the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
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Canary Wharf
Wharf
Welcome to issue 144 of Wharf Life. East London is seldom lacking in activity and vibrancy and that seems especially true right now with Canary Wharf Group seeing an in ux of new tenants, a gig from the amboyant Leee John in the mix at Boisdale and cultural gems Two and Dancing City coming up
FILM | Champions (12)
Hot-headed Marcus Marakovich (Woody Harrelson) is tasked with coaching a basketball team of players with special educational needs in this tale of growth. Sept 9, 7pm, free, canarywharf.com
West India Quay
LEARN | How To Care For Your Iron Objects Join Luisa Duarte, an archaeological conservator, for a two-hour session on the best ways to look after waterlogged iron objects you have found. Sept 12, 2pm-4pm, £27.50, londonmuseum.org.uk
Dancing City is back in Stratford with a Saturday of free shows as the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival programmes a blistering array of performances
on the radar
Here’s one to watch out for. The Marquee Club All Star Band are set to play Boisdale Of Canary Wharf at 9pm on September 12. Audiences can expect drummer Mel Gaynor from Simple Minds and a series of session musicians and high quality side men boisdale.co.uk
Take your head out of the Wharf for a bit with a screening of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba In nity Castle at Everyman in Crossrail Place at 8.30pm on September 12. Expect plenty of devil busting over two and a half hours for £20.90 everymancinema.com need to know
22
Magician Ben Hart brings his latest tricks to Wilton’s Music Hall
26
Get into our pub: Actors Kellie Shirley and Peter Caul eld take on 14 roles between them as Greenwich Theatre revives Jim Cartwright’s Two as an immersive play in its bar
There’s something to be said for chutzpah. But Monkey Bite’s claim to serve “the best Italian Burgers And Sausages On The Wharf” isn’t as bombastic as it might read on a rst glance.
As far as we know, there isn’t any competition in this particular national niche.
It’s also an odd tagline as the brand is proud to announce that its patties are actually made from aged British beef, complete with Union Jack in its logo.
It’s all a bit confused, like something cooked up by an in nite number of primates hammering away on typewriters on their way
to writing out the complete works of Shakespeare. While the branding may be more simp than chimp, the burger itself actually turns out to be pretty good. True, it’s punching above its weight price-wise, but for the outlay you do get a thick, luxurious and juicy disc of meat – a contrast to the relentless rise of the smash burger. There’s also a ton of avour sandwiched in thanks to generous nduja, mashed potatoes (yes, really) and chilly (sic) sauce. Simian says try this burger. You’re unlikely to be disappointed.
★★★★✩ Jon Massey
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Meals provided to those in need thanks to Canary Wharf Group’s partnership with The Felix Project, which takes surplus food from businesses on the estate and delivers it to community organisations
getting greener by Sophie
TGoddard
o support our aim to work in collaboration with our community, we have several charity partners. One of these is The Felix Project, a charity with a vision of London where good food is never wasted, and where nobody goes hungry. It rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it directly to organisations such as food banks, community centres and primary schools.
We bring our partnership with The Felix Project to life through various programmes and campaigns to deliver against its mission. This week, I caught up with Tanya Mitchell from The Felix Project to hear about its current initiative to provide meals for children and families during the summer holidays.
“When schools close for summer, a lack of access to free school meals and breakfast clubs means many children go hungry during the holidays,” said Tanya. “A survey of 1,021 London teachers revealed that 64% expect at least one student in their class to experience hunger over the summer holidays because their parent or carers cannot a ord to feed them. This could equate to as many as 98,000 children who may be going hungry when school is out.”
“During term time, we deliver food to 170 schools a week. This year, 28 schools including two in Tower Hamlets are staying open during the holidays to
One of the things I most admire about The Felix Project is its commitment to supporting the needs of the community while working to tackle the huge environmental issue of food waste Sophie Goddard, Canary Wharf Group
The Felix Project collects surplus food and delivers it to those in need through local organisations, including schools
feeding
provide food to students and are receiving much larger food deliveries.
“In addition, hundreds of extra deliveries will be given to both existing and new sites during the summer period, aiming to ensure children and families across London continue to have access to nutritious food throughout the summer.”
One of the things I admire most about The Felix Project is its commitment to supporting the needs of the community while working to tackle the huge environmental issue of food waste. At Canary Wharf one of the projects we deliver with Felix is the Green Scheme, a simple collection and delivery service that primarily helps to deal with surplus from the food-to-go sector at the end of each day. In 2024, more than 6,500kg of surplus food was rescued and delivered to community partners in Tower Hamlets by volunteers – that’s about 7,900 meals.
If you think you may have surplus food in your business that may be able to support our community during the summer holidays and beyond – or want to learn more about how to support
The Felix Project, please get in touch with us by email to communities@ canarywharf.com.
The Felix Project’s summer appeal is currently open for donations, to support their vital work you can donate via the QR code below.
Sophie Goddard is director of environment, social and governance at Canary Wharf Group – emails to sustainability@canarywharf.com
Go to canarywharf.com for more information
Scan this code to nd our more about The Felix Project or to make a donation to the charity
the
Images supplied by Canary Wharf Group
Be more you
how the last 12 months have been the strongest for leasing Canary Wharf has enjoyed for a decade
by Jon Massey
Change is a constant. Three and a half decades ago, no major international businesses called Canary Wharf home. Since then, the towers built as part of the area’s regeneration from derelict, unused docklands have attracted and housed a vast range of companies and organisations.
Predicting the demise of an area is a fertile activity for the generation of column inches. However, it’s perplexing – at best – that the confident prophets of decline failed to spot the solid foundations the Wharf’s success over the last 25 years has been built on and the growth and strengthening of that infrastructure that has taken place more recently.
In reality there has been no pause in the Canary Wharf project. Wood Wharf continues to attract new residents and businesses and North Quay with its vertical wet labs is also in the pipeline. The latter is particularly significant for the ongoing diversification of the estate’s tenants. While some firms have decided to move, this might sensibly be seen as natural churn in an area that other companies are increasingly eyeing as an attractive option. Barclays, Fitch and Morgan Stanley have all recently recommitted to the estate.
BBVA and Smartest Energy have both expanded their presence, while the likes the Bank Of London And The Middle East and McLaren Construction Group have arrived.
It’s also a time of renewal, with refurbished and reimagined spaces frequently preferred to relocation away from the Wharf.
Citibank is currently refreshing its headquarters in Canada Square, while Revolut – once a handful of employees at tech community Level39 ont the estate – has claimed the upper levels of YY London, a freshly renovated building right outside the Jubilee line’s main entrance.
