5 Fun things to do in London this week, July 24-30

Five fun things to do this week in London July 24-30, from special Barsbie screenings to the award-winning musicals and stage shows. 

1 Barbie, around London

Barbie mania is now upon us, and whether you love her or hate her, this plastic fantastic lady is a cultural icon so you may as well see one of the biggest films to drop this year, directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring an absolute stellar cast. The BARBIE-can is holding parent and children screenings of the film (July 24-29), while Picturehouse Cinemas are hosting dress up screenings at various locations so you can come as Peaches and Cream Barbie, Kelly maybe or even Ken.

2 Tusk Sculpture Trail Covent Garden

Spot the 15 life-sized gorilla sculptures littered about the West End as part of the African conservation charity Tusk Gorilla Trail. The trail brings together artists and collaborators such as Ronnie Wood, John Cleese and Jack Savoretti, and visitors are invited to look for these gorillas with the aid of an easy-to-use map. Each sculpture will highlight the beauty of gorillas, threats to their existence, and the people and solutions working for their survival. You can also make donations to the charity through QR codes.

Dates: Running until October

Location: Around Covent Garden and Seven Dials

Website: coventgarden

3 Assemble Play at Horniman Museum, Forest Hill

A play free-for-all or sorts, this play experience for children aims to improve the wellbeing and happiness in kids. Children can let loose amongst a range of fun stuff, free to build and create as much as their hearts desires, and to let their imaginations go wild. Alongside experienced playworkers, kids can go nuts with colourful materials, giant blocks, dress ups and other goodies. When you’re done, you can explore the butterfly house or check out one of the exhibitions on at the museum.

Date: Friday, July 28

Time: 11am-3pm

Tickets: Free, drop in

Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23

Website: horniman.ac.uk

4 A Strange Loop, The Barbican

A Pulitzer Prize winning play and an award-winning musical on identity, race and sexuality, A Strange Loop tells the story of a young gay Black writer who hates his day job, writing a musical about a young, gay Black writer who is writing play about a queer black man. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards for its time on Broadway, Jennifer Hudson, RuPaul, Don Cheadle and Alan Cummings were among the multiple high-profile producers for the American stage show.

Date: On until Saturday, September 9

Tickets: From £25

Address: Barbican Centre Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS

Website: barbican.org.uk

5 Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors, West End

Birmingham Stage Company’s Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors arrives at Garrick Theatre for a week of romping back in time to meet evil Elizabeth, horrible Henries and survive the Spanish Armada while you’re at it. It’s history, but with all the juicy nasty bits left in.

Dates: July 27 – September 2

Tickets: From £16.50

Address: Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH

Website: terribletudors.com