London Museums at Night – Halloween Edition

By Vanessa Teo

Mixing culture with Halloween festivities, London's Museums at Night festival goes spooky...

While there’s no denying that a trip to a museum during the day is pretty cool, how about a night at the museum? And if that doesn’t sound cool enough, then what about museums – at night – during Halloween? Museums at Night is a nationwide festival of late-night events with festivities happening across the UK. These spooktacular events are sure to give you the fright of the year – if not your life – so if you’re looking for something awesome to do this Halloween, look no further. Here are our hot picks for events in the capital.

Halloween Late

Friday 28 October 2016, from 6pm The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN Coinciding with the Beyond Caravaggio exhibition, The National Gallery is celebrating Halloween in style. With live music, special events, and plenty of themed food and drinks, the gallery will be yours to enjoy until 9pm. From a secret bar to face painting, and everything in between, it’s sure to be a night to remember. A world-renowned gallery, this event is certainly up there with the best Museums at Night experiences. Plus, you get to take a selfie with a Caravaggio, so there’s that too... More details can be found here.

Late Night Keats: Regency Food with Dr Annie Grey

Friday 28 October 2016, from 7pm Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 2RR Ruled by elegance and cultural achievement, the Regency period is a truly fascinating time, and it’s beautifully encapsulated at Keats House, home of the Romantic poet John Keats. Join in on the action this Halloween, when you’ll get to sample some Regency delights with Dr. Annie Grey. Not only that but there’s a glass of fizz included too, and you get to decorate your own cupcake in the legendary Mrs. Brawne’s kitchen. If poetry’s your thing, there’s a reading taking place too, so it’s sure to be a cultured and varied evening. You can book your tickets here.

Image via Charles Dickens Museum facebook

Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special

Friday 28 October 2016, from 6.30pm Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty Street London, WC1N 2LX If you’re a fan of Dickens, this may well be the one for you. You get to experience Charles Dickens’ townhouse as if the author himself still lived there. Except this is with a twist, and we’re not talking about Oliver here. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the quaint rooms, and experience the eerie atmosphere of a dimly-lit Victorian house while participating in a host of fun-filled activities. If you’d like to spend your evening rubbing shoulders with clairvoyants, along with potentially bumping into the late Dickens himself*, click here to find out more. *Unfortunately there aren’t any guarantees of this happening, but after a few Gin and Tonics you never know...

Black Halloween Banquet

Friday 28 October 2016, from 7.30pmThe Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT One for the foodies out there! These guys are hosting a splendid culinary evening as part of the Museums at Night festival, with award-winning chef Adam Rawson - Young British Foodie's Chef of the Year 2015, rustling up a frightfully delicious meal for this Halloween special. Inspired by the iconic food brands on display in the museum and drawing heavily on the colour black, Adam’s special 7-course menu is one you won't want to miss.

Craven Street Bones

Saturday 29 October 2016, from 6.30pm Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF During routine conservation work back in 1997 a ghastly discovery was unearthed, sparking a relentless investigation at Benjamin Franklin House. Just how did the skeletal remains of up to 10 different human beings end up buried underneath the basement floor of the house? Join historian Braena Sykes as she explores this simply fascinating tale. Find out more here. So, those are our top Museums at Night picks for an amazing Halloween! And if you're planning to dress the part, why not also head to Eaton Square, where London’s US expat community put on special Halloween displays! Planning on using the London Underground to visit one or more of these Museums at Night events, then why not read our London Underground Tips to make sure that it’s as seamless and comfortable a journey as possible?

