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Things To Do In April, 20206
One of our happiest features is Things To Do. Here we really hope to deliver events that no one else might show you. Yes, you could catch a glimpse of something on an Instagram post that piques your interest, but that is only if the algorithm deigns to show it to you. Here at Tat we don't get paid for these events, we genuinely think "Aha, this might be of interest to the gang." By goodness it is. We love to receive emails from people who have gone to things they wouldn't have if they hadn't found them via our corner of the world wide web. I feel I can toot this horn with abandon as it is not I who gathers this list, it is Charlotte Becque, and it takes her forever. So three cheers for the delights of the UK and three cheers for Miss Becque.
Now - Week Commencing 6th April
An installation of fantastical floral displays inspired by 17th-century Dutch still life paintings by Amy Merrick & Rupert Thomas in collaboration with London Taxidermy and Pebble London.
The Authenticator, a new play by Winsome Pinnock, unfolds as a gripping gothic psychological thriller set within a house full of secrets. As hidden diaries surface and truths begin to unravel, three women are drawn into a story far darker than they imagined. Reuniting Pinnock with director Miranda Cromwell, this compelling production promises tension, intrigue and powerful storytelling. It is a must see for those drawn to drama that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Romeo and Juliet arrives at the Harold Pinter Theatre in a striking new production directed by Robert Icke, bringing fresh intensity to Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Starring Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe in their West End debuts, it captures the urgency of young love set against inevitable loss. With a strictly limited run in an intimate setting, this is a rare opportunity to experience a powerful reimagining of a classic story. It promises an unforgettable night of theatre that should not be missed.
Experience the vividly expressive work of Hurvin Anderson at Tate Britain in his first major solo exhibition, bringing together over 80 paintings from across his career. Moving between the UK and the Caribbean, his richly coloured scenes explore memory, identity and a sense of belonging. Layering personal history with cultural references, Anderson creates atmospheric works that linger long after viewing. It is a powerful and compelling exhibition well worth seeing.
Burro, newly opened in Covent Garden, offers honest, produce led cooking with a seasonal menu that changes twice daily. It invites guests to enjoy simple yet indulgent dishes that feel both nourishing and memorable. Rooted in regional Italian tradition, it reflects a warm, generous style of dining where hospitality centres around the table. Just moments from the bustle, it offers an inviting escape worth seeking out.
Join Heritage Crafts for an engaging online conversation with Jessica Light, London’s last working passementerie weaver. Known as the ‘Tassel Queen of Bethnal Green’, she brings centuries old techniques into a bold and contemporary context. This rare insight into a nearly lost craft offers a fascinating look at tradition, innovation and making by hand. It is a unique opportunity well worth tuning in for.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest returns in a bold new staging that reimagines Ken Kesey’s classic with striking urgency. As rebellion stirs within a rigid system, it becomes a powerful story of freedom, identity and the voices society tries to silence. Directed by Clint Dyer and featuring a standout cast, this gripping production offers a fresh and thought provoking take on a timeless tale. It is a compelling night of theatre not to be missed.
The Dreamers at Herald St presents the first solo exhibition of Alekos Fassianos’s paintings and drawings, spanning over three decades and including rarely seen works. Blending myth, memory and modern life, his distinctive style captures a world both intimate and dreamlike. Rich with colour, symbolism and sensual detail, the exhibition reveals an artist who transformed everyday moments into something timeless and poetic. It offers a compelling and atmospheric experience well worth discovering.
Join the Inspiring Women highlights tour at the National Portrait Gallery and discover the stories of pioneering women who shaped history. Led by the Visitor Experience team, it explores achievements across science, politics, art and more. Insightful and engaging, the tour offers a powerful perspective on the lives and legacies of remarkable figures. It is well worth arriving early to secure a place.
David Parr’s Walk Home: Cambridge Arts and Crafts Tour (Afternoon), 4th April, David Parr’ House, Starting at All Saints Church
Join David Parr’s Walk Home: Cambridge Arts and Crafts Tour this Easter Saturday for a guided journey through the city’s hidden decorative history. Following Parr’s original route, it reveals the legacy of F R Leach and Sons and their remarkable contribution to Cambridge’s interiors. Ending at David Parr House, the tour offers a rare chance to step inside a beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts home. It is a richly rewarding experience well worth taking.
Week Commencing 6th April
Thrumpton Hall Tour, 6th April, Thrumpton Hall, Thrumpton, Nottingham, NG11 0A
Thrumpton Hall in Nottinghamshire offers a rare glimpse into a secluded manor steeped in history, from the Babington Plot to its links with Lord Byron. Set within a vast landscaped park, the house reveals centuries of architectural beauty and intriguing stories. With its formal gardens, hidden corners and personal tours led by its current resident, it promises a truly memorable visit. It is a unique experience well worth discovering.
