Dear Hampsteadians,
I hope you’ve all had a lovely week. As ever, I’ve brought you a list of local happenings for the week ahead. There’s plenty to choose from this week with new theatre and exhibitions opening, as well as some great music options.
I hope you discover something interesting!
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde — Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate (N6) A one-night-only special. This gripping solo adaptation of Stevenson's classic by Brother Wolf has toured internationally to rave reviews. A haunting, high-energy start to your week.
Mon 09 Feb (19:30). LINK
Tufnell Park Film Club: Local Hero (1983) — The Vine, Highgate Road (NW5) A true cult classic. Bill Forsyth’s whimsical tale of an American oil man sent to a remote Scottish village is the perfect antidote to the February chill. Expect a packed room at The Vine—get there early for a seat and a pint.
Tue 10 Feb (20:00). LINK
Biff to the Future — Jacksons Lane, Highgate (N6) A "total delight" of a comedy show that has been making waves at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s an original, funny, and slightly surreal take on nostalgia and what might have been.
Wed 11 Feb (20:00). LINK
Comedy at the Lane — Jacksons Lane, Highgate (N6) Headlined by the fantastic Jake Lambert (tour support for Michael McIntyre), this monthly comedy night is the best place in N6 to catch top-tier stand-up without the West End prices.
Fri 13 Feb (20:00). LINK
Özlem Sorlu Thompson: Journey of Light — Burgh House, Hampstead (NW3) Launch week! This new exhibition features the vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired works of Özlem Sorlu Thompson. Her paintings are a burst of colour and abstract energy—a perfect way to wake up the senses this winter.
Starts Wed 11 Feb – 22 Feb. LINK
A Lifetime of Painting: The Art of J.E. Pipkin — Lauderdale House, Highgate (N6) The launch of a retrospective celebrating the 70-year career of local artist J.E. Pipkin. It’s a wonderful look at how a life spent in North London translates onto the canvas.
Exhibition Launch: Wed 11 Feb (19:30). LINK
Painting the Past: Nostalgia & Illustrators — Burgh House (NW3) A one-off lunchtime talk. Researcher Helen Woollison explores how Hampstead's illustrators used nostalgia to create "idealised" versions of our neighborhood. Booking is free but essential as space is limited.
Wed 11 Feb (13:30–14:00). LINK
A look at the weather for the week ahead https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2647553
Love is Enough: a David Lynch Valentine’s night - event and gig by local artist, Sebright Arms, Hackney (E2) A rare spotlight for an event outside the area but worth a mention as it’s from a very talented local artist. A David Lynch themed Valentines night with live music. Expect to get lost in a Lynchian dream both visually and sonically, ending the night with a groovy DJ set.
Sat 14 Feb (19:30 - 23:00). LINK
Continental Lovers — The Fiddler’s Elbow, Kentish Town (NW5) If you prefer your music with a bit of grit, the Continental Lovers bring their brand of high-octane rock and roll to the Fiddler’s this Thursday. Supported by Glitter Kick and Dulcet Tones.
Thu 12 Feb (19:00). LINK
Sonas Quartet: Sunday Sounds — Burgh House, Hampstead (NW3) For a more refined Sunday evening, catch the Sonas Quartet in the historic Music Room at Burgh House. A program of classical strings in one of the most acoustic-friendly spots in Hampstead.
Sun 15 Feb (21:00). LINK
Valentine’s Day Opera Duets — The Red Hedgehog, Highgate (N6) A romantic and intimate evening featuring the acclaimed soprano Galina Averina and mezzo-soprano Anna Starushkevych. The programme promises a selection of some of the world’s most beautiful opera duets and solo arias, perfect for a Valentine's night out in this unique 50-seat independent venue.
Sat 14 Feb (19:30). LINK
Interesting fact of the week
It was at Keats House In 1819 John Keats wrote his famous "The Eve of St. Agnes," and where he fell for his neighbour, Fanny Brawne. He even sent her a Valentine's letter that is now considered one of the most romantic in the English language.
Local Markets
Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market — Gospel Oak / Parliament Hill (NW5) The place to be on a Saturday morning for high-quality seasonal produce.
Sat 14 Feb (10:00–14:00). LINK
Queen’s Crescent Market — Kentish Town (NW5) Authentic, traditional, and full of character. A great spot for a weekend wander.
Thu 12 Feb & Sat 14 Feb (10:00–16:30). LINK
Swiss Cottage Farmers' Market — Eton Avenue (NW3) A convenient mid-week stop for artisanal cheese and bread.
Wed 11 Feb (10:00–15:00). LINK
Highgate Hill Farmers’ Market — St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (N19) A friendly, community-focused Sunday market located just down the hill from the village.
Sun 15 Feb (10:00–14:00). LINK
Chevalier: Hobbyhorse Circus — Jacksons Lane (N6) An award-winning, wonderfully odd circus show featuring "hobbyhorse" acrobatics. It’s physical theatre at its most creative and a guaranteed hit for kids (and adults who don't take themselves too seriously).
Sun 15 Feb (Various times). LINK
Wildlife Interpreters: Winter Tracks — Hampstead Heath (NW3) A free, drop-in session near the Hive. Learn how to track the animals that call the Heath home during the winter months.
Sun 15 Feb (13:00–15:00). LINK
That’s all for this week. Thank you so much for subscribing. I hope you have a great week and I look forward to bringing you the events for the following week.