With JP Morgan outgrowing its 25 Bank Street building and taking space in Credit Suisse’s former block, recent reports suggest the banking giant is looking seriously at restarting a project to build new towers on the western edge of Canary Wharf overlooking the Thames at Westferry.
Then there are other incomers
450,000
Tarun said the wider amenities at Canary Wharf were proving popular with companies seeking workspaces
Square footage of office space leased to companies in the 12 months to August this year
including challenger bank Zopa, Hershey’s, Hexaware, hVIVO and AviadoBio. Did I mention Visa is also reportedly seeking space at One Canada Square?
All-in-all it’s proving to be something of a vintage year for leasing on the estate – especially given HSBC’s decision to rent some 210,000sq ft of space in Canary Wharf at 40 Bank Street making its relocation to the City in 2027 only partial.
“It’s a real endorsement of what we’ve done over the last few years,” said Tarun Mathur, director, offices at Canary Wharf Group. “That’s not just in terms of the quality of our buildings, but also the environment and the value that HSBC clearly sees in what’s being delivered here for their employees going forward.
“It’s been a fantastic year, with over 450,000sq ft of transactions – this is the strongest 12 months we’ve had for a decade – and a lot of that has been driven by existing customers expanding as well as new entrants.
“Digital bank BBVA, for example, did a major review of where they wanted to be, which focussed on Canary Wharf vs the City for their expansion.
“For them, it was about value and amenity provision – their staff are really happy here and we’ve had an ongoing partnership with them. As a long-term owner of our assets, the ability to enable companies to scale here is hugely significant.”
For Tarun, the recent leasing successes are a combination of providing the right product and doing it in the right place.
He said: “Firstly the building has to work – value and workplace environment are key. In the case of Zopa, which is moving to Wood Wharf’s 20 Water Street, the bank found it really appealing.
“Businesses are now thinking about their workplace, not just within the four walls, but also the micro environment and how their employees can benefit from the ecosystem of Canary Wharf.
“The blue and green spaces we have here are as good as anywhere in London and then there’s the access to local amenities. As a package, occupiers are seeing that as immensely valuable.
“The Elizabeth Line is also a game-changer. It creates additional capacity alongside the Jubilee line and the DLR, as well as resilience. There’s been a bit
of a time-lag, but the real estate office market is now benefiting from it as those advantages filter up to the level where occupiers make decisions and those claims are backed up by our footfall numbers.
“In 2024, 72million people came to Canary Wharf – that’s a stratospheric increase on 2019 and it’s a figure that’s forecast to be exceeded in 2025.”
Tarun said there were a number of factors that were making Canary Wharf attractive to companies at present, not least the wider regeneration of east London.
“For some businesses it’s about the fact that the capital is moving east, so there’s a large, younger pool of talent that they’re looking to target within the radius of the estate,” he said.
“It also goes back to what we’re delivering – a high quality product with the best workplace experience that meets the needs of our clients.
“There is constraint in the office market at the moment and that means organisations are having to be more open-minded about location. Some years ago, there was more of an insistence in some sectors that they stay as close to their existing buildings as possible.
“We’ve seen a slight shift in that
leasing the
Canary Wharf is a place for everyone and we’re demonstrating that. It’s a long time since it was solely a nancial or business district
Tarun
this year because of supply and demand of Grade A products.
“It’s exciting for the future because our existing stock is filling up. Our current vacancy rate is around 6%. We were around 10% about 12 months ago, so it’s come down quite significantly.
“Right now, it’s all about the buildings we’re getting back and how we can reposition those products for the next-generation occupier, so that’s where our focus is and it’s really exciting.
“Then we’re looking at what we can do to integrate these towers better into the public realm than they were when they were designed 30 years ago.
the exterior
Left, Canary
“Back then occupiers wanted large, secure reception areas on the ground floor. Now they want them to be amenity rich with lots of vibrancy. Until you get the buildings back, there’s only so much you can do but our teams have done an amazing job activating the estate with arrivals such as the Troubadour Theatre coming later this year.
“I think in 10 years time we will see more permeability across the estate with links from building to building and a lot more engagement for workers, residents and visitors.
“The ongoing process of diversification will continue but we’ll stay true to ourselves – tapping into new markets. We’ll see growth in the technology sector here alongside life sciences and financial services.
“Canary Wharf is a place for everyone and we’re demonstrating that. It’s a long time since it was just a financial or business district.”
key details
Workspace at Canary Wharf is currently available at Level39, One Canada Square, 40 Bank Street, One Bank Street and The Columbus Building. Go to offices.canarywharf.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about o ce space at Canary Wharf
Mathur, Canary Wharf Group
Images by Canary Wharf Group
Above, the reception area at 40 Bank Street, the building where HSBC has leased 210,000sq ft of space as it retains a presence in Canary Wharf. Far left,
of the tower from Jubilee Park
Wharf Group’s director, o ces, Tarun Mathur
Starting price for a ticket to see Leee John at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf as he celebrates 20 years of Feel My Soul
how Leee John is set to mark 20 years of Feel My Soul with an intimate show at Boisdale
by Jon Massey
The ultimate judge of vibe in Leee John’s home is not, apparently, Leee John. The actor, singer, songwriter and wearer of stylish hats pops up from his chair just before our interview begins in earnest to sort out Skippy, his cat.
“He jumps all over the place and he’s very inquisitive, especially with people,” said Leee. “He’s a great judge of vibe. Animals are like that, I’ve always had them, since I was a kid.”
Born in Hackney, the performer began his own career as a child after moving to the US with his father and signing to Worldwide Records aged 11 after a successful audition. He went on to lend his voice to the likes of The Delfonics, the Chairmen Of The Board and The Velvettes, eventually moving back to the UK as a teenager.
It was there he formed soul band Imagination – named for John Lennon’s song Imagine –with Ashley Ingram and Errol Kennedy. Together they scored hits in 28 countries, earning four platinum discs, nine gold discs and dozens of silver discs between 1981 and 1983.
“I’d done a lot before Imagination – I’d been an actor, performed in di erent shows and worked as a waiter – I was learning my craft,” said Leee.
“There was a lot of preparation before I became successful and, when it was time to go on tour, I was ready.
“I knew lighting, sound, costumes – we had the look and we tted in.”
The band put in the hard yards, visiting France, Belgium, Italy, Canada and the USA to
Leee has been in show business for more than 40 years including major successes with Imagination in the 1980s
Scan this code to nd out more about Leee John’s gig
I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for – a jump into the ocean – but it turned out to be a life-changing experience
promote and spread their music – an effort that’s stood Leee in good stead as his multifaceted career has progressed.
