This summer, head to Royal Greenwich for a cultural fix with plenty of exciting events taking places indoors and outdoors including cinema, theatre and art installations.
A Family season at Greenwich Theatre: Thursday 5 August to Sunday 5 September 2021
Creating theatrical entertainment for the entire family, Greenwich Theatre are showcasing two spectacular productions in rep this summer. The rescheduled adaptation of Joan Aiken’s acclaimed novel The Wolves of Willoughby Chase will run alongside a brand-new retelling of family-favourite Pinocchio. Both directed by Greenwich Theatre’s Artistic Director James Haddrell, the productions will combine captivating music and magical storytelling for some much-needed escapism.
Greenwich Theatre’s favourite pantomime villain Anthony Spargo (Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain Part One and Two, Garrick Theatre; co-writer of Olivier nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground for Les Enfants Terribles) will join a fantastic ensemble cast, taking on numerous roles across both productions. Further casting includes Alice DeWarrenne, David Haller, Cassandra Hercules, Serin Ibrahim, Adam Karim and Reice Weathers.
“I am delighted to be working with writers Tony Clark and Russ Tunney to launch this ambitious new venture for Greenwich Theatre, a summer repertory season which this year features Tunney’s adaptation of The Wolves of Willoughby Chase and Clark’s version of Pinocchio. Family theatre has always been incredibly important to us at Greenwich Theatre. From the launch of the Greenwich Children’s Theatre Festival in 2008 to the year-on-year growth of our Offie award-winning pantomime, audiences have come to expect exciting, innovative family shows in Greenwich every season, so this new signature moment in the year is set to become a must-see moment in the capital’s cultural calendar.”
James Haddrell, Artistic Director and Director
Summer at the Old Royal Naval College
There is plenty coming up for culture lovers at the Old Royal Naval College too, with exciting events including the return of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), an exhibition with AR animations from children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood, picnics in the vast riverside grounds and much more.
London Makers’ Market Dates: First weekend of every month, May to December 2021 (except August) plus Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May 2021
The popular London Makers’ Market will be in the grounds on the first weekend of each month from May to December (except August), as well as 22nd and 23rd May to celebrate reopening the indoor spaces of the Old Royal Naval College. The London Makers’ Market brings together a broad collection of talented, eco-conscious and independent designers. Over the summer, the Old Royal Naval College will also be welcoming a series of pop-up food and drink markets which will support new and local artisans, creatives and independent shops with an eco-friendly ethos.
500 Years of Mischief and Mayhem: Monday 17 May to Sunday 31 October 2021
The award-winning Old Royal Naval College will reopen its indoor spaces from 17 May with an exhibition of drawings from renowned children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood: 500 Years of Mischief and Mayhem. Ellwood’s charming illustrations bring to life historical and mythological characters, and visitors of all ages will love the AR animations and learning about the figures of the Painted Hall through Ellwood’s artworks. Alongside the exhibition, which runs until 31 October, Ellwood will run family art and craft workshops throughout August.
Gaia: Sunday 30 May to Thursday 1 July 2021
UK artist Luke Jerram’s jaw-dropping sculpture Gaia will return to be displayed in the Painted Hall from 30 May to 1 July. This awe-inspiring scale replica of Earth is made using NASA imagery, with accompanying music by composer Dan Jones.
The Handlebards’ Macbeth: Saturday 26th June 2021
The Handlebards are cycling into the Old Royal Naval College on 26 June with Macbeth. This troupe of cycling Shakespearean actors carry all their set, props and costumes on their bikes, perform energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable shows across the UK, and bring to life the great Shakespearean tragedy in their trademark style.
The Luna Cinema: Tuesday to Sunday 11 July 2021
Visitors can enjoy an outdoor movie night with a view with The Luna Cinema, which will return for its outdoor film screenings from 6 to 11 July, with hit films including Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman and Knives Out.
Greenwich+Docklands International Festival: Sunday 29 August 2021
Visitors heading to this iconic London landmark can enjoy Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, which is returning to the beautiful riverside grounds on 29 August for Greenwich Fair, celebrating all things Greenwich!
Summer picnics and dining in the Old Royal Naval College
Visitors can book weekend Summer Picnics from the Painted Hall Café, with options including Picnic Baskets and Afternoon Tea. Picnickers can enjoy their food al fresco in the wide outdoor spaces of the grounds all summer.
In June, diners can enjoy an intimate pop-up restaurant in the King William Undercroft with exclusive out-of-hours access to view the Painted Hall and the spectacular Gaia after dinner.