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Dick Whittington and His Cat, Hackney Empire Pantomime 2019

Our review of Dick Whittington and His Cat, the Hackney Empire pantomime for 2019, including... A little of what to expect A little of what the pantomime means for Hackney and the Hackney Empire And more The Hackney Empire Panto The Hackney Empire pantomime is a much cherished mainstay of the London Christmas calendar. It’s been going strong for over 20 years. Even while Hackney’s last remaining purpose-built theatre was fighting on all fronts just to keep going, its pantomime flourished, bringing in crowds, money, reliably good reviews and much needed press attention. And it’s certainly not without reason that it keeps getting hit with the spotlight, even as more and more shows come along needing some of that light themselves. Shows that boast bankable stars, as well as plots and songs already well-known to kids and their pocket money purchasing power. [caption id="attachment_5823" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Matthew Pearson for London Pass[/caption] A Proudly Local Show with a Big Reach But Hackney Empire’s annual panto has things in abundance that few others can offer. It feels genuinely local, and proudly so. And the panto makes its lack of interest in celebrity and trends into a deliberate, profitable, joyful unconcern. It has the low-key inclusiveness and sense of neighbourhood celebration of a local theatre production, but the sense of occasion, confidence, consistency and togetherness of a much higher stakes, bigger budget show. There’s no doubt this is partly down to stability and unity off stage and on. Writer-director Susie McKenna and her team—including composer Steven Edis, choreographer Richard Roe and production designer Lotte Collett—have been putting together these Hackney-themed festive shows for years. Their joy in collaborating with one another is clear throughout, as is their commitment to creating a spectacle that relies on harder-fought things for its spectacularity. Things like a genuinely entertaining script that zips between subversion and tradition without overdoing either. Or the handpainted sets that feel untouchably magical and replicable in equal measure, like the backdrops from early 90s kids TV shows. No one is dancing on ice here. There are recognisable musical moments, but it isn’t two and a half hours of ‘Let It Go’. [caption id="attachment_5824" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Matthew Pearson for London Pass[/caption] A Troupe of Actors Happy to Be There and Ready to Show It On stage, it’s hard to look beyond Clive Rowe, the Grand Dame Olivier Award winner, back this year for his 13th Hackney panto appearance. Playing Sarah the Cook—mother to our hero, Dick—he’s rarely offstage after his introduction, playing with an audience member in the first half. Rowe’s delivery of jokes good and bad—and castigation of the audience for rolling their eyes at the bad ones—help make this is a piece of fun theatre even the surliest of teens will snag onto. He’s an encouraging presence, having fun stealing and sharing the stage, giggling when things go wrong with wigs, and perking up the audience when the too-hot hall gets even too-hotter midway through the second half. The outfits, the hair, the moments he gets to show off his singing voice...it’s wonderful to watch him in full flow. Tarinn Callendar, known for his role in the UK production of Hamilton, is endlessly enthusiastic and infectiously positive as the starry-eyed, incorruptible Dick Whittington. All he knows is that he loves a girl, he loves London, he loves Hackney and he loves the Hackney Empire. [caption id="attachment_5820" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Matthew Pearson for London Pass[/caption] A Refreshingly Aware, Smart Script The show doesn’t shy away from the reasons why he might not love those things, or why his loving those things might be a problem. Alice Fitzwarren, his Irish love interest played by Christina Tedders, says that there are those who would not approve of their relationship. She mentions signs up in town: ‘ No dogs, no Irish, no—’ and then Dick cuts her off. Dick arrives in London on the Empire Windrush at a time when The Blitz has reduced parts of the city to rubble. He’s welcome, but is soon warned—by his magical cat companion—to make copies of his papers. The Home Office have a habit of losing their copies, he says. There are a couple of Trump and Brexit references, as you’d expect. But it’s the references to racism in the UK, prejudice and the difficulties experienced by immigrants and anyone seeking a new start that really cut through. The difficulties in being accepted, in feeling welcome, in feeling like you are home. The Dick Whittington story is perfect for exploring these themes, both with a light touch and a righteous hammer. Oh, and there’s a rat called Boris. He and his rat friends were all educated at the same place. That place? Eton. [caption id="attachment_5825" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Matthew Pearson for London Pass[/caption] A Panto for Hackney and Beyond It’s a panto for Hackney, that’s for sure. Dick loves the place and so do the show’s creators. The backdrop showing Mare Street and the Empire is the best of the night. Simple, true to life, with just a little glittery magic shimmering on top of it. The cast came out afterwards to turn on Hackney’s Christmas lights. It’s a big deal for the local community. But it reaches out far beyond its postcode. It isn’t without reason that the festive productions at this local theatre have gained national attention. Even without big stars in the cast. Maybe even because of their absence, allowing local favourites to shine and give their all to a production people seem genuinely proud of—cast, crew and audience. The storytelling is engaging and rich in cultural commentary, while steering clear of gimmicks and, in the end, being all about getting kids in seats, then up and dancing, clapping and singing along. If you’ve got kids, take them along and they’ll have a blast and so will you. If you don’t, like I don’t, there are few such wholesome, happy ways to spend your time this winter. You deserve it. Dick Whittington and his Cat is on at the Hackney Empire 23 November - 5 January. Tickets between £10 and £38. For more details and to book, click HERE. So, that's our review of this year's Hackney Empire panto, Dick Whittington and his Cat. If you have any other pantos to recommend for Christmas 2019, let us know below. And don't forget to tell us what you thought of Dick Whittington and his Cat. Here are some other ideas on how to fill this year's Christmas time off.
Matthew Pearson
Harry Potter platform luggage
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Harry Potter In London: Everything You Need To Know

London is a magical destination for Harry Potter fans, with plenty of tours, attractions, and experiences that bring the world of wizardry to life. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun way to explore the city, there's something for everyone here. As one of Britain's most notable literary characters, The Boy Who Lived has made his mark on the English capital. And, sadly, why you may not be able to visit Hogwarts in London, you can still find plenty of Harry Potter here. This is our list of all the unmissable Harry Potter experiences in London. Just solemnly swear you'll be up to no good. Planning Your Harry Potter Experience in London If you're planning a trip to London to explore the world of Harry Potter, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience. First, be sure to book your tickets in advance for any tours or attractions you want to visit. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are both extremely popular and can sell out quickly, so it's best to book as far in advance as possible.  💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on lots of attractions with The London Pass® Second, consider the time of year you're visiting. London can be busy during peak tourist season, which can mean longer queues and crowds at popular attractions. If possible, visit during the shoulder season or off-season to avoid the crowds and get a more relaxed experience. Third, plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time in London. There are many Harry Potter-related attractions and experiences to choose from, so it's important to prioritize what you want to see and do. You might want to start with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to get a behind-the-scenes look at the films, then explore some of the filming locations and other sights on a walking or bus tour. Be sure to leave time to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a must-see for any theatre fan. Platform 9 3/4 Slip into King's Cross Station and find the elusive entrance to the Hogwarts Express train platform. It was here that all the greatest witches and wizards took their first steps on their magical journeys. Fans of the series can pose with Harry's luggage trolley under the Platform 9 3⁄4 sign. There's even a dedicated photo spot for aspiring young magicians. And once you've got the perfect photo, venture into the beautifully-designed Harry Potter shop. Find the perfect memento to mark the occasion. There are lots to choose from.  Address: King's Cross Station, Euston Road, King's Cross, London N1 9AL  Opening times: Store hours: Monday - Saturday; 8am - 10pm, Sunday: 9am - 8pm  Prices: Free Harry Potter Bus and Walking Brit Movie Tour Want to indulge your Pottermania and take in London at the same time? Brit Movie Tours offers not one, but two Harry Potter bus and walking tours. They'll take you from the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron all the way to the Ministry of Magic. Available as a half or full-day tour, the route takes guests past some of London's biggest tourist attractions. Visitors can see the Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market and many more.  🎥 Enjoy Brit Movie Tours with The London Pass® Address: Walking tour begins at Westminster tube station, while the bus tour begins at Temple tube station. Duration: Walking tour: 2 hours; bus tour: 2.5-3 hours Prices: £17 for adults, or included in The London Pass     Harry Potter Studio Tour If you're looking for an immersive experience, consider visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. This behind-the-scenes tour takes you through the sets, props, and costumes used in the films, and gives you a chance to see some of the special effects that brought the magic to life. You can also take a walking tour of London that takes you to some of the filming locations and other sites associated with the series, such as the Leaky Cauldron pub and the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. For a more panoramic view of the city, you can take a Harry Potter bus tour that covers all the major sights, from King's Cross Station to the London Eye. The sprawling studio is ripe for exploration, with several hours of fun and entertainment. Starting at the very beginning with Harry's little cupboard under the stairs, you'll travel to iconic locations like the Great Hall, Diagon Valley and Privet Drive. The souvenir store alone makes the journey worth it. Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR  Opening times: Varying opening hours daily, all times available here  Prices: Adults: £53.50, children: £43  Westminster Not only is Westminster one of London's most iconic districts, but it's also packed with Harry Potter film locations. Begin at Westminster tube station, where Muggle-fanatic Arthur Weasley bumbled his way through the turnstiles with Harry. Then, leisurely make your way over to Westminster Bridge to relive the stunning flight over the Houses of Parliament in the Order of the Phoenix. Budget time in to see the rest of the area and Westminster Abbey - while they aren't related to Harry Potter, they're still well worth seeing. Millennium Bridge Featured in the iconic opening scene in The Half-Blood Prince where Death Eaters collapse the Millennium Footbridge, this pedestrian-only suspension bridge over the Thames offers awesome views of St. Paul's Cathedral as you walk from south to north. Leadenhall Market To get into Diagon Alley, you won't have to remember a secret code word. All you need to do is head over to Leadenhall Market, where the covered Victorian walkways and charming shopfronts were featured in many Diagon Alley exterior shots. Keep an eye out for 42 Bull's Head Passage, an optician's shop with an unmissable bright blue door used as the entrance for the Leaky Cauldron. Squint, and you're there.  Address: Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT  Opening times: Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm; closed on weekends  Prices: Free London Zoo's Reptile House  Explore the location where Harry first discovered his 'parseltongue' ability and innate gift for talking to snakes in the Philosopher's Stone. Home to over 650 species from reptiles and mammals to invertebrates, birds, fish and more, the London Zoo is a must-visit for all visitors. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child If you're a theatre fan, don't miss the chance to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. This award-winning play tells the story of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's children as they navigate the challenges of Hogwarts and the wider wizarding world. The play is presented in two parts, so be sure to book tickets for both to get the full experience. Undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to come out of the Potter franchise in recent years, this two-part play is the official eighth instalment of the Harry Potter story. It's based on a story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. Set long after the seventh book ended, Harry now works full-time at the Ministry of Magic and has three young children - including Albus, the youngest who has also inherited his father's gift for troublemaking. Bear in mind that the show sells out quickly, so make sure to book your tickets well in advance. And those are all the best locations to experience Harry Potter in London. Fancy discovering more of your favourite film locations? Why, step right this way. No matter how you choose to explore Harry Potter in London, you're sure to have an unforgettable time. Don't forget to stop by the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 to pick up some souvenirs and mementoes from your trip. Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️Buy The London Pass®✈️
Dom Bewley
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London Stadium Tour: FAQs