He saw a resurgence in popularity in the UK following his time on TV show Reborn
In The USA with the likes of Tony Hadley, Dollar, Sonia and Gina G. But in reality, Leee has continued to play shows internationally and in Britain as well as act and record during a remarkably varied stint in show business. This has included sounds as diverse as a turn as the spirit of an abused ocean on Gorillaz’ The Lost Chord, made during lockdown in 2020 and, of course, Leee’s jazz album Feel My Soul
It’s this record that will take centre stage as Leee and his jazz quartet celebrate its 20th anniversary with an intimate evening of music at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf on Wednesday, September 17.
“I’d done Reborn earlier that year and there’s a place called the Alhambra Studios in Rochefort where they said I should feel free to record whatever I wanted,” said Leee.
“I knew I wanted to do a jazz album and I did a dummy run, but didn’t think I was ready emotionally or vocally – I didn’t have the empathy at that time.
“I needed to do the research, so I went back in time to things I knew already like Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Satchmo, Birdland, Chet Baker and Miles Davis – who I actually met at Sadler’s Wells. In the end I threw all the research out of the
window. I had John Watson, a wonderful pianist, with me and we arranged a few songs with a hip-hop flavour, but we wanted to give them a bit of jazz fusion so I took musicians from the Paris Jazz Orchestra with me and we went to Rochefort.
“I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for – a jump into the ocean – but it turned out to be a life-changing experience. It was partly about everything I’d learnt – I threw all of me into the sound.”
Billed as a “coming-of-age” record for Leee, Feel My Soul features a selection of classic jazz standards with modern arrangements alongside original songs penned and produced by the vocalist.
The album features the talents of Stephane Huchard on drums, Stephane Kerechi on bass, Noel Godard on percussion and Dave Mansell on brass as well as Watson on keyboards.
Since recording the record, Leee has performed sporadically with his jazz quartet, in addition to shows featuring Imagination’s output and other work.
“Last Sunday, I was in Avignon, playing to an arena, so I’ll be going from that to performing at Boisdale,” he said.
“Having the jazz quartet gives me diversity in my audience. I love the room at Boisdale – it’s very intimate and you can get so close to the audience. That’s perfect for me.
“There are moments when I’ll come down from the stage and sing right to them. It’s a very charming place, very elegant, very classy.
planning to
Leee John is set to play an intimate show with his jazz quartet at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf in September
“I want everybody who comes to the show to dress their best – jazzy, sexy, funky. I want them to make the effort.
“They’re going to be able to enjoy a wonderful DJ set from Calvin Francis of Mi-Soul Radio– he’ll be playing some cool tunes.
“Then it’s my turn. This is different to the Imagination shows. When I performed in Germany, I was a dot on the map in front of thousands of people. This is a completely different version of me and a lot of fans actually prefer the jazz shows for that reason.
“I’ll sing songs like Strange Fruit, which has a historical context, or The Thin Line, where I present different emotions when performing them.
“It gives me a chance to give something back to the audiences who have continued to support me.”
As for Leee, there’s plenty more in the pipeline including an EP featuring vocalist Elaine Delmar and a track with “an American artist” whose identity remains under wraps for the moment. Find our more on Leee’s website at leeejohn.com
key details An Intimate Evening With Leee John Jazz Quartet is set to take place at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf on Wednesday, September 17. Table reservations are available from 6pm with live music from 8.30pm.
Tickets for the show start at £25, £49 including £30 food credit or £79 including a three-course dinner. VIP and meet-and-greet packages are also available.
Go to boisdale.co.uk for more information
Images supplied by Leee John
Leee John, singer
how Café Seek will combine French patisserie techniques with Japanese flavours when it opens on the Wharf
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The customers sipping slickly brewed matcha at Café Seek – following its forthcoming opening –might never know the powdered green tea leaves used to brew their drinks have been painstakingly selected following a field trip to Japan.
But this fact serves as a measure of the effort and attention to detail that founders Pinky Chan and Emily Leung are putting into every aspect of realising their dream project.
Set to open in the coming weeks on the south-eastern corner of Wood Wharf’s 8 Harbord Square, the Japanese bakery promises to be a tranquil haven for local workers, residents and visitors alike.
For Emily and Pinky, the café is the culmination of a passionate journey that’s been years in the making.
“I’m from Hong Kong originally and, while over there, I’d set up a platform for selling organically grown produce online,” said Emily.
“We worked with farmers on small farms to build a bridge between them and consumers.
“I came to London because my husband was moving here, so I closed down the company and moved here in 2021.
“I was quite lost for a while after that and I didn’t know what to do, but it was always my dream to open a cafe or a bakery and then I met Pinky.”
The pair connected at a market at Kingston three years ago where Emily was mostly selling sweet bakes and Pinky was showcasing her Japanese-inspired breads.
“I’m also from Hong Kong, but I came over in 2018 for my masters degree,” said Wood Wharf resident Pinky.
“Then I worked in financial services in London. I decided I also really wanted to pursue my passion for baking, so I began to make some Japanese breads after work.
“When I met Emily, we decided we should open a bakery together, so I left the world of finance. It’s a high-pressure environment, although the income is good.
“When I was working in the industry, I kept asking myself why I wanted the money – what was it for?”
The pair quickly began working towards their dream, initially establishing a bakery from their home kitchens and selling goods online.
Pinky said: “We both love Japanese culture – Hong Kong isn’t far from Japan and the chef who first taught me to bake is Japanese. At first we did more traditional pastries but that was less popular here.”
Next came the French influence, with Emily and Pinky decamping to Paris for a course in traditional Gallic patisserie.
“I love French techniques –how they combine flavours and textures,” said Pinky. “The course was very intensive – it was back to school, but the main lesson was to practise.
“We learnt all sorts of techniques, but we found the Japanese flavours are better.”
It’s this fusion that forms the blueprint for Café Seek – fine French patisserie with fillings such as purple sweet potato paste and daifuku.
Offerings include Citrus Early Grey Chocolate Cake, Mango Mochi Coconut Cake, Matcha Opera Cake alongside savoury options such as Japanese Chilli Mayo Sausage Roll and Cheesy Corn Beef Bagel.
“We’re called Café Seek because we want everyone to seek their life – to find themselves,” said Emily, who also lives in east London.
“This is really the main message that we want to share with everyone.
“We’re opening in Canary Wharf because it’s the best option for us – it’s where many of our online customers are from or where they know to travel to.
“People would order from us and come here to pick up their cakes – we had some arrive from places that are quite far away such as Brighton. We’re so grateful when customers come all that way for products.”
Pinky added: “Canary Wharf was best for us. Half of the space will be our kitchen and bakery and the other half will be for the café.
“We’ll have eight seats for customers and some outside too, with our products all laid out.
“We’ll be serving authentic Japanese teas including the matcha.
