Closing soon: The Joy of the Obliteration Room @ the Tate Modern, Horrible Histories’ Terrible Tudors, the Observation wheel at This Bright Land
Top three things to do before it’s too late. All three of these summer favourites close at the end of the August - don’t miss them.
Obliteration Room
Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room at the Tate Modern is open till August 29. An all white replica of a house has been installed in the Turbine Hall. It’s correct down to the details including a playable guitar and standard Ikea Kallax bookcases.
The installation’s line looks intimidating, but moves quickly. The Tate provides free sketchbook’s with activities and pencils for the kiddies while they wait in line.
How does it work? Groups of 30 people are released into the house to stick their sheets of 28 brightly coloured round stickers where ever they want. It’s a frenzy and a four year old’s dream. (A that dream has been lived out many times in my house while my back is turned.)
The green, pink, yellow and blue coloured dots popping against the white walls is pure joy. It’s a collaborative piece of art. A rainbows emerges. Dot chains are dripping off cabinets. Messages appear. A Ukrainian flag has been built dot by dot. You can add your dots impulsively; little minor changes that all add up to a living, breathing piece of art.
The Obliteration Room is free. There was also a Space themed family disco on the floor above the day we went, which had costumes space balls and topped with a giant glittery disco ball. It’s worth asking what else is on when you arrive because it can be difficult to tell on the website.
The gingerbread decorating kits were also a win.
The Garrick
Horrible Histories Terrible Tudors at the Garrick
Our families exposure to Horrible Histories has been purely through the TV show which is nothing short of amazing as a way to engage kids with (mainly) British history. Parody music videos, short sketches, a narrating rat.
The Terrible Tudors is a slapstick, chronological skip through Tudor history with two actors playing all the parts. Isn’t a little beheading hilarious? Yes, all the awful gory details are light, distant and funny. As an adult, I liked the more in depth look at one era rather than jumping around because I learned more in context. However, my 6 year-old missed the quizzes they give in the TV version. It was highly engaging and the actors interacted with the audience throughout the 1 hour play. It kept the attention of my 4 year old.
Terrible Tudors runs till Sept 3. We were able to get discounts stall seats through the Kid’s week promotion, which appears to run all month. The popular Horrible Histories boat ride will continue throughout the year.
This Bright Land
This Bright Land is a summer festival at Somerset House sponsored by Estée Lauder. Conveniently located, it’s worth dropping in on the way to any local activities as a pre dinner or theatre stop. Check the schedule. There’s an observation wheel that only costs £5 and offers a fab view of SouthBank and The Wheel. Great value.
View from the Observation Wheel
On the day we went, they were screening Mary Poppins while kids splashed in the fountains. There was face painting and popcorn all for free.