Mark those calendars: Mother’s Day is almost upon us.
Taking place this year on March 30, it’s a chance for us to celebrate the mums and mother figures in our lives – with flowers, chocolates or indeed a day out on the town.
And if you’re casting around for ways to treat them, look no further. As ever, London is bursting at the seams with cultural activities to partake in: here’s our round-up of the best.
Frameless
In terms of wholesome days out, Frameless can’t really be beaten. The immersive art installation, located by Marble Arch, takes the form of a series of massive rooms, onto which are projected ever-moving and shifting pieces of art. The overall effect is hypnotic, like stepping inside of a painting – albeit one where you can amble around and talk. And even better, the artworks have just been updated – so even if you’ve been before, it’ll feel fresh.
Marble Arch; frameless.com
Much Ado About Nothing
If you’ve not yet splashed out on tickets to see this very starry show, now is the time. Much Ado About Nothing is, of course, one of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies, featuring two star-crossed lovers (Hero and Claudio), and two lovers who, um, hate each other. This is a rave-fuelled, 1990s take on the classic – but oddly, it works. That’s partly down to the excellent staging, but it’s also down to the dynamite combination of Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell as Benedick and Beatrice. Their chemistry powers the entire thing; the end result is joyful.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane; lwtheatres.co.uk
Mamma Mia! The Party
Ahh, ABBA: it’s catnip for parents everywhere. And fortunately, London abounds with ABBA-themed things to do that are perfect for Mother’s Day. In addition to ABBA Voyage (and indeed Mamma Mia the musical), the other must-do is Mamma Mia! The Party. It’s situated inside the O2, but you wouldn’t know it: step inside and be transported to a massive recreation of a Greek taverna, where you’ll eat a four-course meal while a Mamma Mia-themed story plays out in front of your eyes. Yes, complete with musical numbers aplenty: perfect for singing (and, at the end of the night, dancing) along to.
The O2, mammamiatheparty.co.uk
Plied and Prejudice
Is it bonkers? Yes. Is it a lot of fun? Also yes. Tucked away in The Vaults near Waterloo, Plied and Prejudice does what it says on the tin: it’s a boozy romp through Jane Austen’s seminal novel, complete with audience participation, lots of dress-up, dance lessons, proposals and games of croquet. Drinks are brought direct to your seat by the helpful staff, and the team behind the show know what they’re doing: they’ve worked on West End big-hitters like Back to the Future and Ocean at the End of the Lane. The end result is an immersive delight. And before you ask - yes, that shirt scene also makes it in. Of course.
The Vaults, pliedandprejudice.com/london
Jazz Nights at Bob Bob Ricard
Add a cultural, classy element to the already very cultural and classy Bob Bob Ricard: the restaurant has started putting on jazz nights. Taking place on alternating Tuesdays, between 7-10pm in Soho, it’s a chance to enjoy the venue’s famous champagne on tap while also listening to saxophonist Harry Brunt hold forth in the centre of the Red Room, alongside his two fellow performers. The end result feels very 1920s.
sevenrooms.com/experiences/bobbobricardsoho
An Evening With Maggie O’Farrell
The inimitable author Maggie O’Farrell takes to the stage to discuss her novels – which are some of the most loved books of recent years. From After You’d Gone, her first book, to Hamnet via her memoir I Am, I Am, I Am, they explore loss, love and bereavement, and have netted her numerous awards. Now, hear from O’Farrell herself, as she discusses her debut 25 years on, with Katie Razzall.
Southbank Centre, March 30; southbankcentre.co.uk
Mickalene Thomas: All About Love
Is mum a fan of art? Then this latest exhibition of Mickalene Thomas’ art should be right up your street. Her vibrant, large portraits put black women front and centre – complete with vivid patterns and rhinestone decorations. Thomas’s muses are her friends, family and lovers, and the exhibition also features photographs, collages and installations from across the two decades of her career. It’s a celebration of love and community – and an excellent show to boot.
Hayward Gallery, southbankcentre.co.uk
Backstroke
Watching Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig exploring the complex relationships between a mother and daughter sounds like an excellent way to spend any day, let alone Mother’s Day. In it, Greig is Bo, a harried mother balancing work and looking after her struggling daughter. But when her mother, Beth, is admitted to hospital after a stroke, Bo is forced to confront both her present and past. A tear-jerker that promises to be both “kaleidoscopic and compassionate.”
Donmar Warehouse, donmarwarehouse.com
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur
Does it get much more fabulous than this? This exhibition presents more than 40 new works by the acclaimed artist, in the largest contemporary exhibition ever held at the Wallace Collection. There’ll be everything from ceramics to tapestries and works on paper to gawk at, as well as the masterpieces from the collection that helped shape Perry’s view from the show. All in all, a very pleasant day out indeed.
The Wallace Collection; wallacecollection.org
