21+ Amazing Things to Discover This April

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Theatre

1 The Wizard of Oz

Dorking Halls, 5 April

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Dorking Halls for a fantastic all-new Easter pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz.

2 Chicken Licken

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, 5 April – 11 May

Audiences are invited to join a courageous chicken who needs to let everyone know there is a problem! Acorns are raining from the sky, and an umbrella just isn’t strong enough… A charming family show suitable for children aged 3-7.

3 The Merchant of Venice 1936

Richmond Theatre, 8 -12 April

Ambition, power and political unrest explode onto the stage in The Merchant of Venice 1936, direct from two sold-out West End seasons and the RSC.

4 A Brief Case of Crazy

Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, 8-20 April

This physical comedy tells the story of an awkward introvert who despite feeling like an outcast in society sets out on a quest to find love and happiness.

5 Dinosaur World Live

Rose Theatre, Kingston, 9-13 April

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family.

6 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

New Wimbledon Theatre, 10-12 April

Based on Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel, this popular play follows a fifteen-year-old boy, Christopher, who discovers his neighbours’ dead dog.

7 Far From the Madding Crowd

Epsom Playhouse, 23 April

Thomas Hardy’s masterpiece about love, class and gender roles is set against the rural landscape of Victorian England and is thrillingly brought to life in a new adaptation.

More fab things to do:

Arts & Culture

1 Wimbledon Choral

Cadogan Hall, 5 April

Come and hear Wimbledon Choral and the City of London Sinfonia performing Haydn’s Nelson Mass, one of the composer’s most stunning and dramatic works

2 Philip Hoare and Jake Grewal in Conversation

Studio Voltaire, Clapham, 5 April

Author, artist and broadcaster Philip Hoare joins artist Jake Grewal for a conversation during the final weeks of Grewal’s current exhibition Under The Same Sky.

3 The Power of Trees

Kew Gardens, Richmond, 12 April – 14 September

This new exhibition showcases the spectacle of trees and celebrates their resonance as a source of artistic inspiration, featuring a variety of works, from painted artworks to a video installation which transports visitors to a mystical boreal forest.

4 Piano Explored: Mozart and Saint-Saëns

St Paul’s, 23 April

For this special edition series of Piano Explored, Howard Shelley will be taking you through a selection of popular piano concerts from Grieg, Mozart, Mendelssohn and more.

5 Richmond Opera Presents Monteverdi’s Orfeo

Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, 25-27 April

Richmond Opera will stage Claudio Monteverdi’s Orfeo, one of the earliest operas, All performances will be sung in English

6 Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, Late 1950-1954

The Lightbox, Woking, Until 11 May

Featuring 35 prints of Henri Matisse’s famous cut-outs that he produced in the last four years of his life. His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour.

7 The Conversation

St Martin’s in the Fields, until 6 May

London’s newest literary talks programme hosted by former Hay Festival Director and Booker Prize Chair Peter Florence, takes place every Tuesday night at 6.30pm at St Martin-in-the Fields until 6 May. The programme features Britain’s leading thinkers, scientists, philosophers, historians, and writers, addressing some of the biggest political, social and environmental challenges of our time.

See what’s on at your local theatres:

Outdoor Fun

1 Easter Egg Hunt

Claremont Landscape Garden, 29 March – 21 April

As you journey along the trail, have a go at the mad hatter’s fun-filled activities. Race on the lawn, mess about in a mud kitchen and creep through the tangled forest before making your way to the tea party.

2 Gold Bunny Hunt

Hampton Court Palace, 29 March – 21 April

Visitors to the palace will be able to explore magnificent gardens in search of the Lindt Gold Bunny statues peeking out from the daffodils.

3 Easter Fun at Deen City Farm

Morden, 5-21 April

Join fun Easter craft sessions at Deen City Farm – perfect for families. There will be animal life painting sessions, flower making and the popular ‘Farm Explorers’ session featuring story-times.

4 Wetland Bug Hunt

WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, 5 April – 1 June

Kids can follow the trail to help Lloyd and tour guide Dart the dragonfly find Lloyd’s friends and family and make their way to the bug hotel.

5 Open Day: Springtime at Gatton

Gatton Park, Reigate, 6 April

Enjoy the blooms in the Japanese garden and rock garden.

6 Easter Egg Hunt

Wimbledon Quarter, 7-21 April

Family fun in Wimbledon – seek out the eggs, and meet the Easter Bunny on 19 April.

7 The Daffodil Show

RHS Garden Wisley, 8-9 April

See over 100 classes of daffodils showcasing their range of size, shape and colour.

8 Easter Egg Hunt

Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, Putney, 13 April, 11am – 2pm

Easter bonnet parade, balloon modelling, egg hunt, and prizes!

9 Nature Day

West Horsley Place, Leatherhead, 13 April

Enjoy guided walks and talks across the beautiful estate at West Horsley Place. Explore bluebells, badgers and spring birdwatching.

10 Easter Egg Hunt

Morden Hall Park, 17 – 21 April

From welly-wanging and child-safe axe throwing, to a lively ring toss game, there’s plenty to enjoy with a playful nature-inspired twist. It’s the perfect spring day out for little adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike!

11 Easter Egg Hunt

Windmill, Wimbledon Common, 20 April

Starting opposite the Windmill, follow the trails and hunt the Commons for the hidden wooden Easter Eggs! Everyone who takes part will receive free entry into the prize draw and there will also be an Easter colouring competition.

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