Curator Tour: Storm Cloud, The Look of the Sky, 7th April, Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP
Join curator Ashley Gallant for a guided tour of Storm Cloud: The Look of the Sky, offering insight into this unique Ruskin display. Co curated with young people and shaped by collaboration with performers and scientists, it reveals a fresh and engaging perspective. This intimate tour provides a deeper understanding of the exhibition and the ideas behind it. It is a thoughtful and enriching experience well worth attending.
Wolf Hall: Words, Music, Power immerses audiences in the intrigue of the Tudor court, blending Debbie Wiseman’s score with Hilary Mantel’s words. It is a vivid exploration of power, ambition and betrayal.
With Anton Lesser’s commanding performance, this atmospheric production offers a striking and unforgettable experience.
This spring, the Garden Museum’s Nave is transformed by Jane Hammond’s intricate botanical collages, blending drawing, photography and found materials into richly layered works. Rooted in her deep knowledge of plants, they offer a fresh and unexpected take on the traditions of botanical art. Both playful and thought provoking, the exhibition invites visitors to see nature through a new lens. It is a vibrant and inspiring display well worth a visit.
Mitsu London, Opening 9th April, 10-50 Willow Street, London, EC2A 4BH
Mitsu brings together East London energy and Tokyo izakaya spirit, serving bold flavours straight from the robata grill alongside comforting classics and expertly crafted drinks. It is a lively, flavour driven spot made for sharing, celebrating and lingering late into the night. From after work drinks to karaoke sessions and DJ led evenings, Mitsu moves effortlessly from dinner into dancing. It is a vibrant destination that promises a good time, whatever the occasion.
Explore Parnham Park on a monthly guided tour of the house and gardens, led by Ed Grant or James Perkins. Delve into the rich architectural history of the house, from its origins and evolving design to the craftsmanship behind its structure and interiors. Learn how historic features are being carefully preserved and restored, and gain insight into the thoughtful work shaping its future. The tour also extends beyond the walled garden, offering access to areas of the estate not usually open to the public, and a closer look at the landscape and its ongoing renewal.
Join the Royal Academy’s Saturday Sketch Club online for Flower Power, a relaxed and creative drawing session led by artist Grace Holliday. Working from simple arrangements, it encourages experimentation and a fresh approach to capturing the character of flowers. Open to all levels, this live streamed class offers an inspiring way to start the weekend. It is a welcoming and rewarding session well worth joining.
Week Commencing 13th April
Join Catherine Ostler in conversation with Simon Sebag Montefiore for The Renoir Girls, a powerful true story of art, war and betrayal. Tracing a family from Belle Époque Paris through the upheavals of Europe, it offers a deeply researched and moving exploration of identity and history. Followed by a wine reception and book signing, this is an engaging and thought provoking event for lovers of art and storytelling. It is well worth attending.
Join artist and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie at the National Gallery for a fascinating exploration of how paintings are truly made. Inspired by his latest book, the talk reveals the materials, techniques and innovations behind great works of art. Spanning from prehistoric pigments to contemporary practice, it offers a fresh and revealing perspective on painting. It is an engaging and insightful event well worth attending.
This talk at the Garden Museum explores Marie Antoinette’s lasting influence on design, from interiors and gardens to fashion and decorative arts. Focusing on her transformation of the Petit Trianon, it reveals how her vision shaped an elegant and enduring style. Blending history, culture and intrigue, it offers a fascinating insight into one of the most iconic figures of her time. It is a compelling event well worth attending.
Glandstonbury returns to The Drapers Arms for its annual offal feast, bringing together some of London’s leading chefs for a bold and indulgent multi course dinner. Celebrating the whole animal, it is an evening of adventurous cooking and big flavours. With shared tables and a lively atmosphere, it promises a memorable night for enthusiastic diners. It is a unique culinary experience well worth securing a place at.
Join a Historic House Tour to explore how this remarkable home has evolved through centuries of ownership, guided by experts who bring its stories to life. Along the way, a few hidden secrets may also be revealed. After the tour, discover exhibition galleries spanning prehistory to the Second World War. It offers a rich and engaging visit well worth experiencing.
Casa Ágape arrives in Notting Hill this April with a vibrant pop up showcasing emerging Latin American designers across fashion, homeware and design. Founded by Anya Borbolla and Maria Eladia Gonzalez, it brings together innovation, sustainability and rich cultural heritage in a thoughtfully curated space. More than a store, it offers a dynamic programme of supper clubs, workshops and events that celebrate creativity and community. It is a unique and inspiring destination well worth visiting.
The Garden Museum’s Spring Plant Fair returns for 2026, bringing together expert growers and renowned nurseries from across the country. With an exceptional range of plants and the chance to meet the growers themselves, it is the perfect place to find something special for any space. Alongside the stalls, a lively programme of talks and activities adds further inspiration. It is a must visit event for anyone looking to celebrate the season and elevate their garden.
