13th - 19th April 2026

Dear Hampsteadians,

I’ve been on the lookout, as ever for the best local happenings coming up for the week ahead. With the weather getting warmer and spring in full swing, it really is time to start making the most of this lovely area we call home. Here’s what I found for this week, I hope you find something you like!

All the best,

Tom

PERHAPS - A JOURNEY: addiction, healing and redemption — Circle and Star Theatre, NW3. A raw new one-woman play following a teenage girl navigating faith, addiction, trauma and survival, told with sharp humour as well as real darkness. The piece runs for three nights only, so this one feels like a proper fringe catch while it’s here. Mon 13 Apr – Wed 15 Apr (19:30). LINK

The Long Road — Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6. Garden Suburb Theatre brings Shelagh Stephenson’s play to Highgate, centred on the aftermath of the murder of 18-year-old Danny and the strain grief, guilt and forgiveness place on his family. A serious, emotionally weighty option for anyone after something more dramatic than musical or cabaret fare. Thu 16 Apr – Sun 19 Apr. LINK

Freddie Benedict and Chris Bland Present The Art of Voice and Piano — Hampstead Jazz Club, NW3. A refined duo set built around the Great American Songbook, with vocalist Freddie Benedict and pianist Chris Bland also folding in some original material. The promise here is elegance rather than bombast: intimate jazz, standards, and close-up musicianship in one of the area’s best small live rooms. Fri 17 Apr (20:00). LINK

Kenwood Easter Quest — Kenwood, NW3. Not exactly niche, but useful all the same: a family-friendly Easter trail with eggs, clues and a chocolate reward, and a good option for anyone wanting to get children out into the grounds before the holidays end. Mon 13 Apr – Sun 19 Apr (10:00–17:00). LINK

Jazz on a Spring Day — Lauderdale House, N6. Peter Long leads an ensemble of classic songs and timeless jazz favourites in one of the loveliest rooms in the area. This feels like one of the strongest end-of-week options if you want something elegant, local and properly unhurried. Sun 19 Apr (19:00). LINK

Roisin Dunnett with Lennie Goodings — Owl Bookshop, NW5. The Owl continues to do exactly what a local independent bookshop should: host sharp, properly literary evenings on Kentish Town Road. Roisin Dunnett discusses A Line You Have Traced with Lennie Goodings. Wed 15 Apr (18:30). LINK

Vermeer Chamber Concerts: Homesick in the USA — Burgh House, NW3. An intimate chamber music evening in one of Hampstead’s most dependable small venues, with Vermeer Chamber Concerts bringing together an acclaimed ensemble for a programme themed around music and longing. Wed 15 Apr (19:00). LINK

Donald Locke: Resistant Forms — Camden Art Centre, NW3. A major new exhibition from the Guyanese-British artist, newly opened this month and well worth a detour if you want something quieter between the week’s talks and gigs. A strong gallery anchor for the week ahead. Wed 15 Apr – Sun 19 Apr (11:00–18:00). LINK

Weekly staples:

Bootyfull Car Boot Click to open side panel for more information

Parliament Hill Farmers Market Click to open side panel for more information

King William Ⅳ Pub - Piano sing-along

Hampstead Community Centre Click to open side panel for more information (Indoor Market)

Highgate Hill farmers market Click to open side panel for more information

MAP Studio Cafe Open mic