What to see and do in London in the month of August.
Theatre
The Night of the Iguana | Until 28 September | Noël Coward Theatre
This Tennessee Williams drama began life as a short story back in 1948. It wasn’t until 1961 that it saw its Broadway debut as a full-length play, with an Oscar-winning film adaptation in 1964, and a host of productions on both sides of the Atlantic to follow. Proving its perpetual appeal, it has returned for a sizzling summer in the Capital, and stars Clive Owen alongside Anna Gunn, Lia Williams and Julian Glover. Set in a dilapidated Mexican hotel, the play promises themes of freedom, desire and despair. A lesser-known work, perhaps, but classic Williams, nonetheless. 85-88 St. Martin’s Lane, WC2N (0844 482 5151; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk)
Film
Cary Grant: Britain’s Greatest Export | Until 30 September | BFI Southbank
You can’t get much more old Hollywood than the suave and sophisticated Cary Grant – except for the fact he was born Archibald Alec Leach in Bristol. This two month season celebrates one of the most beloved actors to have ever graced the big screen, with an indulgent line-up of films, talks and even an evening course to explore his incredible legacy. Part one features early works such as Blonde Venus (1932) and The Awful Truth (1937), while an illustrated talk from Dr Charlotte Crofts, Cary Grant: From Knockabout to Knockout, takes place on Wednesday 7 August. Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7928 3232; bfi.org.uk)
Literature
Authors on Stage | 12 August – 10 September | Lyttelton Theatre
In an unmissable series of events for the Capital’s bookish types, established authors will share their informed musings on a range of contemporary issues with Q&As and post-event signings to get stuck into. Adam Kay, author of the bestselling This is Going to Hurt teams up with comedian Rob Delaney to extoll the virtues of the NHS, while culinary bigwigs Nigella Lawson and Yotam Ottolenghi will be in conversation, exploring food and identity. Matt Haig, Edna O’Brien and Margaret Atwood are also set to make star appearances. Never meet your heroes? We’re pretty sure our favourite writers won’t disappoint. National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 (020 7452 3000; nationaltheatre.org.uk)
Exhibition
Songlines XXXI: Wing | Until 30 August | Rebecca Hossack
This much-loved Fitzrovian art space is famed for championing non-Western artistic traditions, with a particular focus on Australian Aboriginal art. The gallery’s annual Songlines season has introduced the Capital to a wealth of work from the hands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists over the years. Their latest instalment, Wing, examines the representation of birds in Aboriginal culture. Don’t miss print-maker Janice Murray Pungautiji’s intricate artworks, including 2017’s Pinjoma Jilamarini (Barn Owl). 28 Charlotte Street, W1T (020 7255 2828; rebeccahossack.com)