Some FAQs and IAA (Infrequently Answered Answers) about the London Stadium Tour, including... What can I see and do during the tour? How do I get there? What else can I do near to the London Stadium? And much, much, much more [caption id="attachment_5566" align="alignnone" width="1000"] london-stadium.com[/caption] What is the London Stadium Tour? It’s your chance to explore one of London’s latest landmarks and one of the UK’s newest big stadiums. Previously known as the Olympic Stadium, it has amassed a fair amount of history over its short life so far. It hosted many important events during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, and is now the home of West Ham United, a Premier League club with a long and celebrated history in East London. So, a London Stadium Tour will reveal plenty about the country’s recent sporting and cultural history. What can I see and do during the tour? The London Stadium Tour is a part guided, part multimedia tour. For some of it you’ll be taken around by an expert, for some you’ll be in the capable hands of an audio guide. You’ll be learning some extraordinary facts about the stadium as you go behind the scenes of this modern sporting and cultural icon. The tour is designed to give you a mix of historical and architectural info and some impressive sights and photo opportunities. You can go snooping around places every football fan wishes they could explore... in the dressing room. Try coming up with your own motivational team talk, so that your family play like a team and for the pride of the family name in the second half of the tour. You’ll be heading down the tunnel and out onto the pitch, experiencing first-hand the view the players get when coming out every other week. Of course, there won’t be 60,000 fans cheering you on/shouting at you, but seeing the green grass and the size of the cauldron-like stadium is still incredibly impressive. Assess the action so far from a seat in the manager’s dugout. And get a photo of yourself looking pensive in a tracksuit, wondering if you should substitute Mum for your little brother, and switch to a back five. Mum is too much of a flair player for this kind of game. You’ll see the indoor running track too. This facility is used by the local community as a multi-use sporting, educational and event space. It’s the home of the Newham and Essex Beagles Athletics Club, a local sports group who’ve developed more than 25 Olympians. And you’ll get fantastic panoramic views of the London Stadium throughout. And a free personalised certificate at the end. Can you tell me a bit more about London Stadium? Yes, absolutely. The London Stadium (then known as the Olympic Stadium) was built between 2008 and 2011. It held its first public event in March 2012, providing the finish line for a National Lottery celebrity run. It hosted both the opening and closing ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 80,000 people filled the stadium to watch the athletics events at both competitions, seeing Usain Bolt win Olympic Gold and set an Olympic record, and many world records in both the Olympic and Paralympic games. With a reduced capacity of 60,000, London Stadium has been the home of West Ham United since August 2016. London Stadium has hosted many concerts since 2016 too. Beyonce/Jay-Z played there on their On the Run II Tour, Robbie Williams headlines in June 2017, and The Rolling Stones played the London Stadium during their No Filter Tour. [caption id="attachment_5567" align="alignnone" width="1000"] london-stadium.com[/caption] What else can I do near to the London Stadium? With the stadium the crowning structure of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there’s plenty to explore nearby. The London Stadium stands close to other key Olympic stadia located in the park. These include the London Aquatics Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid; the Copper Box arena; and the impressive Lee Valley VeloPark. There’s also the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a twisting, towering structures, that looks across the whole park. You can head up to admire the view, then zip down the helter skelter slide that loops and loops around it. And you can read our FAQs about the ArcelorMittal Orbit right here. The park itself spans over 560 acres, which makes it bigger than Hyde Park. And, because it’s apparently how all football-adjacent people refer to things that are big, we’ll give you that figure in football pitches. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the same size as around 300 football pitches. I’m a West Ham fanatic. Are there any special events on at the stadium which I’ll be interested in? Yes. If you’re a Hammer, keep an eye out for special event Legends Tours at the London Stadium. How much is it to take the London Stadium Tour? If you buy your tickets in advance online, adult tickets cost £17, kids £10, students £14, 65+ tickets are £14 and all carers and under 5s get in free. If you buy them on the day, tickets are a couple of pounds more expensive. However, when you’ve got a London Pass, access to the London Stadium Tour is completely free. Matchday Tours and VIP Tours of the London Stadium cost around double the normal price and are not included with the London Pass. Legends Tours are £40 for adults and £25 for kids. What languages is the tour offered in? Five different languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Is the London Stadium Tour fully accessible? Yes, fully. How do I get to the London Stadium to begin the London Stadium Tour? Definitely travel by public transport if you can. Stratford is the closest underground station and is on the Central and Jubilee lines, as well as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). National Rail and London Overground services also stop at Stratford. There are heaps of buses which arrive at Stratford station too. When arriving at the Stadium, head to the Tours ticket office, which is located on the upper level of the Stadium Store at the southern end of the stadium. What time does the London Stadium Tour run? Every day between 10.00 and 15.00, except on Saturdays when the last tour leaves at 15.30. However, due to events held at the London Stadium, timings are subject to change. Check the website form more details here.
Matthew Pearson

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