Week Commencing 20th April
Join the V&A for a livestream conversation with Retrouvius founder Maria Speake and editor Emily Tobin, exploring the art of architectural salvage and reuse. Drawing on decades of experience, it offers insight into designing homes with history, responsibility and creativity at their core. Timely and thought provoking, this Earth Week event considers the future of sustainable design and modern living. It is an inspiring talk well worth tuning in for.
The Latimer Pub and Dining Room, opening this April on Latimer Road, brings the Spiteri family’s renowned hospitality to a warm and characterful neighbourhood setting. It blends experience and ambition to create a pub rooted in quality and community. With seasonal British cooking and a thoughtful drinks offering, it promises a refined yet relaxed local worth discovering.
Join a day long workshop at Charleston with Shilpa Agashe to create a beautifully painted garden journal inspired by its iconic house and gardens. From a guided tour to sketching in the walled garden, the day offers a rich and immersive creative experience. With expert guidance, all materials provided and a seasonal lunch included, it is a thoughtful and inspiring way to connect with art and nature. It promises a rewarding day well worth attending.
Textile Tours at Chatsworth House offer a rare behind the scenes look at the care and conservation of historic fabrics. Guided by expert specialists, the experience reveals how delicate textiles are preserved, restored and protected for future generations. Blending insight with access, the tour brings to life the craftsmanship and decisions behind conservation work. It is a fascinating and enriching experience well worth attending.
The V&A Mid Century Modern Design online course explores the bold forms, materials and ideas that shaped design between 1940 and 1965. Led by expert Dr Elisabeth Darby, it offers a rich and engaging insight into a transformative period in design history. With flexible access to lectures and materials, it allows you to learn at your own pace from anywhere. It is an inspiring opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of modern design.
The Cosmic House in Holland Park reopens from April to December, offering a rare glimpse into an idiosyncratic home shaped by a rich artistic and architectural legacy. Set within a neighbourhood long associated with creative figures, it promises a truly distinctive experience. With limited capacity and restricted opening hours, advance booking is essential. Those who plan ahead will be rewarded with a unique and memorable visit.
White Door Brocante at West Green House unfolds within wisteria covered greenhouses and an orchard, with access to the gardens and courtyard café included. It offers a charming and atmospheric setting well worth exploring. With a curated mix of antiques, vintage pieces and handmade finds, it is a perfect destination for those seeking inspiration and unique treasures.
This five week V&A online course explores the work and influence of Elsa Schiaparelli, one of fashion’s most radical designers. Led by expert curators, it reveals a legacy shaped by art, innovation and bold creativity. With flexible access and exclusive insights, it offers an inspiring way to deepen your understanding of fashion history.
Earth Day Late at the National Portrait Gallery offers an inspiring evening of storytelling, talks and performances centred on hope and the future of our planet. In collaboration with climate charity Murmur, it highlights the voices of change makers featured in the collection. Thought provoking and uplifting, the event invites visitors to reflect, engage and be inspired. It is a meaningful evening well worth attending.
Paper Quilts at Color Ville in Hastings brings together the imaginative worlds of Sandy Suffield and Simon March in a vibrant and playful exhibition. Blending design, colour and storytelling, it transforms paper into richly layered works full of character and charm. Set within an inventive and visually striking space, the exhibition celebrates creativity in its most joyful form. It is a unique and uplifting show well worth discovering.
Kenji Umeda: A Journey at Kettle’s Yard offers a rare insight into the artist’s life through never before seen drawings, sculpture and personal letters. Tracing his path from Japan to Cambridge and beyond, it reveals a deeply personal story shaped by friendship and artistic discovery. Beautifully curated, this intimate display brings together art and archive to illuminate Umeda’s lasting legacy. It is a thoughtful and quietly compelling exhibition well worth experiencing.
May Morris: Crafting A Legacy, 25th April - 1st November, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, CH62 5EQ
May Morris: Crafting a Legacy at Lady Lever Art Gallery celebrates one of the most pioneering figures of the Arts and Crafts movement, bringing her overlooked work into the spotlight. Through embroidery, design and craftsmanship, it reveals a powerful creative legacy that still inspires today. This beautifully curated exhibition offers a rare chance to rediscover May Morris and her lasting influence, making it well worth a visit.
Week Commencing 27th April
The Fayre returns to Faraway House in Sennen this spring, celebrating renewal, creativity and the energy of the season. Blending art, music and shared dining, it offers an intimate and joyful gathering rooted in community and connection. With installations, garden feasts and moments of reflection on growth and regeneration, it promises a unique and uplifting experience. It is a beautiful celebration well worth being part of.
New Film Releases
The Drama (3rd April), Michael (24th April) & Rose of Nevada (24th April)
Antique Fairs & Markets
Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair - 21st & 22nd April
Auctions
Christie's, Collections: Including Ardbraccan House, Ireland and a Sicilian Palazzo - 1st - 15th April
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