London is buzzing with activity as the week of September 8th to September 14th, 2025, marks a period of significant cultural events, from the grand finales of popular West End shows to ongoing festivals and engaging artistic expressions. Residents and visitors have a rich tapestry of experiences to explore and enjoy across the capital.
Farewell to West End Hits
This week sees the curtain fall on two much-loved West End musicals. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which has captivated audiences for over seven years, plays its final performance at the Aldwych Theatre on Saturday, September 13th. The show, lauded as the longest-running production ever at the Aldwych, has chronicled the life and legacy of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, featuring her iconic hits and an empowering message of courage and optimism. Producers have expressed pride in fulfilling Tina Turner’s dream for the musical, celebrating her indelible impact.
Similarly, Fawlty Towers – The Play, adapted from the classic BBC sitcom, concludes its run at the Apollo Theatre on the same day, September 13th. This stage adaptation, bringing to life beloved episodes like ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’, has been a critical and commercial success. Audiences have a final chance this week to experience the sharp wit, chaos, and calamity that defines Basil Fawlty’s fictional hotel.
While these shows take their final bow, the highly popular and interactive Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience continues its long-standing run near Russell Square, offering a unique, immersive theatrical meal where guests become part of the action.
Grand Finale of BBC Proms and Riverine Celebrations
The classical music world focuses on the Royal Albert Hall as the BBC Proms festival enters its climactic final week. The culmination of this eight-week summer season is the iconic Last Night of the Proms on Saturday, September 13th, promising a spectacular evening of beloved classical pieces, patriotic anthems, and communal singalongs. This year’s finale will be conducted by Elim Chan, featuring artists like soprano Louise Alder and trumpeter Alison Balsom, and will include traditional favourites alongside new compositions.
Meanwhile, the Totally Thames Festival continues its month-long celebration of London’s vital river. Spanning 20 boroughs, the festival features a diverse array of events, including art installations, performances, talks, and community clean-up initiatives, all designed to foster a deeper connection with the Thames and its history. Highlights include the St Katharine Docks Classic Boat Festival on September 6th-7th and the Great River Race on September 20th, showcasing maritime heritage and athletic prowess on the water.
A Week of Podcasts, Culture, and Design
For enthusiasts of audio storytelling, the London Podcast Festival is in its final days at Kings Place, wrapping up on Sunday, September 14th. This milestone 10th anniversary edition has featured a star-studded lineup of podcasters, including Nish Kumar, Sara Pascoe, and live shows from fan favourites like ‘No Such Thing As A Fish’ and ‘History Hit’. The festival also offers workshops for aspiring creators, making it a hub for podcast culture.
New this week is the podcast series Camden Unlocked, available on Spotify and Apple Music, which delves into the local voices shaping Camden’s cultural and social landscape.
As the week progresses, London’s cultural calendar expands further with the start of the London Design Festival and Open House London on September 13th, both running until the 21st. These events offer unique opportunities to explore the city’s architectural marvels and innovative design thinking.
Other trending events this week include the drag celebration ‘The Schitt’s Show’ on September 11th and the family-friendly ‘Erith Made’ festival on September 13th. With such a dynamic mix of entertainment, arts, and community events, London offers plenty to explore and enjoy for everyone this week.
