (Emma Corrin).

26th Feb-5th Apr 

Visit BARBICAN.ORG.UK 

Tamsin Greig stars in Terence Rattigan’s 1950s drama that explores obsession and the destructive power of love. Hester Collyer, a judge’s wife and daughter of a clergyman, finds herself trapped in the final stages of a doomed affair with Freddie Page, a charming but emotionally unavailable ex-Battle of Britain pilot. As passion clashes with loyalty, Hester is torn between two worlds, facing a heartbreaking decision in this intense study of unrequited love.

7th May-21st Jun 

Visit TRH.CO.UK