London events in February

Is there a theatre-shaped hole in your heart? This might be the closest you’ll come to the thrill in Lockdown number... we’ve lost count... 3? Created for the screen, not the stage, this play – starring ‘Fleabag’ sister Sian Clifford – was even rehearsed over Zoom and filmed in a studio. Directed by Natalie Abrahami, ‘Good Grief’ is a romantic comedy following the story of two friends coming to terms with the loss of a woman they both loved. And it’ll be streaming for the next three months from February 15. 

Are you following Reuben Dangoor on Instagram? If so, you'll know that the artist – who mainly works on the platform – is known for works that challenge that musical and political norm. And he's also known for being very, very hip. Now he's bringing them to a virtual exhibition, run alongside marine classification organisation Lloyd’s Register. The plan? To recreate iconic seascapes by big shots like Turner, Van Gogh and Monet with a futuristic vibe.

In the era of the posh takeaway, status subs and whopping focaccias are the new kings. In fact, our city is awash with tasty sarnies right now. Here are some of the best for your discerning tastebuds. One of them will be within schlepping distance, surely?

Styling itself as immersive theatre meets a secret warehouse party, BBL CLB (starting on Feb 10) is a brave attempt to create a very new type of streaming entertainment for bored, locked down folk. It's a shared experience, played out on-screen for groups of friends remotely with attendees guided through situations by a cast. We're told that 'in terms of cultural reference points, it's a little like Black Mirror's Bandersnatch episode, but with a storyline more reminiscent of Human Traffic.'  Performances will also feature live gigs from artists like Sasha, Ame. Eats Everything, Sam Divine and Metrik. Confused? Here's a trailer.

Throughout February a bunch of very clued-up and cool movie buffs are celebrating movies they're absolutely obsessed with. ‘A Film I Love…’ is part of the digital version of Cambridge Film Festival and inclues discussions and screenings of the likes of 'Whiplash' and 'Time'.

It’s fair to say we’re all doing quite a bit of wandering around the city at the moment. If you’re after stuff to head to on those ambles, then look no further. With going abroad not really an option for the next few months, now is the perfect time to reimagine London. From dark and weird artefacts and really, really, really old stuff to the super-cool curiosities hidden in plain sight at some of London’s major landmarks, this guide is a starting point to exploring the stranger side of our city. 

London’s museums and galleries are brilliant, but they're very much off-limits for the minute. Luckily this city does a fine line in public sculpture. From giants of art history like Barbara Hepworth and Eduardo Paolozzi all the way through to a park filled with reptilian weirdos, London’s got it all. 

Way before everything went crazy last year, most of London’s museums digitised their collections and even created virtual tours of their spaces. If you miss those places as much as we do, then these virtual tours might just be the balm your restless soul needs. 

Let’s face it, the half-term break can’t come quickly enough. A chance to put down the home schooling and get out and about with the kids. This year, half-term runs from Monday Feb 15 to Fri Feb 19. We’ll keep you updated with some great things to do (beyond Netflix!) despite pesky lockdown measures.

From February 24 you'll be able to watch 'Typical' on the Soho Theatre's streaming site. Based on the tragic true-life events surrounding Black ex-serviceman Christopher Alder and starring Richard Blackwood, 'Typical' had great reviews when it was staged in 2019.