What To Do This Weekend 10.07.24

Italian master Caravaggio’s final painting has arrived in London – the first time it’s been in the capital for 20 years. He painted 'The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula' in Naples in 1610. Two months later, he died in mysterious circumstances. But his later years produced some of his most striking works – and this one is right at the heart of the story. Available to view until 21st July, the painting can be seen for free by anyone with a gallery entry ticket to the National Gallery.

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN; until 21st July

Visit NationalGallery.org.uk

Another masterpiece making its appearance in London after decades away is Complicité’s production of Mnemonic, which has returned to the National Theatre 25 years after it received buckets of five-star reviews. A body is found in the ice, and a woman is looking for her father while a man searches for his lost lover. This story is as much about origins as it is about memory, and remembering what is lost. Twenty-five years on, Mnemonic asks: what is our place in the natural world? How have human relationships with the environment shaped patterns of migration? Who are we, and where do we come from? Complicité co-founder Simon McBurney (Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, The Encounter) directs.

National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX; until 10th August

Visit NationalTheatre.org

After a smart brunch spot with a difference? An Indian staple takes centre stage on the new weekend menu at Mayfair restaurant Bombay Bustle. ‘The Humble Pao’ is a selection of soft homemade buns filled with a variety of fillings taking inspiration from flavours across India. The selection features Kanda Bhajiya Pao with crispy onion fritters, mint and tamarind chutney; the Amritsari Fish Pao with spiced cod, sautéed onion and tartare sauce; and the KFC with a fried chicken, fennel, pickled vegetables and curry mayonnaise.

29 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 2PA; 13th-14th July

Visit BombayBustle.com

Kaleidoscope returns to the People’s Palace on Saturday, with a packed programme of live music, DJs and comedy outside and inside Ally Pally. Ministry Of Sound Classical will headline the Hilltop Stage, where the 30-piece London Concert Orchestra will reimagine some of the greatest dance tunes. Grammy winners Soul II Soul will be performing all the classics, and there’ll be a soulful set from Saturday morning radio hero Huey Morgan of Fun Lovin Criminals and BBC 6Music – one of his first appearances since returning to performing with a live band. Other acts include Mr Scruff, Erol Alkan, Artful Dodger, Simon Amstell, Brian Blessed, plus crowd-participation favourite Hip Hop Karaoke. There will also be a dedicated family area – a mini festival in itself – featuring pop-up arts, circus and theatre.

Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, N22 7AY; 13th July

Visit AlexandraPalace.com

This weekend sees the opening of Water House Project’s first Sunday service. It follows the format of the restaurant’s popular Saturday lunch, offering eight courses and five pairings, starting at 1pm. Highlights on the opening menu include Herdwick hogget bone broth; mackerel with gooseberry, horseradish and dill; lemon sole and crab with sweet vermouth, samphire, fermented gooseberry and elderflower; plus buttermilk and pine with fermented blackberries, blackberry sorbet and fennel honeycomb.

1 Corbridge Crescent, Cambridge Heath, E2 9DT; 14th July

Visit OpenTable.co.uk

Gary Hustwit, the director behind excellent design documentaries Helvetica and Rams, has turned his attention to visionary musician and artist Brian Eno. With access to hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage and unreleased music, Hustwit’s documentary uses ground-breaking technology to accomplish something that’s never been done before: a feature film that’s different each time it’s shown. Eno is the hugely influential British musician, producer, activist, visual artist and self-described “sonic landscaper” who began his career as an original member of the legendary Roxy Music in the early 1970s. He has since released over 40 solo and collaboration records, pioneered the genre of ambient music, and helped define and reinvent the sounds of David Bowie, U2, Talking Heads and Coldplay. Launching on Friday, the film will play in Picturehouse cinemas across the country, with a different version of the film emerging on screen each day.

Visit Picturehouses.com

The Giant London Flea Market is the biggest in the capital, and it takes place at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Sunday. Over 100 traders are expected to bring thousands of vintage pieces of homeware and furniture, as well as trinkets, objets and other one-off and pre-loved pieces. Across the venue’s multi-level car park, look out for artwork, reupholstered furniture, vintage lighting and other decorative accessories. Once you’ve nabbed a bargain, head to one of Here East’s canal side restaurants or cafés. Entry costs £2.

3 Lesney Avenue, Stratford, E15 2GZ; 14th July

Visit QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk