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London Highlights for January, 2008
by Burlington Bertie
London highlights for January, 2008. A guide to London's Royal pageantry, performing arts, fine art festivals, and sporting highlights from the diary of Burlington Bertie, OfftoLondon's Man About Town.
Heritage & Pageantry
Hampton Court Palace Ghost Tours
Date: 8.00 pm Mondays/Fridays. 6.30 pm Sundays until 6 March, 2008.
Venue: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8, 9AU. Tel: 0870 751 5175
Tickets: 25 per person (no under 12's). Available in advance only on 0870 753 7777.
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Richmond.
Description: Hear spine-chilling stories of residents past and unsolved mysterious goings on in the palace. Experience the unique atmosphere of Hampton Court Palace once the visitors have left for the day, as you creep through Henry VIII's State Apartments, including the infamous Haunted Gallery and explore the deserted palace courtyards at night. This is your chance to visit some of the supposedly most haunted rooms in the palace, which are out of bounds to our day time visitors.
Ice Skating at the Palace
Date: End November, 2007 - Mid-January, 2008.
Venues: Somerset House, Tower of London, Greenwich Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens.
Tickets: 10.-11.50, (Concessions). Book online or at the gate.
Description: The Tudor west front of Henry VIII's magnificent palace once again becomes the floodlit backdrop for one of London's spectacular open-air skating rinks this Christmas season. See also Skating in London for information on winter skating at the London's other Royal palaces.
Festive London and Pantos!
London's theatreland offers a sparkling programme of music and drama for the festive season as 37 West End theatres together with a number in outer London gear up for our patronage. As well as big production hit musicals like Sound of Music, Evita, Chicago, We Will rock You, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins and Billy Elliott, there are some very special Christmas season Ballet and traditional English Pantomime productions to tempt you to spend that extra day or two in Europe's most thrilling city while checking out the January Sales. Burlington Bertie recommends the following traditional english Pantos:-
Old Vic: Cinderella.
Date: Until 20 January, 2008. 7.30pm and matinees.
Venue: The Old Vic, The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8NB.
Tickets: 10-40. Online booking, telephone 0870 060 6628 or at Theatre Box Office.
London Transport: Nearest Tube. Waterloo Station.
Description: The Old Vic panto is back this year with a wonderfully witty new version of Cinderella by celebrated writer and comedian Stephen Fry, with new music by Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley. Take your seats for the perfect evening of family Christmas fun in this sparkling tale of magic and mischief. Cinderella is retold as a tale of passion, jealousy, cross-dressing, injustice, chocolate, madness, cruelty, ice-cream, hatred, revenge, jelly, unrequited love, envy, tarts, forgiveness, music, laughter, hope, redemption and most importantly of all, love the truest, purest love that ever was - as Cindy and her Prince conquer all to walk off into the golden sunset and the land of "Happy-Ever-After". And there is cake! So much cake you won't believe! This is a sophisticated panto, lovingly restored by a theatrical aristocracy who treasure the form as a staple of British Christmas Theatre which has been wowing audiences since the turn of the last century.
The Old Vic is one of the oldest theatres in London and famous throughout the English speaking world. Now run by a Trust chaired by Sir Elton John, CBE, it has a long and glorious history as "the actors' theatre" and continues its crucial role in developing young and emerging talent. Many of the greatest performers of the last century have played on its stage, including Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Sybil Thorndyke, Edith Evans, Peggy Ashcroft, Alec Guiness, Vivien Leigh, Ralph Richardson, Michael Redgrave, Peter O'Toole, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Kevin Spacey.
Ambassadors: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Date: Until 20 January, 2008. Matinees 2pm. Eves 7.pm. Suns 1.30pm and 5.30pm.
Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1QG.
Tickets: 13 - 25. (Discounts). Theatre Box Office, Tel: 0870 060 6646
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Wimbledon.
Description: New Wimbledon Theatre has a proud record of traditional panto each year. They follow last year's box office sell out Peter Pan with the ever popular Brothers Grimm story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. "Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all"? Get ready for the ultimate adventure as the Wicked Queen tries her hardest to woo the Prince away from Snow White, and journey deep into the magical forest to meet seven loveable dwarfs. Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to Panto we go! Expect spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, hilarious comedy, bags of audience participation and first class song and dance! Starring Ross Kemp, Bobby Davro, Warwick Davis (Harry Potter) and Aimie Atkinson.
Hackney Empire: Dick Whittington and his Cat
Date: Until 12 January, 2008.
Venue: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ.
Tickets: 9.50 - 19.50. Online booking, or Theatre Box Office, Tel: 020 8985 2424.
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Bethnall Green, then D6, 106 or 253 bus.
Description: Following Susie McKenna's previous Christmas season box office hits of Aladdin, Jack & the Beanstalk and Cinderella, the Hackney Empire is offering her biggest, most magical panto season yet for children aged 5 to 80! The Empire's annual Panto goes from strength to strength, focusing on the century old traditional core elements of Panto performance, spectacular sets and costumes, magical spectacle, exciting music and dance, slapstick comedy and great fun. Hannah Jane Fox stars as 'Principal Boy' Dick Whittington, and Clive Rowe camps it up as the 'Dame'. Further details are posted on the venue website and blog.
Christmas at the Ballet
London's theatreland offers a sparkling programme of music and drama for the festive season as 37 West End theatres together with a number in outer London gear up for our patronage. As well as big production hit musicals there are some very special Christmas season Ballet productions to tempt you to spend that extra day or two in Europe's most thrilling city. Burlington Bertie recommends the following:-
Sadlers Wells: Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!
Date: Until 20 January, 2008.
Venue: Sadler's Wells, Rosebury Avenue, Islington, EC1R 4NT.
Tickets: 10-49. (Concessions). Online booking, in person at Box Office, or Tel: 0870 737 7737.
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Angel.
Description: A delicious theatrical Christmas feast with family-sized helpings of Matthew Bourne's trademark wit, pathos and magical fantasy. Nutcracker! follows Clara's bittersweet journey from a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross' Orphanage, through a shimmering, ice-skating winter wonderland to the scrumptious candy kingdom of Sweetieland. Tchaikovsky's glorious score and Anthony Ward's unforgettable sets and costumes combine with sizzling choreography to create a fresh, hip and charmingly irreverent interpretation of the traditional Christmas favourite, last seen in London 2003/4.
Watch this sample video clip.
Peacock Theatre: The Snowman
Date: Until 6 January, 2008.
Venue: Peacock Theatre, Holborn, WC2A 2HT.
Tickets: 10-49. (Concessions). Online booking, in person at Box Office, or Tel: 0844 412 4322.
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Holborn.
Description: The stage version of Raymond Briggs' much-loved book continues to delight children everywhere as it returns this Christmas, in its tenth anniversary of performing at the Peacock Theatre and the 25th anniversary of the animated film version. When a young boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels, they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas. Watch spellbound as the Snowman literally flies through the night sky above you, before escaping the clutches of the evil Jack Frost to return home for Christmas morning.
Suitable for all children from 2 to 82, this is a captivating mix of dance, stagecraft and music. Featuring a live orchestra, it is the perfect introduction to dance for the very young.
Watch this sample video clip.
Swan Lake: English National Ballet
Date: 8 - 19 January, 2008. Limited Season.
Venue: London Coliseum, St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4ES
Tickets: 10-55. Online booking
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square.
Description: The much loved classical ballet follows the ENB's Christmas season performance of Nutcracker! prior to Beijing, China.
Official London Theatre Guide
Date: Ongoing.
Venue: 37 West End and City theatres
Tickets: Online booking for all seats
Description: Your guide to London's theatre programme, theatre seating plans, disability access and online booking.
London Television Shows
Date: Various throughout the year.
