Things to see, places to go in London

The following information has been taken from a social group and includes some events in central London which may be of interest to those in the area.  From time to time, I will post these in the blog.  If anyone has an event which they feel is of interest to readers of this blog, please contact me by leaving a comment.  If deemed suitable, I will incorporate it into a post.
 
Kensington Site Village

Queen Alexander College (QAC), a national college for people with visual impairment is holding its Sight Village

At: Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX

On: 1^st November, 10am – 4.30pm and 2^nd November, 10am – 4pm.

QAC Sight Village events are the UK’s largest exhibition of technology, equipment and support services for people who are blind or partially sighted.

There is no charge for this event and volunteer guides will be available to help you go around the exhibition.

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Bloomsbury Festival

21^st – 23^rd October 2011

More than 150 events are being held over this three day festival. The complete programme is available on the festival’s website www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk. 

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Handling at the British Museum

Monday 31^st October 2011, 10am-12.30pm

The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman

The British Museum has arranged a handling session for visually impaired audiences led by the artist Grayson Perry in response to his new exhibition The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman.

Places are limited. Phone or email Access and Equality Manager Jane Samuels on 020 7323 8506; jsamuels@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk to reserve a free place.

Meet by the Information Desk in the Great Court at 10am.

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG.

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National Gallery

Art Through Words

Sessions for blind and partially sighted visitors

Meet at the Sainsbury Wing Information Desk at 11.30am on the last Saturday of the month. Admission is free.

Each session begins with a detailed verbal description of a painting, and ends with a visit to the Gallery.  For more information Tel: 020 7747 5820 or email: education@ng-london.org.uk

Saturday 29^th October, 11.30am – 12.45pm

Vilhelm Hammershoi: ‘Interior’.

This Danish artist, who lived from 1864 to 1916, painted portraits, landscapes and many room interiors which frequently contained a single figure that was seated or standing.

Saturday 26^th November, 11.30am -12.45pm

The Workshop of Albrecht Durer: ‘The Virgin and Child (“The Madonna with the Iris”)’.

Albrecht Durer (1471-1528) was a German painter, engraver, mathematician and theorist from Nuremberg. His prints established his reputation across Europe when he was still in his twenties, and he has been conventionally regarded as the greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance ever since.

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.

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Geffrye Museum

Handling Sessions for Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors

A Tudor and Stuart Christmas

The Geffrye explores the home over the past 400 years, from around 1600 to the present day. The museum holds monthly object handling sessions or talks.

The next session is on Wednesday 30^th November, 2-3.30pm, where you can explore Tudor and Stuart Christmas celebrations, sample food and drink, enjoy some festive treats and make your own pomander. This session is repeated on Friday 9^th December, also from 2-3.30pm.

136 Kingsland Road

City of London
E2 8EA
020 7739 9893

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue-Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sun 12:00-5:00 pm

Subway: Old Street
Rail : Hoxton (London Overground)

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Theatre highlights: Audio described performances

Inadmissible Evidence

Saturday 12 November – 2.30pm (Touch Tour: 1.30pm)
Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX
Price: £15
Bookings: 020 7845 5822

Bill Maitland, a middle aged lawyer, struggles to avoid the harsh truths of his life and keep a hold on reality. As those closest to him begin to draw away, he puts himself on trial to fight for his sanity. John Osbourne’s portrait of loss, betrayal and defeat.

Mamma Mia!
Wednesday 16 November – 7.30pm (Touch Tour: TBC)
Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, W1D 6AS
Price: £35
Bookings: 0844 482 5165

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago … Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs, Mamma Mia!’s tale of family and friendship unfolds on a Greek Island paradise.

Million Dollar Quartet
Friday 25 November – 8pm (Touch Tour: 6.15pm)
Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4AU
Price: £25
Bookings: 0844 482 5165

With over 20 classic hits, including ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘I Walk The Line’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Great Balls of Fire’, this show is inspired by the true story of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and the night his ‘million dollar quartet’ of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis played together for the first and only time.

The Mousetrap
Saturday 10 December – 4pm (Touch Tour: 2pm)
St Martin’s Theatre, West Street, WC2H 9NZ
Price: £20
Bookings: 020 7836 1443

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept audiences guessing for five decades!