“We went to Japan and found small companies to bring their products over and give to our
Citrus Earl Grey Chocolate Cake
Cheesy Corn Beef Bagels building a
Business partners and bakers, Emily Leung, left, and Pinky Chan, are set to open Café Seek at 8 Harbord Sqaure
We’re opening in Canary Wharf because it’s the best option for us – it’s where many of our customers ordering online are from and where they know to travel to
customers to try. When you actually go to the places where these teas are grown, you learn more and you can also bring back that knowledge for your customers.
“We did some research before deciding to open in this area and we know there’s a large Asian community here – we’re going to be a part of that.”
In addition to serving customers online and in person, the café will also be offering catering services for parties and businesses locally.
Café Seek’s opening is part of Canary Wharf Group and Tower Hamlet’s Council’s project to provide affordable spaces for local companies.
Recent openings at Wood Wharf include Reformer Pilates fitness operation The Island Studio, florist The Flower Club, pet groomer Pawsome, nail art salon Awe London, Italian bakery Signorelli and Wayne Hairdresser Salon.
Forthcoming openings include Malaysian restaurant Ong Lai Kopitiam in the very near future as well as Turkish restaurant Nora in the autumn.
key details
Café Seek is set to open its doors at 8 Harbord Square in the coming weeks. The Japanese bakery will sell a wide range of breads and cakes, baked fresh on the premises. Follow @cafe.seek on Instagram for live updates. Go to cafeseek.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Café Seek’s opening
Images by Café Seek
Image by Jon Massey
Emily Leung, Café Seek
Café Seek’s Matcha Opera Cake, with layers of Matcha joconde sponge, ganache, buttercream, red bean paste and matcha chocolate
Mango Mochi Coconut Cake
Creamed Sweetcorn Soft Bun
Pistachio Symphony
viewpoint
by Chris Ezekiel
Easy. E ortless. Enjoyable. That’s exactly how our holidays should feel and, thanks to AI, they’re becoming just that. From planning and booking to discovering hidden spots and choosing nightlife or dining, AI now touches every part of the travel experience. No longer con ned to standalone tasks, these systems are streamlining operations for travel agents, airlines, hotels, tourist boards – even consulates – so you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your getaway.
In my opinion, here’s what AI brings to your holiday from start to nish:
● Your Smart Travel Guide
Build a personalised itinerary in minutes, crafted around your interests. Whether you’re a foodie, history bu or adventure seeker, AI shines a spotlight on local gems – even beyond the welltrodden tourist paths.
● Real-Time Flexibility
Weather change, ight delays or crowd surges?
Not a problem. AI can instantly adapt your plans, helping you pivot without missing a beat.
● True Personalisation
AI recommendations re ect your unique preferences – budget, interests, mood – so suggestions feel tailored just for you, not generic.
● Simpli ed Booking And Best Deals
Find out the optimal time to book ights or accommodations. Manage reservations, activities and even get smart packing suggestions.
● 24/7 AI Assistance
Need language help or alternatives when things go awry? AI-powered assistants are on hand round the clock to support you.
But today’s AI still functions in pieces. The real game-changer lies on the horizon – autonomous AI agents. Soon, your bank, insurer, travel agent, airline and accommodation provider will work together to orchestrate your entire trip with zero hassle.
Imagine an AI concierge that books your stay, arranges insurance, nds cheaper fares, adjusts your schedule and knows your style – all without you lifting a nger.
In this emerging era, holidays could become truly turn-key – seamless, smart and supremely relaxing. It’s about taking things to the next level in terms of smart organisation and delivering a service that feels truly personal.
It’s not just about tech doing tasks – it’s about AI crafting experiences tailored to you.
It’s a future which Creative Virtual is helping to build globally from its base right here in Canary Wharf.
Chris says AI will play a big part in the tourism industry to make holidays ‘truly turn-key – seamless’
virtual
Chris Ezekiel is founder and CEO of customer engagement solutions specialist Creative Virtual based at Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square
Image by Pixabay
a
how The Devil Wears Prada Musical pops with glitz in the court of Vanessa Williams
by Jess Maddison
I’m not normally a fan of lms that have been turned into musicals. Why did Sister Act have di erent songs to the bangers in the lm when it appeared in the West End? Don’t even get me started on Mean Girls
Consequently, I approached The Devil Wears Prada Musical with optimism, but a hint of caution.
The show stars Vanessa Williams in the lead role of all-powerful Runway magazine editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly – she’s like Anna Wintour at Vogue
The actor is already well-known for her role as Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty, a similar character who is creative director of a magazine called Mode in the show.
Unsurprisingly, she dazzles –inspiring the same sense of awe and fear in the less camp, but same ruthlessness in the character of Miranda.
We already know Williams can sing
and it’s fun to see her in a fashion editor role where she can also show this o .
For those not in the know, The Devil Wears Prada, follows the story of recent graduate Andy in her quest to land a job as a writer.
Following several rejections, in desperation, she applies for a PA opportunity at a fashion magazine – an industry she clearly thinks is beneath her.
Andy nds herself working for the fearsome and demanding Miranda and chaos ensues. Ridiculous demands include sourcing an unpublished Harry Potter manuscript and Andy’s commitment to the role is put to the test. There’s also an underlying story where both women’s lives mimic each other – both are working hard in their careers to the detriment of their relationships.
I wonder if, had the characters been men, whether they would face the same level of criticism from their partners. There are far too many issues with the ending of the lm to go into here, but it was based on a
book published in 2003, so we’ll leave that alone.
The show comes with everything you would want from a West End musical – the dance routines are great, the costumes are fabulous and the whole thing is delightful.
Fashion lovers will adore it, with plenty of glamorous out ts on show. There are lots of laughs, some tears and a jaunty and fun score from Elton John.
Williams delivers all those iconic scenes from the lm to perfection and absolutely nails the cerulean blue speech taking Andy (a powerful Georgie Buckland) down a peg or two for thinking she is above fashion. While Andy is portrayed as more arrogant than she is in the movie, making it slightly di cult to have sympathy with her character, there are plenty of other storylines to care about.
Special mention goes to Amy Di Bartolomeo in the role of rival assistant Emily, who replicated the character from the lm perfectly. Matt Henry also tugged at the heart
strings with his portrayal of betrayed creative director Nigel.