Venue: Various BBC and ITV studios
Tickets: FREE online download
Description: Free online tickets to some of the best entertainment TV show recordings in London. Register, choose a show, print an e-ticket, then go to the show! Most studios prefer their audiences to be at least 16, so check the age limit before you book. Expect to be sat in the studio for between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. The website has some useful FAQs for those who have never been to a live TV recording before.
Fairs & Concerts
The London Boat Show
Date: 11 - 20 January, 2008.
Venue: ExCel, London. E16 1XL.
London Transport: Check Online for road, rail and river access details. ExCel is outside the London congestion charge area.
Tickets: 12.50. (Concessions). Buy online, (recommended), at the door, or call: +44 (0)870 060 0246.
Description: Britain's annual international boat show brings together the world's leading yacht designers and customers looking for anything from a reservoir dinghy to an ocean-going floating gin palace costing millions. The Show's sales marina takes up a quarter mile of London's dockside. The Princess Royal normally visits the show as President of the Royal Yachting Association. Britain's leading international yachting crews and sailors also tend to make an appearance under the wing of their commercial sponsors, without whose financial backing few could afford to ocean race. 2007 sees a number of exciting new show features to make this an entertaining day out. Check website for contact information, programme, events, local accommodation availability, directions. Wheelchair Accessible.
Berlington Bertie's Accommodation Choice: Custom House Hotel, 283 Victoria Dock Road, Custom House, E16 3BY, offers nearby 3-Star comfort right opposite ExCel and the DLR station. London city Airport is just 2 km away. Park your car at the hotel for a small fee. Hotel facilities include three restaurants. Excellent convenience accommodation for ExCel fairs and exhibitions. Early booking essential.
Wembley Arena: British Masters Snooker Championships
Date: 13 - 20 Janaury, 2008.
Venue: Wembley Arena, Wembley, Middlesex, UK HA9 0DH
London Transport: Nearest Tube. Wembley.
Tickets: From 15.
Description: The annual British Masters Snooker championships.
Banqueting House Concerts Date: 7pm. 28 January, 2008.
Venue: Banqueting House, Whitehall, SW1A 2ER, Tel: +44 (0)870 751 5187
Tickets: 25 inc. supper and refreshments. Book by venue telephone or in person.
London Transport: Nearest Tube: Westminster, Embankment.
Description: Songs through the centuries. Prepare for a musical treat as the beautiful voices of James Bowman, Jose Maria Guerrero and Simon Wilding, accompanied by Richard Pearce, soar to the Rubens ceiling.
Great Exhibitions
 Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs
Date: Daily, 10am-5pm. Ongoing. Ends 30 August, 2008.
Venue: O2 Exhibition Centre, Millennium Way, SE10.
Tickets: 15, timed entry. (Concessions). Book online - Weekend tickets are the first to sell out. Book a Hotel & Tutticket Break from 63.50.
London Transport: Nearest Tube. North Greenwich. Thames travel: Riverline O2 Express to Queen Elizabeth II Pier.
Description: For more than 3,000 years Tutankhamun's treasures lay unseen beneath the Egyptian sands until unearthed by Howard Carter in 1922/23. When they were shown at the British Museum in 1972 they were the ultimate 'must see' event. Now Tutankhamun returns in a spectacular new exhibition of 130 priceless treasures from the tomb and other Valley of the Kings royal burials, under the auspices of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and its ebulliant Director, Dr. Zahi Hawass.
 The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army
Date: 10am-5pm daily. Ongoing. Ends 6 April, 2008.
Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. Tel: 020 7323 8299.
Tickets: 12, (Concessions). Buy online, (strongly recommended); Box Office 020 7323 8181, or queue at the door.
London Transport: Nearest Tube. Tottenham Court Road; Russell Square.
