In May, our team made the most of balmy weather to enjoy blooms, landmarks and outdoor theatre, as well as experiencing new and revamped shows. Take inspiration from what our authors got up to last month and plan what to do this month with our guide to June in London.
Jonny: Thanking ABBA Voyage for the music
I finally made it to ABBA Voyage, the sensational only-in-London experience everyone’s been talking about since it made its debut three years ago. What’s more, the new setlist takes in some of its best loved and sing-alongable songs, so it was the perfect time to visit. From the digital avatars of the band members to the incredible lighting and high-tech touches, it was worth the wait… Read my ABBA Voyage review to find out more about the new setlist, or book ABBA Voyage tickets now.
Sigrun: Watching the masters at work in My Master Builder
I grabbed tickets for My Master Builder at Wyndham's Theatre, starring Ewan McGregor, who I couldn’t wait to see perform live for the first time. Combing simple yet effective staging and at times intimate storylines, this play really delves into the backstory of its characters.
It felt a bit like watching a Netflix drama series live on stage, as the characters felt so real but without the luxury of having various takes.
Don’t miss out… book tickets for My Master Builder before it closes next month.
Chantal: Mixing seasonal scents with skyline scenes
Experiencing breathtaking views of London from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral and perusing the fabulously floral Chelsea in Bloom were the highlights of my month.
St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and completed in 1710 after the Great Fire destroyed the original in 1666, is a fascinating place to visit and steeped in history. After exploring its majestic nave, ornate crypt, and testing the acoustics of the Whispering Gallery, we climbed the 528-steps to the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome. I was happy when I reached the top, the narrow, winding staircase isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic views were incredible! Book tickets for St Paul's Cathedral now, or find more top London attractions.
Post-climb, I admired the scent-sational floral displays of Chelsea in Bloom, showcasing this year’s theme “Flowers in Fashion,” celebrating Chelsea’s role in fashion history and transforming the area into a vibrant floral runway. Learn more with our guide to Chelsea in Bloom.
Carole: Experiencing world-class outdoor theatre
As soon as I heard the hit Broadway musical Shucked was premiering at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, I knew I had to go. This delightfully corny musical is set in a quirky American small town, where the locals are obsessed with corn and desperately try to save their beloved crop. Georgina Onuorah shines as Lulu, a fierce and independent woman who’s not afraid to stand her ground. Her presence on stage is magnetic, and her performance left a lasting impression. Packed with laugh-out-loud one-liners, it had me chuckling from start to finish, all while cheering on an energetic cast delivering toe-tapping country and pop tunes.
Shucked is playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 14 June. Grab your tickets before the cornfields disappear!
Georgie: Combining pre-show pizzas with daring drama
Just opposite the London Transport Museum and the Lyceum Theatre (home to The Lion King) in Covent Garden’s Burleigh Street sits Vasiniko, a low-key Italian restaurant dishing up wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas. The menu is divided into crowd-pleasing classics and flavour-packed specials. I opted for the Diavolissima – a fiery ‘nduja base topped with salami, stracciatella, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It paired perfectly with the garlic and truffle dips, ideal for mopping up the crusts. As for the vibe, expect stripped-back interiors, a feel-good playlist, and a lively atmosphere.
Post-meal, I headed to the nearby Garrick Theatre to catch Imelda Staunton and her daughter Bessie Carter in the new adaptation of the controversial classic Mrs Warren’s Profession.
Hannah: Crafting blooms from glass
A highlight of my May was joining a lampworking glass workshop at SONG Art & Craft, a new creative hub set in trendy Shoreditch. It was such a relaxing experience! I picked out my favourite colour glass tubes and, with a torch in hand, followed a demonstration on how to melt, twist and shape glass into beautiful delicate flowers. It was surprisingly relaxing and therapeutic, and was nice to get my craft on!
Find more things to do in London each month, including our highlights for June. Or check out what's on this weekend in London for more events and activities.