All in all, you have the fabulous costumes, the jolly tunes, great actors and a wonderful night out if you buy a ticket. Williams is currently con rmed to play Miranda Priestly until October 18, so make sure you squeeze it in.
key details
The Devil Wears Prada Musical is currently running at the Dominion Theatre right next to Tottenham Court Road on the Elizabeth Line, about 12 minutes from Canary Wharf. Tickets start at £25 with shows at various times, Monday-Saturday. Go to devilwearspradamusical.com for more information or to book tickets for a performance
Scan this code to nd out more about the show
Starting price for a ticket to see The Devil Wears Prada Musical at the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court Road
The musical features
strong cast headed by Vanessa Williams, centre, in the role of magazine editor Miranda Priestly
Image by Matt Crocket
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Hot Chip
Where? Troxy Limehouse
The naughties kings of feel-good, repetitive synth-pop are set to play a live show in Limehouse in celebration of anthology collection Joy In Repetition. Sept 5, 7pm, £58.86, troxy.co.uk
Where?
St Katherine Docks Wapping
EVENT | Classic Boat Festival
More than 50 vintage and historic vessels, including some of the Dunkirk Little Ships will be on show at the 16th edition of this event. Sept 6-7, from 11am, free, skdocks.co.uk
COMEDY | Late Night Comedy Rave
Where?
The George Tavern Whitechapel
Big beats meet jolly japes as Adam Flood brings an experimental night of electronic music and live comedy to The George on a Saturday. Sept 13, 11pm, £8, thegeorgetaven.london
The Tower Of London River Tour is set to welcome its rst passengers from September 15, with adult tickets starting at £18.50. The 40-minute excursions will take in a number of landmarks on a round-trip to Westminster. hrp.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the tours or to book tickets for the experience
£12.50
Limehouse - Wapping - Whitechapel - Tower Hill
Starting price for standard tickets to see The Remarkable Ben Hart at Wilton’s Music Hall
by Matt Crockett
how magician Ben Hart is set to fill the ramshackle stage of Wilton’s Music Hall with trickery and illusion
by Jon Massey
Audiences can expect a perplexing and astonishing 80 minutes of magic as illusionist
Ben Hart returns to Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping to present his latest show.
nce again filling the enue s ramshackle stage with spectacle and impossibility, the magician promises a blend of “storytelling, sharp wit and charm” as he shows off tricks illed as unn dark and pro oundl a ing.
The Remarkable Ben Hart will e per or ed o er two dates deli ering a potent i o ind reading and isual illusion with the performer using nothing but his hands and a few simple props to con ure an e ening o entertainment.
“Making new work can be quite a painful process,”said Ben. “What happens is, you think of an impossible idea – anyone can do that – and then you do research to see how you can edge yourself closer to that becoming a trick.
“That process for me now takes longer and longer – it can be years. There’s usually no light bulb moment. A magic trick is a synthesis of compromises – magic is not possi le so ou ha e to make accommodations and work out how the audience can see them as I want.
“It’s also a process that’s di cult to talk a out ecause the agician s can as is the it nobody sees – that they shouldn’t e en e aware o . o is to host an e ening of entertainment – all of my choices are about making sure the audience’s experience is amazing.
“I’m not interested in how hard
it is to fool them, it’s more about getting them to a place where they can go on the journey.
“I’m like a tour guide who can take them somewhere where they might be able to experience something amazing.
“As a magician I want to re eal to the audience a eeling of astonishment which is already inside them.”
key details
The Remarkable Ben Hart is set to run at Wilton’s Music Hall on September 4 and 5. Shows start at 7pm with tickets priced from £12.50.
Go to wiltons.org.uk for more
Scan this code to nd out more about Ben’s show
Image
Ben Hart is bringing his latest show to Wapping with the promise of mind-reading and spectacle
Cost of a ticket for two hours of entertainment when Crossroads comes to The Space in September
on the bill writers’ work to be performed at Crossroads
Hannah Martin And You’ve Stopped Listening To Me When You Speak
Mollie Dunne
A Room We Can’t Look At Jimin Suh
Boxed
Sacher
Me, You, And The Greyhound May Lopez The Year Brexit Happened Sharvi Rana
The Space on the Isle Of Dogs is set to host Crossroads: A Scratch Night Of New Work, a series of 10-minute pieces from both emerging and established writers.
The 11 works all take change as their central theme, promising everything from “quiet personal re ections to life-altering leaps into the unknown”.
The collection is presented by SoulSpire Arts, a collective of lmmakers, theatre makers and musicians specialising in visual storytelling
key details
Crossroads: A Scratch Night Of New Work is set to take over The Space on the Isle Of Dogs on September 7 from 6.30pm. Tickets cost £10 Go to space.org.uk for more information
scan this code to nd out more about the show
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
TRY | Pilates
The Space Isle Of Dogs
STAGE | Lavvies
Join Michelle Turner for an hour-long full body workout on the mat with a focus on core and spinal health. Sessions end with stretching and breath work. Sept 5, 9.15am-10.15am, £10, poplarunion.com
|
Former Grange Hill cast members reunite for this Ruth Carraway-penned play set in the female toilets of a grubby Essex nightclub. Sept 2-6, 7.30pm, £20, space.org
+
Expect a contemporary take on folk music featuring accomplished acoustic guitar evoking the hills and valleys of West Yorkshire. You know, on a boat... Sept 13, 7pm, £13.75, theatreship.co.uk Where? Theatreship South Quay
KintsÜgi, named for a Japanese method of repairing pottery,is an app created by Isle Of Dogs resident Lizzie Aaryn-Stanton aimed at helping people reset and develop healthier relationships with their phones ugitribe.com Scan this code to read our interview with Lizzie and nd out more about KintsÜgi, which is available now
GIG
Henry Parker
Joost Dijkema
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
KIDS | Counting Sheeps
Where?
The Albany Deptford
Enjoy a performance for babies and toddlers aged 3 and under. Expect sensory play and a musical adventure. Suitable for very tired adults... Sept 21, times vary, £8, thealbany.org.uk
Where?
The Albany Deptford
GIG | Jazz Saturdays
Head to Ca A at The Albany for regular improvisation and smooth sounds from a live band. These family-friendly performances are for all ages. Sept 6, 1pm-2pm, free, thealbany.org.uk
PLAY | Mingle With DateWildly
Where?
Badger
Badger Deptford
Aimed at singles aged 25-45 this is dating with a di erence as the organiser curates an evening of board games for those seeking connection. Sept 16, 6.30pm, £16, badgerbadger.org
Charity WeSwim is currently seeking volunteers to help disabled swimmers during regular sessions when it opens its latest club at the soon to launch Canada Water Leisure Centre in September weswim.club
Scan this code to nd out more about WeSwim and volunteering at its Canada Water club
Number of bottles Vagabond’s urban winery will be capable of producing each year
Dock Shed is now complete at Canada Water
Vagabond’s bar will include self-serve wine machines
how Vagabond is set to make and serve wine at its ‘cathedral to wine’ as it expands into Canada Water
by Jon Massey
Canada Water is set to get a 6,000sq ft urban winery when the latest branch of Vagabond opens its doors later this year. Known for its self-serve machines that pour out wines by the glass, the brand has taken space at British Land and AustralianSuper’s recently completed Dock Shed building.