Description: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the famed army of Emperor Qin! This unique exhibition explores one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century, providing an insight into China's first Emperor, 221 BCE. See some of the world-famous life-size Terracotta Warriors together with recent discoveries made in the ongoing excavations of the remarkable site at Xi'an, China.
The Golden Age of Fashion. 1947-1957.
Date: 10am-5.45pm daily. 10.am to 10pm Wednesdays and the last Friday of the
month. Ongoing. Ends 6 January, 2008.
Venue: Room 40, V & A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL., Tel: 020 7942 2000.
Tickets: 9. (Concessions). At the door or Book online.
London transport: Nearest Tube: South Kensington.
Description: The launch of Christian Dior's New Look in 1947 marked the beginning of a momentous decade in fashion history, one that Dior himself called the "Golden Age". This stunning exhibition explores the post-war development and flowering of the great Parisian couture houses such as Dior, Balenciaga, Balmain and Fath, and London's court dressmakers such as Hardy Amies, Norman Hartnell and John Cavanagh, who attracted worldwide attention for an elegance and glamour not seen since the days of Worth over half a century earlier.
The Art of Italy
Date: 10am-5.30pm daily. Until 20 January, 2008.
Venue: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, SW1A 1AA, London. Entrance in Buckingham Palace Road.
Tickets: Book Online, (timed and dated ticket entry), or at door. Take advantage of special online discounts and advance booking.
London Transport: Nearest Tubes. Green Park, Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line), Victoria Rail Terminal, (Victoria, Circle and District Lines).
Description Superbly appointed gallery at the Palace dedicated to changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, the wide-ranging collection of art and treasures held in trust by The Queen for the Nation. Current exhibition (ending 20 January, 2008), brings together 90 paintings and 85 drawings from Britain's royal palaces and residences. It focuses on the artistic legacy of the Stuart kings, Charles I and his son, Charles II, whose refined taste so profoundly influenced the character of the British Royal Collection and popular taste.
Pop Art Portraits
Date: Until 20 January, 2008. 10am-6pm. Thurs/Fri 10am-9pm.
Venue: Wolfson Room, National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, WC2 0H3.
Tickets: 9.(Concessions). Book online, (recommended), or at door.
London Transport: Nearest Tube. Charing Cross, Leicester Square.
Description: Key portraits by Pop Art greats such as Peter Blake, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein, Richard Hamilton. This major international exhibition is the first to explore the role and significance of portraiture within Pop Art, one of the most important and popular artistic movements of the twentieth century
Rennaissance Siena
Date: Until 13 January, 2008. 10am-6pm. Weds. 10am-9pm.
Venue: Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2 0H3.
Tickets: 9.(Concessions). Book online, (recommended), or at door. Timed ticket entries.
London Transport: Nearest Tube. Charing Cross, Leicester Square.
Description: The first opportunity in the UK to see Sienese Renaissance works of art in the artistic, cultural and political context of the volatile last century of the Sienese Republic. Around one hundred beautiful paintings, sculptures, drawings, manuscripts and ceramics are included in the exhibition. Major loans from private and public collections across Europe and America are displayed alongside the exceptional Sienese paintings in the National Gallery's own collection - works by Matteo di Giovanni, Francesco di Giorgio, Benvenuto di Giovanni, the Master of the Legend of Griselda, Signorelli, Pintoricchio and Beccafumi - many of which have been specially cleaned and restored for this show.
January Sales
Date: From end December through January, 2008.
Venue: All West End Department Stores, Fashion emporia and boutiques.
London Transport: Nearest Tubes: Marble Arch/Bond Street/Oxford Circus. Knightsbridge/Green Park/Piccadilly Circus.
Description: The London Sales are on. Most West End stores have opened for Sales before Christmas as outlets seek to offload stock after a lacklustre Christmas sales season. Look for up to 50% off bath linen, furniture and soft furnishings, cookware, china and glass; up to 75% on fashion items.
Burlington Bertie's Highlights Memo
Book online NOW for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Public Days 22-24 May, 2008 to ensure your tickets.
