Issues to do in London this weekend, from an Ai Weiwei exhibition to the brand new White Lotus

Bridge Theatre, till Could 10

Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey returns to the stage to play Richard II, a “charismatic, eloquent and decoratively witty” king, however equally a politically incompetent, dishonest and harmful one. In considered one of Shakespeare’s extra caustic and disarming performs, Richard jostles for energy with Henry Bullingbrook, a pragmatist with, maybe, a extra crafty eye and degree head. See Richard’s troubled life as king play out on the Bridge Theatre. Bailey, who gained an Olivier Award for his function as Jamie in Firm, is claimed to be on high-quality type.

Humble Rooster was considered one of two London eating places to be awarded two Michelin stars within the 2025 Information this week (the opposite being The Ritz). Chef Angelo Sato opened Humble Rooster in 2021 and it started as an off-the-cuff, upbeat izakaya with yakitori skewers and pumping music. Sato modified tack in 2023, placing on a higher-end tasting menu, although nonetheless impressed by his Japanese and European roots and nonetheless with progressive, fashionable aptitude. The result’s a theatrical eating expertise, considered one of intelligent, intricate flavour combos. Two stars means it’s laborious to remain humble: e-book now earlier than the plenty descend.

Lisson Gallery, till March 15

The Lisson Gallery off Edgware Highway has a compelling exhibition of recent works by the Chinese language artist Ai Weiwei. Titled A New Chapter, it showcases a provocative exploration of up to date points by a lens of historic reference, articulating a dialogue between previous and current. Ai once more charts the complexities of identification, politics and cultural heritage, whereas on the centre of the exhibition is his 2024 piece, F.*.*.Okay, an set up whereby buttons are affixed to 4 Second World Struggle stretchers that spell out the phrase.

Mike White’s Emmy-winning collection returns for a much-anticipated third season, bringing the identical sharp writing to a brand new paradisal location — after Hawaii and Sicily, Thailand — by means of one other ensemble solid; White chooses understated stars, acquainted however by no means Hollywood leads. Names comparable to Jason Isaacs, Aimee Lou Wooden and Walton Goggins play characters embroiled in what’s going to certainly be a disastrous vacation in paradise. As common, the complexities of household life, relationships and friendships attain crises because the wealthiest and most resentful of the world collide. The Commonplace had a preview of the primary episode – and it appears to be like as potent as ever.

In cinemas, out February 14

This £180 million blockbuster is the fourth instalment within the Captain America collection and one other large identify film from Marvel Studios. Anthony Mackie performs Sam Wilson/Captain America, with added star energy from Harrison Ford and Liv Tyler. Directed by Julius Onah, Courageous New World — nothing to do with Aldous Huxley — sees the superhero on the centre of a global incident. He should do all he can to cease the evil masterminds behind it. Learn our evaluation right here.

Movie-maker and artist Steve McQueen’s newest work covers a “century of activism”, from protests over suffrage to the massive marches in opposition to the Iraq Struggle. There’s a foreword by Gary Younge and chapters by a variety of contributors, however it’s the pictures (all black-and-white) which are the stand-out of this distinctive e-book.

Former Years & Years singer Olly Alexander is embarking on a solo profession with debut album, Polari. The artist retains a lot of the energetic digital dance sound for which Years & Years grew to become so well-known, but in addition introduces Eighties-inspired deliveries with the assistance of producer Danny L Harle and extra introspective and susceptible lyrics to his upbeat pop hits of a decade in the past. Polari is a type of slang used amongst marginalised and homosexual communities within the nineteenth century as a strategy to converse freely however subtly.

The dazzling Kew Gardens Orchid Competition is properly underway on the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Drawing inspiration from the natural world of Peru, from seashores and rainforests to deserts and rising mountains, the showcase casts a highlight on one of many world’s most various and spectacular landscapes. There are greater than 3,000 species of orchid in Peru and plentiful wildlife. At Kew, this biodiversity is charted by a collection of horticultural shows and dwelling sculptures.

There are mentioned to be greater than 170,000 Irish expats in London and plenty of extra of Irish heritage. No surprise St Patrick’s Day is an enormous deal. The capital’s official parade is on March 16, however make sure to e-book a desk at an Irish bar on the town to have a good time in type.