London Calling: what to do in London this week

Aerial view of London. Source: Lonely Planet.

From the theatres hosting memorable performances to the galleries showcasing great works from both established and burgeoning newcomers, London boasts of a wide array of entertainment indulging every interest and taste. Below are just a few activities that the capital offers featuring the best of London’s cultural scene.

beatles

A Collection of Beatles’ Lyrics at the British Library

The British Library houses a copy of every piece of literature published in the UK and Ireland, including the celebrated Magna Carta and an anthology of Shakespeare’s plays. Among the treasures of the British Library are the musical works from over the centuries, and just two years ago, six manuscripts created by John Lennon had been donated by Hunter Davies, writer of the 1968 biography The Beatles. The collection consists of two letters and a postcard, as well as the lyrics to “In My Life,” “She Said She Said,” and “Strawberry Fields Forever” that revealed Lennon’s creative process that led to the final recorded versions.

Les Ambassadeurs

A History of Gambling at Les Ambassadeurs

A favourite gaming destination for aristocrats and kings for years as described by entertainment guide Mayfair Casinos, Les Ambassadeurs is a historical landmark representing the architectural heritage and social life in London. Serving the rich and famous as early as the 19th century, this exclusive club reopened in 1991 and then relocated to its current address at No.5 Hamilton Place to cater to the most elite members of society. Historically the go-to club for politicians, royals, millionaires and playboys, a membership grants access to the comfort, privacy, and sophistication of London aristocracy.
Outdoor Cinema

A Film Under the Stars

London takes the cinema out to the open air every year starting from late spring and ending in September, adding more screens every summer. This year the outdoor cinemas are located at the Nomad, Luna Cinema, Dalston Roof Park, Camden Market, and Rooftop Film Club in Stratford, in addition to pop up screens in parks and urban areas across town. The screenings that can be enjoyed this summer are a mix of recent releases and blockbusters from previous decades, from The Theory of Everything to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. TimeOut London provides the complete list of film showings.
Proms

An Evening with a World-Class Orchestra

As one of the world’s centres for classical music, an orchestral concert is not to be missed. Lunchtime recitals and festivals are a common occurrence for the capital, but nothing quite compares to an evening in an enchanting music hall, resonating the evocative sounds of piano concertos. This year, the BBC Proms welcomes Prokofiev, an act composed of the three soloists Daniil Trifonov, Sergei Babayan and Alexei Volodin that will be accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. Also part of the Proms is Alina Ibragimova, a Russian solo violinist currently residing in London. She will be playing JS Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas in Royal Albert Hall, depicting an intimate setting in an expansive space.

– DefiniteLiving.

There’s nowhere else like London. Nothing at all, anywhere.

– Vivenne Westwood –

Vivienne Westwood