Apply NOW for The Queen's Birthday Parade, (Trooping The Colour), on Saturday 14 June 2008, the Colonel's Review on Saturday 7 June, and the Major General's Review on Saturday 31 May, (both are effectively full dress rehearsals for the Queen's Birthday Parade), should apply for tickets before the end of February and include SAE for acknowledgement. Dates to be confirmed. Ticket ballot is held in mid-March. Only successful applicants will be notified and receiving up to a maximum of three tickets for the actual parade - this restriction does not apply to the Reviews. Children must be in possession of a ticket. There are limited wheelchair spaces for all three parades. Separate applications are required for this facility. No refund can be given if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond the control of the organiser. Applications should be sent to The Brigade Major, Headquarters Household Division, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX.
Free London
Permanent collections in many galleries and museums are entry free. Some individually mounted temporary exhibitions within specified rooms may carry a ticket charge however, (bookable online or at the door). Check Shophound Alexia's comprehensive January Free London Diary for details.
If you have a question, contact us and we will do our best to provide answers.
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Burlington Bertie's Top Tips
A Night 'On the town'
While in London, treat your partner to a superb evening out 'On The Town' with OfftoLondon's theatre and dinner package.
Choose your Hotel
Use OfftoLondon's hassle-free and secure booking facilities to obtain the best internet prices for your overnight, 'City Break' or longer term accommodation requirements; from de-luxe 5-star hotels to comfortable hostels.
Book your tickets online
Book before your visit book all your tickets with Offtolondon.com. This way you will ensure best seats and best prices at the events, exhibitions and shows of your choice without the hassle of price bargaining and queuing on the day.
London Transport Oyster Card
The Central London congestion charge zone for visitors driving in London now covers all main areas of attraction. It makes sense to travel by the safe London Transport bus or Tube. Buy a multi-journey Oyster Card before you arrive, (you can top this up at will), and you will save money, time and hassle.
Something for the Weekend?
Add spice to your London visit with a "Weekender" visit to Paris or Rome. Cheap and speedy travel now brings these city gems within easy reach of all. Day trips via Eurostar to Paris for a morning's shopping, afternoon visit to the Louvre and evening meal on the Seine are now a popular excursion option for Londoners. Or make an overnight stop and hit the January Sales! Offtolondon's associated companies, travel specialists Offtoparis and Offtorome will take care of all your travel and accommodation requirements and show you the sites.
NYC Breaks
The dive in the dollar makes the Big Apple a most attractive option for UK and European visitors. New York has never been better value! Spend time soaking up style on Fifth Avenue at Bergdorf Goodman or Saks Fifth Avenue. Buy your digital cameras and gadgetry for fabulous prices at specialist Adorama on West 18th Street. Take in a Broadway Show, dine superbly and see all the landmark sites. New York! New York! Its a Wonderful Town! Check it all out on our sister site A Traveller's Guide to New York where you will find discount hotels, NYC tours, information on NYC neighborhoods and more.
Discovering London - Full Day London City Tour
8.5 - 9 hours - Drive to Westminster, past Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister, and on to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Stop for a visit inside Westminster Abbey, site of many royal coronations. Visit Poets' Corner and the tombs of many well-known scientists and monarchs. Also see the Chapel of Henry VII.
Stop near Buckingham Palace to see the colourful ceremony of the Changing of the Guard before driving through busy streets and past peaceful parks to Piccadilly, home of London's Theatreland. Pass Trafalgar Square with its impressive Nelson's Column and fountains, before reaching a traditional London pub for lunch.
The afternoon starts with a cruise on the River Thames, during which a Thames Waterman will point out the places of interest along the way. Disembark to visit the Tower of London where you will meet the Beefeaters clad in Tudor uniforms, hear the legend of the ravens and some spine chilling tales from the Tower's 900 year history. You will also see the Crown Jewels, magnificently displayed in the new Jewel House.
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