When up and running, the venue will feature a working 100-tonne winery able to produce 100,000 bottles a year. There will also be a bar and multiple event spaces with total capacity for 300 visitors a day.
Backed by investment from Majestic Group, the winery will increase Vagabond’s English wine output fourfold in support of its small-batch still and sparkling ranges. Visitors to the facility –captained by the brand’s head winemaker José Quintana – are promised a concrete egg fermenter and an experimental solera s ste offering the opportunit to see, smell and taste wine at every stage of the production process.
“This urban winery is unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Christobell Giles, managing director at Vagabond. “It’s a cathedral to wine – a space that lets people get up close to the winemaking process and connects them to the stories and passion behind every bottle.
“Wine shouldn’t live on a dusty shelf. It should be alive, expressive and social – that’s exactly what we’re building.”
Majestic Group CEO John Colley said: “This is a project we have been working on for a number of months and we can’t wait to welco e our first guests later this year.
his significant in est ent from Majestic Group demonstrates the huge potential we see in the Vagabond brand, and we are committed to supporting its expansion into major towns and cities outside of London in the coming years.”
The launch is part of Vagabond’s plan to double the size of its estate over the next three years.
he first tranche o openings later this year includes new bars in St Paul’s and Broadgate.
The Dock Shed building also includes workspace on its upper oors and anada ater eisure Centre.
It’s a cathedral to wine – a space that lets people get up close to the winemaking process and connects them to it
Christobell Giles, Vagabond
Alice Keown, leasing director restaurants and leisure at British Land, said: “The addition of Vagabond to Canada Water forms a key part of our vision to create one of the most vibrant cultural and experiential destinations in London.
“It will be in a prime position surrounded by brand new homes, workspace and the Leisure Centre. “The in-house winery will be a agship attraction co ining innovation, hospitality, and community under one roof.”
Vagabond is not new to east London. The brand operated a self-serve bar and restaurant in Canary Wharf’s 25 Cabot Square however this shut when the company went into administration in 2024. At the time, the site was among two that closed permanently following Majestic’s investment to save nine of its bars.
ock hed is part o the first phase of the Canada Water masterplan, which will complete this summer. The scheme includes 3 s t o o ce space the leisure centre and 186 new homes. In addition to food hall, music venue and urban farm, Corner Corner, the area is also set to welcome new restaurants Sushi Revolution and Village Tree in the coming months.
key details
Vagabond is set to open a new urban winery in Canada Water’s Dock Shed later this year. The 6,000sq ft facility will include capacity to produce 100,000 bottles of still and sparkling English wine alongside a bar and private hire spaces. Go to vagabond.com for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Vagabond
expectations
Vagabond will be located on the ground oor when it opens
An artist’s impression of Vagabond in Canada Water
take a breath
by David Lefebvre Sell
THumour should punch up rather than down
ragedy is when I cut my nger. Comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die,” said Mel Brooks. If you laughed at that, then you likely enjoy a bit of dark humour, and you and I can probably be friends. I am a big fan of dark humour– or gallows humour – whatever you want to call it. But I’ve never thought much about why I appreciate it. Generally, it’s not a good idea to over think humour. If you do, it tends to stop being funny. Before I continue on this subject, let me just say that I am well aware that some things are never funny. It’s easier to laugh at other people’s tragedies, as uncle Mel observed above. But comedy must always punch up, not down.
There is a theory about humour called the Benign Violation Theory which, when you think about it, is a hilarious name.
This basically states that, for something to be funny, it must be in violation of normal behaviour and also benign. That’s why middle aged men joke about prostate examinations –it’s a benign violation. If somebody did it to you on the Tube, it wouldn’t be funny at all.
There is a theory about humour called the Benign Violation Theory, which when you think about it, is a hilarious name
The other side of this is that when we laugh at something that’s a violation, we can sometimes force it to become benign – in some small way we take away its power.
This is why comedy must always punch up – taking power away from others when they already have little, or taking power away from ourselves when we feel disempowered in the face of our di culties, is not bene cial or fair.
But taking power away from the unfairness of life, from the callousness of the powerful, from death itself? Very cool.
Comedy can help us laugh at things that, in another context aren’t funny. It speaks truth to power in a way that others fear to. It is the jam on the dry toast of life. Just remember that sometimes the joke is on you.
David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf
Follow @davetheyogi on X and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB
Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist
how a revival of Jim Cartwright’s Two at Greenwich Theatre promises to put audiences in the thick of the pub-based drama
by Jon Massey
The name of Jim Carwright’s play, set for its latest revival at Greenwich Theatre, is Two. But for the pair of actors tasked with telling its stories, it’s a bigger job than that. ellie hirle and eter aulfield are taking on seven roles each at the venue as they lead audiences through a night in a working class boozer.
“We want them to feel like they’re actually in a pub, that it’s as real as possible,” said Peter. “They will be meeting characters, not caricatures. Everybody watching will relate to somebody in the play.”
To assist in the illusion, the play will take place in the theatre’s bar with a capacity of around 50 seats and a production design that puts the audience right at the heart of the action.
“The show isn’t in a huge amphitheatre, so everyone who comes will be in the piece – they’re literally in the pub with us,” said Peter.
“Sat at tables, we’ll be talking to them – chatting away. It’s a small and intimate performance and, while it’s a cliché that every show on a stage is different this will e that multiplied by 100.
“We’ll be pulling pints and smashing glasses. We might have hecklers because some of the characters are not particularly nice, so you could even see someone getting told to ‘do one’.”
The show opens with Kellie and Peter in the roles of landlady and landlord of the pub and continues from there.
“We’ve arranged to practise at my local, the Blythe Hill Tavern in south-east London,” said Kellie. “Terry, who runs it, does the best Guinness in London and we’ll be there in preparation because we’ll be pulling pints on the night.”
The actor, known for her portrayal of Carly Wicks in EastEnders among many other roles on stage and screen, is no stranger to Greenwich
Jim Cartwright is a bit of a legend and the decision to stage it in a 1980s pub makes it an immersive show – it hasn’t been done like that before Kellie Shirley, Two
try a tasting
Greenwich Gin
>> For selected dates during its revival of Two, Greenwich Theatre has partnered up with Greenwich Gin to o er audiences tutored tastings. Taking place on Wednesday nights during the run, the add-on includes a welcome G&T, a short talk on the history of the spirit and a guided sampling of four award-winning gins. The Greenwich Gin masterclass experiences, which should be booked via the venue’s website cost £37.50 –£13.50 on top of a standard ticket to the show.
