The Royal Opera House will stage Wayne McGregor’s Olivier award-winning Woolf Works from 17 January to 13 February, 2025. This ballet triptych draws inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s life and works, weaving together fiction and memoir with an original score by Max Richter. McGregor’s unique interpretation provides a profound exploration of universal themes regarding love, death, and the passage of time, making it a notable entry point for audiences new to the ballet form, reports BritPanorama.
The Elixir Festival
Scheduled from 7 to 11 April 2026 at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Elixir Festival will celebrate mature performers, addressing societal perceptions of aging. The festival features the UK premiere of Kontakthof – Echoes of ’78, returning original cast members from Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch’s influential works almost half a century later. Additionally, Canadian dancer/choreographer Louise Lecavalier, known for her radical performances, will take part.
This is Rambert
To commemorate its centenary, Rambert, Britain’s oldest dance company, will embark on a national tour featuring a selection of concise works from various influential artists. This includes a spotlight on the Parisian collective (LA)HORDE, who have garnered attention for their innovative choreography. The tour will cover cities including London, Newcastle, Norwich, Edinburgh, and Salford.
Harriet Kemsley: Floozy
Harriet Kemsley’s national tour of Floozy will run from 1 October to 20 November 2025. This performance delves into her journey of post-divorce reinvention, infused with her characteristic wit and charm, drawing on experiences from her podcast and stand-up appearances.
Daniel Sloss: Bitter
Daniel Sloss is set to return with his thirteenth solo show Bitter from 4 February to 28 November 2026. Known for his ability to combine dark humour with emotional depth, Sloss continues to engage audiences with his impactful performances.
Sindhu Vee: Swanky
The 2026 national tour of Sindhu Vee will see her perform Swanky from 10 September to 25 November. Her performances reflect frank humour and engaging storytelling, particularly about career and family life.
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin’s retrospective exhibition titled A Second Life will be held at Tate Modern from 27 February to 31 August, recognising her significant 40-year career. The showcase features iconic pieces, including her infamous work My Bed, reflecting Emin’s deeply personal and autobiographical artistic approach.
Lucian Freud: Drawing into Paint
From 12 February to 4 May, the National Portrait Gallery will host an exhibition centering on Lucian Freud’s works on paper, including twelve newly acquired pieces. By juxtaposing these drawings with key paintings, insights into Freud’s enduring engagement with the human form will be explored.
Rose Wylie
Rose Wylie’s exhibition at the Royal Academy from 28 February to 19 April will showcase a selection of both new and previously unseen works. Her distinctive artistic style, known for its whimsy and idiosyncrasy, has garnered her deserved recognition in contemporary art.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
At the National Theatre from 21 March to 6 June, this revival adapts Christopher Hampton’s acclaimed adaptation of the 1782 novel. Featuring prominent actors Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner, the production promises to capture the intrigue and scandal of aristocratic society.
The Greatest Showman
Bristol Hippodrome will host the stage adaptation of the acclaimed musical The Greatest Showman from 15 March to 10 May. Following the success of the film, the live production features performances by Oliver Tompsett and Samantha Barks, and aims to replicate the spectacular essence of the story of circus pioneer PT Barnum.
The Tempest / The Cherry Orchard
From 13 May to 20 June and 10 July to 29 August, Kenneth Branagh will star in dual performances of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Branagh’s return as an actor, paired with director Laura Wade’s modern take on Chekhov, is set to attract considerable attention.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen is set to embark on her first full arena tour since 2018, promoting her latest album West End Girl. Spurred by its acclaim, the tour is greatly anticipated, offering a mix of her extensive body of work and engaging live performances from 2 March to 7 July 2026.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s national tour from 22 April to 2 May 2026 includes seven nights at the O2 Arena. Following the record-breaking success of her second album, The Art of Loving, Dean has quickly established herself as a leading artist in the modern music scene.
David Byrne
David Byrne’s tour for his new album Who Is the Sky? will take place from 2 to 16 March, as well as at the Latitude Festival on 23 July. Known for his creative concert experiences, attendees can anticipate a high-calibre show featuring classics from his extensive career.
Dream of Gerontius
Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius will be performed by the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican on 19 April. Conducted by Antonio Pappano, this critically lauded piece explores profound themes of life, death, and the afterlife.
Il Ritorno d’Ulisse
Garsington Opera will present Il Ritorno d’Ulisse from 12 June to 25 July, showcasing the continuing collaboration of renowned creative talents. This production will bring to life the narrative of Ulisse’s return to Ithaca after the Trojan War, promising a compelling theatre experience.
Playing with Fire: An Immersive Odyssey with Yuja Wang
This immersive concert experience by pianist Yuja Wang at the Southbank Centre in London from 11 September to 13 December 2026 will integrate piano, art, and technology. Developed in collaboration with French director Pierre-Alain Giraud, it aims to engage audiences in a novel artistic encounter.
