This is London Magazine July Edition 2026 - Flipbook - Page 28
Carlos Acosta.
Photo: Manuel Varson
28
THE ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
SUMMER SEASON
Celebrated stars of The Royal Ballet
Marianela Nuñez and Carlos Acosta take
centre stage at the Royal Opera House this
summer with two individually curated
programmes showcasing their artistry and
enduring influence on the world of dance.
These special performances promise an
unforgettable celebration, offering
audiences an opportunity to experience
the unique qualities of two of ballet’s most
beloved performers.
Acclaimed Royal Ballet Principal
Marianela Nuñez presents a heartfelt
programme in honour of the Company
she loves. Timeless is a specially curated
programme comprising one-act ballets
from The Royal Ballet’s repertory and a
selection of divertissements performed
with fellow Royal Ballet dancers. This
exclusive event is presented especially for
the audiences she loves, offering a
glimpse into some of the repertoire that
has shaped her extraordinary career and
the dance partners who inspire her.
Following his 50th birthday
celebrations in 2023, former Royal Ballet
Principal Carlos Acosta returns to the
Royal Opera House with a diverse
programme of classic and modern works.
He takes to the stage with guest artists
from his Birmingham Royal Ballet
company and from Acosta Danza.
Audiences can experience his
trademark charisma and creativity across
a dynamic range of rare and popular
works performed alongside some of the
most exciting talent in dance today.
LIVE JAZZ AT ST. KAT’S SESSIONS
St. Kat's Sessions, London's only
floating jazz club, has opened for its
summer season with six weeks of live jazz
on the pontoon at St Katharine Docks.
After multiple sold-out shows, the popular
series brings serious jazz credentials to
the waterside estate with world-class
musicians and an audience close enough
to catch every nuance.
The opening night sees Natalie
Williams, Judi Jackson, and Olivia Swann
– artist in residence and fresh off her
‘Judy’ single, take to the stage. They'll be
joined by Jamie Safir on piano and
Flo Moore on upright bass. It's the tonesetter for six weeks that ranges from
contemporary jazz to classic standards,
with artists flying in from the US and
established UK voices.Inspired by intimate
jazz-club vibes, what makes the series
work is the setting.
The lineup includes some serious
names. Spilata makes a UK debut and
exclusive premiere on 25 July and is set
to be one of the standout performances of
the season. Summer Camargo, fresh off
performing on NBC's Saturday Night Live,
brings virtuosity and energy in equal
measure. Sharlene Hector, award-winning
and just off Hercules in the West End,
effortlessly moves between jazz, soul,
gospel and pop. Ian Shaw, one of Britain's
most respected jazz singers, combines
masterful musicianship with humour and
storytelling. Perfect for laid back listening,
the jazz club vibes of plush seating, low
lighting, and proximity between performer
and audience make the whole thing feel
like you've stumbled into someone's very
sophisticated living room - except this
one bobs gently on the Thames.
LONDON METROPOLITAN
ORCHESTRA CADOGAN CONCERT
Internationally acclaimed Swiss
composer Christoph Schnell is to
present an evening of contemporary
classical music at Cadogan Hall on
Sunday 13 September. The performance
celebrates the more than six decades of
Schnell’s remarkable career, showcasing
the work of one of Europe’s most prolific
contemporary composers, and featuring
the world premieres of Concert Serenade
926 and Piano Concerto No. 3.
Performed by London Metropolitan
Orchestra, Robert Bokor will conduct
alongside pianist Daniel Hart.
WHO KILLED MARILYN? WORLD
PREMIERE AT EMERALD THEATRE
Who Killed Marilyn? a new play that
investigates the mysterious
circumstances surrounding Marilyn
Monroe’s death, will make its world
premiere at The Emerald Theatre from
15 August to 29 October.
Written by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and
directed by Philip WM McKinley, it dares
to challenge the myth surrounding one of
the twentieth century's iconic women.
Drawing on decades of documented
evidence, conspiracy, and cover-up, the
production presents a vivid and
provocative re-examination of the life
and death of Marilyn, placing her at the
centre of a web of power, politics, and
desire that reached the highest levels of
American government and organised
crime.
Producer Tegan Summer said:
‘Marilyn Monroe has been with me for
many years. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has
finally told the story Marilyn was never
allowed to tell. When I read this play,
I knew it had to be produced on the
London stage.’
Who Killed Marilyn? restores Marilyn
Monroe to her rightful place, not as
victim, but as a woman of extraordinary
intelligence, wit, and force, whose story
has never been fully told. Until now.
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