Theatre, having starred in its production of Parlour Song by Jez Butterworth earlier this year.
She said: “Artistic director James Haddrell asked me if I fancied doing Two and was a it scared at first ut I really wanted to work with him as a director again.
“Living just up the road and working here is great because I have three kids and this gives me that balance. The main thing for me though was the writing. Jim Cartwright is a bit of a legend and the decision to stage it in a bar, done up as a 1980s pub, makes it an immersive show – it hasn’t been presented like that before.”
Cartwright – known for The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice and Road –wrote Two at a time when pubs were still the social and cultural heart of Britain before long term decline set in from the late 1980s.
Audiences at Greenwich Theatre’s show are invited to step back in time by taking a seat at the Clock And Compass, buy a pint and play pub games before the show takes over.
“The play starts behind the bar with the landlord and landlady, but other characters will be sitting at tables with the audience,” said Peter.
“The play is about a variety of different couples. ach character has a story that’s connected to somebody else – that’s why it’s called Two –whether they’re dead or alive.
t could e a di cult relationship or a co-dependent relationship, and each one is different and co ple .
“For us, the costume changes are really quick, but the way Jim has written it eans there are little fillers to allow characters just enough time to do a quick change and then go straight back in. It’s a marathon but
it’s going to be really great fun – it’s a show I’d really like to see.”
udiences can e pect to eet the likes of an old woman whose only respite from caring for her bed-bound husband is a nightly drink at the pub as well as Maudie and her philandering boyfriend Moth, who can’t resist chatting up everyone else in sight when the Clock And Compass opens its doors.
It’s apt, perhaps, that Greenwich Theatre is staging Two in this fashion – a celebration of spaces that bring people together in one that has long served as an inspiration for those who visit.
Kellie herself said it was going to pantos in theatres that first drew her to become an actor.
She said: “Watching those shows at Christmas was the catalyst. I couldn’t believe you could get paid for performing on stage.
“I went to the Brit School in Croydon and then became a jobbing actor, building things up, doing TV and getting to know people. Peter and I have been friends ever since we worked at the National Theatre together.”
Peter, known for stage roles at the Almeida and the Old Vic, also took to performing from a young age. He said: “As a kid I was part of the choir at my school and, when I was eight, I was given the solo at a Christmas carol service. All eyes were on me and I got that taste for performance. It was an amazing feeling and I just wanted to keep doing it.
“I was in the chorus of Oliver when it came to Nottingham and then did all kinds of plays aged 12-17 before moving to London. I think Kellie and I have both been lucky doing lots of different things usicals and plays.
“Personally, I would rather do a challenging show than one that pays really well but where I’m just in the background.
“So when Kellie came to me with this I thought: ‘Wow, this is the biggest challenge’, because the characters I play are aged eight to 80, which is insane.”
key details
Two is set to run at Greenwich Theatre for four weeks from August 21-September 12. Performance times vary during the run and tickets cost £24, which includes a drink. Go to greewichtheatre.org.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about Two at Greenwich Theatre
David Lefebvre Sell
Number of characters portrayed by Kellie and Peter in Jim Cartwright’s Two
Kellie Shirley and Peter Caul eld are set to star in Two at Greenwich Theatre until September 12
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
| Lewis Capaldi
One of the more amusing people in popular music and frozen pizzas is set to deliver a series of three live shows in south-east London. Expect plenty of soul. Sept 16-18, 6.30pm, from £83, theo2.co.uk
LEARN | Photography Workshop
This day-long session with photographer Holly Falconer is aimed at getting snappers o auto settings and mastering SLRs. Sept 20, 10.30am, £95, greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
EVENT | Witchcraft, Women + Folklore Summit Explore the historical, cultural, and symbolic evolution of witchcraft and folklore at this new event. Expect spellcraft, fairies, tarot and magic. Sept 13, 10am, £49.50, woolwich.works
catch it
Woolwich Works is set to host Brassworks on September 6, featuring a parade and a full day of live, free horn-based performances at the south-east London venue. There’s even an opportunity to join in on stage woolwich.works
Scan this code to read our full preview of Brassworks at Woolwich Works online at wharf-life.com
at Greenwich Theatre
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
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PUBLIC NOTICES PREMISES LICENCE
LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Notice is given that: EKTARA
Has applied to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Licensing Authority for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003
Premises details: EKTARA, 81 Wapping High Street, London, E1W 2YN
The licensable Activities And Timings Are: The sale of alcohol on the premises from noon-11pm, Monday-Sunday
Anyone who wishes to make representations regarding this application must give notice in writing to: The Licensing Section, Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ or by email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk Website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 020 7364 5008
Representations must be received no later than 01/09/2025
The Application Record and Register may be viewed between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday during normal o ce hours at the above address.
It is an o ence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum ne for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the o ence is up to level 5 on the standard scale (unlimited ne).
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LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCES
Notice is given that: A&M Beauty And Hair Ltd
Has applied to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for: IPL Treatments, Laser Hair Removal, Microblading, Facials, Waxing and Massage
Licence(s) for the premises: Hackney Cowlick Collective, Unit 001, 4 Schwartz Wharf, London, E9 5AA.
Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to the Service Manager Of Regulatory Services (Commercial), Communities Directorate, 4th Floor Tower Hamlets Town Hall 160 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the grounds of opposition. Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a hearing before a Committee of the Council.
Days the Creative Industries Festival will be hosting events at UEL from Wednesday, September 3
The festival will include workshops, talks, panel discussions and speeches
providing space to
how the Creative Industries Festival at UEL is set to bring experience and emerging talent together
by Jon Massey
The University Of East London is gearing up to host the latest edition of its Creative Industries Festival across its Royal Docks and Stratford campuses. Nearly 40 free events will be hosted over four days in early September, spanning a wide range of disciplines.
“The creative industries shape how we see the world – and this festival is where those shaping the future come together,” said Alison Lowe, festival director and director of careers and enterprise at UEL’s school of arts and the creative industries.
“Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, student or policymaker, you’ll leave with new ideas, new connections and a sense of what’s possible.”
The festival includes a careers fair, workshops, panel discussions and speeches as well as installations, performances and exhibitions.
