Theatre Al Fresco
Partnering once again with the Australian Shakespeare Company, Theatre on Kew is staging a selection of magical outdoor productions this summer. During the day, families can catch Kenneth Grahame’s classic The Wind in the Willows and The Dream Fairies: Adventure to Bubble Land. As night falls, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream unfolds under the stars.
Various dates until Sept 1, prices vary, tickets.
© SWNS / Historic Royal Palaces
The Magic Garden
Rise & Roar
Hampton Court Palace is hosting monthly quiet sessions in The Magic Garden (a unique, interactive play garden for children). These sessions are aimed at those living with or caring for someone with autism or those who have any other sensory needs and their families and carers.This month’s session is on Aug 18, 9.30-11 am, and is included in admission. Learn more.
Let the Games Begin
Are you ready to compete in the Ham Games? Enjoy some healthy competition with friends and family at four sport activity zones and various play stations dotted around the beautiful gardens at Ham House. Try your hand at ball sports, throwing, racing and gymnastics. Pack a picnic, or pop into the Orangery Café and sit amongst the flower and vegetable beds.
Until Sept 1, included in admission. Get tickets.
Johan Persson
Red Speedo at The Orange Tree
Ray lives to swim. He’s within touching distance of international glory and a life-changing sponsorship deal, but everything changes when performance-enhancing drugs are discovered in the club’s refrigerator. The UK premiere of Red Speedo is directed by Matthew Dunster (The Pillowman, 2:22 A Ghost Story) and stars Finn Cole, best known for his role as Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders.
Catch it at Richmond’s Orange Tree Theatre until August 10, tickets are from £15; orangetreetheatre.co.uk.
GABRIEL BUSH
Battersea Park in Concert
Battersea Park is hosting three picnic concerts over the bank holiday weekend. It opens with Proms in the Park (Aug 24) followed by A Night at the Musicals (Aug 25), both performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. On bank holiday Monday (Aug 26), Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra takes to the stage, and the London African Gospel Choir reimagines Paul Simon’s Graceland. All this plus special guests, street food from Kerb and a kids’ tipi.
batterseaparkinconcert.com. Adult tickets £43.10, children £18.86 (under 5s free). VIP, weekend and family tickets also available.
Family Theatre at Kew Gardens
RBG Kew will be ablaze with fairies and riverbank creatures this month as the Australian Shakespeare Company’s outdoor summer shows open on July 19/20, running until Sept 1. We have two free family tickets worth £80 each to either Dream Fairies – Adventure to Bubble Land or The Wind in the Willows. Enter here or see more open theatre events.
Va Va Voom
One of the world’s leading automotive events rolls into Hampton Court Palace this month. Featuring over 60 of the rarest cars in the world, many of which have never been seen before in the UK, the Concours of Elegance is a three-day event that also showcases some of the world’s most luxurious brands in a celebration of fine craftsmanship, design and innovation throughout the ages.
Aug 30-Sept 1, tickets from £65 (children from £30); concoursofelegance.co.uk
Take a Load Off
Ever find yourself out and about and in need of a sit down? Founded in 2005 by a group of volunteers, Sit Stop’s aim is to support members of the community by providing places to sit in shops, businesses, public places and at local events. If a business displays the Sit Stop logo, that means that it’s OK to pop in and ask for a seat or use one that’s available; you don’t have to be customer. There are more than 100 participating businesses across the borough. Get in touch if you know somewhere that would make a great location or would like to help spread the word about the scheme.
For more info contact Wendy Tansey at richmond@sitstop.co.uk; find participating locations at sitstop.co.uk.
Hayley Bray Photography
Eat Like a King
…at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival. Enjoy street food, pop-up bars, artisan producers, drinks masterclasses, music, shopping, family fun and more in the stunning surrounds of Henry VIII’s former home.
Aug 24-26, tickets from £30. Get tickets.
