A NEW MUSICAL FROM THE PRODUCER OF FLEABAG
Did you love Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s dark comedy Fleabag?
Before it became a TV sensation, it was a one-woman stage show produced by Francesca Moody. Now, Moody is working with writers Ricky Simmonds and Simon Vaughan (who met as child actors on children’s television drama Grange Hill) to tell the ‘almost true’ story of three-time Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.
They’ve written it as a musical, Berlusconi, and it’s running at new theatre Southwark Playhouse Elephant (a sister venue to the original Southwark Playhouse) in Elephant and Castle.
Pitched as ‘Evita on acid’ and a ‘modern-day cautionary tale’, this raucous-sounding show tells the story of the populist leader through the eyes of various women in his life including his second wife, the magistrate who investigated him and a journalist.
Gather your theatre friends and nab your seats.
Southwark Playhouse Elephant, Dante Place, 80 Newington Butts, London SE11 4FL.
March 25 – April 29, 7:45pm.
Admission: £16.
www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/berlusconi/
HE FRENCH IMPRESSION
French artist Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was one of the foremost Impressionist artists of the 19th Century, but there’s never been a major exhibition of her work in the UK.
Until now, that is, because Dulwich Picture Gallery, in partnership with the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris, has brought together 30 of her masterpieces, which are broadly admired for capturing contemporary life and intimate moments of domesticity.
The works have gone on show together with pieces by her fellow Impressionists: Reynolds, Gainsborough and Fragonard.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD.
March 31 – September 10, Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm.
Admission: £15.
www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2023/april/berthe-morisot/
COMMUNITY MEETS HISTORY
Calling all young adults (aged 18 – 35) who want to know more about Southwark’s history: Southwark Heritage Centre is opening up its collections and regaling stories from its past in a bid to pass on its history to the next generation.
The event begins with a short presentation, after which you’ll take part in some games including a speed dating-style exercise challenging you to remember facts about the objects on show.
To balance out the serious stuff, there will also be plenty of time to meet like-minded history enthusiasts over some (free!) drinks and snacks.
Southwark Heritage Centre, 145-147 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RW.
March 22 & April 26, 6pm – 7:30pm.
Admission: FREE, but places must be booked in advance.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/southwark-history-social-tickets-503292219577
THE CIRCUS OF HUMANITY
No cheesy ringmaster or candyfloss here: Circa is one of the classiest circus troupes around and its show Humans 2.0 is making its London premiere at the Southbank Centre.
Described as a ‘symphony of acrobatics’, the show sees 10 bodies pulse to the music of composer Ori Lichtik, with plenty of leaps, throws and towers to up the thrill factor.
This circus-meets-art spectacle will delight audiences of all ages.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.
April 12 – 15, 7:30pm; April 16, 3pm.
Admission: £18+.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/performance-dance/humans-20-circa?eventId=931535
SHOP INTO SPRING
St Barnabas Parish Hall in Dulwich Village is known for its seasonal fayres, platforming the products of independent traders.
The spring edition is coming up on April 22, with over 30 stalls selling everything from artwork and wellness crystals to skincare, luxury candles and more.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts or a little something to brighten up your own home, head down for a browse.
St Barnabas Parish Hall, 23 Dulwich Village, London, SE21 7BT.
April 22, 11am – 4pm.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lk-spring-artisan-craft-and-gift-fayre-dulwich-village-tickets-429203688787
GREE(N)TINGS
The annual Spring Plant Fair has been a staple at the Garden Museum for over 40 years.
It returns on April 16, bringing together specialist plant nurseries and growers from around the country for a day of talks, workshops and purchasing new blooms.
Watch a microgreen cooking demonstration, find out which summer flowers are easiest to grow and kickstart your garden design with inspiration for spaces big and small.
The event is a chance to pick the brains of those in the know and find out what will flourish in your outdoor space or even on your window sill.
The Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB.
April 16, 10am – 4pm. Admission: £5.
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