St John's Wood and surrounding areas Area Guide

1930, India. Flora Crewe, a noted Bloomsbury Group poet, undertakes a journey through India for her health. Free-spirited and without social inhibitions she unsettles most people she meets, but secretly captivates Nirad Das, a handsome Indian painter. 1980s England. Flora’s sister, Mrs Swan, is visited by an American biographer trying to uncover exactly what took place on the trip – and then Das’ son appears in her garden with a painting of Flora by his father – a nude… Satirising the self-importance of both academia and the ruling class, Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink is an evocative meditation on art and love, exploring how creativity can bridge even the most profound cultural barriers. Tom Stoppard returns to Hampstead after last year’s sell-out success of The Invention of Love. This is the first major revival of Indian Ink since 1995, when Felicity Kendal created the role of Flora Crewe. She returns to play Mrs Swan in Jonathan Kent’s new production. Jonathan Kent directs in his first collaboration with Stoppard. His Hampstead credits include House of Games, Double Feature, The Forest and Good People. CAPTIONED: Tuesday, 27th January, 7:30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED: Saturday, 31st January, 2:30pm

Oh yes it is — the Church Street Elders are back! Oh no it isn’t — the same old Cinderella you know! Originally written by Janet Locke, an 89-year-old member of the Church Street Elders Drama Group, this brand-new version of Cinderella has been joyfully reimagined through improvisation and play. Part of it is scripted, part of it is improvised — and anything can still happen! Expect laughter, surprises, and a few unexpected twists as our community cast of grannies and grandads bring their own spark to this classic British tradition. There’s an old-lady Fairy Godmother trying to remember her spells, three delightfully outrageous Ugly Sisters, and a King and Prince with plenty of charm (and a bit too much swagger!). This heartwarming panto celebrates community, creativity, and the magic of theatre at any age. So come along, bring the family, and cheer, boo, and laugh with us — it’s all part of the fun!

'As long as you only have one sort of person telling the stories, well then our world will end up looking very like that one sort of person. It makes sense, doesn’t it?’ Mary Ann Evans is of marriageable age - just. Her father, Robert, has recently moved with her to Bird Grove House, with the sole purpose of finding her a suitable husband through the local church. But Mary Ann’s remarkable intellect and growing self-confidence are formingprogressive new ideas in her mind; ideas that challenge her father’s most strongly held beliefs. Fuelled by every new book she reads and a burgeoning friendship with local radicals, Mary Ann finds it increasingly difficult to accept the rules of the world around her - bringing her into direct and bitter conflict with the father she adores. But perhaps that is the only way forward: to break every societal convention expected of her, find her voice, and become the writer she has always dreamt of being. After all, who can suppress the astounding gifts of future literary titan, George Eliot? Alexi Kaye Campbell’s witty and topical new play questions how we can live alongside those we disagree with, and places centre stage the untold story of one of England’s greatest writers, in a poignant exploration of family ties and self-determination. Alexi’s previous work includes the Olivier Award-winning The Pride (Royal Court/West End), Apologia (Bush/West End) and Sunset at the Villa Thalia (National Theatre). Anna Ledwich returns to Hampstead, where her previous credits include The Billionaire Inside Your Head, Labyrinth and the Olivier nominated productions of Dry Powder and Four Minutes Twelve Seconds. CAPTIONED: Tuesday, 17th March, 7:30pm AUDIO DESCRIBED: Saturday, 21st March, 2:30pm

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Ayllu with an unforgettable evening of bold Nikkei flavours and festive cheer. Choose from the Cuzco, Machu Picchu, or Vegetarian Festive Tasting Menus featuring everything from ceviche and tataki to roast turkey and Peruvian BBQ. Enjoy thoughtful extras like crackers, keepsake gifts, and a fun photo booth. Get your tickets now for a flavour-rich Christmas Eve celebration at Ayllu!

Love Peruvian cuisine? Can't get enough of Japanese food? Then this immersive, gastronomic experience is for you! Delight your tastebuds and enjoy the best of both worlds, with the finest dishes from both Peru and Japan, including slow-cooked beef rib, ceviche, uramaki sushi, and much more. Wash down all that deliciousness with ninety minutes of mouthwatering drinks, while you boogie to the grooviest tunes and enjoy performances from an incredible live samba show. If you want to enjoy your weekend in the relaxed, upbeat ambience of Ayllu, get your tickets now for Bottomless Asian-Fusion Dishes & Free-Flowing Drinks in London!

Enjoy a Christmas Day Menu at Smith's Bar & Grill featuring a carefully curated 3-course feast with a modern twist on classic festive dishes. Begin with indulgent starters such as Tuna Tartare or Celeriac Soup, move on to mains like Slow-Cooked Grilled Turkey with all the trimmings or a 28-Day Matured Chateaubriand, and finish with desserts including Creme Brûlée or Chocolate Fondant. This special menu is the only option available on the day, so book your table early to secure a memorable holiday experience with friends and family. The special touches matter to us at Smith's, enjoy traditional Christmas crackers at the table as well as a keepsake gift from us and a photobooth to take home a picture of you and your company. View menu here.