Intended to “inspire, challenge and connect leading figures in the creative industries with emerging talent, the hope is to
Scan this code for more about the Creative Industries Festival
“transform Royal Docks and Stratford into a hub of ideas, performance and opportunity”. This year, the festival is supported in that endeavour by the likes of the BBC, Canva, Karma Drinks, East Bank, Cano Water, Foundation for Future London, Cine Circle and London Higher
key details
The Creative Industries Festival is set to run at UEL across its Royal Docks campus and The Source in Stratford from WednesdaySaturday – September 3-6. A full line-up of events is available online. All are free to attend, but tickets may need to be booked to secure a place. Go to uel.ac.uk for more information
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
CLUB | FWD
This hive of dubstep and experimental sound brings together the likes of Coki, Youngsta, Slikback, Carre, Mi-el, Buckley and many others. Sept 12, 11pm-6am, £30, ra.co
EVENT | Big London Tattoo Show
Some designs are large, some are small, but if they’re inked into your skin, then this is de nitely the event for you. Features 450-plus artists Sept 19-21, times vary, £38.75, excel.london
| City Hall
This year’s Open House Festival will include the chance to explore City Hall. No tickets are needed, entry will be on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Sept 13-14, 10pm-4pm, free, royaldocks.london
Excel London has o cially celebrated its expansion with its extension hosting Formula E as its rst event. The new facilities include 25% more space for conventions and exhibitions in the Royal Docks excel.london
Scan this code to nd out more about Excel London including event listings for the coming months
how Dancing City is set to return to Stratford with 15 free shows as GDIF 2025 spreads through the area
by Jon Massey
As the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival draws to a close, Stratford is preparing to welcome a packed programme of free spectacles for a second year. A total of 15 shows are set to arrive at locations across the area for this year’s Dancing City on Saturday, September 6. All will be performed at least twice
“We were in Stratford very successfully last summer,” said Bradley Hemmings, GDIF founder and artistic director. “The area has been transformed in the most remarkable way over the last few years, especially since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The advent of the new East Bank cultural quarter, which includes phenomenal outdoor spaces was the focus for Dancing City in 2024.
“This year we’re bringing 15 dance companies together here. Much of the action will take place in the town centre, with audiences also able to cross over to East Bank and into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to see more performances.
“We’ve expanded the programme for 2025 because we welcomed such large numbers to the shows last year we wanted to make sure we could spread over the wider area.”
The one-day festival, which runs from 1pm-6.30pm, will feature the likes of dancer Joe owell ain the first wheelchair user to dance with the Royal Ballet – who returns to GDIF with Passionately Defiant. Billed as a “joyous celebration of dance and
GDIF has always been about the community, the audiences who cherish the performances and the organisations that support us
Bradley Hemmings, GDIF
disability pride, which challenges perceptions of classical ballet” the piece will be performed at 1.55pm and 3.30pm at Marshgate South next to UCL East in the Olympic Park.
Also in the park will be 360º, a constantly rotating 17-minute show from Columbian dancer Raquel Gaultero that promises “an all-encompassing evocation of female lived experience”. This includes nods to childhood games, motherhood and connection to the planet.
As ever, GDIF’s programme seeks to celebrate both the cultural landscape of east London while also reaching out. This year Dancing City will welcome a triple bill presented in partnership with Fire Island Dance Festival. The trio of shows will each be performed three times simultaneously at East Bank’s Waterfront at 1pm, 3.30pm and 6.05pm.
Bradley said: “Each is led by LGBTQIA+ artists and they will be presented together.
“Fire Island Dance Festival in New York state is legendary. It was started in the 1990s in response to the AIDS crisis, which the area was very much at the epicentre of.
Years of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival performances since it was founded
Dancing City attracted big crowds last year
360º will take place in the Olympic Park
GDIF has teamed up with Fire Island Dance Festival to present a trio of shows including Layl (Night), above, and Courtney’s Diner, below
Image supplied by GDIF
Image by Elyse Mertz
Image by Nina Wurtzel
Image by La Gualtero
a programme to
t s gone on to enefit people living with HIV across the US and beyond. The performances over there are on the waterfront with some of the most amazing staging I have ever seen.
“We’re trying to bring some of that energy to Stratford with these performances.
“What we’re also trying to do on September 6 is to create something that’s very permeable with shows taking place outside in public spaces.
“There will also be a link to Sadler’s Wells East at East Bank, which has been designed with a connection between the indoors and outdoors in mind.
“As part of Dancing City, we’ll be collaborating with them for One Sky, a performance that takes inspiration from South African kite festivals.
“It’s brilliant, taking place on the bridge over to the Olympic Park in front of East Bank in a celebration of togetherness.
“There’s something that happens at a festival like in public spaces like these. People share something and it’s very uplifting. It doesn’t happen very often, but we know from the feedback we get how grateful audiences are.
“We’re celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and I already have a very long list of what I want to do in the future.
GDIF has always been about the community, the audiences who come to cherish the performances and the organisations that support us. We want to ensure we’re here for another 30 years.”
key details
Dancing City, part of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is set to return to Stratford on Saturday, September 6, from 1pm-6.30pm.
All shows are free, with multiple repetitions to allow audiences to see as many performances as possible. Full listings and timings are available online.
The wider GDIF programme kicks off on ugust with performances in Greenwich, Woolwich and Thamesmead. Go to festival.org for more information and listings
Scan this code for more about Dancing City
LAUNCH | David Bowie Centre
DANCE | How to be a Dancer in 72k Easy Lessons Written and choreographed by Michael KeeganDolan, this “dance and theatre, music ritual” promises to bend boundaries between memory and life. Sept 17-20, 7.30pm, from £15, sadlerswells.com
Tickets for the opening weekend of a special space dedicated to the performer’s life and works are set to become available soon. Free, but booking essential... Sept 13-15, times vary, free, vam.ac.uk STAGE | The Harder They Come Based on the cult movie of the same name this musical adaptation is a UK premiere and features the music of Jimmy Cli including Many Rivers To Cross Sept 13-Oct 25, times vary, from £6 , stratfordeast.com
in Stratford
Above and below, highlights from last year’s Dancing City
Joe Powell-Main is set to perform Passionately De ant
Images supplied by GDIF
Image by David Edwards
Sudoku
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
crossword
beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Cryptic Quick
Take a break from that phone Across
7. Rhythmic rut? (6)
8. Stretch of water that rarely is (6)
10. Send Emily for a drink; then stop her? (7)
11. Allow an ascent for a pause (3,2)
12. UK and Spain get together to make instruments? (4)
13. Fish move on the ice (5)
17. Handle to delight (5)
18. Superfast, four-letter language caught in the net (4)
22. Joins in to hit people with golfing irons (5)
23. Plucking hairs in tardy fashion (7)
24. Ideologically rotated? Do it to Ted! (6)
25. Footwear with accent? (6)
Down
1. President signs executive order, and fires rock! (7)
2. If plural, shoe-mender might be rubbish! (7)
3. Poetically alleges, almost (5)
4. The tale creates a sporty person (7)
5. Chooses the actors and throws plaster moulds (5)
