Looking for a stupendous list of things to do in the City of London in September? You’ve come to the right place.
From knockout shows and exhibitions to entire festivals celebrating the unrelenting influence of waterways on the growth of the capital, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
Here are some of the best things to do in the City of London in September:
Crucible at National Theatre
For a play that will have you gripping your seat, make sure to catch Crucible, new to NT for September. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, Arthur Miller’s parable of power returns in an urgent new staging by director, Lyndsey Turner. The story sees a group of young women, raised to be seen and not heard, suddenly finding that their words have terrible power. Exploring themes of paranoia, hysteria and deceit, Crucible is a must-watch show filled with plot twists and nail-biting drama.
Until November 5
National Theatre SE1 9XP
nationaltheatre.org.uk
Body Politics by Carolee Schneemann at Barbican
Contemporary art-lovers and feminists alike will be intrigued by Barbican’s new Carolee Schneemann exhibition. Not to be missed, it’s the first major survey of Schneemann’s work in the UK, and traces her diverse, transgressive and interdisciplinary expression over six decades. The radical artist remains a feminist icon to this day for using her work to address critical topics from sexual expression and the objectification of women to human suffering and the violence of war. Visit for an eye-opening experience that will leave you feeling inspired by Schneemann’s multi-form abilities and moved by her provocative content.
Until January 8
Barbican Centre EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Rupi Kaur at Barbican
Also coming to Barbican Centre this month, is ‘writer of the decade’ Rupi Kaur. Not just for those who enjoy poetry, Kaur’s captivating performance will see her take to the stage in an all new spoken-word experience that will combine her poetry with original music and emotive projections. Performing new unpublished pieces, poems from her latest book home body and greatest hits from milk and honey and the sun and her flowers, Kaur will take the audience on a journey of personal loss and love, growth, mental health, community, friendship, and strength – with personal stories and undeniable humour.
September 22
Barbican Centre EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Totally Thames
The lifeblood of the city – the River Thames – will be celebrated this month, via a succession of displays and events, taking place on and next to the water. Enjoy mud-larking exhibitions, art and photography exhibits, the Great River Race and Reflections, a river-themed parade celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Make sure to catch the impressive, illuminated flotilla on 24 September, which will see over 150 boats glide along the River Thames from Chelsea to Tower Bridge at dusk.
September 1-30
Various locations
totallythames.org
The Tallest Flower by Lisa King Pop-Up
Are you looking for an immersive and ‘off the page’ artistic experience for September? Head to luxury hotel and creative hub, Montcalm East, to view The Tallest Flower pop-up by renowned multi-form artist, Lisa King. The three-month pop-up (commemorating this year’s London Design Festival, taking place September 17-25) will display 22 of Lisa King’s large scale silk hangings in the windows of the front façade. As well as the display, Montcalm East will also host a Floral Print Workshop with none other than Lisa King herself (September 17). Learn to create your own bespoke works of art using real flowers and embrace your inner artist.
Until November 30
Montcalm East, EC1V 1JH
montcalmeast.com
John Gabriel Borkman at Bridge Theatre
For a contemporary play that’s gripping, penetrating and savagely funny, grab tickets to John Gabriel Borkman, now showing at Bridge Theatre. Henrik Ibsen’s penultimate masterpiece is brought to life in this new version by Lucinda Coxon and follows the disgraced John Gabriel Borkman, a once-illustrious entrepreneur, now confined to an upstairs room. Expect showdowns, emotions running high and moments of pure and dark comedic prowess.
Until November 26
Bridge Theatre SE1 2SG
bridgetheatre.co.uk
SERAFINE1369: We can no longer deny ourselves
Do you ever find yourself pondering the concept of ‘time’? Or do you simply have a lot of time to kill this September? Either way, the new installation at Somerset House will be right up your street. We can no longer deny ourselves, created by artist, dancer and bodyworker SERAFINE1369 (Jamila Johnson-Small) unfolds over four spaces of the River Rooms and explores systems that shape perceptions of time, conceived as an ‘exploded clock’. Visitors are invited to enter and spend time in the space as a place of contemplation and reflection.
September 23 – October 30
Somerset House River Rooms, New Wing WC26 1LA
somersethouse.org.uk